NEWPORT BEACH, CA-Independent real estate firm First Team Estates and art-and-luxury real estate firm Christie's International Real Estate have formed a joint venture to sell luxury residences in Southern California. The affiliation allows First Team Estates to join the Christie's International Real Estate network and exclusively represent the CIRE brand in Orange County, Naples and Belmont Shores.

First Team, a regional leader with a 24-office infrastructure, will now have the global reach and network of an international luxury brand. First Team leads the Southern California real estate market in the luxury sector, selling more homes above $1 million than any other independent brokerage, according to the firm.

"Clients in the coast Orange County market demand—and deserve—the finest real estate representation in the world," says Cameron Merage, CEO of First Team Estates. "First Team Estates will offer them just that—leveraging the international prestige and reach of the Christie's brand and our decades of in-market expertise and leadership in Southern California."

Wholly owned by Christie's, the world's leading art business, CIRE is represented in 44 countries. The carefully selected organization of brokerages boasts proven records of success in both high-end property sales and client service, according to the firm. Meanwhile, First Team offers an extensive, highly evolved corporate platform that includes a proprietary agent-training program, a dedicated call center and a true full-service model including property management, title, escrow and mortgage operations.

"First Team Estates is a well-respected marketplace leader, and it is with great pride that I welcome the company to our network of affiliates," says Zackary Wright, SVP, western region manager of CIRE. "Offering a deep-seated knowledge of the area and innovative approach to meeting the needs of its clients, First Team Estates provides the type of high-quality service and attention to detail that is synonymous with Christie's International Real Estate."

The luxury residence market seems to be experiencing a resurgence in many parts of the country. As GlobeSt.com recently reported, real estate investment firm BentleyForbes is partnering with Orlando, FL-based Del American Real Estate Group, a developer of luxury multifamily communities, to form BentleyForbes Del American, a best-in-class developer of luxury apartment properties. The joint venture will focus on developing luxury apartment communities in California, Florida and Texas.