Christie’s Austin Office Recognized as Top Workplace for 2025

Christie’s International Real Estate is making waves in the Austin real estate market, earning the title of Austin’s Top Workplace among small employers for 2025. The recognition came after the local office, Christie’s International Real Estate | @properties Lone Star, ranked second in 2024. This accolade reflects not only the firm’s longstanding reputation but also its commitment to employee support and agent success.

Romeo Manzanilla, Chief Operating Officer of the Austin office, emphasized the unique blend of boutique support and global resources. “Christie’s gives me the global resources of a big organization, but with a boutique feel,” he explained. This approach has fostered a culture where team members feel uplifted, as noted by an agent who shared insights with Energage, the organization that surveys employees for the Austin American-Statesman.

Supportive Culture amid Market Changes

Established in Austin in 2023, Christie’s office operates with a focus on collaboration and encouragement, especially in a challenging housing market. Employees have highlighted the supportive environment, stating, “We are in a rough housing market, and top agents are struggling, but everyone is supportive of each other and encouraging.”

As the local real estate landscape shifts, with median home prices peaking at $481,000 in January 2022, the market is gradually transitioning towards a buyer’s market. According to the September Central Texas Housing Report, median home prices in the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos area have dipped by 1.8% compared to the previous year, and inventory is rising to 5.7 months, nearing the six-month threshold indicative of a buyer’s market.

Manzanilla views his agents as “business partners,” aiming to empower them to serve their communities effectively. “Rather than taking a perspective of it being a chore or being an inconvenience when they request help, we see that as an opportunity to add value,” he said. This philosophy of support resonates with employees who appreciate the high standards and service quality that the Christie’s brand embodies.

Innovative Programs and Global Vision

The Austin office fosters a wellness culture through the @balance program, which provides free monthly activities and classes for agents. Additionally, agents have access to advanced technology, including the proprietary pl@tform suite that streamlines client relationships and transactions, along with comprehensive coaching through @academy’s live and on-demand courses. One agent remarked, “I love helping people find homes, and Christie’s is the best place I’ve ever worked to try to do it.”

Christie’s International Real Estate, headquartered in Chicago, has a presence across six continents and employs more than 11,200 agents in 511 offices worldwide. Although relatively new to Austin, the firm is committed to establishing a strong local footprint. Currently, the Austin office employs approximately 120 agents, with plans to expand to 200-250 agents before potentially opening a second location in the city.

Manzanilla stated, “We’re not in a hurry to grow because for us, it’s all about the perspective of quality over quantity.” He underscored the importance of aligning the values and work ethic of new agents with the supportive culture Christie’s has cultivated.

As Christie’s prepares to open its fourth office in Dallas, it is also considering expansion into Houston. The firm’s commitment to maintaining a balance between quality service and growth reflects its longstanding dedication to the real estate market, which continues to evolve in Austin and beyond.