Coastal Properties Group International Names Sharon Simms VP of International Markets

Online, February 4, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Coastal Properties Group International, the exclusive affiliate of Christie's International Real Estate in Tampa Bay, has announced that it has named Sharon Simms Vice President of International Markets. In this newly created role, Simms will focus on building and enhancing the company's international partnerships and affiliations.

Simms is no stranger to conducting and building real estate relationships in international markets. Fluent in both Spanish and German, Simms has been involved with the following groups to enhance international business at the local level: the Florida International Museum, the St. Petersburg International Relations Committee, the Tampa Bay Council for International Visitors, The Tampa Bay International Trade Council and the Tampa Bay Area Committee on Foreign Relations.

"I am looking forward to expanding Coastal/Christie's international markets here in the Tampa Bay area," explained Simms. "There are many opportunities and avenues to pursue. In 2012 Florida accounted for 23% of all U.S. home sales to foreigners, leading the nation in sales to international buyers."

Sharon's rich and diverse real estate career began in 1986 when she started with Merrill Lynch Realty which became Prudential Florida Realty, which then became Arvida Realty Services, and ultimately was acquired by Coldwell Banker. Sharon worked for RE/MAX Metro for five years before opening ALVA International, Inc. in 2009. Alva International merged with Coastal Properties Group International in January of this year. The office is located in downtown St. Petersburg at 238 Beach Drive.

"We are excited to have Sharon spearhead our international efforts," commented Alex Jansen, Coastal Properties' President and CEO. "In addition to all the international opportunities provided through our exclusive Christie's affiliation, Sharon will be researching and pursuing more diverse international opportunities for Coastal, primarily focusing on the Tampa Bay area, which attracts hundreds of international buyers and investors every month. Sharon will be cultivating these relationships and maximizing opportunities for our international buyers and sellers."

Coastal Properties Group International, one of the area's most successful and fastest growing real estate brokerages in Pinellas County, is an invitation-only boutique brokerage made up exclusively of multi-million dollar producers. For information about Coastal Properties Group International, please contact Alex Jansen at (727) 474-9071.