Each Friday, Russ Anderson, the president and CEO of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty and the president and CEO of Pacific Sotheby's International Realty, writes about luxury, trends, business and more in the advertising pages of the Mansion section of The Wall Street Journal. Below is his letter of June 27, 2025.
FROM THE PRESIDENT'S P.O.V.
There are reasons why California and Texas are BFFs.
Did you know that each is now the state where more of the other state’s residents move to than any other? In 2022 alone, per the United States Census Bureau, more than 100,000 people moved from California to Texas and more than 40,000 moved from Texas to California.
The California-Texas friendship is a beautiful thing. They are also the only two states with a population of more than 30 million. Because of that, they have the two largest economies in the entire United States — $2.6 trillion for Texas and $3.9 trillion for California.
And, did you know that Texas and California tie for having the friendliest people on the planet? That’s my own scientific research — because I happen to be the president and CEO of both Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty and Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty. My dual roles are part of a core strategy of the parent company of both brokerages — Peerage Realty Partners, the largest strategic investor in Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates — to help every advisor in the partnership grow their business.
So, if you are a Californian or a Texan and have toyed with moving to the other state, I have news: Thanks to the Sotheby’s International Realty network, your advisor in one state can connect you to an equally exceptional advisor in the other. (That goes for any state.) There are more than 100 affiliate offices across California and almost 30 across Texas — and that is a lot of valuable expertise and unique properties, all for you. Come see them at sothebysrealty.com.
Then start packing. I know of some other BFFs who would love to meet you.
Russ Anderson
President and CEO, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
President and CEO, Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty
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