Engel & Völkers Opens First Locations in South Dakota
The global luxury real estate brand announces its expansion into South Dakota’s Black Hills with shops located in Rapid City and Spearfish
Engel & Völkers announced today its newest shop locations in the Black Hills of South Dakota, marking the global luxury real estate brand’s entrance in the state. VIP Properties is now doing business as Engel & Völkers Rapid City and Engel & Völkers Spearfish and will continue under the leadership of license partner Lori Barnett, owner of VIP Properties for nearly a decade. Barnett has successfully built a team of more than 30 real estate professionals, all now operating under the Engel & Völkers brand. Collectively, they serve home buyers and sellers in the greater Black Hills area, including the markets of Rapid City, Spearfish, Deadwood, Lead, Hill City, Custer, Box Elder, Summerset, Piedmont, Sturgis, Hermosa, Belle Fourche and Whitewood.
“In establishing Engel & Völkers’ presence across the Great Plains, Rapid City is the natural next step in our expansion,” said Anthony Hitt, president and CEO, Engel & Völkers Americas. “Rapid City is the second largest city in South Dakota and the gateway to the Black Hills, and Spearfish is a classic mountain town offering year-round recreation. As a long-time real estate leader in the region, Lori is the ideal partner to introduce Engel & Völkers to the market.”
A secluded mountain range in western South Dakota, the Black Hills are home to Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Badlands National Park and Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the world’s largest motorcycle rally held every August. In addition to drawing a significant vacationer and tourist population charmed by its numerous national and state parks, Rapid City is a military hub serving the Ellsworth Air Force Base. Buyers here are attracted to the myriad of opportunities for mountain recreation, South Dakota’s lack of state income taxes, and the range of housing options, from large acreage farms and ranches to luxury mountain homes.
“Engel & Völkers’ mission and values align closely with our own,” said Barnett. “As our market grows, consumers are seeking an established real estate brand with proven reach and recognizable marketing. Engel & Völkers’ consistent, respected global branding and advisor tools will elevate our business. I have no doubt that as part of the brand, we will lead the Black Hills market with a luxury approach to service across all price points.”
For more information, visit blackhills.evrealestate.com.