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hristie's International Real Estate, a leading luxury brokerage in the US, has launched a new division focused on handling property transactions using digital currencies like bitcoin. This move allows buyers and sellers to complete deals entirely with digital currency, bypassing traditional banking systems.

    The new unit, led by Aaron Kirman, CEO of Christie's Southern California, was created after several high-profile bitcoin and crypto property sales, including a $65 million Beverly Hills deal where the buyer paid in crypto. The division includes a team of experts to manage digital transactions and currently lists over $1 billion in homes where sellers are willing to accept bitcoin.

    "The trend is clear: crypto is here to stay," Kirman said. "It's only going to grow in the next few years." This development comes as the federal government shows growing support for digital assets, with recent legislation aimed at regulating stablecoins and easing restrictions on the crypto industry.

    Accepting cryptocurrency allows sellers to attract innovative buyers, some of whom are crypto millionaires looking to diversify their portfolios. Buyers can maintain anonymity by using LLCs funded with bitcoin and crypto, often keeping their identities hidden from sellers. Discussions are underway with banks to explore bitcoin-backed financing options for properties listed in digital currency.