The Wide World of Real Estate September 6, 2022

Coldwell Banker Around the World: August 2022

Sam Shalom     Aug 31, 2022

When you think of the Emerald Isle, perhaps you think of breathtaking hills with flocks of sheep, a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, or the sound of live music that can pull on your heartstrings… Or maybe, you’re aware that Coldwell Banker has been growing in Ireland and just opened its newest office outside of Dublin named Coldwell Banker Gate Properties, due to its proximity to the St. Laurence Gate monument. Managing Director Charlotte Lynch says, “Though Gate Properties has been in business for over 20 years, the support and global reach provided by the Coldwell Banker acquisition has positioned CB Gate Properties to become a leader in the industry”.

This boutique office is in Ireland’s largest town, Drogheda, just 30 miles from Dublin. Within the town’s ancient medieval walls, Drogheda is a long-established port town located on the River Boyne with a village feel and a wealth of unique attractions. Quiet lanes feed into bustling roads and shopping areas busy with restaurants, pubs, cafes, and happy locals. Drogheda is the gateway to the famous Boyne Valley region and is rich in heritage but young at heart. Read on to learn more about this historic town and add another reason why it’s time to visit Ireland!


Where do you live: I live in Termonfeckin, a small village in County Louth, just 5kms Northeast of Drogheda (Ireland’s largest town) where CB Gate Properties is situated.

What is the perfect weekend day like: An ideal weekend usually includes a trip to the beach with my dogs, regardless of season. A day spent this way does the head and heart good. I tend to complete a day on the beach with a nice meal and a glass of wine.

What are the common modes of transportation there: Most commonly by car, as I am in a rural community, but in town we have popular rail and bus services. There is growing movement towards cycling as a greener option to get around town.

Tell us about the foods your area is known for: As we are located along the East Coast of Ireland, we are renowned for our fresh fish landed daily. We also have excellent quality beef and pork in the area, together with very good dairy and vegetable produce. I am a total foodie and love to cook/bake as a method of relaxation, so I am looking forward to picking the wild blackberries coming into season shortly to make an apple and blackberry pie.

What is your favorite meal? At home or at a restaurant: This is a hard one for me to decide but most likely a nice piece of fish, whether cooked in a restaurant or at home. Feed me turbot, hake, lobster, or prawns and I am a happy lady.

Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region, why: Vacation would be best spent anywhere along the Boyne Valley region, which extends across all of County Meath and the southern region of County Louth. Both counties are rich with heritage. You should explore Neolithic passage tombs such as Newgrange (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Knowth, and Dowth, as well as the beautiful scenery along the River Boyne and miles of beach that run along the East Coastline. Our town of Drogheda falls into both Co Meath and Co Louth and should not be forgotten!

Drogheda is famous for its ancient gates and walls which once protected the town during medieval times. Further afield, we have the Mourne Mountain range in Northeast County Louth, which is also very picturesque and popular with hill walkers and mountain climbers. You are sure to take fabulous photographs of the panoramic views down to the coastline.

What is your favorite recreational or leisure time activity: Having grown up with horses as a child, I love attending national hunt horse racing meetings and point to points (amateur racing). That said, I make a hopeless jockey, so I’d better stick to real estate 😊

Is there a specialty your area is known for: Ireland, as many know, is famous for its Guinness- a stout originating from St. James’ Gate Brewery in Dublin. However, in the past 10 years there has been an increase in Gin and Whiskey productions in the locality.

Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region: Drogheda is a medieval town founded in c. 911 AD.  The Irish name for the town is Droichead Atha which means “the bridge of the ford”. The River Boyne runs through the heart of the town until it meets the Irish Sea and was historically utilized to transport heavy stones to build the Newgrange Neolithic tomb in County Meath 5,000 years ago when machinery and transport were basic, yet sophisticated.

If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why: Probably Bretagne in Northwest France where I spent time learning French as a teenager. This is a beautiful area with slightly warmer weather than Ireland. Tuscany, Italy is also an appealing attraction for retirement… but I have another couple of decades to dream about that one!

Key Facts:

  • Population: 41,000 (Drogheda)
  • Language(s) Spoken: English
  • Climate: Temperate oceanic climate (mild and wet)
  • Currency: Euro

Industry Facts:

  • Types of Architecture: The town of Drogheda has a blend of the medieval ruins, monuments and associated buildings, as well as Georgian residences (many of which are now used for professional practices such as medical, legal and property firms). Together with more contemporary buildings (both residential and commercial) built in the last couple of decades as the town regenerates itself and its inventory. The greater Drogheda area has seen a significant increase in new developments over the past 20 years.
  • Average Sale price: €250,000
  • Average years in house/apt: 20
  • Types of Financing: Mortgages and cash purchases

 

Follow Coldwell Banker Gate Properties on social media!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gatedrogheda/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlotte_cbgate/

 

The Wide World of Real Estate September 1, 2022

Help The World’s Bravest Kids Get Back Home Even Faster

Athena Snow    Sept 1, 2022

We are proud to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® a place so many kids call home while they fight cancer and other life threating disease. Each year, approximately 16,000 children and teens in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer. One in five of these children won’t survive. It’s time for that statistic to change.

This September we join St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® in recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – thirty days of honoring those impacted by childhood cancer—the children and their families.

Two years ago Coldwell Banker started the CB Supports St. Jude program where agents participating in the program make a donation for every home sale or purchase they complete. In our first year we donated half a million dollars to St. Jude and are on track to match that same amount in 2022. Donations from agents within our Gen Blue network help to cover costs for patients and their families while in treatment.

For almost 60 years, St. Jude has been on the frontlines of research, care and treatment of childhood cancer. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% when they opened to more than 80% today. While this progress is incredible, 43 children in the U.S. diagnosed with cancer every day, and St. Jude won’t stop until no child dies from cancer, no matter where they live.

Visit stjude.org/together—where you can learn more about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and how you can get involved in helping St. Jude save kids around the world. And visit coldwellbanker.com/stjude to learn more about the CB Supports St. Jude program and to make a donation.

The Wide World of Real Estate August 25, 2022

Home Renovations That Offer the Best ROI for Resale

Gustavo Gonzalez       Aug 1, 2022

Looking to make some upgrades and wondering which will have the biggest pay off? If you guessed kitchen and bathrooms, you’re spot on. Another good one is landscaping. Whether they’re big or small, a few upgrades can pay big dividends when it’s time to sell your home. Follow these tips to prioritize and put more money in your pocket when you’re ready to sell.

Before you do anything, make sure you consider the value of your house, the neighborhood, the housing market where you live and how soon you will sell after you make the improvements. If you live in a neighborhood where properties are selling for $300,000, doing a $150,000 renovation may not add as much to your property value as you might think.

Kitchens and Baths
One thing to keep in mind is that just because a remodel is expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it will give you the best return on investment. Even minor updates can yield a big return. Consider painting, refinishing surfaces and upgrading appliances, which can lead to a big pay out.

Sticking to a budget is always important, and keep in mind that an average, medium-sized kitchen remodel can cost between $20,000 – $50,000, while the average bathroom remodel is $10,000. In most cases, homeowners see a return of a 100% or more with a kitchen or bath remodel, so it’s definitely well worth the investment. Plus, you get to live in a beautiful new space.

A Finished Basement
If finishing your basement is something you’ve been putting off, now might be the perfect time. According to cost versus value surveys conducted annually by Remodeling magazine, “The average return on investment for a basement project is around 75 cents on the dollar. Besides the financial gains, refinishing a basement will add new functionality to your home: more bedrooms, more efficient storage and more space for entertaining.” Seems like a sure-fire win, win.

Add Curb Appeal
When buyers see that the outside of the property is taken care of, they’ll be more excited to see the inside. Remember, first impressions make lasting impressions. According to Anji, “Curb appeal can increase your home value by 7%. Buyers are increasingly prioritizing outdoor living spaces and an attractive lawn has the biggest ROI at 256%. Trees can add $1,000 to $10,000 to your home value and simple landscape maintenance tasks usually pay for themselves.”

Whether you’re in the market to sell your home or just want to make some budget-friendly renovations that you and your family can enjoy, making the right upgrades can help enhance your quality of life and add a few more dollars to your bank account down the road.

The Wide World of Real Estate August 8, 2022

What To Pack For Your First Night In Your New House

The following is a guest post written by Laura McHolm, Chief of Organized Living & NorthStar Moving Company Co-Founder 

Moving day is approaching and your to-do list just keeps growing! But, there is one more to-do to add to your list. This to-do gets you ready for a peaceful first night in your new home. You’ll thank me later. Actually, you’ll be too tired to thank me, but that’s okay. Your first night will be great and that’s all the thanks I need.

The last thing anyone wants to do after a long moving day, is to open box after box in search of your pjs, toothbrush, pillow and your kid’s night light. No one wants to go on a treasure hunt at the end of moving day!

Here’s how to have a restful first night:

Pack a suitcase for each family member (two and four legged) for their first night. Bring those suitcases with you, so you’ll know right where they are.

 Each suitcase should be packed with these essentials:

  1. Linens and pillows
  2. Clean pjs
  3. A fresh change of clothes
  4. Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, toilet paper and towels
  5. Medications, eyeglasses or contact lenses & solutions
  6. Your kids favorite teddy bear, bedtime story and night light
  7. Phone, computer and chargers
  8. A bag for each pet with food, food bowls, toys leash and bed

Keep your family happy & fed:

Pack a family box with food and healthy treats for moving day and for breakfast the next day. Include a few dishes, silverware, paper towels, snacks and food.

Take precautions:

Remember to personally move your credit cards, wallet and jewelry. Keep them safely tucked away.

If you’re moving long distance:

Bring clothing and essentials for at least a week while you’re waiting for the moving truck to arrive. No one wants to have to start their new job or school in their pjs!

Enjoy your first night!

Being able to easily grab what you need makes your first night in your new place feel like home. Watch the video below for more tips!

 

 

 

Laura McHolm is a home organization, moving & storage expert and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company. NorthStar Moving Company is an award winning, “A+” rated company, which specializes in providing eco-luxury moving and storage services.   www.northstarmoving.com

The Wide World of Real Estate August 8, 2022

These 8 Real Structures Inspired the Castles in Disney Films

A medieval-architecture historian breaks down the palaces in the animated classics

You might know that many Disney films are based on fairytales. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs comes from the Brothers Grimm classic and Sleeping Beauty by Charles Perrault was the basis for the film of the same name. But a princess is nothing without her castle, so have you ever wondered what the architecture in Disney films is based on?

In AD’s latest Youtube video, Meredith Cohen, a medieval architecture historian, breaks down the palaces in six Disney princess movies, including classics like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty as well as newer films like Brave, Tangled, and Frozen. Below, take a look through these picturesque structures and don’t forget to check out the video for even more insights from Cohen.

Image of Alcazar of Segovia

Álcazar of Segovia in Segovia, Spain.

 Photo:DEA/A. VERGANI/Getty Images

Álcazar of Segovia

Álcazar of Segovia, a medieval castle in Segovia, Spain, was the inspiration for the queen’s castle in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. According to Cohen, the animated version represents a good mix of factual accuracy and Disney magic. She points out the drawing’s small windows and stone facade as evidence of realistic elements, explaining these aspects were implemented in traditional castles to ensure unwanted guests wouldn’t get in. “They’re defensive structures,” Cohen says. However, the real castle has significantly fewer turrets. “The exaggeration of towers and turrets is something Disney has added to their castle to give it that more magical, fantasy-like feel,” she says.

Neuschwanstein Castle seen from Marienbrucke in autumn

Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany.

 Photo: Arterra/Getty Images

Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein, a Bavarian castle commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, was the inspiration for King Stefan’s castle in Sleeping Beauty. However, like the queen’s castle in Snow White, Disney added a few elements to create a more mystical feel.

Cohen explains that many of the features on King Stefan’s palace point to different eras: There are Renaissance, Gothic, and Scandinavian turrets in addition to gothic pointed arches. While King Stefan’s castle is somewhat of a mixed bag in terms of time period accuracy, it did serve as a prototype for future Disney castles. In fact, the king’s castle, in addition to Cinderella’s, were the inspiration for the Disney logo.

An aerial picture of MontSaintMichel surrounded by the sea during high tide

Mont-Saint-Michel in France.

 Photo: DAMIEN MEYER/Getty Images

Mont-Saint-Michel

Corona Castle in Tangled is “an excellent example of incorporating a structure into the story,” Cohen says. Disney’s animation is based of off Mont-Saint-Michel, where, originally, there was a Benedictine abbey on a little island off of Normandy in France. Eventually the church became a prison, and, in real life, Mont-Saint-Michel is only accessible twice a day at low tide. These two details metaphorically represent two important parts of the princess’s story: The prison symbolizes Rapunzel’s early life trapped in a tower, and the tides coming in and out illustrate her hair—the limited means she had to connect with the outside world.

Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland

Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland.

 Photo: Arterra/Getty Images

Tourists looking at Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle in Scotland.

 Photo: Arterra/Getty Images

Eilean Donan and Dunnottar Castle

DunBroch from Brave was inspired by two castles in Scotland: Eilean Donan and Dunnottar Castle. While the animation clearly mirrors the real structures—the stone facade and horizontal profile, in particular—there are some irregularities. For one, the story is set in the 10th century, but as Cohen points out, castles weren’t built from stone until the 11th century. The palace is also run-down, which would’ve been unusual if people were still living in it, though Cohen explains this could have been done to symbolize the tension between the clans in the movie.

Taj Mahal on a clear day

Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

 Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Taj Mahal

“I’ve never seen a real castle like this,” Cohen says of the Sultan’s palace from Aladdin. The majestic home features a large onion dome atop a central tower that is replicated throughout the space and a processional staircase leading to an arched door. Though loosely based on the Taj Mahal in India, the castle exhibits elements from various cultures. The turquoise door is reminiscent of the colorful architecture in India, though Cohen explains the domes look more like Russian orthodox churches—similar to Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. “They took liberties in the cultures they pulled from,” Cohen says, adding that the film now includes an acknowledgement at the beginning that collapsing so many cultures wasn’t right.

Image of wall of Akershus Fortress

Akershus Fortress in Norway.

 Photo: Wolfgang Kaehler/Getty Images

Borgund Stave Church in Norway

Borgund Stave Church in Norway.

 Photo: ullstein bild/Getty Images

Akershus Fortress and Borgund Stave Church

Given that Frozen was inspired by a Scandinavian legend, it’s not surprising that the castle in Arendelle, the film’s fictional country, pulls from Scandinavian architecture. The palace is drawn with lots of gables and a bell tower capped by a spire. The fortification around the castle is based on Akershus Fort, originally a military stronghold near Oslo. The actual residence, on the other hand, was inspired by something else completely. The animated palace is made from wood, evident by the timber trusses on the exterior. This detail isn’t really castle-like, as Cohen explains, but it is more representative of a Norwegian stave church. “They do that because churches are often the most exciting architecture in the Middle Ages,” Cohen says, pointing out that the animation resembles a stave church in Borgund.

 

The Wide World of Real Estate August 2, 2022

Coldwell Banker Around the World: July 2022

Sam Shalom   July 29, 2022

Mallorca, the largest of the chain of islands located off the east coast of Spain, is also the most diverse of the Balearics. Yes, the same aquamarine waters that surround Ibiza (its southwest neighbor) lap onto the shores of Mallorca, but Mallorca’s landscape is much more distinct and impressive thanks to its ravishing beaches, azure views, remote mountains, and soulful hill towns.

An increasing number of people all around the world see the obvious benefits of living in Mallorca: 300 days of sunshine, breathtaking landscapes, a vivid cultural life, and tasty Mediterranean cuisine. During the pandemic it became apparent that we are no longer bound to work and live in the same location. A new sense of freedom evolved, making the United States and Mallorca closer than ever before.

Coldwell Banker Select Real Estate’s Marketing Specialist, Mar Perez-Aranda Soriano, says, “We love embracing new visitors and homebuyers to Mallorca. One of the most rewarding aspects of working for Coldwell Banker in Palma de Mallorca is helping clients make one of their most important deals of their lives. I love that I am able to make a real contribution to my clients’ needs by supporting them in their own language, finding the perfect new home to satisfy a buyer, or helping a seller make the most lucrative sale. I always aim to work with integrity, excellence, innovation, and respect for each individual, just as the Coldwell Banker values state.” Read on to learn the unique ins and outs of this sunny star of the Mediterranean.

Where do you live: The whole team of Coldwell Banker Select Real Estate lives in Palma de Majorca

What is the perfect weekend day like: A great way to spend a weekend in Majorca is to drive to the beautiful mountain villages Valldemossa, Deia and Sóller or to enjoy the fantastic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Another option is to go shopping and have lunch in one of the many great restaurants in the area. In the evening, I suggest having a cocktail in one of the several rooftop bars here in Palma followed by a late dinner. On Sundays, I encourage you to spend the whole day on the beach. My favourite is Es Trenc, which is a 45-minute drive from Palma.

What are the common modes of transportation there: The most common way is by car. However, buses, taxis and a small metro service are also available.

Tell us about the foods your area is known for: The quintessential known food from Majorca are ensaimada (a typical pastry), sobrasada (a typical sausage), frito mallorquín (fried meat with vegetables) and arroz brut (a dish of rice, meat and vegetables).

What is your favorite meal? At home or at a restaurant: My favourite meal is lubina (seabass) or rodaballo (turbot) with tumbet. For dessert gató (mallorquín almond cake) with ice-cream.

Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region, why: If you are looking for a weekend city break, I would recommend you to stay in Palma de Majorca. Palma is a beautiful city with a lot of great sights, shopping, bars and restaurants. However, if you want to spend your vacation on the beach, I recommend you go to Colonia Sant Jordia, which is a small village close to the fantastic Es Trenc beach. Alcudia, Alcanada, Port de Pollenca are also great places to visit to enjoy a perfect holiday in Majorca.

What is your favorite recreational or leisure time activity: The warm climate and the exceptional environment that Mallorca offers make it a paradise for lovers of outdoor sports. There are plenty of physical activities to enjoy. Some of my favourites are tennis, golf, paddle, hiking, swimming, and cycling.

Is there a specialty your area is known for: Unique products from Majorca are almonds, olives, sobrasada (cured sausage), oranges, wine from Binissalem, red prawns from Sóller, and sea salt from Ses Salines des Trenc.

Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region: 1) Majorca has an amazing range of cave systems, with the most impressive being Cuevas del Drach on the East Coast of the island. Also found among Cuevas del Drach is the largest underground lake in the world named Martel Lake. 2)The sea is almost always clear around Majorca because of the algae on the seabed. 3) Majorca is the perfect cyclist training area. Many big teams train here to get in their best form for the Tour de France.

If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why: If I were to live somewhere else in Europe, it would be Italy or the French Riviera. In USA, I would prefer New York or Los Angeles, California. 

Territory Summary:

Majorca is a Spanish island located in the central part of the Balearic archipelago, in the Mediterranean Sea. Its capital, and also that of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands, is Palma de Mallorca. Majorca, at 3,640 square kilometers, is the largest of the Balearic Island which also comprise of Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera as well as smaller islets like Cabrera and Dragonera. This famous archipelago can be found off the eastern coast of Spain, the country which they are a part of.

The most primitive remains found in Majorca date back to 3500 BC. C. at the time of the Neolithic, transition period between the Bronze Age, where the first copper objects appear. The first known settlers of the islands, (although of doubtful origin), were the Balearic slingers.

Key Facts:

  • Population: 1,219,404
  • Language(s) Spoken: Spanish and Catalan
  • Climate: Mediterranean
  • Currency: Euro €

Industry Facts:

Types of Architecture: Gothic (for example, the cathedrals La Almudaina and La Lonja). But you can also find Renaissance, Baroque and Modernist.

Average Sale price: The average price of houses currently on the market is €798,000. The sale price of 80% of the properties is between €209,990 and €3,600,000.

Prices per sq. ft/meter: The average in Palma is 3.292€ / m²

Average years in house/apt: Over 20 years

The Wide World of Real Estate July 1, 2022

A Recession Doesn’t Equal a Housing Crisis

The Wide World of Real Estate June 29, 2022

Coldwell Banker Around the World: June 2022

Sam Shalom  June 27, 2022

Comprised of more than 700 stunning subtropical islands, most of which are uninhabited, the Bahamas is a laid-back, luxurious destination for any kind of traveler. Want to sail around an island? No problem. Party poolside at a glamorous resort? Check. Lounge on pink, sandy beaches? We got you! Swimming with wild pigs!? Even that can be accomplished on the incredible array of isles. There’s a Bahamian island to match every desire, all surrounded by a backdrop of mesmerizing blue waters.

Perhaps in contrast to the relaxed character the Bahamas is known for is the vibrant city of Nassau. The only city in the country, Nassau is home to abundant historic sites, popular duty-free shops, hardworking cigar salesmen, rum-happy locals, and our Coldwell Banker Bahamas Lightbourn Realty office. This powerhouse headquarters office has franchisees throughout the Bahamas in the Abaco islands, Andros, Bimini, the Berry Islands, Eleuthera (including Harbour Island and Spanish Wells), Exuma and Long Island. Whether you frequent the Bahamas or are currently searching for flights, read more below from Lightbourn Realty’s Luxury Property Specialist, Heather Lightbourn Peterson, about how to live like a local on your next visit!

 

Where do you live: Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas

What is the perfect weekend day like: The perfect weekend begins with a lazy brunch overlooking the beach on Paradise Island. My personal favourite is Dune at The One & Only Ocean Club, who serves one of the best, if not the best Bahamian Boiled Fish with Johnny Cake on the island. On calm days, when the ocean looks like glass, we spend the afternoon in the boat island hopping to a secluded nearby beach on Rose Island. It’s a quick boat ride from Nassau where we enjoy paddle boarding, snorkeling among turtles, abundant sea life and, if successful, diving for live conch and making a fresh conch salad on the stern of the boat. You will find boats lined up to find friends, or a secluded spot if you just want to chill. We usually grill on the beach and enjoy a leisurely boat ride back to Nassau as the sun sets. On days when the weather doesn’t cooperate, there are so many fun spots in Nassau. We have a growing number of art galleries, museums, shops, walking food and culture tours and an abundance of casual to fine dining restaurants, many with incredible ocean views.

 What are the common modes of transportation there: Though Bahamas is a small island, it is not small enough to walk everywhere. Cars are the most common mode of transportation, with a few folks opting for mopeds. Of course, boating is a major way of life here, so I consider it one of my main modes of transportation. We also island hop in a small Cessna, it’s a fabulous way to explore different islands, whether to check out our real estate listings, visit our out-island agents, or to getaway for a quick break.

Tell us about the foods your area is known for: Bahamians love all types of fresh fish and conch. We have many different ways to cook conch: cracked (fried in batter), grilled, or chopped fresh ceviche-style in a conch salad. We also enjoy “souse” for breakfast, which is essentially a soup made with either chicken, pig’s feet, or sheep’s tongue and “boiled fish” with lots of lime and pepper served with grits or white rice and Johnny cake. This is a staple breakfast food for us and a great hangover cure!

What is your favorite meal? At home or at a restaurant: It’s so hard to decide on a favourite meal because I have so many local dishes which I love. But if I had to choose, I would say it is a tie between a freshly prepared conch salad or boiled fish (I like it best cooked with Hog Fish). The key to both dishes for me is tons of freshly squeezed lime, sour orange, and a lot of goat pepper…like many Bahamians, I like to feel the burn. I love to cook, but I leave these two dishes up to the experts and have my go to spots. No one makes a better conch salad than Queen Conch on Harbour Island.

Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region, why: We have a diverse landscape in the Bahamas featuring a variety of densely populated islands with an abundance of resorts, restaurants, walking food tours and night life such as Nassau, or a range of different authentic experiences among our outer islands. For travelers who love boating and fishing, Great Harbour Cay, Bimini and the Abacos are ideal locations. If you love bone fishing and a more laid-back lifestyle, Andros or the southern Exumas would be more suited. The Exuma Cays are a major travel destination for sailors and boaters, as there are so many incredibly beautiful islands and cays to explore by island hopping. If you like a diverse landscape and prefer to travel by car, Eleuthera offers blue holes, pink sand beaches, incredible elevations, nature sanctuaries and a dynamic landscape. History buffs tend to prefer the historic architecture and character and laid-back style of Harbour Island, Spanish Wells, Hope Town and Green Turtle Cay. Long Island is well known for its world-famous blue hole and for its hardworking locals. The one common thread throughout our islands is the strong sense of community, friendly locals, and the dazzling blue ocean. You really can’t go wrong, and I recommend trying a different island on each visit to The Bahamas.

What is your favorite recreational or leisure time activity: I love boating – all aspects of it. Whether for a day at the beach, fishing, or island hopping. I captain my own boat and love taking my family and friends out on the water every chance we get. Living on a busier island, it’s the best way to wind down.

Is there a specialty your area is known for: The Bahamas is best known for our tourism industry. Each island has its own unique way of catering to visitors and Bahamians have a wide variety of skills in the hospitality and tourism industry. Offshore banking is also attractive here for foreign investors. As far as local products, we have incredibly skilled straw workers who have carried on the tradition of the craft for centuries, in particular some of our most beautiful straw works can be found in Andros and Long Island.

Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region: Only once ever in recorded history has it snowed in The Bahamas, on January 19, 1977, it snowed briefly in Freeport

If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why: If I could live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, it’s a tough one, but I would lean towards something totally different from our climate, either one of my two favourite places to visit: Colorado or Switzerland (even though there isn’t a Coldwell Banker Switzerland 😉Editor’s note: Actually, CB Switzerland is coming soon!

Key Facts:

  • Population: 400,000+ (2022 estimate)
  • Language: English
  • Climate: Tropical with a hot/wet season, and a warm/dry season
  • Currency: The Bahamian Dollar which is pegged to USD on a 1 to 1 basis. We do also accept $US locally.

Industry Facts:

Types of Architecture: Many of our islands have maintained historic wooden cottages with exquisite attention to detail and wraparound porches to take full advantage of prevailing winds. Most of our newer, and some of our historic homes are constructed with solid concrete to help withstand potential hurricanes. Enhancing outdoor living is normally a key component with our local designs whether that’s achieved by balconies, covered porches or wraparound porches.

Average Sale price: Our prices vary greatly by island and area. Our foreign buyers usually prefer to spend a minimum of $750,000 to qualify for permanent residency status, or $1.5M and over to qualify for accelerated consideration for their residency status.

Types of Financing: Most of our foreign buyers pay cash, but financing is available through a few banks locally and they typically want at least 30% down. Locals have a wonder variety of financing options through our local banks.

Types of Ownership: Almost always, ownership here is freehold.

The Wide World of Real Estate June 7, 2022

Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space

Hanging chair and geometric carpet on wooden patio with garden rattan furniture

By Jennifer McGuire      June 1, 2022

We all want to spend as much time as we can outside during the summer months. There’s nothing quite like a relaxing summer day in the backyard with friends, hosting a barbeque or enjoying an evening under the stars around the firepit. Summer is made for chilling and breathing in the fresh air and just unwinding after a long day. So this month, ramp up your outdoor space and bring your indoor style right to your backyard.

Bonus Living Spaces
More and more, people are treating their backyard spaces as an extension of their living space. From outdoor pergolas to string lights, trendy rugs and comfy, weatherproof sectionals and lounge chairs, homeowners are creating stunning open-air outdoor living spaces. You don’t even have to have a huge space, you can add smaller pieces to your deck or patio to create a relaxing, cozy sanctuary. Whatever your indoor style is, you’re sure to find similar outdoor pieces.

Inspirational Botanicals
The right plants, flowers and planters can make all the difference when it comes to creating a warm, inviting and colorful outdoor space. With so many stylish planters available, you can easily find ones that match your style and fill them with a variety of herbs, flowering annuals, cactuses, plants and shrubs. If you live close to a farmers’ market, be sure and check them out as they typically have a huge variety of cost-effective flowers, plants and herbs to fill your yard, patio or balcony.

Small Space Solutions
There are tons of creative ways to transform a small space and make a big impact. Start with some lively décor, potted plants, outdoor pillows, candles and small scale furniture. Consider a vertical garden where you can plant your favorite herbs and vegetables. Adding string and solar lights can also help make a space feel extra cozy. And when it comes to furniture, think about a bistro set for casual dining, foldable and stackable chairs or a small loveseat and ottoman. There are tons of creative ways to make a big impact in a smaller space.

If you’re limited on outdoor space, don’t let that stop you from creating the perfect outdoor oasis. Infusing your personality and style to your backyard, balcony or back porch is the perfect way to gain more living space and enjoy a place where you can enjoy more fun in the sun all summer long.

The Wide World of Real Estate June 2, 2022

Beat the Heat with Summer Salads

Fresh strawberries, spinach and goat cheese salad

by Jennifer McGuire

When the weather heats up, it’s the perfect time to whip up light and refreshing salads. From fruit to pasta to all those fresh, leafy varieties – there’s no limits to what you can toss and serve this summer. Here are just a few delicious and inspiring salad ideas.

Keep it Fresh and Fruity
There’s nothing more refreshing in the summer than perfectly ripe berries. Luckily, just about any berry can be used in a salad. A great one to try is a strawberry feta tossed salad. The ingredients are simple, and the end result is a healthy, sweet salad that is sure to impress. Although it calls for strawberries, you can definitely toss on a fruit of your choice. Think blueberries, raspberries and even peaches.

Pass the Pasta
A great summer get-together is not compete without an amazing pasta salad. One simple showstopper is a pesto pasta caprese salad. There’s nothing like fresh garden basil, which is highlighted in this lovely summer dish. The addition of sweet grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, pesto and olive oil are sure to make this a huge hit. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also photo worthy. Again, you can get creative and throw in some spices and other veggies, but honestly just sticking to the recipe on this one is really the way to go.

Did Someone Say Salad for Dessert?
You know what they say, everything old can be made new again. So, start going through grandma’s recipe books, because there’s bound to be a couple of dessert salads that you can modernize with ease. Take for instance, this pineapple pretzel fluff recipe. Talk about a refreshing new take on the dessert salad. This recipe calls for canned pineapple, but you can always go the extra mile and choose fresh. These types of dessert salads are the perfect addition to any summer barbecue.

As you plan your summer days, make sure and toss in a few of these fun summer salads – pun intended. Enjoy!