Gustavo Gonzalez    Oct 7,2022

What’s one of the fastest and easiest ways to update a room? You guessed it – window treatments. Gone are the days of heavy, dark, drab curtains. Instead, you can refresh just about any space with a variety of modern options to fit every style and budget.

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Whether you’re creating a home office space, looking to be more eco-friendly or moving into a new home and want to add your own personal touches, window treatments can make all the difference.
If energy efficiency is on your list, you have many options to choose from. High-tech cellular shades offer temperature control capabilities in a variety of innovative designs. Roller shades have a modern, minimal look and provide UV ray protection while allowing ample natural light in. Blinds have also come a long way, now designed with modern patterns, textures and materials to enhance any space.

 Bring on the Drama
If you’re ready to breathe new life into a room and add a little drama, consider luxurious curtains. Depending on how much light you want, a sophisticated, patterned drape can set the mood and make a bold statement.

By introducing a pop of color, like a bold orange or deep red, you can give your space a dramatic new look. Not into vibrant tones? White window treatments can be just as impactful. Layer white shades with a gauzy curtain to create a romantic and whimsical feel. You could also inject a little boho chic into a room by pairing classic woven or bamboo shades with patterned drapery. Whatever you choose, curtains can easily give your home a whole new look in a matter of minutes.

 Smart Tech
Who would’ve thought that you’d be able to open and close your curtains with the touch of a button? Say hello to smart windows, which let you control your blinds, curtains or shades through either a remote control or handy app. You can easily set up a schedule or use the setting to adjust your window treatments without even having to leave your comfy couch.

Giving your interiors a fresh new look is easier than ever by simply by changing out your window treatments. Whether you’re creating a space that’s soft and serene or bright and bold, these ideas should help set you off on the right path.

Sam Shalom   Sept 29, 2022

With a mixture of the Argentinean, Andean and Bolivian cultures, cuisine influence and traditions, Salta offers the perks of a large city while keeping the pace and comfort of a small town. Mountains and rivers, impressive museums, candlelit cafes, and vibrant peñas (folk-music clubs), Salta has something for everyone.

Subtle sophistication? Check. Unique gastronomy? Check. Plaza-side romance? Check. The most touristed spot in northwest Argentina is calling your name! Commonly known as Salta la Linda, the translation of the name says it all… “Salta the Pretty”. With a mixture of the Argentinean, Andean and Bolivian cultures, cuisine influence and traditions, Salta offers the perks of a large city while keeping the pace and comfort of a small town. Mountains and rivers, impressive museums, candlelit cafes, and vibrant peñas (folk-music clubs), Salta has something for everyone.

In addition to the delicious foods, nature, and personality that the region is known for, Salta is also famous for their excellent quality wines, thanks to the Torrontés grape which is only found in Argentina. Torrontés has flavors of orange peel, peaches, honey, oregano, chamomile and muscat grape. The balance between acidity and fruit flavors make it appear as a sweet wine but turns out to be a magnificent dry wine. Pair your wine with delicious meals, spend a few days touring the sights of Salta, then rent a car to hit the road and explore the northwest. Read on to learn more!

Where do you live: I live in the capital city, Salta, of the Province of Salta (northwest region of Argentina)

What is the perfect weekend day like: A perfect day during the weekend is spent enjoying the great weather, amazing nature between the hills and valleys, local traditions such as gaucho parades and folklore festivals, and delicious regional food with family and friends. When the nighttime strikes, we enjoy the famous peñas (folk-music clubs) that always entertain and surprise with music, traditional dance and typical dishes such as the Argentinean empanadas.

What are the common modes of transportation there: People in Salta move around both in private vehicles and public transport, such as buses, taxis, or Remis (car-hire).

Tell us about the foods your area is known for: Salta is characterized by its amazing regional food. The flavors are combined from the Andean, Spanish and cosmopolitan culture- taking us on a journey of sensations. From typical empanadas and regional dishes to gourmet cuisine with products from the area, Salta has generated its own unique gastronomic identity. Salta provides places such as the San Miguel Market, shops, and warehouses with a variety of typical, healthy, and organic products to sell/use.

What is your favorite meal? At home or at a restaurant: My favorite food is rib roast and empanadas.

Where do you recommend someone vacation in your region, why: I recommend vacationing in our city because we have many local activities, and you can leave for excursions from the city to visit the best places in the region such as the Cafayate region, just two hours away. In the Cafayate region, you can enjoy the excellent wines and amazing weather. A trip not to be missed is El Tren de las Nubes (“the train to the clouds”). The Train to the Clouds is an iconic tourist attraction of the province of Salta. It crosses the plateau until it reaches 4,220 meters above sea level, crossing landscapes of valley and grasslands. This is the third highest railway on the planet and has rigorous international quality and safety standards.

Another town that you cannot miss is Purmamarca in the province of Jujuy, just a two-hour drive from Salta. The most amazing site you can visit in Purmamarca is the Hill of Seven Colors, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. This breathtaking site is a mountain slope with ribbons of earth seemingly painted in distinct hues: brown, purple-brown, pink, red, white, yellow, and green, all of which derive from different types of rocks. The hill is said to be the most beautiful during the first 45 minutes after dawn but welcomes visitors all day long. You will not want to miss this trip.

What is your favorite recreational or leisure time activity: Our favorite activity is exploring the nature between hills, mountains, and rivers in our province.

Is there a specialty your area is known for: Our region is mainly known for tourism, the production of excellent quality wines (Torrontés grape), vegetables, tobacco, and mining production.

Share a little known but interesting fact about the area/region: The feast of our patron saints Lord and Virgin of the Miracle that every day on September 15 the religious procession is held with more than 800,000 faithful who arrive in our city of Salta after walking for several days from all points of our province.

 If you were to live in any other region where we have a Coldwell Banker presence, where would it be and why: The region we would like to live in is Madrid, Spain. It is a very beautiful city, and the country of Spain offers greater stability than Argentina.

Key Facts:

• Population: Estimated 750,000 inhabitants in city of Salta
• Language(s) Spoken: Español
• Climate: Warm climate, tropical zone
• Currency: Peso Argentino

Industry Facts:

• Types of Architecture: In Salta capital, a type of French-style colonial architecture predominates, as well as new building developments, modern premium country constructions, many of which follow the colonial line
• Prices per sq. ft/meter: Price per m² depends on the area and the property but the average is USD $1,000 approx.
• Average Sale Price: Average sales price for land: USD $50,000, apartments: USD $80,000, and houses: USD $150,000 approx.

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/

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.

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 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

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