Coldwell Banker Islands Blog

Last week Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC released its Home Listing Report, a snapshot survey of U.S. four-bedroom, two-bathroom home listings, which found a $1.7 million difference between America’s most expensive and most affordable housing markets. Newport Beach, Calif., led the list of most expensive real estate markets in America, with an average home listing price of approximately $1.83 million for property listings meeting the subject home criteria. By contrast, America’s most affordable housing market was Detroit, Mich., with an average home listing price of approximately $68,000.

The Coldwell Banker Home Listing Report (HLR) is the brand’s latest development designed to provide comprehensive information on real estate data from around the country for homebuyers and sellers. The HLR provides the average home listing price of more than 18,000 four-bedroom, two-bathroom properties on www.coldwellbanker.com that were listed between February and August 2010 from nearly 300 select U.S. markets where Coldwell Banker Real Estate has a presence.

The U.S. average for the surveyed listings was approximately $353,000. Markets included in this report were required to have at least six properties fitting the above criteria within the relevant timeframe. In total, there are 85 U.S. markets in the HLR with average reported listing prices less than $200,000. There are 183 markets (out of a total of 296 surveyed) that are less than $300,000.

Michigan has three markets on the most affordable housing list (Detroit, Grayling and Port Huron), and all 10 of the most affordable markets are in the Midwest.

Out of the 10 most expensive real estate markets, six are from California: Newport Beach, Palo Alto, San Francisco, La Jolla, Pasadena and Santa Barbara.

The survey included 25 housing markets where the average listing price for the subject home was more than $750,000, including 10 markets whose average listing price exceeded $1 million.

The same methodology was used to capture six months of listings in Canada for four-bedroom, two-bathroom homes between March - September 2010. The Canadian version of the Coldwell Banker HLR offers perspectives on several major Canadian cities reporting British Columbia with the most expensive city at $892,698 and Winsor Ontario the most affordable at $154,085.

International figures reported the widest range and quote Harbour Island Bahamas the most expensive at $1.9 Million with Salinas Ecuador arriving at $68,125. Providenciales Turks and Caicos average listing price was $822,475.

All Canadian and International prices have been converted to US dollars. To read the full report visit Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC’s full Press Release at Yahoo! Finance on Wednesday September 22, 2010.

You will fall in love with this 3,500 sq.ft. custom designed, Frank Lloyd Wright inspiried, home. A concrete post and beam structure, with exotic hardwood walls gracing every corner of the home. Large French doors and French style windows allows for a seamless indoor-outdoor ambiance to pervade the house. A large covered veranda provides fabulous living space for relaxing while enjoying the views of the ocean and mountains. 4 bedrooms/2 baths, fully furnished, on 1 acre. Asking price $750,000.

More details and photos on our Coldwell Banker Listing page.

Over 60 residents came out to hear of the development plans for the Carrot Bay community at a public meeting last Thursday. Chief Planner in the Town and Country Planning Department Mrs. Marva Titley-Smith said, “We have some issues that we want to discuss in terms of the physical development of Carrot Bay. We have some ideas as well but we want to get your feedback in terms of options for this community´s development.”

Mr. Louis Potter, Consultant with L. Potter and Associates, presented an overview of the development process which will be conducted in four stages: survey, analysis, plan and development guidelines. The presentation also identified the methodology, need for retaining walls, erosion, and the need to preserve the natural ghuts.

Mr. Potter highlighted the topography of the soil and its ability to deteriorate quickly once left exposed. This information addressed an area of concern to potential homeowners in the area. The steepness of the slope, the ability to cut roads into the hillsides and the congestion of the north shore coastal road were other areas identified by the consultant to be addressed for future development.

Residents were also asked to list their top three areas of concern and select a reclamation preference. They are encouraged to return completed questionnaires to the Town & Country Planning Department located on the main floor of the West Atrium in the Central Administration Complex. The Department will use feedback from the questionnaires to help shape the development options. The date and time of the next meeting will be announced in the near future.

UltimateBVI.com says of Carrot Bay, “Once a bustling fishing village, Carrot Bay is a centre of local island life, glimpsed from the picturesque drive along its coastal road. Here you will find some of the best local food in the islands.”

(resource: BVIPlatinum.com)

The Windows on Aruba Restaurant at Divi Links on Aruba is holding a weekly art auction, organized by Kenneth Faustin, an art connoisseur and certified auctioneer. The inaugural auction was Sept. 9, and will be followed weekly at 3 PM, with bidding starting at 4 PM.

“I have always believed there is a strong interest among island visitors to explore the local culture and talent in the hope of acquiring quality, original art that truly reflects the island mindset,” said Faustin.

Resident or tourist, take a look at the work of Aruba artists, many with international acclaim.

Make sure you choose a Realtor who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs. Ask her or him these questions, and interview several before you decide.

1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate — like many other professions — is mostly learned on the job.

2. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.

3. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market? The agent you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison.

4. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the Realtor is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers.

5. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don’t want someone who’s going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it’s important that your agent is responsive.

6. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the practitioner’s obligations lie. Your Realtor should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.

7. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because Realtors are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Agents should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.

8. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.

9. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? This is not a question with a correct answer, but you want to know you will be keep up to date with the efforts to sell your property.

10. Ask for references. Check with the Realtor’s clients to see if they would work with this agent again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up, and work ethic of the agent.

Selling your home will probably be one of the biggest financial transactions you will complete in your lifetime. You will be hiring this person, so spend some effort and time to make sure you want him or her working for you.

Make sure you choose a Realtor who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs. Ask her or him these questions, and interview several before you decide.

1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate — like many other professions — is mostly learned on the job.

2. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.

3. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market? The agent you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison.

4. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the Realtor is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers.

5. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don’t want someone who’s going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it’s important that your agent is responsive.

6. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the practitioner’s obligations lie. Your Realtor should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.

7. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because Realtors are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Agents should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.

8. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.

9. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? This is not a question with a correct answer, but you want to know you will be keep up to date with the efforts to sell your property.

10. Ask for references. Check with the Realtor’s clients to see if they would work with this agent again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up, and work ethic of the agent.

Selling your home will probably be one of the biggest financial transactions you will complete in your lifetime. You will be hiring this person, so spend some effort and time to make sure you want him or her working for you.

Make sure you choose a Realtor who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs. Ask her or him these questions, and interview several before you decide.

1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate - like many other professions - is mostly learned on the job.

2. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.

3. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market? The agent you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison.

4. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the Realtor is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers.

5. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don’t want someone who’s going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it’s important that your agent is responsive.

6. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the practitioner’s obligations lie. Your Realtor should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.

7. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because Realtors are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Agents should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.

8. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.

9. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? This is not a question with a correct answer, but you want to know you will be keep up to date with the efforts to sell your property.

10. Ask for references. Check with the Realtor’s clients to see if they would work with this agent again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up, and work ethic of the agent.

Selling your home will probably be one of the biggest financial transactions you will complete in your lifetime. You will be hiring this person, so spend some effort and time to make sure you want him or her working for you.

Make sure you choose a Realtor who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs. Ask her or him these questions, and interview several before you decide.

1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate - like many other professions - is mostly learned on the job.

2. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.

3. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market? The agent you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison.

4. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the Realtor is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers.

5. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don’t want someone who’s going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it’s important that your agent is responsive.

6. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the practitioner’s obligations lie. Your Realtor should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.

7. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because Realtors are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Agents should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.

8. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.

9. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? This is not a question with a correct answer, but you want to know you will be keep up to date with the efforts to sell your property.

10. Ask for references. Check with the Realtor’s clients to see if they would work with this agent again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up, and work ethic of the agent.

Selling your home will probably be one of the biggest financial transactions you will complete in your lifetime. You will be hiring this person, so spend some effort and time to make sure you want him or her working for you.

Make sure you choose a Realtor who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs. Ask her or him these questions, and interview several before you decide.

1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate — like many other professions — is mostly learned on the job.

2. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.

3. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market? The agent you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison.

4. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the Realtor is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers.

5. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don’t want someone who’s going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it’s important that your agent is responsive.

6. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the practitioner’s obligations lie. Your Realtor should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.

7. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because Realtors are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Agents should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.

8. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.

9. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? This is not a question with a correct answer, but you want to know you will be keep up to date with the efforts to sell your property.

10. Ask for references. Check with the Realtor’s clients to see if they would work with this agent again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up, and work ethic of the agent.

Selling your home will probably be one of the biggest financial transactions you will complete in your lifetime. You will be hiring this person, so spend some effort and time to make sure you want him or her working for you.

Make sure you choose a Realtor who will provide top-notch service and meet your unique needs. Ask her or him these questions, and interview several before you decide.

1. How long have you been in residential real estate sales? Is it your full-time job? While experience is no guarantee of skill, real estate - like many other professions - is mostly learned on the job.

2. How many homes did you and your real estate brokerage sell last year? By asking this question, you’ll get a good idea of how much experience the practitioner has.

3. How many days did it take you to sell the average home? How did that compare to the overall market? The agent you interview should have these facts on hand, and be able to present market statistics from the local MLS to provide a comparison.

4. How close to the initial asking prices of the homes you sold were the final sale prices? This is one indication of how skilled the Realtor is at pricing homes and marketing to suitable buyers.

5. What types of specific marketing systems and approaches will you use to sell my home? You don’t want someone who’s going to put a For Sale sign in the yard and hope for the best. Look for someone who has aggressive and innovative approaches, and knows how to market your property competitively on the Internet. Buyers today want information fast, so it’s important that your agent is responsive.

6. Will you represent me exclusively, or will you represent both the buyer and the seller in the transaction? While it’s usually legal to represent both parties in a transaction, it’s important to understand where the practitioner’s obligations lie. Your Realtor should explain his or her agency relationship to you and describe the rights of each party.

7. Can you recommend service providers who can help me obtain a mortgage, make home repairs, and help with other things I need done? Because Realtors are immersed in the industry, they’re wonderful resources as you seek lenders, home improvement companies, and other home service providers. Agents should generally recommend more than one provider and let you know if they have any special relationship with or receive compensation from any of the providers.

8. What type of support and supervision does your brokerage office provide to you? Having resources such as in-house support staff, access to a real estate attorney, and assistance with technology can help an agent sell your home.

9. How will you keep me informed about the progress of my transaction? How frequently? This is not a question with a correct answer, but you want to know you will be keep up to date with the efforts to sell your property.

10. Ask for references. Check with the Realtor’s clients to see if they would work with this agent again. Find out whether they were pleased with the communication style, follow-up, and work ethic of the agent.

Selling your home will probably be one of the biggest financial transactions you will complete in your lifetime. You will be hiring this person, so spend some effort and time to make sure you want him or her working for you.