Elizabeth Ballis from our Halsted office tells you her secrets to success in Real Estate in this short video from our 2012 Awards. Thank you Elizabeth for being an amazing part of the Coldwell Banker Team!
Making a Difference
The Coldwell Banker Foundation breakfast in Wisconsin reminds us why we do what we do. For updates on the Coldwell Banker Foundation, follow us on Facebook.
The Dream Place to Work
– Jean T. Land, Senior Manager, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Metro West Office
If an agent were to ask me if he/she should join my office, I would say:
I am a non-competing manager and nothing gives me more job satisfaction than to mentor, coach and help an experienced agent to the next level or to launch a new agent to a successful career.
Our office is staffed with a strong administrative team who supports us with “knock your socks off” marketing, extraordinary transaction management, organized systems and gives us “truly remarkable service.”
We have a creative, positive and energetic atmosphere. In spite of being independent contractors, we are a team — we are a family — we thoroughly enjoy an environment where both teamwork and individual achievement exist and thrive.
Our office culture and environment is dedicated to our agents’ success and embodies integrity and professionalism while giving agents the independence they desire.
Coldwell Banker Award Winner Video – Nancy Gibson
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Nancy Gibson of Northbrook’s best memory of 2012 was that she could final tell her sellers “the market is starting to tick up!” Learn more in this short video from our 2012 awards. Thank you Nancy for being an amazing part of the Coldwell Banker Team!
My Real Estate “Aha” Moment
- Sherri Larson, Senior Manager, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage West Bend
I read this story today, and it reminded me of a very particular time in my life. I would like to share it with you:
“One day an entrepreneur took his young sales manager up to a magnificent estate overlooking a beautiful river.
He then took him up on the highest peak on the property, put his arm around him and pointed down and said: “Look at that stunning home and gorgeous swimming pool! How do you like those fabulous tennis courts? Take a look at those beautiful horses in the stable. Now all I want you to do is continue to meet the high standards and goals I’ve set for you and someday, son… someday all this will be mine.”
I actually had a boss say something very similar to me early in my work career…and it was that exact moment, my “aha” moment, when I decided that I needed a career where I could be my own boss. Real estate was the perfect solution for me. I have the opportunity to help people achieve the dream of home ownership, serve my clients in the best possible way, keep an open mind, learn something new every day, and find personal satisfaction in a job well done.
My real estate career has taken me in directions I never planned, and has introduced me to many people, situations and places. I have met and made many friends, and have had the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest people anyone could hope to meet.
It all started with that “aha” moment….and I have never looked back.
Create a Woman Cave in Your Home
- Brooke Balco, Communications Specialist, Coldwell Banker Central Region
A place where moms can check out from reality and check in to peace and quiet.
Mother’s Day is right around the corner and Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage has the perfect gift idea- the gift of peace and quiet! Every woman, mother or not, should have a place in their home where they can take some time to themselves to unwind and do something they enjoy, whether that means reading a book, soaking in the bathtub, or planting flowers.
The first step to creating a “woman cave” in your home is to get inspired. Look through images of your dream home to get your creative juices flowing and see what is realistic for your personal space. Here are a few inspirational ideas to get started:
Create a cozy nook
To create a perfect place to cuddle up and read a book, knit or take a nap, the key is to look for a space in your home that is removed from noise and clutter. This can also be the perfect way to transform an awkward corner, windowsill or loft space into a comfortable area for a little relaxation. Some of the best spaces for a “nook” are next to a fireplace, near a large window filled with natural sun light, or even on your balcony.
This charming Lincoln Park single family home boasts a magnificent library with a wood burning fireplace flanked with built-in bookshelves. Flooded with light form the large bay window, this room is the ultimate retreat for quiet time! The vintage home also offers two offices, five bedrooms and four full bathrooms! It is listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s DelGreco Team for $1,385,000.
Get creative and transform an unused den, extra bedroom or office space by adding plush décor to design an intimate setting, like in this Gold Coast home. By adding a canopy and daybed in the room it creates the perfect ambiance for some “me time”. This dream home also includes a wood paneled library, chef’s kitchen, and roof top deck. It is currently for sale for $643,500, listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage agent Terry Forrest.
Enjoy a spa day
Every woman dreams of a luxurious spa bathroom in their home, so why not make your dreams come true? There are several do-it-yourself projects that can make you feel like you are away at a spa, such as replacing bath fixtures and faucets, painting the walls, updating your bathtub with a whirlpool spa, and adding natural materials such as teak, bamboo and stone to your décor.
This extraordinary Lincoln Park home makes you feel like you’re at a country club. The master bathroom includes a spa marble bath with double vanity, glass surround steam shower, and a separate whirlpool tub. You also can’t miss the natural light shining through filling the room with sunshine. This 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom single family home is currently for sale for $2,095,000, listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage agent Jennifer Ames.
The master spa bath in this fully renovated Bucktown home screams luxury! This enormous space includes a spa bathtub, sauna, storage space, double sinks and loads of natural light. The home also has four outdoor spaces, including a garage roof deck! It is currently listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Dorger McCarthy Group for $829,000.
Create an outdoor oasis
Need some fresh air? Enjoy yourself while making the most of your outdoor space by planting a serene and tranquil garden. To get started, here are a few tips: choose an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day, plant a variety of flowers for a colorful display, and do your research before breaking ground . Also, plan ways to enjoy your outdoor oasis by incorporating outdoor furniture or a pond to create a comfortable place to hang out and enjoy the beautiful flowers.
A look inside (and outside) this Lincoln Park home will surprise you when you discover the unbelievable two-story garden and green house. It is currently listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage agent Chaz Walters for $1,079,000.
Coldwell Banker Award Winner Video – Anne DuBray
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Anne DuBray of Glenview has always wanted to be a Real Estate Agent and is now one of our top performers learn more in this short video from our 2012 Awards. Thank you Anne for being an amazing part of the Coldwell Banker Team!
Golf, Fun and Fundraising
By Linda Schubring, Racine Manager
Our Coldwell Banker office in Racine, WI is the proud sponsor of an annual golf tournament called the Coldwell Cup. This tradition began when the local school board, after crunching some numbers about 17 years ago, said that sports programming for our schools might have to be discontinued. The benefits of sports are limitless, they learn self esteem, teamwork, social skills and so much more.
So, after that shocking announcement, we created this golf tournament to help the schools continue with sports programming. The proceeds raised at the golf tournament go to the sports programs of our six local high schools. Every year we remain committed and involved with our community and are pleased to announce that 2013 will be our 16th year for the tournament. It will take place on May 18, 2013 at Ives Grove Golf Course. This is a 27 hole, 2 partner tournament and we are gratified to have continuing support from the golfing community, amateur and professional. Registrations are open until May 14 this year or until all spots are filled. Because of our dedicated Realtors and staff, to date we have raised over $45,000 for our local schools! Thank you to all who have helped us reach this remarkable achievement.
8 Reasons to be Optimistic About Housing
Aside
- Dick Greenwood, Director, Builder Marketing
“It’s just arithmetic” as Mark Zandi, Moody’s chief economist likes to say:
- At about 3.5%, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage is at its lowest point in two generations.
- Tight inventory and multi-bidding have led to shorter days on the market. In many markets, including Chicago, a home fairly priced sells within a week with multiple offers.
- Illinois home sales increased in the 1st quarter of 2013 over previous year levels and prices have also increased as much as 9% in many Chicago markets.
- The dollar volume of mortgage lending, while still depressed compared to historical averages is increasing steadily. Banks are again making mortgages.
- According to Tracy Cross Research, new home sales for Chicagoland were up 18.2% in 2012 over 2011.
- CoStar Group which provides real estate information, reports that land sales began rising in the last quarter of 2012 for the first time in seven years.
- 2013 will be the fourth year in a row that the economy will add some jobs. Although it may take years to get back to full employment, this is movement in a positive direction. Job growth drives housing demand and starts.
- Housing values, after spiking at unrealistic levels between 2004 and 2008, are back to normal values. Economists say housing now is fairly valued, not over or under valued.
Coldwell Banker Award Winner Video – Debora McKay
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Debora McKay of St. Charles shares her expertise on how to become a successful agent in this short video from our 2012 Awards. Thank you Debora for being an amazing part of the Coldwell Banker Team!






