The Coldwell Banker Real Estate brand currently has offices on six continents, in 47 countries and territories. There are more than 600 Coldwell Banker Real Estate offices outside of the United States. Yet the company began with just one man and his idealogy to serve the customer in a fair and honest manner. Coldwell Banker was founded in 1906 by a young real estate Sales Associate, Colbert Coldwell. The Great San Francisco earthquake had devastated his hometown and he was determined to help rebuild it .

Many realtors of the day were unethically buying property from the victims of the quake for pennies on the dollar and re-selling them for huge profits. Thereby, padding their own accounts, instead of looking out for the interests of the customer. Colbert Coldwell, had great disdain for this practice and left his firm to form a new real estate company with a mission.

Together with 2 other agents, he formed Tucker, Lynch and Coldwell. His new company would be based on a revolutionary philosophy: the client’s best interest above all. The company grew and in 1913 took on a new associate, Benjamin Arthur Banker, eventually becoming a full partner. By 1920, Bruce Cornwall joined as a partner, and the company was renamed Coldwell, Cornwall and Banker. They moved to a new 3 story building in San Francisco, CA.

the primary basis of their business up till this time was focused on Commercial real estate. By 1937, the company had 7 offices in northern and southern California and had entered the residential business that same year.

After a comfortable expansion and steady growth for the previous 34 years, The Company was preparing to look forward to expansions beyond California. In 1940, Bruce Cornwall resigned, and the company was renamed Coldwell, Banker & Co. 1950 would see the Coldwell Banker real estate company enter the national market with an opening in Phoenix, AZ, their first office outside of CA, with further expansions into Seattle in 1969. More offices would open up in the 1970s, as the Coldwell Banker real estate company expanded into the Washington, DC, Atlanta and Chicago markets.

Before their vast expansion across the USA, Arthur Banker would pass away in 1965 at 81 years old, and in 1967 Colbert Coldwell died at 84 years of age, working up to the time of his death.

The 1980s would see many changes in Coldwell Banker Real Estate, including the acquisition by the Sears Financial Network. The strength of Sears and their franchise knowledge would help Coldwell Banker Real Estate expand throughout the USA.

By 1990, Coldwell Banker had locations in all fifty states, and had begun international expansion with offices in Canada and Puerto Rico. By the end of the 20th century, the Coldwell Banker real estate company had achieved international recognition with their worldwide expansion and ultimately they were acquired by HFS, Inc, an international franchisor in the hotel and real estate business. This company would later spin off Coldwell Banker Real Estate under their Realogy division. This huge company combined is involved in one out of every four residential transactions in the USA.

Art Bartlett and Marsh Fisher founded Century 21 Real Estate Company in 1971 in Orange County, California. The pair took their company public in 1977, in an effort to expand and franchise across the USA. It was eventually purchased through a buyout orchestrated by The Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in 1984. Like a lot of other companies of the 1980s, Century 21 Real Estate was the mark of big financial companies looking to expand their product lines to customers.

Eventually, Century 21 Real Estate was acquired by the conglomerate HFS, a company that had varied interests in other franchised companies. Subsequently, HFS and Cendant merged and the real estate division, was spun off. The new parent company, Realogy, would also control Coldwell Banker and ERA, as well as Century 21 Real Estate. This put Realogy in 25% of every residential real estate transaction conducted in the United States.

Worldwide, Century 21 Real Estate has over eight thousand offices and more than 140,000 independent agents, in more than 40 countries. Practically every major city in the United States, and a large majority of smaller cities, has at least one Century 21 Real Estate branch office.

Each office is independently owned by the real estate agent, whom is licensed by their department of state to sell real estate. The job of the Century 21 Real Estate home office is to provide support services in the form of the MLS, as well as training materials and sales materials to help bring buyer and seller together.

The progressive systems and technology Century 21 Real Estate utilizes in an effort to pair buyers and sellers through their web sites and internet presence Makes it easier for anyone, anywhere in the world to find property and deal with a local agent. This process has greatly improved the worldwide real estate market over the way business was conducted 4 decades ago.

Even though each office is independently owned and operated, the corporate office of Century 21 Real Estate has the right to cease an independent offices franchise if they violate the company charter (franchise agreement) or the local laws. This measure adds security to protecting consumers against unscrupulous agents and further gives customers the backing of a large corporation like Century 21 Real Estate in the case of a dispute regarding a real estate transaction.

The corporate offices are located in Parsippany, NJ in the United States. A recent press release shows the company has added more than 1500 new professional agents as well as 11 new branch offices. Although many would argue the home buying market is in a slump, the recent activity at many of these realtors would suggest otherwise. Further expansion into the Albanian and Hispanic markets also shows their forward-looking progress in the global markets.

Thousands of people come to California’s Central Coast every year for vacation, sightseeing and exploring the West Coast’s most captivating and appealing areas. This has helped to spur a rise in the central coast California real estate market as people find the fabulous region a place they want to call home.

The variety of the central coast California real estate market extends from Moneterey Beach to Point conception. This area entails several counties in California, of which the most attractive is San Luis Obispo County, Even though the majority of the central coast California real estate market offer historic monuments, elegant neighborhoods and numerous activities, the San Luis Obispo area welcomes visitors with open arms to share their community with them.

The beautiful old style homes, charming missions and plentiful vineyards bring many tourists, however, the real draw are the gorgeous beaches that compel people to come to buy central coast California real estate. With the metropolitan areas of Los Angeles and San Francisco just a short drive, you can enhoy the easy life without being too far away from the benefits of the big cities.

The only difficulty is choosing which central coast California real estate property you want to buy. San Luis Obispo County was voted the 3rd best place to live in the USA and Canada, citing the natural beauty, perfect climate, and endless attractions and activities. Attractions such as the unique artisan shops, historical museums, wine tasting in over 100 wineries and some of the most outstanding golf courses in the nation.

A drive down Highway 101 will take you through much of the towns and villages that make up the central coast real estate market. As you journey through, visit the many opportunities in each community. Festivals, farmers markets, amusements, antique shops, art galleries, wildlife, and many more various points of interest that await you.

The current central coast California real estate market is a buyers market with the recent slowdown in the housing industry. This ideal time to buy is a result of price drops in the market, and makes it a financially wise time to purchase. The vast amount of small business enterprises that fill each village keeps this a thriving economy, with the nonstop influx of tourists and visitors year round.

The central coast California real estate market is also a great investment for those that are business minded. Many large homes have been converted into a bed and breakfast or an inn to accommodate the seemingly never-ending flow of travelers looking for a place to stay during their vacation. Another boom to the local economy is the myriad number of specialty restaurants, catering to the tastes of practically every palate on earth.

Come explore this one of a kind area and see if the central coast California real estate opportunities are for you.

Between the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean in Central America, lies the Republic of Costa Rica (Spanish for Rich Coast). This progressive nation has attracted the attention of people looking for Costa Rica real estate for retirement and investment, because of its beauty, recreational and economic opportunities. It also is home to the largest percentage of national parks and protected lands. In addition, Costa Rica offers a very high quality of life with its reasonable living expenses and well-built infrastructure.

Buying Costa Rica real estate will not cost much more than if you were buying the same type of property in the USA. The market in Costa Rica for empty lots to build on, or existing homes is fairly close to comparable United States properties. Whether your choice for Costa Rica real estate is a beachfront property, a luxury inland home, or a condominium, the price you pay in Costa Rica is about the same you would pay in the States.

Purchasing Costa Rica real estate may seem confusing for a foreigner. However, you should note that many people from the USA and Canada have made Costa Rica their permanent home simply because of the ease in purchasing Costa Rica real estate and the less expensive cost of living.

The average Costa Rican native earns about 0 per month, of which that income allows a native to live reasonably and meet their creature comforts. In contrast, for the same lifestyle in the USA, one needs to earn substantially more. Lower costs make it possible to live well in Costa Rica on the same salary one struggles with in the US. An income of 00 in Costa Rica will allow a person to live well above the average and afford luxuries not available to them in the USA. For this reason, Many American retirees have bought Costa Rica real estate to live their golden years, with ‘real gold’.

For recreation, the area offers a multitude of opportunities depending on which of the seven regions of Costa Rica real estate you decide to buy. More than a dozen National Parks are spread throughout the country offering hiking in the rainforest, horseback riding and mountain biking in the country side. Additionally, there are numerous water sports such as fishing the crystal blue waters, exploring the coral reefs, surfing and whitewater rafting the wild tropical rivers. In addition, land based activities such as sightseeing, camping or visiting neighboring countries, Nicaragua and Panama.

If you get homesick and want to take a visit back home or bring friends to your new estate, Costa Rica has 2 International Airports with connections all over the world. Additional transportation in the country is by Taxi, usually a few dollars anywhere and by Bus. Although some people who have bought their Costa Rica real estate and moved here, have brought their car along with them

The Benson real estate market at the heart of the beautiful state of Arizona in old Indian territory, offers the best of both worlds; established neighborhoods, shopping malls and a modern hospital. In addition, nearby you will find a great deal of history, amusements, culture and breathtaking scenery only found in the painted deserts of Arizona. All of these great benefits in an economically priced market.

Prime Benson real estate is located in the scenic San Pedro Valley near the San Pedro River. Even though the area is rich with mountain ranges, the majority of the Benson real estate market is level land perfect for ranch homes.

Even though a majoriy of the Benson real estate is in unincorporated villages or areas, the close proximity to major shopping and city life makes it a good investment since the prices are lower. There is also plenty of available Benson real estate in the city limits, if you prefer more populated areas. For both city dwellers and suburbanites, Benson offers many activities and annual festivals.

Some Benson real estate is close to many historical sites, such as Tombstone, Arizona the famous town from western folklore. Another historical site is the Cochise Stronghold, once the refuge of the great Apache Chief, Cochise, and his people, located in the Coronado National Forest.

Pride, heritage, and culture are three words you will become familiar with once you invest in Benson real estate. Explore the rich Native American culture in the center of Indian Territory where the Benson area is proud of their heritage.

Buying Benson real estate does not mean you will be giving up the amenities offered by the big city, as Tucson is just 30 miles West. Benson is also within an hours drive of a hot spot for vacationing, the beaches of Rocky Point, Mexico.

If you buy Benson real estate you will always find things to do, especially at the astounding Kartchner Caverns. Discovered in 1974 by two young explorers, these caverns offer a splendid opportunity to examine nature underground. Water percolates from the surface and form calcite stalactites (the worlds longest at 21 feet 2 inches) and and don’t miss the amazing calcite formations of stalagmites, bell canopies and the amazing 58′ column Kubla Khan.

If you decide to buy Benson real estate, the big city is not far away as you enjoy the solace of a small town in a culturally diverse and beautifully scenic area, rich in history, comfortable in climate and economic in price.