From its beginning in 1906 to its prominent position in today's global real estate landscape, the story of Coldwell Banker is one of ingenuity, vision and innovation.
1906
A meeting with history
The history of Coldwell Banker is closely linked to the vicissitudes of the history itself. In 1906 an earthquake and a large fire destroyed 80% of San Francisco, the 6th largest city in the United States of America. Frauds posing as estate agents took advantage of the victims’ vulnerability.
Two men, Colbert Coldwell (aged 23) and Arthur Benjamin Banker (aged 28) wanted to contribute to the reconstruction of the city, and, above all, restore the ethics, integrity and commitment of the real estate agent profession. They laid the foundations of a business that was going to play a crucial role in the restoration of the city and the reconstruction of its neighborhoods.
1920
The Californian dream
Under the leadership of Benjamin Arthur Banker, Coldwell Banker opened multiple real estate agencies in Los Angeles, a city already known for its wealth and luxury, with movie tycoons, successful business men and celebrities, settling in its luxurious properties. The company established itself on the west coast of the United States as a benchmark in the luxury real estate market thanks to its commitment towards excellent customer service and unrivaled expertise. Over the years, Coldwell Banker expanded its reach across the United States, rising through the ranks to become one of the country’s leading real estate companies.
1933
A Silver Screen, A Golden Opportunity
In 1933, at a time when cinema was captivating audiences with its flamboyant epics and spellbinding romances, Coldwell Banker, always at the forefront of innovation, found an unprecedented way of finding its way into movie theaters to reach captive audiences. By harnessing the fascinating power of cinema, Coldwell Banker was reaching a larger audience than ever before, from a movie theater on Madison Avenue in Manhattan, generating interest in its luxury real estate properties and reinforcing its position as a leader in the real estate industry. This daring invasion into the world of cinema illustrates the ingenuity and the vision of Coldwell Banker, which has always known how to innovate in order to connect with the most exclusive clients in new and memorable ways.
1950
The Era of Expansion and the Avant-garde
The 1950s saw Coldwell Banker flourish across America, capitalizing on the post-war boom and economic growth. It was a decade of transformation and innovation for the business. In 1952, the business opened in Phoenix (Arizona), its first real estate agency outside of California. In the 1970s the business expanded by acquiring businesses in Atlanta, Chicago and Washington. In 1955, the business opened its internal training programme, giving rise to its culture of excellence and professionalism that would become its trademark. That same year Coldwell Banker became the first real estate business to offer buyer warranties, setting a standard of trust and transparency in the industry.
Then in 1959, always at the forefront of technological innovation, Coldwell Banker launched its first technological property management system, paving the way for greater efficiency and smoother real estate transactions.
1960
From residential real estate to commercial real estate
In 1965, Coldwell Banker broadened its activities by moving into commercial property management, offering its customers a wide range of services and strengthening its position as a provider of integrated property services. Then in 1967 the business intensified its engagement towards the communities it served by launching corporate social responsibility initiatives, supporting local and national charities and strengthening its links with the communities in which it operated.
1970-1990
The American dream
The 1970s ushered in a new era for Coldwell Banker, as it expanded its horizons towards property management and commercial real estate consulting. The company continued its development, acquiring businesses in Atlanta, Chicago and Washington. In 1981 the business merged with Sears, Roebuck & Co., an alliance which catalyzed its national expansion. Coldwell Banker became a well-known name across the country.
1998
A meeting with the world
1998 was a very special year in the history of Coldwell Banker, as it marked the dawn of its global expansion with the opening of its first international office in Toronto, Canada. A date which marks the start of a global expansion that would shape its destiny. At the same time, and in line with its philosophy of constant innovation at the service of clients, Coldwell Banker was the first luxury real estate business to launch its own website. As the company prepared to enter the new millennium, it was solidly positioned to continue its growth and influence in the real estate sector with confidence and determination.
2000
An century of innovation in the service of the exceptional
In 2002, Coldwell Banker wrote a new chapter in the history of luxury real estate, becoming the first brand to introduce a comprehensive concierge programme. This innovative service offered affiliated brokers with centralized access to a diverse range of real estate-related services, redefining the standard of service in the industry. In 2006 Coldwell Banker celebrated its 100th anniversary. To mark the occasion the mayor of San Francisco declared a week dedicated to Coldwell Banker, the President George Bush expressed his congratulations and Jim Gillespie, then chairman of Coldwell Banker, rang the final bell on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2007 at the forefront of innovation, Coldwell Banker became the first in the sector to fully embrace mobile telephony offering to clients an unrivaled accessibility and a large efficiency in their research for luxury real estate properties.
2011
France and Monaco, lands of luxury
With its strategic deployment in France and Monaco via the creation of Coldwell Banker Europa Realty, Coldwell Banker reaffirmed its status as a global network of luxury real estate. The business expanded its network of high-end agencies to respond to the increasing demand of buyers and sellers of prestige properties. By joining forces with Laurent Demeure, Coldwell Banker is spreading its wings across France, the cradle of luxury, and enriching its portfolio of exceptional properties ranging from sublime châteaux and exquisite beachfront villas, to luxurious apartments and private mansions in the heart of Paris.
2015
Deployment in France
Since 2020
The European Leader in luxury real estate
Today, Coldwell Banker continues to dominate in the luxury real estate sector combining the heritage and more than a century of expertise with a forward-thinking approach. With a presence in 42 countries, 3 000 agencies and more than 100 000 consultants, Coldwell Banker completes 800 000 transactions worldwide each year. From Paris to Cannes, via Monaco, New York, Miami, Beverly Hills and Aspen, Coldwell Banker’s international teams carry out more than 50 000 luxury property transactions every year.
In France, Monaco, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the 50 agencies and 450 consultants of Coldwell Banker Europa Realty are at your disposal to accompany you in your property project in French-speaking Europe and around the world.
