Engel & Völkers Belize

As the season shifts toward sun-drenched days and inspired escapes, the latest edition of Private Residences by Engel & Völkers offers a window into the homes—and ideas—shaping luxury living today. This issue highlights standout properties across North America, from coastal hideaways to golf-view estates, each reflecting a distinct vision of modern elegance. Beyond the listings, we explore what truly adds value in today’s lifestyle-driven markets. PGA professional Jason Becker breaks down the real estate fundamentals behind top-performing golf communities. Designer Jennifer Adams shares why wellness-centered living is becoming the new standard in luxury homes. And our collaboration with ONEHOPE celebrates the season with wines selected to elevate every summer gathering—with the added bonus of giving back. Spotlight Properties: Homes That Define the Season Naples, Florida This Gulf-access home blends timeless design with laid-back coastal elegance. With seamless indoor-outdoor living and direct access to Hurricane Harbor, it’s ideal for boating and entertaining. View the listing › Montréal, Québec In the heart of Outremont, this elegant residence pairs original architectural charm with modern updates—steps from parks, boutiques, and cafés. View the listing › St. Augustine, Florida A rare beachfront retreat with sweeping ocean views and private access to the Atlantic—just minutes from downtown St. Augustine. View the listing › Fort Lauderdale, Florida This sleek, modern home is located just blocks from the beach and Las Olas Boulevard, offering walkable luxury with clean design. View the listing › Bend, Oregon A sophisticated home with views of the Cascades, golf access, and warm modern interiors built for elevated mountain living. View the listing › Arcadia, Oklahoma Just outside Oklahoma City, this mountain-inspired estate offers resort-style amenities, a garden room, spa bath, wine cellar, and jaw-dropping design. Listing link coming soon. From the Pages: Insights That Inspire This issue of Private Residences also brings forward fresh thinking and expert perspectives across real estate, design, and lifestyle. What Really Drives Value in Golf Communities? In Club Amenities vs. Real Estate Market Values, PGA professional Jason Becker explores the key factors shaping long-term value in golf communities. One insight stands out: lifestyle is the new ROI—and flexible, amenity-rich communities often perform best. Designing for Wellness In The New Standard of Luxury: Wellness-Centered Living at Home, designer Jennifer Adams explores how clean materials, spa-inspired spaces, and nature-based interiors are becoming essentials in modern luxury homes. Wellness is no longer a trend—it’s a lifestyle standard. Summer Moments, Elevated In collaboration with ONEHOPE, Sip with Intention curates wines to complement summer’s most memorable moments—from sparkling brunches to fireside evenings. Even better? Each purchase gives back, supporting causes like the Special Olympics through our ongoing collaboration. Whether you're drawn to a coastal escape, an urban pied-à-terre, or a home near the green, Private Residences is your guide to discovering properties that elevate the way you live. Explore the latest issue—and imagine what your next chapter could look like.

As spring unfolds, many homeowners are preparing their properties for sale — refreshing landscaping, decluttering interiors, and preparing for showings. But there's one unexpectedly eco-conscious tradition gaining new attention: the spring yard sale — or, as it’s now being reimagined, the private collection sale. Long embraced as a practical and community-minded ritual, yard sales have evolved into curated, open-air experiences that feel more like boutique events than neighborhood clear-outs. Today’s private collection sales are a celebration of sustainability, local connection, and intentional living — aligning beautifully with Earth Day values and the growing desire to live more consciously. A Greener Approach to Letting Go Hosting a yard sale — or better yet, a thoughtfully curated private collection sale — isn’t just about clearing space. It’s about reducing waste and embracing sustainability. As people become more aware of the environmental impact of fast furniture and throwaway culture, there’s growing appreciation for extending the life of high-quality home goods. Whether it’s vintage décor, artisan pieces, or gently loved furnishings, passing them on helps minimize what ends up in landfills while offering your items a second story. A Smart Step Before Selling For those preparing to list their homes, a yard sale or private collection sale can also be a strategic move. Streamlining your home makes for cleaner staging, simpler moves, and less to pack. In today’s market, where presentation is everything, decluttering not only clears the mind — it can elevate a listing. Plus, proceeds from the sale can be donated or used to style your next space. The New Neighborhood Market Thanks to social platforms and community apps, yard sales are being reimagined as private collection sales — curated events that reflect personal style and a sense of intention. Sellers are staging items like pop-up boutiques, while buyers are drawn to the character and charm of acquiring pieces with a story. In a time of rising tariffs and supply chain shifts, these events offer a smart and sustainable alternative to buying new. They bring neighbors together and invite potential buyers to experience the lifestyle of a community — making them an unexpected asset for sellers and real estate agents alike. How to Host a Stylish, Sustainable Sale Want your yard sale to feel more like a private collection sale? A few thoughtful details can make all the difference: Curate with intention: Focus on quality over quantity. Group items by style or theme, and display them in ways that feel inviting — think baskets for textiles, shelving for décor, or a rug to anchor a furniture vignette. Use signage with flair: Hand-lettered signs or minimalist prints on recycled cardstock can draw attention while elevating your curb appeal. Promote like a pro: Post eye-catching previews on neighborhood apps, Instagram Stories, or Facebook Marketplace. Include photos, pricing ranges, and a few standout pieces to attract the right crowd. Ask your real estate agent to include it in their local email newsletter. Think beyond the sale: Provide reusable bags or offer a “pay what you wish” section at the end of the day — a great way to clear out remaining items and keep them out of landfills. Timely, Trendy, and Thoughtful With global shifts in supply chains and an increased awareness of our environmental footprint, more people are looking locally and sustainably for their next great find. A well-organized yard sale — presented as a private collection sale — meets that moment perfectly, combining seasonal renewal with a modern, elevated take on tradition. At Engel & Völkers, we celebrate refined living in all its forms. Whether you’re preparing to sell, embracing a lighter lifestyle, or simply ready to refresh your surroundings, a spring yard sale — thoughtfully styled as a private collection sale — offers a stylish, sustainable step forward.

When preparing a home for sale, many homeowners make the classic mistake of investing their entire renovation budget indoors — overlooking the powerful role that curb appeal plays in a homebuyer’s decision-making process. In today’s competitive real estate market, the first impression begins not at the doorstep, but on the listing page. A well-maintained exterior can captivate homebuyers before they even step foot inside. Enhancing curb appeal should be a top priority if you’re looking to maximize the return on your sale. 1. Landscape with Purpose A beautifully kept lawn or garden speaks volumes about how the home has been cared for — and it doesn't have to be high maintenance to be effective. Use container plants for color. Instead of installing large garden beds that may feel overwhelming to a homebuyer without a green thumb, choose strategically placed potted plants near the entryway. They create a welcoming atmosphere and can be easily maintained or replaced seasonally. Add fresh mulch to tidy up existing garden beds or cover bare patches where plantings have thinned. This instantly revives the look of your yard and adds a polished touch. Simplify, don’t overplant. A few healthy shrubs or small trees can go a long way. Avoid over-landscaping, which may give the impression of costly upkeep. 2. Illuminate the Path Curb appeal doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Many homebuyers will drive by homes in the evening after work, and a poorly lit exterior can diminish an otherwise stunning property. Install path lighting for elegance and safety. Solar or LED lights create a soft glow that guides guests to your front door. Highlight your home’s best features — a stone facade, tall trees, or architectural details — with solar spotlights that add drama and visibility. Balance is key. Avoid over-lighting, which can feel stark or industrial. Instead, aim for an inviting ambiance. 3. Reimagine the Front Entrance 4. Declutter the Front Yard Curb appeal isn’t just about adding — it’s also about editing. Remove any distractions that might take away from the home's beauty: Garden tools Children’s toys Unused planters or decorations Worn-out furniture A clean, open yard feels more spacious and allows buyers to imagine their own life unfolding there. 5. Refresh with Paint and Power A fresh coat of paint can transform your home's exterior and convey a well-maintained impression. If a full repaint isn’t in the budget, consider refreshing the trim, shutters, or garage door. Don’t underestimate the power of a pressure wash either — driveways, sidewalks, and siding can often be restored to like-new condition with a simple cleaning. A Final Word: Beyond the Walls Beyond the walls of your home lies a world of untapped potential. An exquisitely designed exterior not only expands your usable living space — it adds a sense of lifestyle, intention, and enduring beauty. Over time, maturing trees and thoughtfully curated plants contribute to a home’s lasting character and even its long-term value. Homes that transition effortlessly from stylish interiors to inviting outdoor areas often stand out to homebuyers. Whether it’s a welcoming front porch or a thoughtfully landscaped garden, the right outdoor space can elevate a property's appeal and become a true selling point. Insights from the National Association of REALTORS® confirm what many homeowners already suspect: thoughtful curb appeal improvements can have a meaningful impact on perceived home value. In fact, projects like basic lawn care, landscape upgrades, and exterior enhancements consistently rank among the most appealing and cost-effective investments when preparing a property for sale. Find a Real Estate Advisor At Engel & Völkers, we believe every home has a unique story — and every seller deserves a tailored approach. Whether you’re considering subtle upgrades or more ambitious landscaping enhancements, an Engel & Völkers real estate advisor can help you determine what will have the greatest impact on your home’s value. Ready to make a lasting first impression? Find an Engel & Völkers advisor near you to begin your personalized plan today.