Sparkling Testimonials
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Daniel Stea Tracy Palma Dan Suich Wally Charles Sharlyn Prakash Blankenship Menelva Boyd |
Anna Bellomo Dianne Arancibia Ed Hartnett George Marquez Yon Soon Yoon Jenna Ford |
Living in Rockridge we had frequently passed PBG's offices and based on its singular and refined appearance had the impression that it was a boutique/specialized real-estate brokerage that focused on unique and/or high-end properties. After speaking with Daniel Stea, we happily learned that what was unique was his approach to how he would market and sell our home. Unlike agents from a number of the well-known and large brokerages in the East Bay, Daniel did not propose to use the same formula for marketing and selling our house as for every other property he handled. Of particular comfort to us, in the present real-estate market, was Daniel's commitment to be personally invested in our house. He laid out plans for how we would proceed two, four and six weeks into the market. No other realtors we spoke with gave us thoughts beyond the initial open houses and postcards.
Daniel's knowledge, experience and commitment allowed us to go from signing with him to closing in eight weeks with multiple offers and a final sale that was substantially over asking in the worst market in more than a decade. Not once in the entire selling process, from inspections to marketing to taking bids to countering offers, did Daniel's advice cause us to question his judgment or whether he placed expedience and his interests above ours. Most other realtors told us that it was not possible to have our house on the market in the time frame we had in mind, Daniel made it happen. He personally oversaw renovations while we were on vacation. He assembled an exhaustive disclosure package that prompted the buyers to waive contingencies and sped up the sale. Daniel's personal involvement in all interactions and communications with potential buyers, and his strong rapport with other realtors, meant that when evaluating multiple offers we knew the bidders and were able to craft a successful counter-offer based on his reading of the specific market for our house.
Most of all, working with Daniel to sell our house was fun! In Daniel we felt that we had a partner in the process; he listened to us and took our advice while at the same time personally managing every detail of the marketing and sale of our house. Daniel truly earned both our trust and his commission.
— Joel and Shobhan, Rockridge
We felt that Daniel accomplished the best possible results for us. Thanks his expertise in the field and hard work, we were able to sell our house with multiple offers over asking price, while other properties were sitting on the market and not selling. Daniel's unique approach and property-specific plan he developed for us distinguished him from other realtors we interviewed. During the entire process, he was there for us every step of the way, advising and guiding us, always putting our best interest first. His strong work ethics and commitment to us produced the results we could only dream of. We are convinced that no other realtor could produce the results Daniel obtained for us. We will never sell or buy another house without him!
—Daniel's happiest clients, Linda & Vlad
Daniel is professional, committed, patient, and highly competent in representing his clients' interests. We found our first home in the Bay Area after one year of searching. Throughout the entire process, Daniel accompanied us to many properties and patiently explained to us the procedural and legal nuances of home-buying. Thanks to him, we managed to negotiate a very good price for our home, despite much competition from other buyers. Even after we bought our home, Daniel was there to support us in any way he could.
It has been a pleasure working with Daniel. We would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who requires his services, and would be delighted to answer any specific questions regarding his performance.
— David C. & Carmen N.
Daniel helped me navigate through a tricky real estate sale (a 2-unit condominiumized high-end property) in a soft market. He did a great job of working with the tenants and keeping them calm amidst the barrage of “lookers” at all hours of the day and night. He was also tireless and upbeat in dealing with over two months of Sunday open houses and, finally, with demanding buyers and late light deadlines. Although the final prices of the two properties were not quite what we had hoped for, I feel good about having closed relatively quickly at prices that were acceptable to me in a dicey market. I would not hesitate to recommend Daniel to friends and would be happy to be a reference if that is helpful. I thank Daniel for his hard work and focus for almost four months. I count him as a good friend now.
—Nancy H.
The job that Daniel did for me in selling my home in a poor seller's market was wonderful. The presentations of the house physically, on the internet, in publications and at realtor meetings resulted in a fast sale of my home and at above the asking price. Beyond that, your personal concern and help will always be appreciated.
— Darrell F.
When we first spoke with Daniel we were so impressed! We said we wanted excellent financial and legal skills and lots of enthusiasm. We certainly got what we wanted and more! We especially appreciate the step by step counseling Daniel did with patience and care. We are grateful to have sold so quickly even in a tough market. Many, many thanks!
— David & Joyce C., Berkeley
It has been a pleasure having Daniel as our realtor . . . we are so pleased with how smooth and painless our whole transaction has been . . . Daniel's individualized attention, charming personality and genuine concern for our needs were a luxury we didn't initially anticipate but which we greatly appreciated!! Thank you PBG. We are so happy in our new home!!
— Laura & Carolyn H., Oakland
Daniel's caring and willingness to go the extra mile was only matched by your clarity and toughness in negotiating a very good price — far below market. The care and concern you took in really exploring what we wanted and helping us understand our needs better was truly remarkable. I much appreciated your keeping us from rushing in or simply settling for a house until we were both totally satisfied. . . . I also consider that I've made a new friend. I expect to be working with you whenever I have a real estate transaction, and I will certainly be recommending you to all my friends and acquaintances looking to buy or sell a home. I've already referred you to a friend who was selling his home. He and his wife reported the same level of satisfaction in working with you that I feel.
— Bret & Sheila L., Oakland
I give my highest praise to the PBG Team for their work. My wife and I both felt as if we were their only focus. Tracy and Daniel demonstrated the highest ethics and met every commitment. We had worked with other agents and had often felt that we were being pushed into a sale to meet the agent's agenda. The opposite was true here. Thank you Tracy and Daniel!
— Bob & Nancy M., Berkeley
Having recently completed a sale in Berkeley, I have nothing but raves for Tracy. We were out of state sellers, with many details (painting, cleaning, staging, multiple signatures) that needed to be coordinated, in addition to marketing and showing our property. We sold in about 3 weeks after listing!
I would highly recommend, Tracy, Daniel and PBG to anyone interested in personal and prompt service.
— Eric D., Berkeley
Having a responsive agent is key to finding your ideal home quickly. Tracy is that person.
For about four months, Tracy hunted near and far with us every week and weekend. I lost track of the number of properties we saw and the number of bids we submitted. Through it all, Tracy was patient and accommodating. Her on-the-spot analysis and information helped to demystifying the process as well as alleviating stress from all the uncertainties that come with.
If you are looking to buy/sell, call Tracy. You will be glad you did.
— Thomas T., Castro Valley
Working with Tracy for the past 5 months has been a blessing. Having just moved from the East Coast, 64 years old and ambivalent about whether to rent or buy, Tracy held my hand and with incredible patience, caring and expertise, walked me through the complex process of house hunting. From our initial meeting, Tracy was there for me, no matter what time of day, no matter how small the question! Always smiling and upbeat, she worked endlessly to find out exactly what type of home I wanted/needed; where I should look; and how to set priorities. But not only was Tracy an educator; equally as important, she boosted my spirits when bids were not accepted or none of the inventory was exactly what I was looking for.
Once Tracy found and I fell in love with a home, she advised me how to bid appropriately.When my bid was accepted, she walked me through the myriad of details such as mortgage, escrow, inspections etc. Now, as I am preparing to move in, Tracy is still available and generous with finding names of reputable plumbers, electricians, contractors etc. At least 4 or 5 times a week, she sends me a cheery email: "How are you doing? Is there anything I can do for you?" What more could I ask for?
— Mary J., Oakland
As a first-time home buyer, I feel so lucky to have had Tracy Palma as my real estate agent. She is friendly and knowledgeable; I instantly knew I was in good hands. Tracy really demystified the process, explaining and answering questions all along the way. She is a powerhouse and a real go-getter, constantly working hard and promptly responding to correspondence. Tracy meticulously and diligently searched to help find my dream home. I highly recommend Tracy. It was truly a pleasure to work with her.
— Kasey C., Oakland
We very much enjoyed working with Tracy Palma in purchasing our first home. As first-time home buyers, we had a lot of questions and concerns about the process. She listened closely to our needs/desires and helped us define a wish list. She explained the purchase process carefully and answered our numerous questions. Her research was thorough and her experience with various areas throughout the East Bay was invaluable in helping us hone in on the right neighborhood. Tracy was exceptionally efficient at scheduling viewings of available homes and at providing helpful insight into the pros and cons of each property. Once we entered into contract on a property, she worked thoroughly and diligently with the sellers and inspectors to get all our questions answered to our satisfaction. She was available, responsive, knowledgeable, personable, and professional throughout the whole process. In short, we would (and plan to) recommend Tracy to any of our friends and colleagues. We feel very fortunate to have her as our representative and we are very happy with our first home.
— John M. & Candace C., San Leandro
Tracy Palma has helped us close on two properties within the last two years. Although the Bay Area has its choices of real estate agents, we believe we've indeed found the best and would ask her again to help us with our next residential purchase in the near future. She is the epitome of professionalism, expertise, sincerity, honesty, personality, and tact that you would want any agent to have and to uphold. In our two years working with her, there has never been a day when we questioned if we should be giving our business to her. She has worked hard to earn our respect and our friendship, and we are delighted to share our honest experience of working with Tracy with you. In our journey together, she was among our closest and truest. During our two year journey, Tracy has landed us with an investment property in SOMA (SF) and a dream home in Russian Hill (SF). I was still in disbelief of the fortune Tracy won with us. Once the realization settled, I did my version of the victory dance in front of the windows facing the glistening Bay. All the neighbors saw, but I didn't care… I wouldn't have been here if not for Tracy — her honesty, expertise, openness, counsel, advise, integrity, authenticity, hard-working ethic, winner's attitude, and absolutely yes — her friendship.
— Amy T. and Michael Y., San Francisco
There is no one better to help you find your home than Tracy. I was a first time home-buyer and was completely lost when it came to the process of going out and finding that perfect home. Tracy was so patient with me and kept my mind at ease whenever I started to become discouraged. She worked endlessly to make sure that I was comfortable and happy with each step of the process and was always available to answer my questions. She always made me feel like I was the only person that mattered to her. Tracy consistently went above and beyond any expectations I had for an agent, from meeting at odd hours, checking out places for me in advance, late night phone calls, all while having a smile on her face. This process could have been a lot more stressful had I not had her by my side watching out for me. Thanks Tracy!
—Linda K., Hayward
Tracy, We first began our journey together about two years ago while I was living in the American embassy in Russia. I had finally come to the decision that I could very well put myself through college and buy a house. I scoured the internet for Bay Area agents, but your smile caught my eye and I sent you an email of my plan. I was truly grateful that you took the time to comment on my goals even though they were a good distance away. Keeping in touch with you kept me in the right mindset to get where I am today.
I finally left the service and drove across the country in very cliché style with everything I owned in my pickup truck in search of my dreams. It took me a few months to get settled and once I was, true to your word, you were still there for me. We picked up like no time had passed and began searching. It was hard for me not to be a Property Virgin and fall in love with everything I saw, but I did truly adore a house we saw the first day. To be sure, the search continued and there were a few keepers, but I still dreamt of that house with the cute porch and loft style. Once we felt good about it, I put in an offer and soon realized the easiest part of this journey was over! Six months of counter offers, mixed up paper work and countless trips to the fax machine and the pen was in my hand. After two years of focus, worry and dedication I finally moved in, quite serendipitously on Memorial Day, and I could truly be free.
I am ever so lucky to have found someone as disciplined and steadfast to walk side by side with me, to keep me on track and give it to me straight when things got confusing. I owe a well of gratitude to you and your company for getting me where I am today. I look forward to keeping in touch and have no doubt you’ll make many more hopeful homeowners as content in their piece of the American Dream as I am.
— Alexander D., Antioch
I was very nervous about buying my first home, but Tracy made the whole process so easy for me. She quickly came to know my likes and dislikes and worked tirelessly to find the right place for me. What I most appreciated about Tracy was that she was always there, with advice and encouragement, and with a genuine enthusiasm for house-hunting that kept us both going!
— Pravesh P., Oakland
Tracy went above and beyond in helping us find the perfect house. We received VIP treatment through the entire home buying process. She is very passionate about what she does and her exceptional services reflect this.
— Brian U. & Revelina M., San Leandro
I really enjoyed working with Tracy. She has a positive outlook, happily performed whatever is asked or needed and worked thoroughly to provide listings that match my ideal home. She worked diligently throughout the buying process and made sure I had all the necessary information and key details.
— Bobby I., Oakland
It was a pleasure working with Tracy. I thought buying a first home would be stressful and confusing, but Tracy made the whole process smooth. Tracy was always available to answer my many questions, and I was always treated like a first class customer.
— Doug D., Fremont
We are glad to recommend Tracy to anyone who needs a home in the Oakland- Berkeley area. We found her to be knowledgeable and very friendly and helpful. It was a pleasure working with her.
— Richard & Patricia E., Oakland
When I first met Tracy at an open house in my neighborhood, I immediately had a good feeling about her. So much so that I sought her out to be my realtor when I began my search for a house in the Montclair area.
My needs were very specific I had a limited budget, I needed to be close to my daughters school and I wanted a house with charm and bay views. It was a tall order, especially in the much sought-after area that I was focused on, butTracy came through for me. We spent almost a year looking for the perfect house, and during this time Tracy never grew frustrated with me or tired in continuing to look for a home that would fit my needs. She was always cheerful and patient, and I felt like she regarded my situation as an exciting challenge rather than a frustrating impossibility.
Finally we found a house that was everything I'd been searching for. Tracy guided me through the process of getting inspections and signing the seemingly endless number of documents, and she was always available whenever I had a question or a concern. Throughout the entire process from when I made the initial contact with her to after I closed on the house I felt like Tracy was watching out for my best interests as she would for one of her close friends. I respect and trust her completely and would not hesitate to recommend her as a fantastic realtor.
— Joel S., Oakland
Tracy was a tremendous help in finding and closing my new home. Her patience and experience were invaluable in this tumultuous real estate market. I couldn't have done it without her.
— P. P., Emeryville
Dear Tracy, I just wanted to take a moment and express my thanks to you and PBG Real Estate for your great work in getting my condo sold. While the Real Estate market was in a downward free fall, you maintained your professionalism and optimism. This provided a level of comfort unsurpassed in my experiences as an agent, while buying, selling, and leasing Real Estate property.
The property was well marketed with clear and accurate details. The property showings were well staged and consistent. You always had my best interest while we listed the property. The selling offer you brought me was clean and fair. I am so glad we were able to close quickly. Thanks for your great work.
— Charles D., Berkeley
Dan Suich was the best real estate agent in the world for me and helped me find my dream home. It was about a 15-month journey and like Virgil guiding Dante through the Inferno, Dan guided me through the trials and tribulations of the real estate market to my Paradise of a home! Dan has to be one of the best agents/guides out there for every step of the way
In the beginning I was on a steep learning curve as this is my first home purchase. Dan taught me how to identify the regions to look in, about things to look for structurally in houses, and how to detect serious potential problems in the structures and on the property. By the time I found my home I was educated and informed enough to know this was it. It was the first property I made a offer on. I got the bid and the closing went completely easily and smoothly thanks to Dan.
Dan made getting through the enormous amount of paperwork not only easy but enjoyable and educational. The people he recommended for me to work with including Paul Laterza for my mortgage broker and Holly Potenziani for my Escrow Officer were excellent. Every professional Dan has recommended (handy men, contractors, locksmiths, etc) have been knowledgable, expert, and especially good with customer service.
I am a professional musician so did not have a million-dollar budget. Dan regularly deals with very upscale properties and treated me just like a multi-million-dollar client. He returned every call or email promptly, took time to get to know me, and had the perfect instinct for knowing where to let me think about things and where to jump in with advice. I always felt totally supported and understood through the entire process. As well as being a super real estate agent Dan is a very intelligent, informed, great guy with a wonderful sense of humor.
— Cheryl F., Oakland
My wife and I were very lucky to find Dan Suich, a rare combination of smarts, patience, and perhaps most importantly, humor. Buying a house in the bay area can be tricky and Dan amiably helped us every step of the way. We began our search looking for one kind of property, but when circumstances forced us to put our search on hold, Dan was extremely sympathetic and extended himself above and beyond the call of duty.
When we resumed our search a year later, Dan was happy to begin the process again — even though we had revised what we were looking for. We were a little worried that he wouldn't take us seriously, but he was happy to start anew and help us find what we were looking for. He put us in touch with wonderful people — everyone from our mortgage broker (Paul Laterza is a gem!), to the inspectors.
Dan was always prompt in responding to our emails and he was very good at listening to what we wanted and how we felt about the houses we looked at. Prior to meeting Dan, we encountered realtors with whom it was difficult to connect and who came across as very insincere. We never felt like Dan was telling us what we wanted to hear; he is honest, reliable, hard-working, and fun to be around. He was instrumental in helping us purchase our first house and we can't imagine having anyone else be a part of the process!
— Hannah and Jason, Berkeley
It was refreshing to have finally work with someone as professional, honest, no pressure sales, and friendly as Dan. He understood our needs and really worked effortlessly in ensuring that we were comfortable and understood the home buying process. He walked us through the paperwork process as well and answered all of our questions and requests. Dan helped made our purchase simple, quick, and painless. Dan is a great agent and I would highly recommend him. It's been wonderful, thanks so much Dan for all of your hard work. We're very happy in our new home!
— Yienie and Livian, Oakland
I feel like we really lucked out when we met Dan. Aside from being the smartest agent you're likely to meet, he's also the hardest working and possibly the nicest. Dan is just a great guy. If you're going through the process of buying a house, you want someone exactly like Dan. If you're serious about your search, it's going to take some time to find the right property and you want someone like Dan helping you out through every step of the process.
Before we met Dan, we'd been looking for a home for a long time without much luck. He helped us focus on what we really wanted and hone in on our first home purchase. We looked at many properties in the East Bay. Dan was always on time and offered helpful insights into the house, the neighborhoods, the surrounding neighborhoods, etc. Whatever we needed to know Dan had the answer or could get it quickly.
Once we found what was going to be our new home, Dan helped us negotiate the price, understand the incredibly complicated paperwork process, walked us through reams of document signings with the builder, the title company and finally the various property disclosures, all with patience and great sense of humor.
I cannot recommend Dan highly enough. When it comes time to sell our place and find our next home, Dan is going to be the first person I call.
— Andrew H., Richmond
We can't say enough good things about Dan. He is extremely knowledgeable, thorough, clear, good with the details, and has great resources in the area. We were new the area, and it was great to have an agent who really knows the market all around Berkeley. He was extremely patient with our shifting needs and sensitive to what we wanted. He ultimately navigated us through a really difficult sale with some challenging sellers. And he's a a lovely guy—not a pushy sales guy at all. We highly recommend him.
— Frank and Kim, Berkeley
I bought my first property with Dan. I had no experience and he took the time to explain everything to me. I then bought a second one with Dan as well. These are properties for investment and he was really helpful in finding them and getting the deal done in a timely manner. Dan is very responsive and always available. Once I bought my condos, he helped me to advertise them, and in less than a week my two condos were filled with tenants, thanks to Dan. For sure I will use Dan's service again for my next property.
— Gilles A., Oakland
Dan was instrumental in helping me find an investment property. His market research was excellent and the entire process was enjoyable. His expertise in negotiating was critical in acquiring the property I wanted. I would recommend Dan to any buyer of a residential property.
After remodeling this property, I again called upon Dan to list the property for sale. He produced professional marketing materials and helped with the pricing of the property based on solid comparable properties. The property sold for full price within two weeks of the listing. Dan facilitated all aspects of the sale. He can be counted on to represent anyone in the sale of their property.
I was very pleased with Dan's real estate skills—as well as with the quality of the documentation he produced. He provided excellent service and I cannot be more pleased with the results of his outstanding efforts. He was always easy to contact and readily available to help. Overall, I would give Dan the strongest possible recommendation, as he provides work of very high quality, he is honest, and he is interested in doing the job right and doing it well!
— Ken D., Lafayette
Dan was very professional and responsive. He was a hard worker, and I would refer him to any friends or colleagues. Dan was helpful from beginning to end.
— Josh, Claremont Hills
We had a great experience working with Dan on purchasing our first home. Dan was very patient and easygoing when we made decisions. His knowledge about location, price, and future prospects was informative and helpful in making our final decision. We were also pleased with all the referrals he gave us for contractors and home inspectors.
We felt that PBG really looked after our interests, and without their help we would have taken much longer in purchasing a property. Their service is great!
— John, Stacey, and Ruijing, Oakland
Dan greatly facilitated the purchase process for my investment property—the paper work, the property visits, and the recommendations. I appreciate his hard work, guidance, and friendship.
— Ben, Oakland
Dan and I were scientific colleagues at Chiron, a biotech company. Dan is an extremely smart "go-getter." His scientific training gives him the ability to think creatively and solve problems. This experience gives him unique skills for being successful in real estate. I would highly recommend Dan as a realtor and if I were selling my house, he'd be the first one I would call!
— Deborah C., Albany
Dan is a sincere and trustworthy guy; he has a great sense of humor and is calm and intelligent. It is reassuring to have such a solid personality in the real estate arena.
— Jill W., Bay Area
Dan is a true professional who is intelligent, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping people.
— Jill B., Bay Area
Jeff and I want to say thank you to Wally for the marvelous job she did managing our real estate transactions.
First, when we sold our home in San Mateo she helped us in each step of the process. She was always available to meet, returned our phone calls and emails promptly, and patiently answered our many questions. This potentially complicated process was made much easier with her guidance.
Then when we wanted to buy a home out-of-state, she interviewed and found for us a wonderful real estate agent. We thank her for taking the time to find just the right individual who turned out to be a fantastic agent.
Finally, when we started looking for a place in the Bay Area, she proved to be determined at investigating the myriad properties we were interested in. She was truly able to think-outside-the-box with regards to location and areas, keeping our needs in mind. We were looking for a while and she never wavered in being professional, courteous, and interested in our happiness. We have finally found the perfect place!
We are grateful to her for her loyalty and experience as a real estate agent.
—Jeff and Ellen S.
I feel compelled to write this recommendation based on the outstanding service I received during the past months with Wally Charles. Wally is a real credit to the real estate industry because she demonstrated the best qualities that all agents should try to strive for in their profession. I will recommend Wally Charles to all of my friends and anyone I know that needs a professional real estate agent.
Prior to my experience with Wally, I did not have a very high regard for the real estate industry. During the years, I have bought and sold many personal and rental homes and each time I had agents that did not return calls, did the least amount that they had to do, and in many cases forced me to do parts of their job. It was an absolute pleasure working with Wally since she took care of the smallest details and made sure I knew everything that was going on during the entire process. If a person needs professional help in selling or buying real estate Wally Charles is the agent to use.
— Tom M.
Wally, I would just like to take the time out to sincerely thank you for the outstanding job you did in helping us to sell my father's house. This was a first time experience for me and thanks to you it was a good one! You helped us prepare the house for sale by providing your professional advice without ever being pushy or intimidating. You even helped us with the clean up and painting! I also appreciated your communication and information. Whenever something changed or came up you always let us know right away. If you said you would call back within an hour, you actually did! You accommodated our needs with a sincere smile. Thank you. I would not hesitate for a second to refer you to someone who needed an honest, friendly professional to help them with their real estate needs.
— Gerda H.
My husband and I were first-time homebuyers; we had no experience to draw upon in the daunting process of locating and buying a home. The effort of finding a home would have been very difficult without Wally's professional guidance and wonderful patience. She made us feel like we were her only clients, which was wonderful and comforting for us. We love our home and are so happy to be here. All of our thanks go to Wally. She really puts her whole heart into helping find the right home for her clients. Thank you again, Wally!
— Kham and Rachel S.
Hi Wally — It has been a real pleasure working with you these past few months! When Mike and I bought our first house together several years ago, we did not have a great experience. Let's just say that our agent must've been a used car salesman in a previous life, maybe that's why we have been a little hesitant about buying another house. Personally, I have felt that you have been very honest, caring, patient and informative. You have shown us lots of homes, given us your opinion without being pushy, and you have had all the answers to our numerous questions; and when you didn't, you researched it and got back to us right away. You definitely do “go above and beyond,” no doubt about that! We appreciate all of the hard work you have put into finding just the right home for us and we would not hesitate to let our friends and family know that. We would gladly refer them to you. The best to you!
— Magnolia V.
I had been purchasing various investment properties over the last year, using the listing agent for each transaction. After recently closing a deal with Wally, I just want to say how pleased I am with the level of service and attention that I received from her. She clearly stands out from the rest and makes you feel that your transaction is important. Wally went way beyond my expectations, previewing many properties to give me the scoop on potential investments. I will definitely be using Wally for all my future transactions. Thanks Wally, you're the best.
— Christoph K.
Being first time home buyers the most important things for us was to feel comfortable with our agent.
When we first met Sharlyn, we were immediately comfortable with her. She was easy to talk to, honest and above all, she understood our “we want everything but we don't want to pay anything” attitude that I think that comes standard with all first time buyers.
We probably drove her crazy looking at 40 plus houses and trying to find the one we liked, but she was always understanding and very patient with us and never pushed us at any point and let us make our decision and yet guided us along the way with objective observations about every place we looked at.
We did a lot of our own research on the back ground as well and she always validated them with her own research and pros and cons for each place we looked at. To her, it did not matter whether we looked at 400K house or a 120K house. All she cared about was that it was the right place for us and we were happy.
She was also instrumental in finding the right loan agent and getting the deal done when our loan agent was not being helpful at all with FHA process. She went out of her way in the last few days during closing to make sure we closed on time and we could not have pulled it off without her help towards the end.
I can state with confidence that Sharlyn will take care of you all the way and you will be absolutely comfortable with her efforts and work as she is all about building relationships with you and will always have your best interest in her heart.
— Quazi M.
My wife and I, both being professionals, thought we would jump into the real estate market when we were first married. Seeing the insanity we decided to bide our time. We had no idea the frenzy that followed. When it was clear that most people had lost their minds, we consigned ourselves to renting and saving our money to buy the house we wanted, not the house someone would sell us.
Fast forward six years. We had saved our 20% down. Prices were falling and we were in the driver's seat. High credit score, solid income and plenty of opportunities, but no idea of what we really wanted. An internet site had assigned us an agent. We were doing our own online research and this was the price we paid for free access to MLS. Then there was the moment when things started to gel. A property, in need of repair, with all of the stats we were looking for. I had no idea how decrepit the property was. A bulldozer could not have saved this place. I was astonished to find that the agent randomly assigned was someone as knowledgeable and pleasant as Sharlyn (Ms. Sharlyn as my 4 year old calls her).
During the saga that lasted the next five months, Sharlyn showed the patience of Job. Our whole family felt very comfortable with her. We followed her to her new agency without hesitation. Never having owned a house, we did not know what we were really looking for and she was there every time learning our likes and dislikes. We looked all over San Ramon, From Gale Ranch and Windemere up into Danville. We probably looked at 50 houses. When we finally found something we liked and were willing to put an offer in, she provided us with a detailed analysis of the neighborhood. We offered 8% under asking and the sellers were offended. Rather than trying to push the sale, she agreed that we could wait the sellers out.
Lucky for us. As we were waiting, we went to look at another house. We made an offer that day. Another buyer was bidding against us and her advice was instrumental in getting the deal done. We love our new house. Sharlyn talked us through the whole process and we never felt lost. Questions were answered day or night. We have recommended her to all of our friends.
—Bernard F.
Menelva represented me in selling my house in Oakland near Highland Hospital. There was so much work that needed to be done and a limited amount of money to work with. Menelva not only advised me on all the steps to be taken and helped by getting workers that were reputable and dependable to do the work, but she also assisted with some of the repairs herself. Overall, she went above and beyond her title as a realtor.
Menelva's knowledge and expertise in every aspect of the situation that we encountered has been absolutely incredible; we experienced miracle after miracle.
This has been quite an experience for me. I've learned so much from Menelva as she is professional, efficient, conscientious, and a woman of integrity. She showed sincere concern not only for me, her client, but for the buyer as well.
I would highly recommend Menelva to anyone who needs a realtor as she is truly excellent.
— Ruth B., Oakland
Menelva Boyd welcomed me with a smile upon our first contact and has been there for me ever since. Her professionalism, follow-through, thoroughness and honesty were refreshing during a time when people are sometimes doing just enough to get by. Menelva, however, never cut any corners with me.
Buying a house can be a very stressful experience and mine truly was. As my real estate agent, Menelva went above and beyond the call of duty to help me secure my new home. We looked for and bid on several homes together and even waited on one for ten months. Never in that time did Menelva quit, but simply dug in, held steadfast and remained dedicated to our combined endeavor.
When the day finally came and the right house that was meant for me and my family came along, Menelva was once again professional and delightful to work with.
I am pleased to recommend her as an excellent real estate professional and am more than happy to say that she is now a friend as well.
— Pat Wright, Oakland (2009)
Menelva represented me in selling my condo in the Piedmont Avenue area of Oakland. I needed to sell my place at just about the time that the market was tanking in California and throughout the country. Menelva was able to sell my place, at a profit, at a time I thought I would not be able to realize a profit. She also sold it fast. I received a good offer within a day and a half of putting my property up for sale. Menelva was able to assess accurately what the market would bear, and offered me some options in pricing my condo.
Menelva helped me at every step of the way. She advised me in re-carpeting, painting, and staging, and she was hands-on in making all these components happen and come together. She always went above and beyond what one would expect of any realtor or listing agent. She even watered the plants and supervised (and helped) the man who laid the new carpet. Then when we accepted the offer and it was time to close, I had to travel to New York for a family memorial. Menelva had the notary come to me at my hotel in Manhattan to complete all the paperwork so that the sale could close.
The entire handling of this transaction was professional, efficient, and gracious. Menelva's attention to detail and her conscientious handling of this sale was exemplary. I would recommend her without reservation to anyone, buyer or seller, who is looking for an exceptional, warm, competent, and knowledgeable realtor. Menelva Boyd is a person whose acquaintance will enrich your life as well as sell your house, or find the home that meets your unique and specific needs. You will indeed be fortunate if you can engage her to work on your behalf.
— Mary B.
I would strongly recommend Menelva Boyd as a real estate agent. I met her at an open house and she immediately struck me as professional, knowledgeable and warm. I was so impressed with her at my first meeting that I asked her to assist my mother and me in finding a home.
My mother is handicapped and has special needs, so we had to find a house that met our specific requirements. Menelva showed extraordinary patience while we looked at over 20 houses. She was always accessible by phone and email, and consistently showed great sensitivity, support and respect for my elderly mother.
I would not hesitate to recommend Menelva and plan on calling her for future real estate transactions and related services.
— Maelinda and Rosemary T., Oakland
My husband and I ran the gamut of emotions as we were deciding to move out of San Francisco and buy a home in Berkeley or Oakland (we ultimately bought in Oakland), and we never could have done it without Anna.
Anna totally "got" us and what we were looking for right away. She is so knowledgeable about the area, and was SO patient with us! We never felt that "pressure" to find something too quickly or get into something we weren't sure about. Never did we think we'd find a house so fast, but in less than 5 months of working with Anna, we're living in the perfect house for us.
I think he best part is that she's a great person and she made this process fun instead of stressful, which it easily could have been. Working with her was a pleasure. We also made a friend! Can't recommend highly enough!
— Stephanie and Ethan, Oakland (2011)
Anna is a fabulous person and outstanding real estate agent. She patiently stuck it out with us while we looked for an appropriate home in Berkeley for two years! It was a big move for us, as my husband and I had both lived in San Francisco for 15 years. Since Anna is a Berkeley resident and has young children, she was especially prepared to guide us on the right neighborhoods to consider. Personally, I've found real estate agents to be a little strange and off-putting. Anna is just the most lovely, smart and patiently aggressive person I've met working in this field. I think one of her strengths comes from the fact that she's worked in other fields prior to being in real estate, so she has the kind of worldly life skills that enhance her approach to this business. Bottom line: Looking for an awesome real estate agent who you're actually excited to hang out with and share one of life's stressful pursuits? Call Anna!
— Stacey and Brandon, Berkeley
I highly recommend working with Anna Bellomo at PBG. From the first moment, I felt reassured that we were going to be well advised and taken care of. She knows her business well in all of its facets, from the legal paperwork to the moral support. She was always in close contact and returned every phone message as quickly as possible. There were many days when I felt quite anxious and needed to hear her reassurance; she was always present for this, even in the late evening, which I consider above and beyond the call. Her personal style is informal, engaging, humorous, energetic and positive. She made it a point to develop strong communication with all of the other professionals, who actually have mentioned that they would like to work with her again on other sales. Her ever-present positive vision of the future was uplifting, even when we were having a difficult time holding up hope. And lastly, I know how important a role she played because I miss our daily check-ins and look forward to seeing her in social settings. I could not ask for more than that, could I?
— Isa A. & Trystan C., Oakland
We very much appreciate the hard work Anna put in for us. Her strong ethics and wonderful commitment was truly valued. I am sure we will enjoy our new home and we certainly consider Anna a friend.
Real estate is very different here in the San Francisco and East Bay areas, so it takes someone with exceptional skills to navigate through the processes. Anna always made me feel comfortable while handling our purchase of our new home in Berkeley. Thank you PBG and Anna!
— Carol B., Berkeley
Anna did a great job selling our house. We were new to the process and somewhat intimidated, but Anna was calm and reassuring and totally on top of all the details. We had established an aggressive timeline for selling the house and Anna was able to manage it with minimal hiccups. And when the buyers turned out to be extremely difficult, she was able to keep us focused on our best interests. We enjoyed working with Anna on both a personal and professional level and can recommend her to anyone who needs a realtor.
— John G., Oakland
Dianne Arancibia was truly a gift to us. We realized that purchasing a home was not merely a financial commitment, but very much an emotional experience. We wanted a home that we could grow in and one in which we could stay for many years and begin our family. Dianne listened intensely to our needs in both the style of the home and the feeling we wanted from it. She called us daily and took many hours out of each week to show us properties. She was exceptional tuning into our needs and never tried to sell us any place that didn't match our interests. She is very patient and let us know that she would be willing to keep helping us for as long as we needed, even if it meant not finding a place for many months.
Once we found our home, she handled all the negotiations smoothly and with integrity, which made the entire process stress-free. Her demeanor is so pleasant and warm that we were fortunate enough to become personal friends through the process in addition to her helping us find our dream home. Dianne is truly a unique realtor because of her strong understanding of the business side of realty and the community while always prioritizing her client's feelings and needs as they change. We have recommended her to friends and family and will continue to do so.
— Robin M., Berkeley
Dianne Arancibia will stop at nothing to put you in a house! You will not find a more honest, caring, and compassionate real estate agent anywhere. She is thorough and tenacious and is gifted when it comes to understanding the needs of her clients and realizing their dreams!
— Itoco G., Oakland
Ed was very honest, available and easy to work with. He was helpful and supportive. He made the process as easy as possible and we are grateful to him and thrilled in our new home!
— P. Van Tassel
Ed is a pleasure to work with. He is a knowledgeable and professional realtor. I am very satisfied what he has done for me.
— K. Pham
Words cannot possibly express how incredibly grateful I am you for the fantastic job you did helping me sell my Berkeley home. From start to finish, you more than went the extra mile and earned every penny of your professional fee. From planning and executing a thorough and well thought-out marketing plan, to scheduling and orchestrating the many contractors and suppliers needed to get my house market-ready, to always being there for me with great counsel, I could not have asked for better service. And at a time when other properties were languishing on the market, you were able to attract 9 offers in less than 10 days and brought me a sale price that far surpassed my wildest expectations and hopes. You have become not only my trusted advisor but a cherished friend. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
— C. Evans
When we first thought of buying a house, we were afraid the process would be very difficult. However, you took us through each step of the process with ease and treated us professionally and in a friendly manner. We enjoyed working with you from the start because we felt that we could trust you and rely on your good judgment in helping us make important decisions. We feel very fortunate to have signed on as your clients and we fully intend to recommend you to friends and family, as well as solicit your services again the next time we have real estate needs.
— C. Watson
With Ed representing us, we purchased our home and he then listed one of our investment properties. From canvassing the neighborhood to designing the flyers, Ed handled all aspects of this property with the utmost professionalism and enthusiasm. Further, we continue to make offers on properties with Ed representing us. Through these transactions we find him to be highly skilled in formulating an appropriate offer. Patient and understanding, he is willing to explain what is seemingly incomprehensible. In addition, he performs a thorough research replete with details and facts, thereby ensuring a sound true investment. Ed is focused, reliable, and responsive to the concerns of the client. Congenial and good humored, he is a delightful person with whom to associate.
— E. Amoy & J. Ippolito
I met Ed about eighteen months ago when I attended an open house. To my surprise I felt like I had known Ed for some time. He was polite, informative, and accommodating with my questions. I felt that Ed really wanted me to be pleased with the house that I would buy rather than rush me into anything for commission purposes. No matter how many questions or concerns that I had, Ed never made me feel that I was taking up his time. Having Ed as my realty agent made this whole process efficient and bearable. I don't know what I would have done without Ed's assistance and support.
— S. Caress-Mouton
Ed is very knowledgeable about the real estate market, very trustworthy, and always a pleasure to work with. Highly recommended!
— G. Harper
I've learned so much from Ed about Real Estate in the Bay Area. He really knows his stuff and keeps up with the latest data and trends. He's easy to work with, trustworthy and very reliable.
— A. Goglia
I want to thank you personally for the time and attention to detail that you provided.
— V. Rowell
I wanted to take time to thank you for all the great help and time you spent with me in my home search.
— M. Lang
George is a true professional, and I like him for a number of reasons.
He's actually licensed as a broker, meaning that he has more education and knowledge of the legal implications of a real estate transaction than a typical "salesperson" has. Considering this is the biggest purchase of my life, I would rather a broker handle it. Credentials matter a lot when you're dealing with such an important decision, and as a fellow engineer, this just seems like a no-brainer to me.
He has a real eye for a good deal, and understands that I'm not just looking for a house, but a wise investment. He always gives it to me straight, warning me of deals that look too good to be true, and actually takes the time to explain the "catch" to me in simple terms.
He lets me know as soon as something interesting show up on his radar and always gets back to me quickly when a property catches my eye. He answers his phone, and usually responds to my e-mail questions within an hour (sometimes even sooner!). Every time we talk, I feel more knowledgeable about the whole home-buying process, which really puts me at ease. As a first-time home-buyer, I can honestly say that George has been a terrific asset. I will continue to highly recommend him to my friends and family as an honest, knowledgeable, and straightforward broker.
— Whitney E., Oakland
Yon Soon Yoon is not only a compassionate, indefatigable agent but also a seasoned, wise entrepreneur whose assistance and advice have been invaluable in setting up my real estate holdings. My wife and I have entrusted her with the purchase of half dozen properties including significant investment properties, and Yon Soon's judgment, diligence and integrity have never disappointed. Highly recommended.
— V. and O. Korkut, Montclair
As an experienced real estate advisor/agent, general manager, and small business entrepreneur, over the past 20 years, Yonsoon Yoon's efforts on my behalf have saved me a significant amount of money and time. I am among many who have greatly appreciated her personal integrity, expertise, overwhelming generosity, loyalty, and support.
— M. Harryman, El Cerrito
I'm pleased to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of realtor Mrs. Yoon. For the last couple of months, Mrs. Yoon has found our family the perfect house we were looking for. It was very helpful that she spoke two languages perfectly: Korean & English. The fact that she's bilingual definitely helped my parents who speak very little English.
Thanks to Mrs. Yoon's hard work, she exceeded our expectations. I'm personally pleased to have witnessed her hard work, talent, great personality, knowledge, and her drive to keep up with studying new aspects in her field. I found that she was undeniably dependable, passionate in her work, and it was an honor and pleasure to work with her. She will most assuredly be an asset to those of Korean background who might need a translation when purchasing a home and who might need guidance if they are new in this field.
I would recommend no individual more highly than Mrs. Yoon.
— M. Chang
As first time home buyers, we were looking for an agent that would give us an edge in this volatile market. Jenna Ford became our secret weapon. Jenna really listened to us, taking the time to understand what we were looking for and what we were able to do. We never felt pressured or pushed by her - she worked at our pace, while being able to respond quickly when we decided to strike. We emailed her at 8:30 p.m. on a Friday night to see if she could show us a property and she texted us back by 7:30 a.m. the next morning to tell us she could not only show us the property but also write up an offer before noon that day. In a market like the Bay Area, having someone who is savvy, responsive, and with a longstanding professional network at her fingertips, is critical. We were in our new house within 45 days and we're sure it couldn't have happened without Jenna on our side.
— Ken Angelo & Kate Moore
Dear Jenna, Words cannot begin to express our gratitude to you. You are an amazing realtor! We feel so fortunate to have had you by our side! From the very first house you showed us, we knew you understood what we were searching for. Your patience did not go unnoticed through quite a long process. And then, you led us to THE house! But, you didn't stop there. Your guidance through the whole short sale process was invaluable as was your help and guidance and support through our loan debacle. You went above and beyond numerous times. We cannot thank you enough for all of your energy, enthusiasm and professionalism. We will definitely be recommending you to everyone we know!
— Aaron & Monica Rocchino
I had the pleasure of having Jenna Ford as my realtor recently on my first home purchase. Let me think of a few words to describe her: professional, reliable, flexible, honest, intelligent, experienced, kind, accommodating, caring, fast; just to name a few. Jenna is and was just absolutely great. Upon meeting her, my fiancee and I just had a good feeling about her and we were right. Anytime we needed anything, with questions, wanting to see a house, obtaining disclosures etc, she was always available. Once we found a house we liked and decided to move on it, she almost anticipated our moves and put everything in place for us. This relieved a lot of the stress involved with the process. It was very empowering to have her working for us because she provided the knowledge and options and let us make our own decisions. Never did we feel like we were in the dark about anything, and her consistent, swift response time exceeded our expectations. We are now enjoying a great house in El Cerrito and could not be happier. I cannot think of any way she could have done a better job. Bottom line: my highest 5 star recommendation, perfect, you can't lose.
— Andrew Jie & Corinne Chang
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