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We have a passion for making a positive difference in peoples' lives. So, we consider it invaluable to have an established reputation for excellent service and results.
Challenges are inevitable. See how we’ve helped real clients navigate stormy waters and overcome their fears, frustrations, and obstacles during their real estate journeys.
Mat and Beccy
Listing clients(Spring 2021)Mat and Beccy were returning clients who'd purchased their Monterey Bay home just a few years ago. They approached me in April of 2021, expressing their desire to move back to the UK after a recent job change. With three school-age children, they were hoping to do so before the start of the upcoming school year- and without any disruption to the kids' current home learning.
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The home needed some prep-work, which felt overwhelming to the couple, as did the idea of regular showings. The family had an older dog who couldn't be left alone for long periods, and the family understandably didn't want to uproot their routines. Showings would have to occur while they continued living in the home.
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- I put together a tight schedule for them to be gone at crucial times, including when the stagers worked and during showings.
- I arrived at least 30 minutes before any appointments to ensure the house was ready to show.
- To ensure a smooth sale, I recommended the sellers do all the standard inspections and minor repairs in advance. By completing this early on, prospective buyers could feel comfortable about buying the home because everything had already been taken care of.
It was a lot of coordination and communication on my part, and I tried to take care of as much as possible to reduce their overwhelm.
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Mat, Beccy, and the boys (and dogs) are back in the UK. Their home showed beautifully (I don’t think anyone suspected the sellers still lived in it) and sold in 5 days. Mat and Beccy received more than $175,000 over asking price and were beyond ecstatic.
I helped them coordinate their move-out and followed up with the kids’ school to retrieve their yearbook (which I shipped a couple of weeks ago.) After each sale, I keep in touch with all of my clients. I plan to do the same with Mat and Beccy. I’m eager to see where life takes them in the UK.
Cristina and Zac
Purchasing Clients(Fall 2020)Cristina and Zac were first-time home buyers. They had steady jobs and rented a small apartment in the city but were ready to move out to the country. They loved the outdoors and were looking for a peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle. Being Millennials, though, they realized that investing in real estate was a sound move and decided that homeownership was their best bet to achieve financial stability.
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While Cristina and Zach had good jobs, they didn’t have a substantial down payment, and, unfortunately, the market was hot. Houses were selling very quickly and with multiple offers. We toured many homes and wrote three separate offers without any success.
I did my best to encourage them to keep looking and not to get discouraged. As we neared the end of the year, I suggested that we keep searching rather than give up. Many buyers decide to take a break during the holidays, resulting in less competition for those who stay in the game.
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It’s my policy to maintain excellent relationships with other agents even in challenging situations because I believe that a good relationship dramatically influences the outcome of any negotiation.
Because I was proactive, provided sound negotiation, and had a good rapport with the listing agent for the first home Zachary and Cristina viewed (and the one they liked most), we wrote an amended offer which the sellers accepted. It was a serendipitous turn of events that made it possible to be in their new home by Christmas. They were elated.
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I saw Zachary and Cristina at a client appreciation event I organized recently. They are doing very well and referred me to their friend interested in buying his first home. So now I have a new client!
As part of my services, I checked in with them some time ago to see if they needed anything for the home. I reminded them to call on the home warranty I had gifted for any repairs the home may need. I also reminded them to check with their lender about getting rid of PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) on their loan now that their home is appreciated. I like being helpful and offering value far beyond the home sale.
Lori and Richard
Purchasing Clients(Summer 2020)I met Lori and Richard mid-pandemic in June 2020. Like most other clients, Lori and Richard were referred to me by previous clients. They lived in Santa Fe, NM, and were interested in relocating to the Monterey Bay area because of the climate and lifestyle. Though they felt familiar with the area, having visited in the past, they weren’t sure where they wanted to settle.
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In June 2020 (amidst the pandemic), I met the couple when they drove to Santa Cruz from their home state. Lori and Richard needed to sell their large Santa Fe ranch before buying a home in Monterey, so I had to coordinate with their Santa Fe agent. They allotted three days to view homes and hopefully find one that suited their needs.
This task required a lot of planning and organizing!
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During their visit, we spanned 120+ miles from Santa Cruz to Carmel Valley. I had to schedule approximately 15 home tours during three days as efficiently as possible. It was challenging to say the least. I succeeded with the showings and included homes in a new development that many hadn’t heard of yet. This gave them a competitive advantage. Lori and Richard fell in love with the development and found the home of their dreams. I was able to coordinate with the Santa Fe agent so that their home sale would align with the timing of the purchase.
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Lori and Richard live in a beautiful new home in Marina. They could select several options and finishes before they moved in, which was an added plus for them. They enjoy the house and the neighborhood, and they expressed to me how grateful they were for having helped them find the right home in such a short time and under so many constraints.
“Compassion is a true strength of Barbara’s. She really took time to understand our needs and what was important to us, and the difference compared to other realtors was huge. Her knowledge and technical skills and the fact that she does everything, were central to getting the result we needed. I would always use her again, no question.”
Jane T.Set sail on your real estate voyage today.
We’ll be with you the whole way home.