You kept us informed every step of the way. We really appreciated your knowledge of real estate, your responsiveness, and your high degree of professionalism. Also, your ability to keep a positive outlook during the occasional tense moments helped ensure the success of our house purchase.

Thanks again for all your efforts.
Marianne Eilmann, Nurse and Alan Leavitt, Engineer

We always knew we had an exceptional house, but owners tend to be a little biased, so your thorough research of all the comparables made a big difference in helping us decide on an asking price. Your estimate was higher than we had anticipated, but obviously it was right on track, and I'm glad we stuck with it - despite all the feedback we got from other realtors that we should be asking $25,000 less because of the "slow" market.

This is the first time we've ever sold a house and you kept us informed every step of the way. Your follow-up and attention to detail is outstanding. It was truly a pleasure to work with you, and I only hope we can find someone as qualified in Minneapolis.
Ann & Mick Parent, Interior Designer/Financial Officer, Thousand Oaks, Berkeley

We had almost given up after listing the house for three months in summer and fall with another extremely experienced local agent. She held 10 (!) open houses and we all worked very hard; the house looked great and is in a fine location. That agent finally admitted she just didn't know why the house wasn't selling.

Then the Serkes' came along. They were honest and direct about what it would take to sell and they knew we could sell. They had the charts and graphs, the marketing plans, the right description for the flyers and above all, the right price. And they were straightforward about the necessary strategy we would have to follow on pricing as time went on.

They gave us the confidence to continue and the information we needed to be able to plan correctly for the purchase of a new home in the area to which we wanted to relocate.

When offers did come in, Ira and Carol helped us through all the negotiations and paperwork with a minimum of complication and worry.

If you are trying to sell a house in the Berkeley area and in this still difficult market, we would definitely recommend contacting Ira and Carol Serkes to help you with it.
Dorothy & Marie Graham

The two RE/MAX agents you referred to use were also excellent choices...they also demonstrated the dedication and interest in their work that you both possess. We've been very impressed with the RE/MAX organization and the people that make it successful.
John, Deborah & Jennifer Lane FDIC Supervisor, Pinole

We were not disappointed when we signed them to sell our house. To sell our first house had been a very difficult decisions, but their efforts in selling the house quickly, and above list price, certainly helped to lessen our stress.

It is when event do not go smoothly that the abilities of your real estate agent are best revealed. Though our home sold quickly, the transaction did have some problems. But Ira and Carol Serkes were quick to resolve them. For example, when our termite inspector badly bungled the our house inspection, Ira and Carol helped to negotiate with the termite company for a full refund (and we actually got the termite company to pay for some of the work they missed - Ira).

Throughout the entire period of the transaction, Ira and Carol exhibited professionalism and friendliness. They were very attentive to all our concerns, and we always felt confident that they looked out for our best interests. We strongly recommend their services to anyone buying or selling a home in the Berkeley area. Their experience and market knowledge benefits their clients tremendously.

In the future, should we decide to return to Berkeley, we will definitely ask Ira and Carol Serkes to be our real estate agents.
Liru & Ben Chin

We felt that getting past contingencies and counter-offers was a nightmare we were not prepared for. You both showed great patience throughout our anxiety attacks, outrage, and paranoia. We also really appreciated that you didn't pressure us to give in on everything to hold on to the sale, and that you were willing to tell the buyers to take a hike if we wanted you to!

Fortunately it didn't come to that and we were actually able to have simultaneous closing dates with the old and new homes.

Thanks too for forwarding our mail and keeping us posted on the Berkeley events (even printing up change of address cards - very cool!) We would definitely recommend you to any of our friends looking to buy or sell a house in Berkeley
Margaret & Bruce Qualls, Thousand Oaks, Berkeley

We especially appreciated how you kept in touch, bringing us up to date; you take the time to communicate, a rare consumer benefit offered today.

We highly recommend your professional expertise, and ability to negotiate.
Betty Albert & Bruce Gruenzel, Certified Professional Photographer/ Retired Supervisor, Pac Bell

A few years ago I put my home on the market but I was unable to secure an offer. I decided to try again and enlisted your assistance. You provided me with a very detailed market analysis and were very professional. I was given numerous informative charts, comp.'s, documents, etc., that helped me make an informed decision regarding the listing of my property.

Several weeks after listing my home you advised me that an offer had been made, and I subsequently accepted the offer. I was very delighted and attributed the sale to your diligent efforts. You were always available when I called with numerous questions and you promptly returned all my calls.

Your advice was honest and to the point, and in my best interest. This was very evident when you helped me secure my new home in the Oakland Hills. Your knowledge and thorough preparation saved we time as well as money. I am very happy in my new big home and would be happy to serve as a reference for the fine job you did for me. Once again, thank you both for your excellent work.
Mario Botello

You accomplished what I had begun to think was impossible. I felt at all times that you gave my $125,000 condo apartment (a small ticket property by Berkeley standards) the same attention you would have a million dollar property. Your hands on approach made the last minute glitches and surprises (such as unexpected repairs) nearly transparent. You even came up with a creative way to close the sale in the event that the repair work was not done.

My only regret is that I didn't use you the first time I put the apartment on the market. I probably would have saved considerable time, aggravation and money.

I will gladly serve as a reference for future clients, and only wish that I were still in Berkeley so that I could use you for my next purchase.
Glenn Andersen

Last year, we interviewed several agents, and selected one who was a "top producer" in the largest local realty company. Believe it or not, we didn't call you at that time because we didn't think the people who literally wrote the book on California real estate would be interested in selling our modest house! It wasn't until months later, after our listing expired, that we got your letter and realized our mistake. From our first meeting, you demonstrated more enthusiasm for the house, superior knowledge of the neighborhood, and excellent sales techniques.

As manager of a team of marketing analysts at a bank, I recognize professional expertise when I see it. You impressed me by emphasizing the benefits of living in our house, rather than the features of the house, and by listening carefully to what we thought was important. The brochures you developed were well written and effective. You offered lots of helpful advice, from pricing to staging the house to writing counter-offers. You saved us money by advising against unnecessary redecorating and repairs, and your negotiating skills (or was it just charm?) got us a partial refund of our rent when we were able to move out before the end of the rent back period!

What surprised and delighted us the most was your accessibility. Selling our first house could have been much more stressful, but every time we called with a question or concern you got back to us before we got anxious. I was really impressed the time I left a message for Ira and within 5 minutes he called back from a phone booth in Long Island! And through it all, you were always patient.

We extol your virtues to anyone who will listen, and would be happy to serve as a reference for future clients
Elizabeth & Agus Zusalim, Bank Marketing Analyst, Berkeley

A few years ago I put my home on the market but I was unable to secure an offer. I decided to try again and enlisted your assistance. You provided me with a very detailed market analysis and were very professional. I was given numerous informative charts, comp.'s, documents, etc., that helped me make an informed decision regarding the listing of my property.

Several weeks after listing my home you advised me that an offer had been made, and I subsequently accepted the offer. I was very delighted and attributed the sale to your diligent efforts. You were always available when I called with numerous questions and you promptly returned all my calls.

Your advice was honest and to the point, and in my best interest. This was very evident when you helped me secure my new home in the Oakland Hills. Your knowledge and thorough preparation saved we time as well as money. I am very happy in my new big home and would be happy to serve as a reference for the fine job you did for me. Once again, thank you both for your excellent work.
Mario Botello

We liked our previous real estate person, however our house wasn't selling, it was a big decision to change realtors, believe me.

You people studied,investigated, presented charts and other information in a form that meant much more than the previous realtor.

You are courteous, business-like and friendly. It was a relief to have it sell so quickly.

We will recommend you to anyone. It was a pleasure doing business with you.
Larry & Jean Gaustad

You accomplished what I had begun to think was impossible. I felt at all times that you gave my $125,000 condo apartment (a small ticket property by Berkeley standards) the same attention you would have a million dollar property. Your hands on approach made the last minute glitches and surprises (such as unexpected repairs) nearly transparent. You even came up with a creative way to close the sale in the event that the repair work was not done.

My only regret is that I didn't use you the first time I put the apartment on the market. I probably would have saved considerable time, aggravation and money.

I will gladly serve as a reference for future clients, and only wish that I were still in Berkeley so that I could use you for my next purchase.
Glenn Andersen

Again, this year when we called upon you for free advice you were available and responsive when we called. We extend our best wishes for the future growth and success of your realty services.
Arnold Zeiderman, MD

We don't know if you've been thinking about buying or selling a home, but we wanted to let you know about what Ira and Carol did for us. Let me explain...

I lived in El Cerrito, California. My only child, Betty Laukeman, lives in Louisiana and my grandchild lives in Florida. I've experienced some health problems lately and came to stay with me to help. Recently, however, Betty and I decided the time had come for all of us to live near each other. Since my granddaughter is settled with a good job (and Betty and I are both retired) it was a logical decision for Betty and me to relocate to Florida.

My granddaughter found a home for sale very close to her's and contacted her RE/MAX realtor about it. Her realtor immediately contacted Ira and Carol Serkes. We listed the house with them and then things really began to happen fast!

There were times Betty and I became quite nervous doing everything by phone, facsimile and overnight mail but Ira and Carol were always right there and seemed to say the right things to assure us that everything was moving as it should. In addition, besides helping us sell the house here, they helped us purchase the house in Florida by coming out to my home and help me complete the paperwork on the buy. We feel Ira and Carol are not only professional and knowledgeable, but like friends. We are completely satisfied, especially with the advise given about the financial part of the transaction. We recommend Ira and Carol Serkes to anyone who is in need of real estate professionals.
Grace Townsend, El Cerrito

We were not disappointed when we signed them to sell our house. To sell our first house had been a very difficult decisions, but their efforts in selling the house quickly, and above list price, certainly helped to lessen our stress.

It is when event do not go smoothly that the abilities of your real estate agent are best revealed. Though our home sold quickly, the transaction did have some problems. But Ira and Carol Serkes were quick to resolve them. For example, when our termite inspector badly bungled the our house inspection, Ira and Carol helped to negotiate with the termite company for a full refund (and we actually got the termite company to pay for some of the work they missed - Ira).

Throughout the entire period of the transaction, Ira and Carol exhibited professionalism and friendliness. They were very attentive to all our concerns, and we always felt confident that they looked out for our best interests. We strongly recommend their services to anyone buying or selling a home in the Berkeley area. Their experience and market knowledge benefits their clients tremendously.

In the future, should we decide to return to Berkeley, we will definitely ask Ira and Carol Serkes to be our real estate agents.
Liru & Ben Chin

During the entire process of listing, showing and selling the house, you were helpful and supportive, always available, and receptive to questions and concerns. Your knowledge and expertise were evident, and I felt secure that I was well represented in all transactions.

Feel free to use me as a reference for possible future clients.

Since I'm still in the neighborhood, I expect I'll see you soon. Meanwhile, thanks again.
Nancy Hansen

I called the Realtor numerous times with messages being taken and too few call backs. I never really knew what status the house was in. The three offers that came through were all flawed and fell apart. I was led to believe that it would take years before the house would sell because of the 'market' I was thrown into a deep dark depression. After all I was selling a family home and many childhood memories.

After over a year on the market, I turned to you. You have given me peace of mind. You and Carol have treated me with respect and never once misrepresented what you would do for me. You advised me of all that you had done and would be doing. My mother would be pleased that the sale was handled by true professionals and most of all, by people who cared about my needs not just as the seller, but as a person.

After my past experience, that means more to me than you can imagine
Judy, Administrator