Real Estate-Satisfied Buyers & Sellers
Home Sellers
3.5% Higher Home Sales Price
1/3 The Marketing Time
The Ira & Carol Serkes Difference!
On average, our sellers received 3.5% higher prices than other sellers in the MLS, and our sellers also sold their homes after only 22 days on the market, three times faster than it took other sellers in the MLS.
Ira & Carol Serkes 97.5% Of List Price 22 Days On Market
Other MLS Sales 94.0% Of List Price 66 Days On Market
Serkes Difference 3.5% Higher Price 1/3 the Time
Source: 1994 Sales from East Bay Regional MLS for Thousand Oaks (Area 23/2) and El Cerrito (Area 18). This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the East Bay Regional Multiple Listing Service. Neither the Association nor its MLS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
Testimonials From Satisfied Buyers & Sellers
"We were impressed with your thoroughness. You included many things in the offer which you made for us that protected us as buyers, so we were impressed
with the skill with which you represented us< You seem to have the ability to
help us put the purchase in proper perspective with other things in our lives.
I think you may be part psychologist"
Richard Austin, Thousand Oaks, Berkeley
"Your depth of experience and thoroughly professional manner was a terrific
benefit during the negotiations. If you and Carol hadn't been faxing, and
FedEx'ing and hand delivering so many documents hither and yon, the close of
escrow would have been at least two weeks later. I was amazed to find out that
you had written records of all 98 of your phone calls on the transaction. What
an asset that would have been if something had gone wrong. Only the most
professional and best organized Realtors will be able to remain competitive in
the future. Your team epitomizes that future"
Douglas & Pat Donaldson, Environmental Planning Consultant/Teacher, Albany
"This is supposed to be a 'slow' market, but we received two excellent offers
almost immediately, and we ended up getting more than our asking price.... you
were able to close the sale in only 3 weeks. You kept us informed every step of
the way. Your follow-up and attention to detail is outstanding"
Ann & Mick Parent, Interior Designer/Financial Officer, Thousand Oaks, Berkeley
"We truly appreciated the way you looked after even the smallest detail and kept
us informed... I don't believe I've ever dealt with a Realtor who is as
conscientious as you are in not only making sure that the transaction went
through properly, but also that all the after-sale details such as the termite
work were carried out as stipulated"
Irene & Ky Katsumoto, Administrative Assistant/Research Scientist, El Cerrito
"We interviewed other Realtors, however your professionalism, knowledge, and
clear presentation of current market conditions separated you from the rest.
Deborah and I really enjoyed the experience and we appreciated having you on our
side to explain the intricacies of the process.
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 are former clients of Ira and Carol. They helped us buy our first home. We
cannot say enough about them. They were wonderful and we would not hesitate to
go back to them.
They have a great amount of knowledge and expertise. We had done extensive
research and footwork on our own. Time and time again they came up with the
same answers and conclusions we had. Further, they are very honest. Because of
this straightforwardness, we trusted them implicitly. Being busy professionals,
we appreciated the fact that they always kept in touch. Even with the
unexpected glitches and surprises, they contacted us well in advance so we could
make a level-headed decision.
Finally, we still rave about how they helped us find our dram home. We were not
easy customers, being very selective. They were sensitive to our needs while
keeping us realistic. Ira and Carol are superlative real estate professionals.
We highly recommend that you use their services"
Nora Wong and Roger Spencer, Attorneys, Berkeley Hills
"We would like to thank both of you for making our first home buying experience
pleasant and hassle free. We were amazed how quickly you found a home that
matched our needs, at a price we could afford. Compared to the agent we first
had in the City who dragged us around to at least 30 homes that didn't suit our
needs, your speed and efficiency in finding our new home was exceptional...We
would highly recommend you to anyone looking for an agent to buy or sell their
home."
Susan Gal & Jim Orton, Illustrator/Manager, SF Telecom, Kensington
"The first time through the process is more than a little mystifying for any new
home buyer. Your explanations and advice left us confident that we were making
the right decision at each turn. From negotiating the purchase price to hand
delivering the closing documents, we alway got your prompt personal attention...
you always made us feel as though we came first. The terms you managed to
negotiate for us made this first home truly 'affordable.' Although we have no
plans of moving in the near future, you can bet that if we do, you'll be the
first person we contact. Thanks again!"
Laura & Christopher Craft, Attorney/Professor, Thousand Oaks, Berkeley
"Thanks for all your hard work and patience in helping us to buy our first home.
We were especially impressed by your efficiency, effectiveness, and teamwork.
John liked Ira's computer approach and Carol's late night MLS computer update or
we would have never seen this house. We're really happy about our purchase...at
night...under the stars...grinning while thinking about the house...in the hot
tub."
Shirley Lee & John Le Blanc, Administrator/Forestry Consultant, El Cerrito
"Thank you for lifting me out of a depression that had been ongoing since I
placed my mother's house up for sale with another Realtor. I was promised the
benefit of their experience...the reality was quite different.
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 Lynn Hedberg, Administrator
"It turned out to be more complicated than any of us expected... you were
intelligent and imaginative in suggesting strategies and getting things done.
You were skillful in setting the price and handling the offers... attentive and
persistent in seeing the process through... we especially appreciated your
upbeat energy and sense of humor throughout"
Peter Dodge, FAIA, Architect, Esherick Homsey Dodge and Davis, San Francisco
"I have been an investor in real estate for 25 years, dealing with many
different real estate agents... you are one of the best I have dealt with. You
are knowledgeable, persistent, practical, and patient"
Gideon Sorokin, Veterinarian, Mill Valley
"Thanks for the very professional job you did in handling the complicated
transaction... your superiority in communications is a leading factor in your
success... your honesty, integrity, and character make you stand out"
Paula Campbell, Ph.D., Professor & Chair of Dept. of Communication Arts, San
Francisco
"Thank you for speaking at both the San Francisco and San Diego Home Buyers and Sellers Fairs. We had an excellent turn out, and many of the attendees
commented on the quality of the speakers. Thank you again for your contribution"
Bradley Inman, Nationally Syndicated Real Estate Columnist
"Every time it looked like it just couldn't work, it seems that you came up with
a suggestion or a counter that re-established communications. I was impressed
by your abilities and knowledge of the field and your insight into identifying
the crucial issues upon which the deal would stand or fall"
David A. Brown, Attorney, El Cerrito
"You succeeded in doing something - namely selling our building - where others
had previously failed. Your perseverance, helpful advice, and professional
manner kept us confident in your ability to sell our property when we might have
otherwise given up"
Nancy & Larry Lewellen, Mortgage Broker/Computer Engineer, San Francisco
"When we decided to buy a home in Berkeley, a Realtor-friend in Salinas referred
us to Ira and Carol, who took the time to listen to us, to get to know our needs
and our unique situation. They carefully screened and selected properties to
show us at our convenience, which was very important to us. They kept us
informed at all times with prompt, clear and detailed communication by phone,
fax or both. Their negotiation skills and sound knowledge of real estate helped
us to acquire the property we wanted at the best possible price.
Even after close of escrow, Ira and Carol have followed through on minor matters
that have needed attention. They have truly earned their commission and we know
we can trust them to help us again when we need a Realtor"
Amjad & Najma Noorani, Physical Therapist, Salinas
"It is always a pleasure to meet a professional like yourself...one who comes
complete with anticipated knowledge intact, with experience deep enough to rely
on, and with a sense of humor that suggests a genuine enjoyment of people and
the job at hand (humor that is not simply a mask for ineptitude.) Which is to
say: We enjoyed you and your seminar at Nolo Press and have already been able to
put your good advice to use. All without the usual 'bum's rush' sales pitch and
the normal pabulum passed out as worth platitudes"
Carl and Jeannie Perkins, Oakland
"When my sister died, leaving me to complete the sale of her property, I was
very fortunate that you were the listing broker. I did not have any knowledge
of the property and lived in Davis, an hour's drive away.
Your suggestions and counteroffers and negotiations were practical, sensible,
and ultimately successful in producing a sale that I believe was in the best
interest of my sister's heir's.
I do not believe anyone could have done a better job"
Ruth Uy-Asmundson, School Board Director, Davis
"I know how difficult it is having to sell one piece of property that has four
different owners, all living in different cities, and sometimes with different
minds. Your willingness and ability to coordinate all of our needs and efforts,
the extra time you took in tracking us down, and your patience and wisdom helped
to not only make the deal but to make it a good experience.
Both Judy and I appreciated not only the consummation of the deal, but your
obvious dedication to personal ethics and the high degree of professionalism you
brought. Your good sense of humor was an extra bonus not normally included in
the usual commission structure.
Ira, you were worth every penny"
Paul and Judy Berg Psychologist/Nurse, Oakland
"Thank you for the fantastic job you did in selling or properties. We know that
this was only possible due to your expertise in marketing, advertising, and
comprehensive research. We thank you for the professional way in which you
handled all aspects of the transaction and for keeping us well informed at all
times.
It was great listening to you on your radio show. Your vast knowledge of Real
Estate and other subjects is limitless, and it's very obvious you have a high
degree of expertise in all areas."
Mike and Carmella Boschetti, Special Education Aide/Supervisor, Pinole
"The neighborhood is the one I wanted to live and to raise my daughter Nikki in.
The house is one I can afford and feel comfortable in. When the creek is
running and the pine out back is making wonderful 'whooshing" sounds in the
breeze - which is most of the year - I look out my back door and feel like I'm
in my 'house in the country' and not in the East Bay.
I was afraid that as a single mother, I'd have to abandon the small town I love,
El Cerrito. Your careful search of the price range I could afford, the quality
of home I needed, and the neighborhood I wanted to remain in enabled me to put
in an offer on a house that I love where I knew my daughter and I could be
happy"
Sandy Coury, Nolo Press Bookstore Manager, El Cerrito
"Thank you for helping us find our new home. We were extremely pleased with
your services throughout the purchase process.
You patiently helped us prioritize the features we wanted, then carefully
selected homes to show us that best fit our price range, neighborhoods, and
features.
You helped us work with he contractors to evaluate the work needed to beautify
our house and negotiated a substantial - $15,000 - price reduction from the
seller for needed repair. Even at the last minute you suggested a final
discount while we were ready to accept the sellers' last offer, and above that
negotiated a rent-back that was very favorable to us"
Andre and Andi Fargeix, Economic Consultant/Medical Economics Analyst, Albany
"Buying one's first home can be a frightening experience. Finding a home that
met the needs, emotional and physical, of three generations of family seemed
like an impossible feat. But, you did it! To find it, to close, and to move in
within three weeks certainly helped eliminate the feeling of anxiety for all of
us"
Margaret Hackett, Hospital Administrator - Berkeley
"Thank you for providing information regarding your recent sale. We depend on
knowledgeable brokers for market information and we could not do our job
properly without you."
Kathleen Kragen, Appraiser
"Thank you so much for another excellent presentation you made to the CRS
Chapter meeting. Every time I hear you speak, I learn something new. I
sincerely appreciate all of your help, effort, energy, work above and beyond the
call of duty, and your sincere presentations. It's pros like you that truly
make being a CRS a member benefit"
Dan Marchand, Realtor - Chapter of the Northern California CRS Chapter
"Thank you for sharing your ideas with SOLD! We chose you as a subject for an
article because you are a respected member of your real estate community; your
thoughts and tips will be of invaluable assistance to your colleagues. I'm
proud of the way you were featured in the inaugural issue of SOLD!, and wanted
to let you know how much I appreciate your help"
Marc Weiss, Editor, SOLD! Magazine
Ira Serkes, GRI, CRS - Certified Residential Specialist, co-author of Nolo Press' "How To Buy A House In California," and Carol Serkes are Realtors with the RE/MAX Real Estate network.
Ira & Carol offer professional real estate services in Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, & El Cerrito in San Francisco's East Bay, and free referrals to other outstanding Realtors in the United States & Canada.
Call Toll-Free nationwide at 800/887-6668 or 510/526-6668......FAX 510/524-6869
E-Mail to Internet:realtor@home-buy-sell.com
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