(650) 276-4436

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(650) 276-4436

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COMPANY REPORT NAVIGATION
Diamond Certified Company Report

Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc.

(650) 276-4436

Contact
Diamond Certified Company Report

Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc.

(650) 276-4436

Contact
Diamond certified ratings dashboard
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION i
Customer LOYALTY i
Helpful Expertise i
Company Credentials i
  • Workers Compensation
  • Liability Insurance
  • License Verification
  • Business Practices
  • Current Complaint File
Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 19 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS i

Kajal C.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

1 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

He's been in the business for 26 years and there's no one better. I think that if you need a friend, brother or anything, he's there. He and his wife, and the entire office staff are great to everyone.

He's very helpful, he does everything for the client, and treats me like a sister. He holds everything together.

James F.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

2 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Everything he has done for me has made me very pleased.

He's a caring person and I enjoy working with him.

Joe G.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

3 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

He's a good, honest person, and in real estate you don't get a lot of those kind of people. He's qualified. I would tell others to use him.

I liked his professionalism. He's got an efficient staff, that is almost all family, and they all work well together.

Read All 19 Survey Responses at Ratings View
Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE
Diamond certified company PROFILE

Michael Kenny, President

Michael Kenny works in partnership with Kenny Realty, Inc. to help clients buy and sell all types of residential real estate in San Mateo County and San Francisco. Mr. Kenny and his associates also have the capabilities to provide a complete range of property management services, from collecting rent and coordinating tenant repairs to handling the leasing process for vacant units.

As a second-generation real estate professional, Mr. Kenny says he understands the importance of developing long-term relationships with his clients. “My father started this business in 1967 and I’ve been here since 1983, so we’ve spent a lot of time helping people in this area with their real estate needs. We believe in treating our clients like family and doing everything we can to make things easy for them.”

Mr. Kenny says Kenny Realty’s small size and local focus give it a distinct advantage in the real estate market. “Our clients know we’ll be available whenever they have questions or concerns, which isn’t always the case with corporate firms. If we have a client who’s in a tough position, we can immediately focus on making the problem go away, which is a huge benefit for them.”

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COMPANY REPORT NAVIGATION

Diamond Certified Companies are Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise.

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED CAPABILITIES ON Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc.

COMPANY CONTACT
Locations

San Mateo County
San Francisco

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SERVICES PERFORMED

Residential Real Estate Sales & Purchases
Property Management
Leasing

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc.

Michael Kenny sold this residential property.

Company Profile

Michael Kenny works in partnership with Kenny Realty, Inc. to help clients buy and sell all types of residential real estate in San Mateo County and San Francisco. Mr. Kenny and his associates also have the capabilities to provide a complete range of property management services, from collecting rent and coordinating tenant repairs to handling the leasing process for vacant units.

As a second-generation real estate professional, Mr. Kenny says he understands the importance of developing long-term relationships with his clients. “My father started this business in 1967 and I’ve been here since 1983, so we’ve spent a lot of time helping people in this area with their real estate needs. We believe in treating our clients like family and doing everything we can to make things easy for them.”

Mr. Kenny says Kenny Realty’s small size and local focus give it a distinct advantage in the real estate market. “Our clients know we’ll be available whenever they have questions or concerns, which isn’t always the case with corporate firms. If we have a client who’s in a tough position, we can immediately focus on making the problem go away, which is a huge benefit for them.”

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Company Philosophy

“We want every client to have a positive experience, so we simplify the real estate process for them, keep them well-informed and guide them through any difficulties that arise. Our goal is to build lasting relationships with our clients so they think of us whenever they have real estate needs.”

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Comparative Summary

Maintaining customer satisfaction is crucial for any real estate professional, but it’s even more important for agents who have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Michael Kenny, who works in partnership with Kenny Realty, Inc. in South San Francisco, the best way to achieve customer satisfaction is to utilize his agency’s small size and local focus to achieve positive results for his clients. “Most of my competitors have joined large firms located in large cities, but we’ve stayed smaller so we can put our clients first,” he says. “If they need extra help or we need to move quickly to solve an issue, we don’t have to go to a corporate head to get the OK.”

Mr. Kenny has been helping clients buy and sell residential real estate in San Mateo County and San Francisco since 1983, and Kenny Realty has been a fixture in the local real estate industry since 1967. In addition to its real estate expertise, the firm has the capabilities to provide a complete range of property management services, from collecting rent and coordinating tenant repairs to managing the leasing process for vacant units.

Unlike larger real estate firms that take a “one size fits all” approach to every job, Kenny Realty focuses on building relationships that last beyond the initial transaction. “By being friendly, down-to-earth and locally-focused, we’re able to develop personal connections with our clients,” affirms Mr. Kenny. “Many of them have bought and sold multiple properties through us. They start as a couple, but eventually they start a family and need something larger. Since they’ve already been through the process with us, they know they can trust us.”

Another distinguishing attribute of Kenny Realty is its longstanding reputation within its local community, which Mr. Kenny says goes a long way toward establishing trust with clients. “We have great name recognition, and we’re well-known to other real estate firms and inspectors. Personally, I want to carry on the legacy that my dad left behind, so I make sure everyone who works here does a great job for our clients and lives up to our reputation for quality service.”

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Industry Info

If you’re planning to buy or sell a home, make sure you know about the industry’s latest technological advancements. Not long ago, home buyers and sellers were completely reliant upon real estate agents for finding new homes. Even if they found a property they liked, the paperwork process was time-consuming and often meant many trips to the agent’s office. Today, the entire process has changed thanks to technological advancements and the rise in prominence of the Internet. Before you decide to buy or sell a property, consider the following tips:

Learn what previous clients have to say. Online reviews can help you find the type of agent you want to work with by telling you what others experienced from their agents. You still need to be cautious about whom you hire regardless of reviews, but the Internet has created a massive forum for consumers to have their say. Some websites may even list how many properties certain agents have sold in their areas, including transaction details that prove whether the agents have experience with properties like yours.

“It’s important to work with knowledgeable realtors who are strong negotiators,” says Michael Kenny, president of Kenny Realty, Inc. in South San Francisco. “The best ones stay on top of what’s going on in the market and treat their clients with respect. Reviews can help real estate professionals see how their clients view them, which can shape the way they run their businesses.”

Do research on your own terms. Today’s real estate websites provide more information than ever before. “In the past, only realtors had access to this information, but that’s no longer the case,” says Mr. Kenny. “Now, the market is more competitive and consumers can take control. They know what they’re looking for and understand their price range. They can set up alerts online so they know the second something goes on the market, and their realtors can move as quickly as possible to beat out other buyers.”

Keep up with advancements in paperwork. If you live outside of the area where you’re buying or selling, or if you happen to be away from home during the transaction, technology can help. “DocuSign is a good example of how today’s technology enables you to do business anywhere,” says Mr. Kenny. “Realtors can draw up deals while their clients are out of town and email them the details, and then the clients can sign and return the documents electronically.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it important to work with a local realtor?

A: Yes. Any realtor can help you buy or sell a house, but local realtors have a deep understanding of the local market. We’re rooted here, so we have our fingers on the pulse of what’s going on in your neighborhood.

Q: Why should I list my home with you?

A: Since I’m also a broker, I’m able to deal with agents in other brokerages that maybe aren’t as knowledgeable. As a broker, I’m responsible to the state, so there’s more knowledge and protection for my clients. I’m also a strong negotiator, and I always stay on top of what’s going on in the market.

Q: Do you provide property management services?

A: Yes. Some of our property management clients have existing investment properties and others are investors who buy properties that they want us to manage. Our real estate division and property management division help each other.

Q: What’s your favorite part of the real estate process?

A: I like that it always ends on a positive note. I’m helping people who are starting a new chapter in their life, so it’s a nice feeling when I’m able to fulfill their needs.

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SELECTED PHOTOS FROM Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc.

  • Michael Kenny recently sold this residential property.

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE & TIPS FROM Michael Kenny

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

  • Michael Kenny is a 34-year veteran of the real estate industry and president of Kenny Realty, Inc., a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (650) 276-4436 or by email.

Michael Kenny: Realty Roots

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO — Michael Kenny has always had roots in the real estate industry, so when he decided to pursue it as a career, it felt practically second nature. “My dad started Kenny Realty in 1967,” he explains. “Growing up with a father in real estate, I was always sort of immersed in it—I’d hear about it around the dinner table, and when I was in high school, I worked for him painting rentals. After college, I decided to give the family business a try, and I absolutely fell in love with it. I know it thrilled my dad to see the company stay in the family.”

Today, as president of Kenny Realty, Michael says his favorite part of his job is the opportunity to make a positive impact. “I’ve always considered myself a positive person, so real estate has provided a great way for me to live that out. At the end of the day, when I’m handing my clients a set of keys, I get a lot of satisfaction knowing I’ve helped them start a new chapter of their lives.”

A resident of Foster City, Michael spends his time outside of work on a variety of active pastimes. “My wife, Caryn, and I are very active and love spending time at Lake Tahoe,” he affirms. “Depending on the season, we might be skiing, water skiing, hiking or paddle boarding. We also enjoy following professional sports—Caryn is an avid basketball fan, so we have season tickets to the Warriors.” Additionally, Michael likes gardening and spending time with friends and family, including his and Caryn’s two daughters, Danielle and Christina.

In regard to his professional career, Michael espouses the importance of maintaining a good reputation. “My dad taught me to never compromise my reputation,” he says. “When I took over the business, I was really motivated to preserve the reputation my father had built for the company, which meant maintaining his high standards for quality and client satisfaction. To this day, I strive to maintain a level of professional excellence I know my father would be proud of.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Michael says he wouldn’t. “My dad worked until he was 90, so, like him, I don’t think I’ll ever fully retire. However, I definitely see myself taking more time off to travel. A few years ago, my wife and I took a three-week trip to Europe, and it made us realize how hard we’d been working for the last two decades and how little time off we’d taken. So, from now on, we plan to take a long vacation at least every couple of years so we can relax.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: When I find something I like, I tend to stick with it, so I’d probably go back to Europe—specifically, the town of Positano, which is on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. It’s right on the water, the food is great and it’s very relaxing.

Q: Reality TV or documentaries?
A: My wife and I are big reality TV people—we’ve always enjoyed shows like Survivor, Big Brother and American Idol.

Q: Music or talk radio?
A: I enjoy both. I listen to a lot of sports talk radio, but I love music as well.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Sit by the fire and watch sports.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Sports memorabilia. I have several autographed jerseys and about 40 bobbleheads.

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Expert articles
  • Inherited Properties: Renting vs. Selling

    by Michael Kenny, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

    SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO — If you’ve inherited a property, you might be wondering whether it’s more beneficial to sell it or rent it. While either scenario has its advantages, there are some important details to consider before making your decision.

    One of the first things you should do is weigh the financial implications of each option. After all, while selling a property can bring a considerable profit, making it a rental can provide a good source of residual income. In most cases, renovation costs will be the same whether you choose to sell or rent. You should also keep in mind that there are specific tax-related consequences for either course of action. To make an informed decision, be sure to consult a tax preparer or other financial advisor.

    Managing a rental property can be a lot of work, so if you’re thinking about renting, make sure you consider your management plan. One good option is to hire a property manager to handle things like upkeep, tenant screening and rent collection. This can be especially beneficial if the property is located outside of the area in which you live, since you’ll have someone to take care of things in your absence.

    Another aspect to consider when deciding whether to rent or sell is your personal attachment to the property. When there’s a strong emotional attachment to a property, it can be difficult for the owner to see tenants (who have no such emotional connection) living there. To avoid a potentially unhealthy dynamic, it’s often better to sell when strong emotions are involved, as this will allow the owner to let go and move on.

    Finally, if you’ve inherited the property in conjunction with a sibling or other family member, make sure you have a healthy relationship with that person before agreeing to a joint rental situation. Jointly managing a property with someone you don’t trust or get along with can be very frustrating, in which case it’s likely a better choice to sell.

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Expert video tip

  • Video: Rent or Sell?

    with Michael Kenny of
    Kenny Realty, Inc.

    Complete Video Transcription:

    SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO — Host, Sarah Rutan: If you’ve inherited an investment property, you’ll need to determine whether it’s a better idea to rent it or sell it. Today we’re in South San Francisco with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Michael Kenny of Kenny Realty to learn more.

    Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Michael Kenny: In the past many of my clients have come in and asked me the benefits versus rent versus sell when they inherit a property from a loved one. The fact is the cost of renovation is about the same whether you’re going to make it a rental or you’re going to sell the property. A lot of times clients will decide that they want to sell a property because they want an investment closer to where they live. So, if they’re from a different part of the country, they may want their rental near them so they can drive by it. It’s always good to check with your tax preparer because there can be tax advantages or disadvantages to sale versus renting.

    Just remember, some people feel that being a landlord can be hassle. That’s what a good property manager is for. A good property manager gets in and insulates between tenant and landlord and takes care of a lot of the smaller problems for you, and believe it or not, people have emotional ties to property. In my case, my father inherited my grandmother’s house. He had other rentals and then immediately put my grandmother’s house on the market, and I didn’t really understand why and I talked to him later and he said, “It would break my heart to see a tenant get in and damage my mom’s house in any way.” So, if you’re too emotionally tied to the house, it’s probably not a good idea to make it a rental.

    And then finally, a lot of times you may be inheriting a property with a sibling or another family member. Make sure it’s somebody that you can do business with and that you’re going to work well together because partnerships are another reason that we see people turn around and sell the property.

    Host, Sarah Rutan: To learn more from local, top rated companies, visit our Diamond Certified Expert Reports at experts.diamondcertified.org.

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http://www.kennyrealty.com
Diamond Certified RATINGS ON Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc.
Diamond certified ratings dashboard
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION i
Customer LOYALTY i
Helpful Expertise i

Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

Company Credentials i
  • Workers Compensation
  • Liability Insurance
  • License Verification
  • Business Practices
  • Current Complaint File
Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 19 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS i
Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. : Average 9.8 out of 10 based on 19 unique customer surveys of customer satisfaction.

Kajal C.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

1 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

He's been in the business for 26 years and there's no one better. I think that if you need a friend, brother or anything, he's there. He and his wife, and the entire office staff are great to everyone.

He's very helpful, he does everything for the client, and treats me like a sister. He holds everything together.

Joe G.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

2 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

He's a good, honest person, and in real estate you don't get a lot of those kind of people. He's qualified. I would tell others to use him.

I liked his professionalism. He's got an efficient staff, that is almost all family, and they all work well together.

James F.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

3 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Everything he has done for me has made me very pleased.

He's a caring person and I enjoy working with him.

Marlene B.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

4 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

He did an exceptional job.

He is very personable and knowledgeable.

Gina F.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

5 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

He is trustworthy, honorable and professional.

To me, it is his trustworthiness.

Tanya K.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

6 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Very helpful and made the process easy

He did a rental property and sold the same property for us. It was painless.

Win N.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

7 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

Very knowledgeable concerning relaying information to client

He is good at giving information concerning what my needs were.

Jim R.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

8 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

He did a good job.

He did a good job selling my house. I can't say much more than that.

Jame W.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

9 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

He is trustworthy and you just feel comfortable when you do business with him and he is very ethical.

That you can rely on them

Bill B.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

10 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

He is the best Realtor in the Peninsula by far.

He is very knowledgeable in the market and very honest. He serves his clients very well.

Guy S.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

11 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I think he goes above and beyond. He's fair and honest.

He did what he said he would do.

Nancy W.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

12 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I'd say call him up, he's very good.

He was very knowledgeable about the area and very helpful. He goes out of his way to help you.

Helen E.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

13 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I would tell them he is very informative and he communicates very well through the whole process. He's very good at returning calls or emails. He's prompt about responding. Really good job and he knows what he's doing.

I would say the thing I liked best about him was that he was very responsive. If only he could clone himself, seriously, he was very good.

Ryan A.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

14 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I would highly recommend him. He's knowledgeable.

He's low pressure and didn't seem like he was selling me. He's one of the better Realtors I've worked with. We had one beforehand that set a low standard, but Michael was spectacular.

Gary H.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

15 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

My mom had passed away and he helped me out a lot with that. He went through something similar so he could empathize. He's fantastic.

He's professional. He's been working in the area for over 60 years, with his dad, which is why I went to him. He knows the area, he's knowledgeable, a down to earth guy, who doesn't talk fancy.

Jean M.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

16 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

I would recommend him.

I'm very happy with his services and have no complaints. He's great.

Bob S.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

17 of 19

Quality 10
10 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

He's very professional and he accomplishes what he sets out to do. He's a good communicator and he's really everything you'd want in a real estate agent.

His professionalism, he pretty much got it all down, he's been doing this a long time.

John E.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

18 of 19

Quality 9
9 10
Loyalty Yes
CRITIQUE

You don't get the sense, while working with them, that they are a big corporate company. Gordon Kenny ran it for a while and he's great. There's a flavor about the company that they're a competently run family business. They're personable. They're very responsive. They know us by name, not by number, they know my family and have taken the time to get to know us.

He's an honest, knowledgeable man.

Georgia S.

VERIFIED Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc. CUSTOMER

19 of 19

Quality 7
7 10
Loyalty No
CRITIQUE

My end result was good and he did work hard for me, but it didn't go as smoothly as I would've hoped. I do like him personally though.

I liked him personally, I like his personality, and under the gun he gets things done.
Read All 19 Survey Responses at Ratings View