Diamond Certified Category Report

San Mateo County – Real Estate Sales – Agents

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The Rostad Team of Coldwell Banker

(650) 239-6057

580 El Camino Real San Carlos
CA San Mateo

Hours
Map

Website

LICENSE 01272932, 01174462

DIAMOND CERTIFIED COMPANY REPORT

Mike and Sandy Rostad, Realtors

Mike and Sandy Rostad work in partnership with Coldwell Banker to help clients buy and sell residential real estate properties throughout the San Francisco Peninsula. They offer a wide variety of services that are designed to simplify the real estate… Read more

Key Services

Residential Real Estate Sales & Purchases Home Evaluations

AREAS SERVED

Serving the Peninsula, from Menlo Park to Millbrae

Carmen Miranda – Alain Pinel Realtors

(650) 273-5398

1440 Chapin Avenue
Suite 200 Burlingame CA 94010

Hours
Map

Website

LICENSE 01272467, 01065975

DIAMOND CERTIFIED COMPANY REPORT

Carmen Miranda, Agent/Realtor

For almost 30 years, Carmen Miranda has been assisting buyers and sellers of San Francisco Bay Area real estate. A seasoned veteran with multiple awards for her high-level service and production achievements, Carmen does not measure her success by sales… Read more

Key Services

Residential Sales Residential Leases Multi-Unit Complex Sales

AREAS SERVED

Serving San Mateo County and San Francisco

Lommori Stahl Group of Re/Max Star Properties

(650) 525-4162

450 Dondee Way
Suite #7 Pacifica CA 94044

Hours
Map

Website

LICENSE 00939168, 00449165, Team 70010022

DIAMOND CERTIFIED COMPANY REPORT

Christine Stahl and Pete Lommori, Real Estate Agents

Lommori Stahl Group of RE/MAX Star Properties helps clients buy and sell all types of residential real estate in San Mateo County and San Francisco. The agency takes a hands-on approach to guiding its clients through the real estate process,… Read more

Key Services

Residential Real Estate Sales & Purchases Investment Properties Multiunit Properties Relocation Distressed Properties Short Sales…

AREAS SERVED

Serving Pacifica to Pescadero, San Francisco, and Daly City to Menlo Park

Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc.

(650) 276-4436

100 Arroyo Drive South San Francisco
CA 94080

Hours
Map

Website

LICENSE 00458981, 00868947

DIAMOND CERTIFIED COMPANY REPORT

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… Read more

Key Services

Residential Real Estate Sales & Purchases Property Management Leasing

AREAS SERVED

Serving San Mateo County and San Francisco including Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, San…

Julie Flouty – Alain Pinel Realtors

(650) 239-6809

1440 Chapin Avenue Burlingame
CA 94010

Hours
Map

Website

LICENSE 01901710, 01272467

DIAMOND CERTIFIED COMPANY REPORT

Julie Flouty, Realtor

Julie Flouty works in partnership with Alain Pinel Realtors to help clients buy and sell all types of residential properties (including condos, luxury homes and investment properties) throughout San Mateo County. As a lifelong resident of the San Francisco Peninsula,… Read more

Key Services

Residential Real Estate Purchases & Sales Luxury Homes Condominiums & Townhouses Investment Properties

AREAS SERVED

Serving San Mateo County including Belmont, Burlingame, Foster City, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Redwood City, Redwood Shores,…

Glen A. Mitchell Keller Williams Realty

(650) 268-4022

200 San Mateo Road
Suite A Half Moon Bay CA 94019

Hours
Map

Website

LICENSE 01345619

DIAMOND CERTIFIED COMPANY REPORT

Glen Mitchell, Broker

Glen A. Mitchell works in partnership with Keller Williams Realty to help clients buy and sell all types of residential real estate throughout the Greater Bay Area. As a former options trader, Mr. Mitchell utilizes his advanced understanding of financial… Read more

Key Services

Residential Real Estate Sales & Purchases Property Management

AREAS SERVED

Serving the Greater Bay Area including Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, South San Francisco,…

Rich & Leslie Macario – Alain Pinel Realtors

(650) 924-1978

520 South El Camino Real
Suite 100 San Mateo CA 94402

Hours
Map

Website

LICENSE 01079009, 01393258, 01885766

DIAMOND CERTIFIED COMPANY REPORT

Richard and Leslie Macario

Rich and Leslie Macario work in partnership with Alain Pinel Realtors to help clients buy and sell all types of residential and commercial properties throughout San Mateo County and San Francisco. The team also has special expertise with investment properties, distressed… Read more

Key Services

Residential & Commercial Real Estate Distressed Properties Investment Properties Relocations Short Sales 1031 Exchanges

AREAS SERVED

Serving San Mateo County and San Francisco

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How To Choose

Finding a Reliable Real Estate Sales Agent in San Mateo County

Finding a quality real estate sales agent is important in order to enjoy a painless real estate transaction. The question is: how can you find a real estate agent that you can trust? The best real estate agent doesn’t necessarily make the most money or close the most transactions. What is important is that the real estate agent you choose has experience, listens to you, knows your market, and conducts himself in an ethical manner.

Looking for a Trustworthy Real Estate Agent in San Mateo County
There are several factors to consider when choosing a professional real estate sales agent in San Mateo County, including the larger cities of Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, South San Francisco, and San Bruno. Following are tips to consider before making your final choice:

Attend open houses and meet real estate agents in an environment where you can interact with them in a non-threatening way. This will give you an opportunity to see how the agent shows the home and interacts with others. Pay attention to whether she is polite, knowledgeable, professional in appearance, and trying to sell the features of the home.
Pay attention to listing signs in your neighborhood. If you see an agent that appears to sell a home quickly, they might be a better choice than the one who has the most “for sale” signs up.
Look online for the top real estate companies in your area and look for customer testimonials for the real estate agents of those particular companies.
Take note of advertisements for local real estate agents. It is possible that they specialize in your particular neighborhood. Call or make an appointment with them and question them regarding their experience to see if they might be a good fit for you.
Ask around for referrals. Look for an agent who goes above and beyond normal expectations for her clients.
Seriously consider hiring a Diamond Certified real estate agent in San Mateo County. All real estate professionals who have earned Diamond Certified have passed a rigorous ratings process, including license verification and interviews of a random sample of actual customers.
Ask other professionals to refer a quality real estate sales agent. Not all real estate agents specialize in the same area. There are many different types of real estate sales agents such as commercial or investment property, new home builders, mortgage brokers, etc.

Why You Should Find a Diamond Certified San Mateo County Real Estate Agent
In today’s world, there is a lot of information available online. If you want to buy or sell a home, it makes sense that you might wonder if a real estate sales agent is really a wise choice. Following are ten reasons that highlight why you may want to hire a professional real estate sales agent.

1. Real estate agents are buffers

A quality real estate agent filters phone calls for you so that you only have to talk to serious buyers who want to write an offer. Or, if you are a buyer, a good real estate agent will filter out builder’s agents.

2. Professional networking

Real estate sales agents network with other professionals which allows them to give you a list of dependable, reputable references of those who can provide services that you will need to buy or sell.

3. Market conditions information

Real estate sales agents have the ability to disclose market conditions. Market conditions determine your selling or buying process. Several considerations determine how you will proceed in the sell or purchase of your home: the average per square foot cost of homes that are similar to yours, average sales prices, ratios of list-to-sold prices, and average days on the market are a few of these considerations.

4. Deals with the volumes of paperwork

Today, purchase agreements run a minimum of ten pages in length. This does not even include federal and state-mandated disclosures. An average real estate file can have one to three inches of paper. It’s important to have a dependable real estate agent who can take care of this for you so that a tiny mistake doesn’t cost you thousands.

5. Guidance regarding pricing

Real estate sales agents will help you as a client determine what the best price is for you. They will be able to help you devise a negotiation strategy based on market demand, supply and conditions.

6. Education and experience

If you find the right person who has more experience and education than you, it will give you the ability to focus on responsibilities and priorities in your daily life, knowing that you don’t need to know everything about the real estate business because you have someone working for you who already does.

7. Confidentiality and negotiation skills

A quality real estate sales agent is skilled in the art of negotiation. They are able to present your case as a client in the best light possible while maintaining confidentiality from competing parties.

8. Neighborhood knowledge

A good real estate agent will either know intimate information regarding your neighborhood or know where to find it. They will also be able to identify comparable sales and help you find information regarding schools, crime, or demographics.

9. Answer questions after closing

A good real estate sales agent will be there for you even after the excitement of closing a house. If taxing authorizes want to collect property tax assessments, for example, your real estate agent will be able to help you straighten out any confusion.

10. Developing relationships for future business

A real estate agent in San Mateo County, including the larger cities of Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, South San Francisco, and San Bruno, depends on referrals in order to continue a successful career. For this reason, a good real estate agent will want to make sure you are happy and completely satisfied.

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Why Trust Diamond Certified Real Estate Agents Rated Highest in Quality?

Photo: Julie Flouty - Alain Pinel Realtors (2016)

You are the customer. If your goal is to choose a real estate agent that will deliver high customer satisfaction and quality, you’ll feel confident in choosing a Diamond Certified realtor. Each has been rated Highest in Quality in the most accurate ratings process anywhere. And you’re always backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Here’s why the Diamond Certified ratings and certification process will help you find a top-rated real estate company and is unparalleled in its accuracy, rigor and usefulness:

1) Accuracy: All research is performed by live telephone interviews that verify only real customers are surveyed, so you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews.

2) Statistical Reliability: A large random sample of past customers is surveyed on an ongoing basis so the research results you see truly reflect a Diamond Certified company’s top-rated status.

3) Full Disclosure: By clicking the name of a company above you’ll see the exact rating results in charts and read verbatim survey responses as well as researched articles on each qualified company.

4) Guaranteed: Your purchase is backed up with mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee, so you can choose with confidence.

Click on the name of a Diamond Certified company above to read ratings results, researched articles and verbatim customer survey responses to help you make an informed decision.

More than 200,000 customers of local companies have been interviewed in live telephone calls, and only companies that score Highest in Quality in customer satisfaction–a 90+ on a 100 scale–as well as pass all of the credential-based ratings earn Diamond Certified. By requiring such a high score to qualify, the Diamond Certified program eliminates mediocre and poorly performing companies. Read detailed information about the ratings and certification process.

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DIAMOND CERTIFIED EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS IN THE San Mateo County – Real Estate Sales – Agents CATEGORY

Christine Stahl is a 30-year veteran of the real estate industry and partner at Lommori Stahl Group of Re/Max Star Properties, a Diamond Certified company. She can be reached at (650) 525-4162 or by email.

Christine Stahl

diamond certified contributor profile and expert article

Christine Stahl: In Her Father’s Footsteps

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

PACIFICA — When asked how she became involved in the real estate industry, Christine Stahl credits the early influence of her father. “My father was a real estate broker and had his own office in Pacifica,” she explains. “When I was deciding what I wanted to do with my life, my father’s business partner suggested I go to work for him and have him teach me the business. I took her advice, got my real estate license and joined my father’s team.”

Five years later, Christine’s father unexpectedly passed away, which left her not only in a place of personal grief, but also at a professional crossroads. “After my father passed away, I had the choice to take over his company or continue working solo as an agent,” she says. “I decided on the latter, as I really enjoyed working hands-on with buyers and sellers.” Not long after, Christine was offered a proposition from industry colleague Pete Lommori. “Pete and I knew each other from working together on past transactions, and after my father passed, he suggested we join forces and form a team. The more we talked about it, the more it seemed like a good idea, so we made it official in 1995 and have been working together ever since.”

Today, as partner at Lommori Stahl Group of Re/Max Star Properties, Christine says her favorite part of her job is helping clients prepare for major decisions. “For most people, purchasing or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions they’ll ever make, so I like being there to walk them through that process. By sitting down with them, determining their needs and putting together a plan to meet their goals, I’m able to give my clients greater confidence in making their big decisions.”

A longtime resident of Pacifica, Christine expresses her adoration for the Bay Area. “I was born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, so I’ve always loved the coast and the ocean. When I came to the Pacific coast, it immediately felt like home. The surf, the sunset, the mountains, the clean air…we’re simply surrounded by beauty, so I feel very fortunate to live here.”

Outside of work, Christine spends much of her time enjoying the local landscape and searching for hidden gems. “I like to explore different areas of Northern California, including the coast and Wine Country,” she says. “There’s so much to see and do around the Bay Area, and I’m always coming across new things.” Additionally, Christine enjoys spending time with friends and family; going on walks with her dog and company mascot, Rockaway Ricky; and volunteering her time to benefit her community. “I’m on the board of a local nonprofit called Pacificans Care, which raises funds for the four core social service agencies here in Pacifica.”

When asked the first thing she’d do if she were to retire tomorrow, Christine says she would expand her exploratory horizons beyond the California border. “I would definitely travel more. In particular, I’d like to visit some of the national parks around the country. I love nature and have been to a few parks, but there are a lot more I still want to see, so maybe I’d rent an RV and go on a national park tour.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What was your first pet?
A: A cat named Girl.

Q: Reality TV or documentaries?
A: Documentaries. I like history and enjoy learning the facts behind major events.

Q: What’s your favorite winery?
A: Chateau St. Jean in Kenwood.

Q: What kind of music do you like?
A: Classic rock and Motown.

Q: Do you collect anything?
A: Succulents—they’re fun to collect because you can simply take a branch from someone else’s garden and transplant it into yours.

Measures to Maximize Property Appeal

by Christine Stahl, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

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PACIFICA — Prior to putting your home up for sale, you’ll want to take measures to maximize its appeal to potential buyers. While there are several avenues for boosting your property’s appeal, it’s best to focus on those that are likely… Read more

Expert Video Tip

Video: Preparing Your Home for Market

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Complete Video Transcription:

PACIFICA — Host, Sarah Rutan: If you’re planning to sell your home, you’ll want to take every available measure to get it ready for market. To learn… Read more

Sandy Rostad is a realtor at The Rostad Team of Coldwell Banker, a Diamond Certified company since 2014. She can be reached at (650) 239-6057 or by email.

Sandy Rostad

diamond certified contributor profile and expert article

Sandy Rostad: A Prosperous Partnership

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

SAN CARLOS — After working in the insurance industry for two decades, Sandy Rostad was primed for a major transition after she decided to partner with her husband in the real estate field. “My husband, Mike, was working full-time as a firefighter and part-time as a real estate agent,” she recounts. “We had recently become parents, and we figured that if I joined him in real estate, it would give us more flexibility and simplify our lives a bit.” Sandy describes her introduction to real estate as both exciting and nerve-wracking. “When I first started, the market was at a pretty tumultuous point, so I was kind of thrown into the midst of it. It was somewhat intimidating, but my passion and determination enabled me to overcome my fears and be successful.”

Today, as a partner of The Rostad Team of Coldwell Banker, Sandy says her favorite part of her job is being a helpful resource to buyers and sellers alike. “I get a lot of satisfaction from building relationships with my clients, helping them through the process and achieving a positive outcome for them. It’s very rewarding to see them happy with the results of my work.”

Having grown up in San Mateo, Sandy now resides in San Carlos, where she and Mike appreciate the small-town atmosphere. “We’ve been in San Carlos for more than 25 years,” she says. “A lot of people are interested in moving here because it’s so nice, so for us, it’s not just a great place to live; it’s a great place to be in business as well.”

Outside of work, Sandy enjoys activities like cooking, exercising, and spending quality time with friends and family, including her and Mike’s grown children, Jessica and Cory. Additionally, she likes taking advantage of the Bay Area’s diverse recreational offerings. “Mike and I enjoy getting out and about, whether going for a hike at Half Moon Bay or taking a day trip to San Francisco.”

In regard to her career, Sandy espouses the importance of professional integrity. “The market is very competitive in this area, so it’s crucial for a realtor to operate with honesty and integrity,” she says. “We feel that treating others the way we would want to be treated is key, and I think a lot of our client referrals come as a result of the reputation we’ve earned for being ethical and honest.”

When asked the first thing she’d do if she could retire tomorrow, Sandy says she’d do some extensive traveling. “We’ve been to Europe a few times, but never for more than a couple of weeks, so we’d probably go for a little longer. That would give us a chance to really get to know some of our favorite places, as well as visit some new ones.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: What’s your favorite season?
A: Summer, because we aren’t as confined to the indoors.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Curl up in front of the fire and read a book or watch a movie.

Q: What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
A: The unconditional love of my family.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to eat for dessert?
A: A chocolate chip cookie or brownie.

Q: If you could speak any language fluently, what would you choose?
A: Italian. I think it’s a really pretty language—plus, it would help me the next time we’re vacationing in Italy.

The Benefits of Donating Your Unwanted Items

by Sandy Rostad, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

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SAN CARLOS — Whether moving out of the area or simply downsizing, a common dilemma home sellers face is what to do with their unwanted possessions. While selling items online can be financially lucrative, it can also be time-consuming and… Read more

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Video: Donating Your Unwanted Items

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SAN CARLOS — Host, Sarah Rutan: When preparing for a move, you'll need to priorities which items you'll take with you, and which items you'll… Read more

Glen A. Mitchell is a 15-year veteran of the real estate industry and broker at Glen A. Mitchell Keller Williams Realty, a Diamond Certified company. He can be reached at (650) 268-4022 or by email.

Glen Mitchell

diamond certified contributor profile and expert article

Glen Mitchell: A Familiar Field

By James Florence , Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

HALF MOON BAY — Glen Mitchell grew up in a family that ran a property management business, so it only made sense for him to get into a field he was familiar with. “From a young age, I had an interest in the real estate industry, partially because I had seen firsthand how the business worked, and the process fascinated me,” he explains. “After finishing school, I felt like I was a little too young to start selling houses, so I went to work as a trader at the stock exchange. After a few years, I decided I’d had enough and returned to real estate, which I’ve been doing ever since.”

Today, Glen says his favorite part of being a real estate broker is sharing in the triumphs of his clients. “I enjoy working with clients on both sides of the spectrum. Whether it’s a seller who got the price they wanted or a buyer who just bought their first home, it’s exciting for me to see my clients excited.”

A resident of Half Moon Bay (where he lives with his wife, Christy, and their three children), Glen expresses his appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the Bay Area. “As someone who loves the ocean and the mountains, I feel very fortunate to live in a place where we have access to nearly any kind of outdoor activity. The only thing we don’t have is skiing, but even that’s only a three-hour drive away.”

Outside of work, Glen engages in a variety of active pastimes, from hiking and mountain biking with his kids to photography. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had an interest in photography, and in the last few years, I’ve had the opportunity to get more involved in that.” Glen also likes keeping up with the world of college sports. “I enjoy college sports more than professional sports, and I go to every Stanford football game.” Additionally, Glen is an active participant at his local church, where he enjoys helping out with various activities and events.

In his life and career, Glen espouses the virtues of living by the Golden Rule. “I try to treat other people how I would want to be treated,” he affirms. “Whether in life or in business, I want to be someone people can trust, and I also want to be able to trust other people. That’s an especially big deal in my line of work.”

When asked the first thing he’d do if he were to retire tomorrow, Glen says he’d head to an island destination. “I’d take my family on a trip to Hawaii, turn my phone off and just spend some time sitting on the beach.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: New Zealand. I’ve seen a lot of beautiful pictures, and I’d love to go there and do some photography.

Q: What’s your favorite local restaurant?
A: Sushi Main Street in Half Moon Bay.

Q: What kind of music do you like?
A: Country, although my favorite band is U2. I guess I’m kind of eclectic.

Q: If you could live in the city or the country, which would you choose?
A: The country, just because I enjoy being in nature. Ideally, I’d live just outside of the city to get the best of both worlds.

Q: What was your favorite Halloween costume as a child?
A: A jack-in-the-box. It was basically a big cardboard box—I would sit inside on the porch, and when trick-or-treaters came to the door, I’d jump out of it and scare them.

4 Easy Ways to Boost Your Home’s Appeal

by Glen Mitchell, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

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HALF MOON BAY — Sellers often assume that in order to get their homes market-ready, they need to invest in major cosmetic upgrades or even do some remodeling. While such measures can be good investments in some cases, you should first consider… Read more

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Video: Simple Tips for a Faster Home Sale

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HALF MOON BAY — Host, Sarah Rutan: When it comes to selling a home, there are several easy steps to boost its appeal to potential… Read more

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

diamond certified contributor profile and expert article

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.

Inherited Properties: Renting vs. Selling

by Michael Kenny, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

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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… Read more

Expert Video Tip

Video: Rent or Sell?

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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… Read more

SELECTED PHOTOS FROM THESE TOP RATED COMPANIES

Lommori Stahl Group of Re/Max Star Properties
This home features a deck and plenty of privacy.
The Rostad Team of Coldwell Banker
Rich & Leslie Macario – Alain Pinel Realtors
Michael Kenny – Kenny Realty, Inc.
Carmen Miranda and her team sell all types of homes.

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INDUSTRY INFORMATION AND RESEARCHED ARTICLES BY THE DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESOURCE

INDUSTRY INFORMATION - San Mateo County – Real Estate Sales – Agents

Popular Types of Real Estate

chalet-style homes
beach homes
A-frame homes
split-level homes
commercial properties
high-end homes
vacation homes
luxury homes
modular homes
green homes
Craftsman homes
Victorian homes
condominiums
rental properties

Types of Real Estate Agent Services Available in San Mateo County

new homes for sale
commercial property sales
undeveloped property sales / land for sale
luxury homes for sale
rent-to-own homes
mobile homes / manufactured homes for sale
foreclosed homes for sale
bank-owned homes sales
investment properties
home listings
vacation home sales
townhouse sales
condominium sales
apartment sales

Cities Served

Atherton
Belmont
Brisbane
Broadmoor Village
Burlingame
Colma
Daly City
East Palo Alto
El Granada
Emerald Hills
Foster City
Half Moon Bay
Hillsborough
La Honda
Loma Mar
Menlo Park
Millbrae
Montara
Moss Beach
Pacifica
Palomar Park
Pescadero
Portola Valley
Princeton by the Sea
Redwood City
San Bruno
San Carlos
San Gregorio
San Mateo
Sharp Park
South SF
West Menlo Park
Woodside

Zip Codes Served

94002
94005
94010
94011
94014
94015
94016
94017
94018
94019
94020
94021
94025
94026
94027
94028
94030
94037
94038
94044
94060
94061
94062
94063
94064
94065
94066
94070
94074
94080
94083
94096
94098
94128
94401
94402
94403
94404

Know What You Want

Questions to Think About Before Hiring a Real Estate Agent in San Mateo County

Many factors should be considered before selecting a real estate sales agent in San Mateo County that will meet your needs the best. Write down everything that you’re searching for before you begin your research. Think about the following questions before making your final choice regarding a real estate sales agent.

1. Do I want a Diamond Certified real estate office that is rated best in quality and backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee?

2. What is my budget?

3. What personal and professional characteristics would I like my San Mateo area real estate agent contractor to have? (These may include good communication skills, honesty, reliability, cleanliness, etc.)

4. What is the time frame that is most optimal for me to purchase or sell my real estate property in San Mateo County, including the larger cities of Pacifica, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Foster City, and Burlingame?

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What To Ask In Person

Questions to Ask When Speaking in Person with a San Mateo County Real Estate Agent

The next step in the process of hiring a real estate sales agent in San Mateo County is to interview them. Consider asking the following questions.

1. What sets you apart from other real estate sales agents?

2. What if I am unhappy with your service? Do you offer a guarantee?

3. Can I get references for your last five deals?

4. Can I list the house with you for 60 to 90 days?

5. Has a client ever filed a complaint against you?

6. Considering the current market, at what price do you think my home can sell?

7. Other than a CMA (comparative market analysis), what does your marketing package contain?

8. Do you represent buyers and sellers on the same house?

9. Can you give me a comparative market analysis of recent home that are on the market as well as recent sales in the area?

10. How many other sellers are you representing now? (Keep in mind that the busiest real estate sales agents are often the most efficient.)

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What To Ask References

Speaking with Previous Customers of a San Mateo County Real Estate Agent

It’s best to choose a Diamond Certified real estate sales agent in San Mateo County because all certified companies have passed an in-depth ratings process that most other companies can’t pass. If you want quality real estate work in San Mateo County and the greater Bay Area, you can have confidence choosing a Diamond Certified company. Diamond Certified reports are available online for all certified companies. And you’ll never be fooled by fake reviews. That’s because all research is performed in live telephone interviews of actual customers.

If you can’t locate a Diamond Certified real estate sales agent within reach in San Mateo County, including the smaller cities of Broadmoor Village, Atherton, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Palomar Park, and Woodside, you’ll have to do some research on your own. If you do, it’s wise to call some references provided by your real estate sales agent.

Keep in mind, though, that references provided to you by the real estate sales agent are not equal in value to the large random sample of customers surveyed during the Diamond Certified ratings process. That’s because references given to customers from companies are cherry-picked instead of randomly selected from all their customers. So the real estate agents will likely give you a few customers to call that they know are satisfied.

If you do call references on your own, specifically ask for a list of the company’s 10 most recent customers. This will help avoid them giving you the names of only customers they know were satisfied.

1.     Do you feel that the real estate agent was pushy when it came to selling or buying?

2.     Was the deal was complete, were you satisfied with the real estate agent?

3.     Did the real estate agent help you devise a selling/buying plan and help you stick with it?

4.     If you sold real estate with this real estate agent in San Mateo County, including the larger cities of Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, South San Francisco, and San Bruno, did they do a good job of showcasing and showing your property both in person and on the listing sheet?

5.     If you need a real estate sales agent in the future, will you consider hiring this real estate agent?

6.     Was this real estate agent respectful of your time and property? Were there any issues of theft or damage during showings?

7.     Was the real estate agent helpful in guiding you during the offer process?

8.     Was the real estate agent helpful in guiding you during negotiations?

9.     Was the real estate agent knowledgeable about the community, town, and market you were interested in?

10. Do you believe that the real estate sales agent was working with your best interest in mind? Or did you feel like the real estate agent was influenced by other motivations or agents?

11. Would you recommend this real estate sales agent to your family and friends?
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Review Your Options

Choosing to Hire a Real Estate Agent in San Mateo County

The Diamond Certified symbol has been awarded to companies that scored Highest in Quality in an accurate ratings process.
Your choice of real estate sales agent is important to you and your family. So before making the final decision on the best real estate sales agent in San Mateo County, you may want to consider the following questions:
1. Is my real estate agent flexible regarding the commission rate?
2. Is my real estate sales agent of choice applying pressure or sales tactics in order to get me to sign a contract before I am ready?
3. Do I trust my real estate agent of choice?
4. Does my real estate agent have good references that I have checked?
5. Does my real estate agent have a good record for selling real estate property in a timely fashion by using successful marketing strategies?
6. Is my real estate sales agent well-respected in the community?
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How To Work With

Considerations Before Signing the Buyer’s Agent Agreement
If you are purchasing real estate in San Mateo County, including the larger cities of Pacifica, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Foster City, and Burlingame, your real estate sales agent my ask you to sign a “buyer’s agent agreement.” This agreement protects the real estate agent if you, the client, choose to switch to a different real estate agent at the moment of signing a contract for real estate property for the purpose of saving money, etc. This contract ensures that the real estate agent will be compensated for their work. It specifies rights and duties of the buyer as well as how and when the agent will be compensated. If your real estate agent wants you to sign a buyer’s agent agreement, here are a list of issues you should carefully consider:
- Compensation. Be sure that total compensation is covered in the buyer’s agreement. Any commission that is paid by the seller to the buyer’s agent will reduce any commission owed by the buyer. Avoid paying a retainer fee. Also check to see how to cancel the contract if you are unhappy with the real estate agent’s performance.
- Term. You can always renew later, so determine a reasonable time period for working with the real estate agent. Remember that if you purchase a property that the real estate agent showed you a few months after the contract has expired, the agent is still entitled to a commission.
- Geographic area. Make sure the real estate agent is experienced in your area. If it is possible that you will venture outside of the comfort zone of the real estate agent, make a provision in the contract that the real estate agent will refer you to another agent and collect a referral fee. Or that, in this type of case, the contract will be void.
- FSBOs. If you don’t want to pay a commission on For Sale by Owner properties, make sure to put that in the contract. Keep in mind, however, that the real estate agent may be able to save you money by determining a fair purchase price and negotiating the deal.
The contract should clearly define both the duties of the agent and the buyer. These duties should include:

Responsibilities of a San Mateo County Real Estate Agent:
- Continued, reliable effort to identify properties that meet the needs of the buyer
- Assists with obtaining financing
- Arrange for properties to be inspected
- Negotiate contracts
- Unless requested to do so in writing, the real estate agent is not obligated to show properties that are not available in the Multiple Listing Service.
- Discloses any information that would affect the buyer’s decision to purchase
Responsibilities of a San Mateo County Buyer:
- Cooperates with the agent in order to fulfill the terms of the agreement
- Be available to view potential properties
- Pays compensation
- Work exclusively with the agent to find real estate property while the agreement is valid
- Provide the agent with adequate financial information to research appropriate properties
Real Estate Listing Contracts
A listing contract is the contract between a real estate agent (if the agent is acting in a broker’s name) and a seller of real estate property that gives the agent the right to offer the property for sale. The listing contract must include the following:
- A beginning date and a termination date
- The list price which the property will be offered for sale
- The amount of compensation offered to the real estate agent. This can be in the form of a percentage of the sales price or a flat fee.
- The terms and conditions under which the brokerage fee will be paid by the seller
- Authorizes the agent to cooperate with other agents as sub-agents and also details the compensation that will be offered to those agents in the event they secure a buyer.
- Authorizes the real estate agent to disclose or not to disclose the existence of offers formerly received.
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Be a Good Customer

How You Can Be a Dependable San Mateo County Real Estate Sales Agent Customer
It’s the real estate sales agent’s responsibility to work for you according to your needs. But you play a big part in the success of your real estate sales agent, too. Here are a few simple steps you can take to be a good customer when hiring a San Mateo County real estate sales agent.
- Before hiring a real estate sales agent in San Mateo County, including the larger cities of Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, South San Francisco, and San Bruno, restate your expectations and goals, and reiterate to the real estate sales agent your understanding of the agreement. Most problems with local real estate sales agents occur because of a breakdown in communication. By being clear about your expectations and theirs, you can avoid most conflicts.
- Ask your real estate sales agent if you should call to check on the progress or if he will call you with updates.
- Be sure your real estate sales agent has a phone number where they can reach you at all times while they’re helping you look for real estate. The real estate project will move along more smoothly if your real estate sales agent can reach you for any necessary updates or questions.
- Be honest and upfront with the real estate sales agent. Let them know what you want from your real estate sales agent, the long-term outcome you’re expecting and specific ways they can satisfy your expectations.
- When your real estate sales agent contacts you, return calls quickly to keep the real estate project on schedule.
- Remember, a friendly smile goes a long way!
Why would you want to be a good client? Real estate sales agents in San Mateo County appreciate clients who are straightforward, honest and easy to work with. Your good customer behavior sets the tone from your end and creates an environment conducive to a good relationship. Things may very well go smoother and any problems may be more easily resolved.

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Check The Work

Making the San Mateo County Real Estate Contract Official

In order for your real estate purchase or sell to be official in San Mateo County, including the smaller cities of Colma, El Granada, Half Moon Bay, Emerald Hills, Sharp Park, Princeton by the Sea, and San Gregorio, you must sign a written contract. It must include the following:

Identification of parties involved: both the seller(s) and the buyer(s) of the real estate
Identification of the real estate property
Identification of the purchase price
Signatures by all parties involved
A legal purpose
Consideration: This is something of value that is bargained for in exchange of the real estate. Usually the form of consideration used is money, but, for example, other property could be used in the exchange.
Contingencies (conditions) that must be met if the contract is to be performed. Certain types of contingencies include inspection, appraisal, another sale contingency, etc.

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Written Warranties

Top Service Requests from Real Estate Sales Agents

There are many types of real estate sales agents in San Mateo County that provide all types of real estate services. Following is a list of the most popular real estate agents.

Buyer’s agent
A buyer’s agent is also known as a selling agent. Though a buyer’s agent may work with both sellers and buyers, it is not usually in the same transaction.

Dual agent
A dual agent represents both the seller and the buyer.

There are many types of real estate sales agents in San Mateo County that provide all types of real estate services. Following is a list of the most popular real estate agents.

Buyer’s agent
A buyer’s agent is also known as a selling agent. Though a buyer’s agent may work with both sellers and buyers, it is not usually in the same transaction.

Dual agent
A dual agent represents both the seller and the buyer.

Broker associate
This is a real estate broker who works for another real estate broker. Though they could choose to work independently, many real estate brokers choose to join a larger real estate network.

Transaction agent
A transaction agent writes an offer for the buyer. They do not represent either party but, rather, facilitate the transaction.

Realtor
This is a title that simply means the individual belongs to the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). A realtor can be either a real estate broker or a real estate agent. Members of NAR also belong to state and local trade associations.

Real estate agent
This is a licensed salesperson. Unlike a real estate broker, a real estate agent must work for an employing real estate broker rather than independently. Requirements for a real estate agent vary from state to state.

Real estate broker
A real estate broker usually has more education than a real estate agent. A real estate broker typically has a four year degree as well as the completion of eight college-level real estate courses that qualify them to take the broker’s real estate exam. However, if the real estate broker does not have a four year degree, two years of real estate sales experience will qualify them to be able to take the eight college-level real estate courses. Thirdly, lawyers who belong to the bar can qualify to be a real estate broker if they pass the exam.

There are also many different types of listing agreements. The best choice for you will depend on your ability and willingness to undertake some of the home selling requirements. It also depends on the climate of the real estate market in your area.

Length of the real estate listing
This listing agreement negotiates the duration of the listing. Common terms include 30 days, 90 days, six months, one year, or more.

Exclusive agency listing
In this type of listing, the broker represents the owner; however, the owner still has the right to sell the property without paying a commission.

Selling commission
This determines the total percentage of commission that will be paid to the selling agent versus the listing broker. By determining a larger amount to the selling office, it can motivate a real estate agent to worker harder to sell your property.

Cancellation of contract
This type of listing allows you as a client of the real estate agent to be released from a contract if you are unhappy or dissatisfied with the service.

Exception to the contract
This type of listing allows the seller a certain number of days to sell the property without owing a commission.

Exclusive right to sell listing
This type of listing gives the exclusive right to earn a commission. The broker represents the owner and is responsible for bringing a buyer either directly or through another brokerage. The owner is responsible for paying both the selling broker fees and the listing. If you as the owner sells the property in your own, you must pay a commission to the broker.

Open listing
This lets owners sell the home by themselves; however, they must pay a broker to represent the buyer if a real estate agent finds a buyer to purchase the real estate property. If, on the other hand, they find a buyer themselves, they won’t owe anybody a commission.

Expiration of contract
This type of listing means that, if the owner and broker do not renew a contract, the owner must still pay a commission to the broker if the property is purchased by a prospective buyer (whose name is given to the owner by the broker) within a specified time period.

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Top 10 Requests