Geri, you did such an absolutely incredible job on figuring out what needed to be done to fix up and stage the home, we'd love to meet with you again. (In fact, in retrospect we realize that we never really gave you the profuse thanks and accolades for your work on our behalf since we were going through a lot of stuff at that time; but please accept our apologies and our enormous appreciation for your remarkable work.)
Ted and Julie Overman
Berkeley
Thank you, Geri, we're very happy. You really take care of your clients. You can use me for a reference anytime!
Eric Scatchard
El Cerrito
Carla has represented my interests most professionally as both a buyer and seller. She has guided me through some difficult transactions and has made it very easy as she helped navigate through what could have been a "muddled" escrow proceeding. Carla also has a very professional crew at her disposal to expedite the ease of transition, whether it be painting, flooring, carpentry, landscaping and staging. Ed Kahn
Last escrow Jan. 2006
Ed Kahn
Walnut Creek
Carla was helpful and professional in her dealing with us, we are both happy with her performance. She is no longer my agent, but I feel we have gained a friend. She went beyond our expectations.
Tess Villanueva
Daly City
Dear Geri; I wanted to take this time to thank you, for both myself and my sister, in the sale of our father's home in El Cerrito. Our father had recently passed away, and at the time we were dealing with not only the emotions of the situation, as well as the confusion of our next step, we both felt very fortunate to have had you handling the sale of his home.
You took command of the details involving the proper contacts for the estate sale, the cleanup crew, to scheduling the remodel work. This to say the least, was invaluable. Since I live in Colorado, and could not be present for much of this work, your handling of this was flawless. You hit the projected dates, and the work all came in at the original estimates. All the work looked great, and really made a difference in the appearance of the home. We both feel you presented the home at its best, with the improvements you suggested, and the staging you provided. We feel we were able to receive top dollar for the property, more than even our best expectations, due mostly to your hard work.
Our father, as we had told you, sold real estate in the El Cerrito area since 1974, and he was very active on the Board of Realtors, even serving as president for the Contra Costa board. He always had set a high standard for himself, as well as the realtors he worked with. So most important to us, we feel our father would have been very pleased with our choice for the realtor we had handle the sale of his home. We can not thank you enough for a job well done and would highly recommend you to anyone considering doing business with you.
Henry Trevor Taylor
Morrison, CO
From the very beginning I can only say good things about Carla. She not only took care of everything, but gave 110% at everything she did. The selling of our house not only went with ease, but we also got an offer that exceeded our expectations. She did all of this with the integrity, honesty, and all the virtues of a true professional. I would recommend her any day.
Joseph and Agnes Jaeger
Richmond
The service was excellent and met my expectations of prompt, professional, courteous (and profitable!). That's why I was a repeat customer!
Mindell Lewis Penn
Holly, MI
Dear Carla, Once again we would like to express our sincere, heartfelt gratitude to you and your staff for expertly remodeling, preparing, staging and selling our home in El Cerrito. At times the task seemed overwhelming, the hurdles and difficulties never ending and it looked like the sale from "Hell-side". Your expertise and tenacity, positive energy and your willingness to cast obstacles aside, as well as your thoughtfulness in dealing with two overly sentimental old folks who had to separate from their home of 36 years, made everything possible and brought us to an unexpected fantastic final sale.
We can not thank you enough. You know, the entire Hillside community is very fond of you and is fully aware of your outstanding reputation in Real Estate. We are so lucky to have you as our agent and friend. Now our house here in Germany will always be your house as well. We thank you with all our heart
Bob and Doris Brown
Germany
I've known Carla since she was a superior student and accomplished speaker on my debate team. As a Realtor, she gets without any reservation, an A+. She detailed a sales plan for 626 Sonoma St., executed a brilliant "staging" of the house, kept all her deadlines and brought to me an offer no sane person could refuse. All calls/questions were promptly responded to by Carla or her superb office manager, Mary. I do not hesitate to name Carla and her staff to the Real Estate Hall of Fame.
David Dansky
Ridgefield, WA
We live in the Seattle area and were not looking forward to selling our old house in Richmond from long distance. Fortunately I had saved a flyer from Geri and Carla describing how they would arrange for any repairs and staging for the house, without charging us extra to coordinate the work. Geri was not only our realtor, but our de facto contractor, dealing with a number of companies that repaired, painted and carpeted our house. She also made recommendations on staging the house and removing a problem tree from the yard that helped us get a great offer on our little house. In addition, since our house was involved in a 1031 tax exchange, Geri was the liason between us and the title company to make sure the extra paperwork got done. We greatly appreciate all the extra work Geri did to get our house sold; I know it saved us several trips down to the Bay Area.
Judy Ronningen
Bellvue, WA
Upon the passing of my mother, I chose Carla to sell the family home I grew up in and my parents owned for 55+ years. The process went flawlessly from her coordinating the necessary repairs and updates to the advertising and staging of the residence. I was always kept abreast of what was going on and the selling price exceeded the asking price. I couldn't recommend the "Transition Team" more highly.
Doug and Carol Seiberling
Rodeo, CA
Carla - Thank you so much for your help in selling my Mother's home. I can't believe how smoothly it all went, expecially with me living in Washington state. Your hard work and professionalism really paid off. Finally ... a pleasure working with a realtor!
Laura Ruud
Twisp, WA
I can't tell you how much I appreciated your services in selling 2628!! I have never seen someone work so hard and you surely did your best by me. I have already recommended that some friends of mine "call Carla" when they decide to sell and more will be coming, I know. Again, many thanks.
Marilyn Vaught
Oakland
Dear Geri, Thank you for doing a great job in selling my house. You more than met my expectations. Your expertise, organization and knowledge made the transaction quite painless and successful. I'm glad I met you.
Alex Becker
Moss Beach
Carla's real estate knowledge is unparalleled. Her professional & caring demeanor helped ease the stress associated with the sale of our family home. Thank you Carla for all your efforts in procuring a successful sale for my mother.
Carolyn Snelling
Surprise, AZ
Carla is a complete joy to work with. She is enthusiastic, knowledgeable & thorough. I could not ask for a better advocate on my side. Thank you Carla, for doing a wonderful job!
Eric Zell
Richmond
Dear Carla, Margot & I will not hesitate to recommend you to our friends. You are very professional, sincere and tend to the important details while keeping a personal friendly "CARMA". We feel you stayed focused and gave your "ALL". We appreciate these qualities. Keep up the good work.
Ron & Margot Acquistapace
Green Valley
Geri Stern is a consummate professional. During the selection process for an agent, she was well prepared and informative. Once selected, she initiated and coordinated all inspections, renovations & enhancements. Everything was done flawlessly and on time. I had reservations about the staging, but her staging was tasteful, beautifully done and greatly enhanced the value of the house. The sale went smoothly & the final price exceeded my expectations. If and when I sell my home, Geri will be my agent. Roy Henrickson 3/29/05
Roy and Dione Henrickson
Point Richmond
Dear Carla, There are no words that can truly express my feelings of how appreciative I am for your handling the sale of my mother's home. As you know, it was very difficult for me to even go to the house because of the pain and sorrow I felt as I reflected on my mother's passing. There were times when I openly wept as I could not control my emotions. Being an only-child of a single parent, there were no family members to assist me in handling the great undertaking of preparing and selling my mom's home.
Fortunately, I met you and you were able to minimize my involvement to virtually nothing. Besides you contacting me for necessary authorizations, you handled everything. With the home having received little maintenance or repair in the prior 27 years, there was a lot to do. You put together an action plan for preparing and selling the home and you quickly went to work. I am still amazed at your willingness and ability to handle all of the details. You determined what changes and repairs were needed, obtained bids, hired contractors, oversaw each project, staged the home, brought it to market, and subsequently handled all of the negotiations and paperwork for sale. With the incredible amount of work you accomplished, somehow you made it appear seamless and effortless.
I do not believe that there is a Realtor anywhere on Earth that would have or even could have done what you did for me. Before working with you, I had interviewed two other Realtors. One of them was very experienced and presented me with what I believe was a well-conceived sales plan. In retrospect, his plan did not come close to providing me with the service and support that you delivered.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart. The extremely warm feelings that I received from our business relationship, and more importantly from our new friendship, will stay with me forever. Carla, if angels exist, you are certainly one of them.
Steve Langner,
Richmond
Extremely happy with outcome; well organized and attentive to detail; fine job orchestrating all the components (landscaping, staging, repairs), excellent interior designer, very knowledgeable about the market and how best to maximize sales price.
Jon & Karen Peterson
Anacortes, WA
Carla Della Zoppa conducted the sale of my parents' home with efficiency, flexibility and professionalism. Carla listens to her clients and advises them as to how to achieve their goals. Carla knows the market well and uses her knowledge to her clients' advantage. She does an excellent job.
Joe Perrelli
San Francisco
Thank you for your professional, no-nonsense approach to selling our property. By trusting you to handle everything for us and taking your advice, we were able to detach emotionally and treat this as a business transaction. Your experience and professionalism were some of the many reasons we chose you to list our property.
Shari Young
El Sobrante
Carla was the most competent, thorough and professional real estate agent I have ever worked with. I was a remote seller and she did everything to insure our home was presentable for the market and thus realized for me maximum profitability.
Over and beyond the call of duty should be Carla's mantra.
Judy Miller
Santa Rosa
As a daughter the most difficult was the passing of my mother and the designated executor to handle her things. Carla's leadership and support carried me through my transition. With her help I was able to move to her property at Brickyard Way. She handled the selling & upgrade of my Berk Ave property. It sold for more than I dreamed of. She handled the upgrades & all paperwork. I love her assisting the Harris Family to move on.
Cynthia Harris
Richmond
Carla was amazing! As out-of-town sellers, it was important to have total confidence in a realtor. We found we could depend on Carla to handle things on a daily basis and she took charge of handling all repairs (& there was a lot) so we didn't have to face it all ourselves---not knowing where to start or who to call. I thanked God for Carla every day!
Jan Cushman
Brentwood
It was so fun looking at houses with you. Jocelyn Straus,eight years old
Carla worked very hard and patiently with my family in a Seller's market until we found the right home for us!
Doug Straus
Richmond
Cheerful, efficient, knowledgeable, cooperative, tireless, reliable = Carla Della Zoppa. I recommend her without reservation.
Marjorie Giordano
Hillsborough
We were very pleased we chose Carla as our Realtor. She worked tirelessly on our behalf, and gave us excellent advice and suggestions to make our home more attractive for sale. Her guidance through the sale and closure was very professional. Carla gives 100%.
Jean and Charlie Clarke
Walnut Creek
I enjoyed working with Carla on the sale of 650 28th St., Richmond. I especially appreciated her suggestions for improvement of the appearance of the house and implementing them. The staging of the house was beautifully done. It also contributed to the very successful sale of the house. Thank you Carla!
Janice Parker
Kensington
Many thanks to Geri for guiding us through the sale of our home in El Cerrito so we can move forward to our future home in Hercules. We sincerely appreciate all of the support you provided us during this anxiety-filled process; your professionalism, sensitivity to our concerns, and commitment to us as your clients was greatly appreciated.
Brian & Susie Young
El Cerrito
Geri Stern is the best Real Estate Agent that I have ever worked with. She took my run down property, one that other agents wanted to put up for sale in its "as is" condition for $250,000, and turned it into a beautiful home in a few months. She worked with contractors to repair or replace only those items that were really holding down the selling price. She had a fantastic working relationship with these contractors and was able to keep the repair prices well below that I would have paid if I were to try and contract the work out. She knows the approximate fair price for these repairs and made sure she got the best price. She was fun to work with and she kept me informed on the day-to-day progress (even though I lived in a different state) and offered great advice when problems did arise. She is extremely honest. If she saw a problem. she ordered an inspection by a professional and got a full report. She effortlessly handled all the paper work, and disclosed everything to the potential Buyers. It cost me $21,000 in repairs and the final sales price was $397,000. I would say that Geri's advice put a lot of extra money in my pocket. I would highly recommend her to anyone. You will not be disappointed.
Richard Webb
Maryland
Dear Carla,
Couldn't have sold either home without your help and support. We truly appreciate all your input and apologize for anything that was said in sheer frustration. I would trust you to sell anything I have.
Tharrla & Denny Masters
El Cerrito
Geri Stern handled the preparation and sale of our home with energy, enthusiasm and competence. We would highly recommend her to anyone buying or selling real estate in her area.
Mark Clapham CPA
Albany
I would recommend the real estate services of Geri Stern and Carla Della Zoppa to anyone seeking extreme care, speed, honesty and professionalism in the sale of a residence, or, as in my case, two of them.
My guy and I bought our dream ranch in Oregon, and only then began to consider how to sell our two homes on the same block in El Sobrante. Luckily for us, we found Geri & Carla. From the first day that Geri arrived at the door, she took complete charge of preparing our houses for sale. We could put our attention on making the big move to Oregon.
While we were packing, Geri lined up inspectors, appliance repairers, carpet-layers, painters, etc., and got us reasonable prices for the services that made our very lived-in houses attractive to the home-buying public. The day we left for Oregon, Geri and her crew arrived and started the work.
She kept us completely informed during the whole fix-up process, and two weeks later, when the houses went on the market, there was immediate interest in them. Two weeks after that we were in contract on both with qualified buyers. Six weeks later both deals were done. The buyers got better houses than the ones we left, and we got better prices for them than we expected.
Geri didn't forget us in escrow, either. She kept us informed at all stages, handled mountains of paperwork, and followed through on everything. She kept every agreement, made good on every promise, had back-up in Carla and the office staff, and threw in a lot of extra hand-holding that I needed in parting with my beloved home.
If I had it to do over, I'd go with Geri & Carla again. I am extremely grateful to these hard-working real estate dynamos. They made the next stage of my life possible.
Judith Sundstrom
Seal Rock, Oregon
We went through 3 realtors and 10 offers over a period of 2 years before we met Carla & Geri. They sat down and really listened to what we wanted. We got the house we needed for a great price.....and we got it with the 1st offer they placed for us.
When we sold our home, their advice was right "on the money". We had 8 offers, all way over asking price. Carla & Geri personalized their service to meet the needs of everyone involved. We highly recommend them to anyone who is serious about buying or selling a home.
Tre Curran, Interior Transformations
Michael Waxman, CKD
Mueller Nichols, Inc.
After 23 years, we decided to sell our home in El Cerrito and move to northern California. For several years Carla Della Zoppa with Security Pacific Real Estate had been sending us her monthly bulletin advising us of recent listings and sales in our area. We listed our home with Carla knowing we would receive a fair value price. The final sales price we received was beyond our wildest dreams. Carla and her team are very professional and willing to help sellers and buyers to create a smooth transition. I never saw anyone work so hard and accomplish so much in such a short time. We are proud to recommend Carla for all your Real Estate needs.
Dave and Geri Esola
Blairsden, CA
Buying a home is certainly a stressful process, especially in the Bay Area. What impressed me most about Geri Stern is that she was the voice of reason when we were very emotionally charged over the prospect of buying our house. She helped us see not only the houses strong points but also some of the characteristics of the house that may be less than ideal (She was right -- too many stairs and not enough yard!).
A couple of years after we purchased our home we were faced with the strong possibility of moving to L.A. We talked to several realtors about our property, including Geri & Carla Della Zoppa. Thankfully we did not have to move, but if we had, we would have used Geri and Carla to list our home. They are polished professionals with a business savvy that we found unmatched in the other realtors we talked to. They are the best!
George Milliken & Steven Dinga
El Cerrito, California
I thought you were very professional and knowledgeable in your field. You successfully completed a 1031 exchange within the required time limits. You brought me an offer in excess of asking price on my rental property, and found a very desirable replacement property at an attractive price. Then, about two years later when I decided to sell my residence, you helped to get the house presentable for sale, and brought me an offer considerable higher than my asking price. To sum it all up, I was very satisfied with the three transactions you handled for me, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend your services to anyone either buying or selling real estate.
Peter Langley
We have given a lot of thought to this inquiry and we can't find anything to add for helping clients who wish to sell their homes. Les and I found you knew your clients and their needs, how to present the house, always on top of every aspect. Best of all you made us feel relaxed and under control during a stressful process of selling a house - nothing but kudos for a job well done!!!!.
Les and Vickie Coambs
El Cerrito, California
I Reginald Bredy am writing this letter to express my satisfaction with Geri Stern. Ms. Stern epitomizes in my mind, attention to detail and satisfying the customer's needs.
When I first met Ms. Stern in February of 2000, I explained to her that I was shopping to purchase a home. This confident, talented and personable lady was a joy to deal with and I was very impressed with Ms. Stern's ability and self - confidence. Ms. Stern promised that she would find me the home of my dreams and she did. Within 4 weeks, she found me a home that I was looking for. She took the time and effort to insure that I was well pleased. Ms. Stern is among the best Real Estate Agents you'll find on this side of the Mason - Dixon Line, because she has the ability to have the job that you need to have done with timeliness and accuracy.
I have purchased a 2 story home with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths and a 3 car garage. I felt it necessary to let anyone know of my satisfaction and commend to anyone as to the quality of service that she provides. With an agent like Ms. Stern, when the time comes for me to purchase my next home, she will indeed be my first choice.
Reginald Bredy
Geri was the listing agent of my parents' house. My parents moved to Seattle in July. After they moved, Geri managed contractors and gardeners to do the repair work and landscaping for the house. The house was sold within a week after it was on the market, and close of escrow within 60 days after my parents moved out. The selling price was 12% over the asking price.
We are very happy with Geri's work. She is reliable and trustworthy.
Viola Kung
When I was moving a hundred miles away from the location of my home, I hired Carla Della Zoppa to sell it.
She advised me to have certain repairs and improvements done. She recommended specific contractors with whose work she was familiar, and I followed her recommendations.
She then oversaw the work in its entirety. This was of great benefit to me, since I was not around.
After $15,000 of improvements had been made, she began showing my home, and within a short time, it sold at the asking price, which we had agreed upon at the start.
Carla would be my first and second choice to do business with.
Jim Hicks
Lower Lake, California
After living in my home for 19 years and getting ready to sell I scoffed at Carla when she suggested that I do some minor work to get it "show ready". but in the end it paid off because it gave me the "edge" I needed. Carla's experience and many years working in real estate helped me smoothly "transition" through the sale of my home and close of escrow - and later the purchase of my new home. That is why I recommend "The Transition Team".
Lois Contestable
Carla and Geri gained our trust and confidence when they took charge, insightfully anticipating our needs and effectively orchestrating tradesmen to maximize the' marketability of our home. Their professional expertise and caring approach resulted In the efficient sale of our home and a smooth, stress-free transition to our new one.
Diane and Jim McClelland
My husband and I live out of state and had to sell our family's condominium in the Rossmoor Area of Walnut Creek. Luckily we chose Carla Della Zoppa to handle the transaction. During a stressful time, she remodeled and decorated it back to a new condition. Carla took all the worry and hassle out of the sale. We never once had to go to the Bay Area. The entire process was handled very professionally. We highly recommend The Transition Team of Carla & Geri and would not hesitate to use them again. They were wonderful.
Daryl and Claire Muzzi
Sparks, Nevada
Carla has helped my wife and I sell four properties over the past dozen years. On two of these occasions, she put us in touch with real estate experts from the areas where the properties were located, but maintained an active role in monitoring the sale of the properties to ensure we were receiving proper advice and service.
On the other two real estate transactions, Carla assumed total control of rehabilitating and preparing the properties for both live and MLS viewing. She provided expert advice on every aspect of the real estate selling process, which allowed us to maximize our profits with a minimum of expenses and hassle.
Our only criticism, if it can be called such, is the speed at which Carla makes things happen. On each occasion we have worked with Carla, she has met or bettered the projected date we could anticipate a completed transaction.
We can say without reservation that Carla has the experience, connections, integrity and intelligence to make buying or selling real estate a safe and pleasurable experience.
Michael & Sandra Gormley
It is my great pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for you relative to the efforts you have expended on my behalf in the 5 real estate transactions you have handled for me over the last ten years. In every case you have exceeded my expectations, not only in getting the properties at the best possible price during acquisition, but higher than our listing price during sales. You conducted each transaction with intense care and concern for our family life as the process was concluded. Your knowledge of the real estate market in your area as well as what to do for each property to maximize return was excellent and allowed us to achieve our sales or purchase price in each property you sold our acquired for us. I have and will recommend you without reservation as the absolute best person in your area to handle any real estate transaction for homes and our land. Your honesty and upfront approach is not only greatly appreciated, but really refreshing when compared to how so many of the agents we have encountered conducted themselves during the many transactions you have undertaken for us. Thank you and well done. There is no one that I know of that is any better than you in your field.
Kirk & Genevieue Valentine
The " Dynamic Duo" of Baitman & Robin have nothing on " The Transition Team" of Carla Della Zoppa & Geri Stem. Trusting in Carla and following her advice, Carla spearheaded a quick, highly lucrative sale of our house in no time flat! Carla Della Zoppa & Geri Stern take the stress out of selling or buying. We recommend them highly.
Carlton & Marie Smimi
formerly of Richmond, California
Geri stayed on top of the latest listings and showed us only the homes that met our criteria until we finally found the right house we wanted. Even though we were particular in what we were looking for in a seller's market, Geri was reassuring and patient in our search to make sure we were truly happy with our decision. She was very attentive to the details and made the whole experience much easier than we expected.
Rick Davis and Huythong Nguyen
Selling our home of 29 years was a major decision in our life. The team of Carla Della Zoppa & Geri Stern quickly made us feel supported and confident. They were realistic, knowledgeable and professional in all of the details leading to the preparation and presentation of our home. We were personally contacted on a very regular basis keeping us informed with timely data which helped keep our anxiety level under control. The legal, financial and final paper work details were thoroughly, properly and efficiently handled. We would recommend Carla and Geri with no reservations!
Bob & LaVonne Nichols
We were new to the Richmond area and met Carla while visiting "'open houses", looking to purchase a single-family home. At that point, we were a year away from really making the move but when the time finally arrived, we reconnected with Carla and she worked with us to sell our Pinole townhouse and locate the perfect home on the El Sobrante Ridge.
Carla's invaluable advice on neighborhoods, the best schools and our options, and her recommendation of a comfortable price range for a young family new to home purchasing made the process so easy and understandable. Along the way, Carla explained the important steps in financing the home and all the details in closing the deals to make the dream come true. And once we were settled in, she was available to recommend local experts when the water heater unexpectedly needed replacing -her good advice continued to help us through the transition.
Carla Della Zoppa is a professional agent -knowledgable, honest, approachable, and thoroughly friendly. We would never consider another agent- Carla is someone our family trusts and for that. we recommend her to our friends.
Vance and Angel AhSam
El Sobrante
