Reviews

Once you work with Marilyn you will be proud to recommend her to everyone you know and there is no bigger compliment than that.

Marilyn is, quite simply, the best agent I've ever worked with anywhere. Rather than go into detail about her immense local knowledge, her natural kindness, her uncanny intuition; instead of expounding on the ease with which she navigates the sometimes byzantine process of buying or selling a house in the Bay Area, and in lieu of describing her wit, sense of humor, and professionalism let me say since interviewing and hiring her several years she has since bought a house for me; sold a house for me; bought another house for me; bought a condo for my mom; sold that condo for my mom; bought a friend's house; bought another friend's house; and bought a friend of that friend's house. In other words, once you work with Marilyn you will be proud to recommend her to everyone you know and there is no bigger compliment than that. - Jason K., Berkeley seller (and buyer)

If you're looking to buy or sell in the Berkeley market, call Marilyn (a recommendation we've made to many family and friends). She's fantastic!

We've worked with Marilyn on the buyer's side and on the seller's side, and we could not have selected a better agent. I am a skeptical person, but we trusted Marilyn's judgment completely. To accomplish this herculean task, Marilyn had to demonstrate deep knowledge of the relevant market, incredible responsiveness, patience, and the ability to listen and understand our needs. She did all that and more.

We bought our home with Marilyn with limited knowledge of the Berkeley market. After interviewing several agents, I found her knowledge was unmatched. I also appreciated her candor about the market (which was undeniably a seller's market at the time), which I found refreshing as compared to the exaggerated promises made by others whom we interviewed. Having lived and worked in the Berkeley market, she knew the intricacies of different neighborhoods and streets. Importantly, Marilyn never tried to convince us to look at homes that did not fit what we wanted. She patiently waded through multiple homes with us, and she provided honest assessments of market value. She also brought great insight into certain homes and neighborhoods, such as noting where streets are busy, where parking might be difficult, and pointing out specific issues we may have overlooked (including one driveway that on second glance was not wide enough to really be deemed a driveway).

When we sold our home, we didn't hesitate to call Marilyn again. With trust being paramount in our decision-making, we needed an agent who could guide us through the process while providing practical and trustworthy advice. She guided us through the process of preparing the home for sale, including advising on what steps we should take to enhance our home for then-existing market conditions. The process was hectic, but Marilyn was a rock, responding to questions rapidly and assuaging any concerns we had about the process.

If you're looking to buy or sell in the Berkeley market, call Marilyn (a recommendation we've made to many family and friends). She's fantastic! - Alexis N., Berkeley buyer and seller

Did I mention - on top of it all - she's just a really pleasant person? Down to earth, consultative, calming, and rational are all terms I would use to describe her.

Marilyn is an outstanding real estate agent. She has now bought 1 property and sold 2 for me over the last 15 years. She knows the local market extremely well and how to position a property for successful sale. Her description of the ideal buyer for our last home was shockingly accurate!

Marilyn went out of her way with our most recent sale by overseeing some fix-up work on the house (we had already moved) and putting in a bunch of sweat herself. She really rolls up her sleeves to get us the best outcome!

Did I mention - on top of it all - she's just a really pleasant person? Down to earth, consultative, calming, and rational are all terms I would use to describe her.

Don't hesitate choosing Marilyn for your next sale or purchase. - Melissa W., Berkeley seller

She seems to know every corner in Berkeley, Albany, and El Cerrito and … has also earned an impeccable professional reputation in her dealings with other realtors and real estate professionals.

Anyone who's tried knows that buying a home in the Bay Area is not for the faint of heart. Marilyn's combination of empathy for her clients and confidence in her market knowledge carried us through the extreme ups and downs that home buyers inevitably confront in Berkeley and vicinity. Marilyn draws from a deep well of personal and professional experience to advise clients on the East Bay real estate market. She seems to know every corner in Berkeley, Albany, and El Cerrito and the individual sale histories of many, many houses. Marilyn has also earned an impeccable professional reputation in her dealings with other realtors and real estate professionals. Nearly every open house agent we talked with knew her and many expressed personal affection for her. These professional relationships repeatedly proved key sources of valuable details about market conditions. As buyers new to the Bay Area, we were pretty lost when it came to finding the right financial, insurance, and contracting services. She guided us before, during, and after our purchase with many recommendations that all proved to be excellent. I can't remember any request for time or information that Marilyn did not cheerfully fulfil. She could not have done more for us. I attribute our success in finding a great home in Berkeley to her guidance. - Rod N., Berkeley buyer

We continually had the feeling that she was 100% in our court, keeping the process going, assisting, explaining, and intervening in our behalf....

I am initiating this letter as a statement of exceptional service by one of your office colleagues. Marilyn Garcia became our broker in early September when we walked into your office to ask about one of the advertisements in your window. She took us through the learning curve with both knowledge and patience, cheerfully executing bid after bid. She developed innumerable lists for us and guided us to properties she thought (correctly) were within our parameters, financially and esthetically. Finally, in our 11^th hour, we landed on an exceptional value that outstripped our expectations. Well, little did we know that Marilyn’s work for us was just beginning. During the closing process, she stayed on top of the seller’s broker, the escrow office, and our chosen lender. Without her intervention, I doubt that our mortgage would have closed on time.

The points we would like to emphasize about Marilyn are: her knowledge base, her enthusiasm for her job, her professional ethics, her organization, her sensitivity to out esthetic requirements, her loyalty and her gentle perseverance. We continually had the feeling that she was 100% in our court, keeping the process going, assisting, explaining, and intervening in our behalf.... You are lucky to have such people in your office. - Bill and Carol S., Berkeley buyers

Marilyn is a great communicator - timely, prompt and calm with a dash of necessary humor as a reflection on the inevitable situations that arise.

Marilyn is such a skilled agent from many perspectives - she gets my highest possible rating. She is well-networked and was able to help me with solutions throughout the entire process from preparation to sale. Her analysis of our home's value, based on area comps, was incredibly precise and she was able to bring in the right buyer for our longtime family home. Marilyn is a great communicator - timely, prompt and calm with a dash of necessary humor as a reflection on the inevitable situations that arise. She has a natural ability to allow her clients to be the final deciders on all transactions - strong and intelligent guidance without pressure. I will definitely retain Marilyn as my personal real estate agent in any future Bay Area ventures, and highly recommend her for any sellers or buyers who want a smooth journey through their real estate transactions. - Irene C., Oakland seller

She gave us all the information we needed to make decisions (even information we didn't know we needed) and then stepped back and allowed us to choose without any pressure.

Marilyn helped us buy our first home in the fall of 2013. She successfully guided us from real-estate novices to informed buyers. She gave us all the information we needed to make decisions (even information we didn't know we needed) and then stepped back and allowed us to choose without any pressure. She has very good knowledge of the local real-estate market, and its cycles.

Compared with other agents we engaged before her, Marilyn stands out for her perceptiveness and easy-going attitude. After discussing a small number of properties, she zeroed in on our preferences, and proceeded to curate a spot-on weekly list of suggestions that greatly facilitated our search. Confronted with a rapidly accelerating market we attempted a number of different approaches, and despite that, she was always accommodating and helpful, and made what could have been a very frustrating experience, a quite pleasant one.

Her input and assistance were critical in securing a very good deal, on a property that was what we were looking for, in the midst of very challenging market conditions. We would definitely engage Marilyn again for any real-estate transaction, and unreservedly recommend her. - George P., Oakland buyer

Being a mortgage lender myself, I have dealt with thousands of real estate agents. Marilyn doesn’t simply stand out in the crowd – she truly stands above all others for her thorough knowledge, professionalism, dedication, attention to detail, down to earth attitude and client-oriented performance.

Selling our mom’s home would not have been the same without Marilyn. I’m hesitant in giving details that might create too high an expectation, or which might cause Marilyn to repeat the enormity of work she did for us. Regardless, here are the facts.

First, we did a tremendous amount of on-line research before interviewing Marilyn and two other agents. It was clear by comparison that Marilyn was the top of the heap. She explained our options and demonstrated how we could increase the selling price of our mom’s home with a cosmetic renovation. The problem was that family members lived hours away and could not possibly pursue such a task. No problem – Marilyn would get the home renovated! Or at least she would meet the designers, propose the scope of work, recommend contractors, meet them at the house and get their bids, oversee their work, pick out fixtures and colors, and do so many more things that we probably still don’t even know about. Of course, we had complete control and visibility, and directly contracted and paid for everything as it was completed to Marilyn’s satisfaction.

Besides the renovation, Marilyn explained and handled the myriad forms and paperwork as if she had done it a thousand times before. She was totally familiar with every step before it occurred, and briefed us in advance so there were no surprises at all. Marilyn did so much that it’s easy to forget the marketing, broker tours, and open houses. Everything worked just as Marilyn had predicted, if not better. The selling price beat all estimates and expectations, and the closing process was quick and flawless.

She is intelligent, has a very detailed knowledge of Berkeley real estate, honest, and friendly. The recent sale of our home went very smoothly, and every suggestion/idea she presented to us worked out perfectly.

We have been clients with Marilyn for eight years. She initially advised us long distance when we relocated from Santa Barbara to Berkeley. So we have benefited from her excellent expertise both as buyers and sellers. She is intelligent, has a very detailed knowledge of Berkeley real estate, honest, and friendly. The recent sale of our home went very smoothly, and every suggestion/idea she presented to us worked out perfectly. She even helped us find an excellent agent in Sonoma where we are moving. Buying and selling homes can be challenging. You couldn't do any better than to have Marilyn on your team! - Robert and Irma B., Berkeley buyers and sellers

She was extremely helpful and generous with her time. She was never pushy in any way, nor did she try to push my price limit up, two things I have seen other agents attempt.

If you are looking for an agent in the East Bay, I would strongly recommend Marilyn Garcia. She was extremely helpful and generous with her time. She was never pushy in any way, nor did she try to push my price limit up, two things I have seen other agents attempt. She used to be an economics professor, and she is very knowledgeable. I liked that she would tell me flaws and reasons that certain houses/condos that we visited were overpriced, even though it was not in her financial interest (i.e. the higher price you pay, the more money they get). She genuinely was interested in helping me find a place where I would be happy at a price I was comfortable with. She was fun to work with due to her amiable personality and sense of humor. - Arthur B., Oakland buyer

Ms. Garcia managed the many preparation jobs expertly during our absence. The final result of the sale exceeded our expectations.

My wife and I recommend enthusiastically Ms. Marilyn Garcia as a seasoned agent for the sale of property. Drawing from her wide experience she proposed the particular set of preparations of the property which clearly paid off well. Further, we left the country before the property was put on the market. Ms. Garcia managed the many preparation jobs expertly during our absence. The final result of the sale exceeded our expectations. - Donald C., Berkeley seller

We recommend her wholeheartedly and without reservations. She is, quite simply, the best.

We think of ourselves as diligent people who take the time to do things the way they should be done. So when it came time to find a real estate agent to help us with our first home purchase we solicited recommendations from friends, family, and co-workers, and also looked on Berkeley Parents Network. We interviewed three people. Our first stop was Marilyn Garcia at Coldwell Banker in Berkeley. We could have saved ourselves a lot of hassle and stopped there. Even though we went on to interview other agents we went back to Marilyn and it's one of the best decision we've ever made as a family. She's super friendly, very easy to get along with, and is willing to do anything you need of her, often doing things for you you didn't know you needed done. She's always available and goes out of her way for her clients' happiness. When we balked on one house and had to get out of the contract, she handled the situation with aplomb, grace, and speed. Granted our experience is limited as this is our first house, but there's no doubt that Marilyn will be our agent again when we move. We recommend her wholeheartedly and without reservations. She is, quite simply, the best. - Rachel R., Berkeley buyer

In addition to your excellent marketing plan and execution, we were impressed with your prompt follow up and attention to detail.

Many thanks for the great strategizing and hard work you put in to market the sale of our home at 1726 Grant Street in Berkeley. The renovation, estate sale and staging, which you suggested and we initially resisted, all enhanced the prospective buyers’ positive responses.

We received multiple bids, leading to a contract substantially above our asking price, within two and half weeks of going on the market. This was proof of the pudding that your advice was right on the mark.

In addition to your excellent marketing plan and execution, we were impressed with your prompt follow up and attention to detail. We would highly recommend you to any prospective seller or buyer. - Bruce and Carol C., Berkeley sellers

Our property was listed with another agent for much of last year and did not sell. With Marilyn as the listing agent, it sold quickly, with multiple offers, for a great price, with exactly the terms we were looking for. Marilyn’s marketing was creative and wide-reaching, and showed a real understanding of what buyers were looking for, and of the specific benefits of the property.

Marilyn Garcia helped us sell our 4-unit property in North Berkeley with great results. She was a pleasure to work with, extremely knowledgeable about the local market, and savvy in negotiations.

The proof is in the result. Our property was listed with another agent for much of last year and did not sell. With Marilyn as the listing agent, it sold quickly, with multiple offers, for a great price, with exactly the terms we were looking for. Marilyn’s marketing was creative and wide-reaching, and showed a real understanding of what buyers were looking for, and of the specific benefits of the property. She kept us well-informed throughout the process, was easy to reach, and she also followed through with the many details that came up along the way. We would absolutely work with Marilyn again, and highly recommend her services. - Joanne C., Berkeley seller

In our eyes (and hearts) you're nothing short of a Navy SEAL when it comes to making things happen and getting the job done!

Much water has traveled under the bridge since we last spoke and as such I apologize for delaying what you deserved 15 minutes after the sale. In our eyes (and hearts) you're nothing short of a Navy SEAL when it comes to making things happen and getting the job done!

You did a tremendous job and as such, here is what I believe is a fair and balanced reference for your phenomenal efforts:

I'm writing this letter as both a reference and recommendation for all future clients as my experience in having you represent the sale of my home was exceptional in so many ways.

Your clear knowledge and understanding of what it takes to sell one's home in Berkeley impressed me to no end, as your resourcefulness, professionalism, and good cheer made the experience a pleasure all around.

Going beyond the call of duty is a rare quality and for that I owe you much thanks for your efforts. If in the future, you have clients who would care to discuss your skill set in terms of managing the full selling cycle then please feel free to share my number... I would not hesitate for a moment to encourage anyone serious about selling their home to work with you. - Eric A., Berkeley seller

Marilyn even found ways to showcase assets I didn’t know the property had (for example creating a lovely outdoor seating area in a space that was previously used for trash can storage).

I chose Marilyn Garcia to help me sell my house in Berkeley, and never once regretted the decision. From our first meeting, Marilyn was straightforward and organized, and let me know exactly what should be done to make my home ready for sale. This was extremely helpful, as I was leaving almost immediately on an extended business trip and was also facing an imminent move to Australia. In fact, I was away for virtually the entire preparation and sale period. Marilyn managed all the preparations, from cleaning, to staging, to gardening, to necessary repairs. When I returned briefly home just as the house was about to go on the market, I was amazed at the transformation. The house looked amazing! Marilyn even found ways to showcase assets I didn’t know the property had (for example creating a lovely outdoor seating area in a space that was previously used for trash can storage).

Marilyn’s marketing of the property was creative and far-reaching. We received offers and inquiries not only from agents and buyers from the local area, but also from “over the hill” (Contra Costa County), San Francisco, Marin and the Peninsula. This was a big change from two years ago when I put the same property on the market (with a different agent) and received no offers. This time, I received 16 offers on my house. The sale closed on time, at a price that far exceeded my expectations.

Marilyn always kept me informed, even when I was miles away. She was at all time professional and pleasant to work with, and she made the entire process amazingly smooth and easy (even as I traveled between 3 continents). I recommend her services without reservation. - John O., Berkeley seller

I cannot imagine making it through without your steadfast support, advice and patient understanding.

Finally, the wonderful chaos of moving into our own special version of "This Old House" has subsided enough for me to tap out a long-overdue and heartfelt note of thanks. Your amazing work in helping us sell our Berkeley home (obviously) helped make our dream in Santa Rosa become reality. As you know, finding and falling in love with our (now) home in Santa Rosa before we even began to think about putting our Berkeley home on the market made for quite a crazy time-frame and whirlwind process. I cannot imagine making it through without your steadfast support, advice and patient understanding. We relied on you so much, as a matter of fact, that I still worry we were "problem clients." But throughout the entire process, whenever I felt I was on the verge of being overwhelmed, I needed only to call you for reassurance or your ever-ready offer to help. At times, it honestly felt like we had to be your only clients (although, I knew of course, that we weren't).

Although your clear understanding of the local market place made it much easier, facing the recent housing market from the sellers' position was still scary, at best. I can't thank you enough for your guidance, encouragement and in the end, terrific results in the selling of our property on Martin Luther King. If I can be of any assistance, please feel free to use me as a reference. And again, when you feel like a trip to the wine country, please look us up. - Ashley O., Berkeley seller

(Y)ou possess a high level of expertise and integrity, and have earned the respect of your colleagues.

Recently, I was speaking with several of my sales associates and your name came up in the conversation. It seems your reputation precedes you.... From what I hear, you possess a high level of expertise and integrity, and have earned the respect of your colleagues. - From the manager of a competing brokerage

I saw your ad in the Chron. Absolutely brilliant! Might be the best ad ever.

- - From a realtor at a competing brokerage, about a piece advertising a home for sale..