REAL ESTATE HANDBOOK
MEET YOURReal estate consultant
After spending more than two and a half decades in the dynamic world of San Diego real estate, I’ve had the privilege of achieving a place in the Top 2% of Coldwell Banker agents worldwide.
My academic journey, from undergraduate studies at UC Santa Barbara to obtaining a Masters in Social Work from San Diego State University, has been instrumental in recognizing the unique needs of each client I serve. It’s not just about transactions; it’s about understanding your circumstances and needs during the sale. My penchant for numbers, along with my ability to analyze market data and trends, ensures my clients consistently get the best value for their property sales.
Early in my career, I became a Real Estate Broker, creating opportunities to delve into property management and master the intricate 1031 exchange process. I continued
my education earning the Graduate Realtor Institute Designation and becoming a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. This extended my skill set to service clients with trusts and estates.
What truly sets my approach apart is that 90% of my business comes from referrals and repeat clients. This speaks to the satisfaction of my clients, who are not only happy with the outcome but feel compelled to recommend my services. I take pride in making each client feel like they are my only one.
My job is to assist you through the entire sales process, from beginning to end. I created this Real Estate Handbook as reference guide. You will find useful information about documents, procedures, and terms. As you look through the material, feel free to contact me as questions arise or if you need additional information. I am here to be your real estate consultant and look forward to speaking with you soon.
DRE #01238780 619-991-9291| AmySaflar@gmail.com www.saflar.com
PROVEN. POWERFUL. PERSONAL.
Selling your home is a big deal. The company that helps you should be, too. For 118 years, Coldwell Banker® has been one of the world’s best known and trusted names in real estate, giving you advantages other companies can’t. This is a brand committed to empowering agents like me with the innovative technology, strategic marketing and powerful network I need to market your home in the best possible way.
YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS
Coldwell Banker West was built on the principles of honesty, integrity and always putting clients first. We started over 15 years ago in one small office in Bonita. We now have over 1,000 agents and 12 offices across San Diego County, and we’re the fastest-growing franchise within the Coldwell Banker brand nationwide. We are continually growing and expanding, and our reach is limitless.
Our full range of real estate services includes residential, commercial, mortgage, escrow and relocation. We are here to help you with all of your real estate needs.
ACCOLADES
1,000 + AGENTS
3,174 UNITS SOLD IN 2022
$ 2.86 BILLION CLOSED SALES VOLUME IN 2022
Our incredible production in 2022 earned us the following recognitions:
The #7 Coldwell Banker affiliate company nationwide TOP 5
Ranked among the top 5 real estate brokerages in San Diego County for units and sales volume*
Coldwell Banker Chairman’s Circle award, representing the top 10% of affiliates nationwide
The #1 Coldwell Banker affiliate company in California
Ranked among RealTrends 500 top brokerages nationwide for transaction sides and sales volume
*Source: San Diego Business Journal, March 2023 list of largest
WHY USE A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL WHEN
SELLING
A HOME?
Only a real estate professional who belongs to the National Association of Realtors may call herself a REALTOR. A Realtor is bound by a Code of Ethics and pledged to protect and promote the interest of the seller by providing fair treatment for all parties involved in the transaction. Here are some ways a Realtor can help you sell your home:
Realtor...
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
...is an expert to guide you through the process. Selling a home requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page escrow documents.
...knows current real estate values and can help you set a realistic, competitive price. This skilled professional knows how to merchandise your home effectively.
...is knowledgeable of the market and gives you the quickest exposure to the maximum number of buyers.
...has knowledge and understanding of all the real estate language and can explain terms to you in a clear manner.
...can figure the net proceeds from your sale, taking into account your outstanding loan balance, closing costs, leases and other debt against the property.
...is a negotiation expert and will maintain objectivity in presenting offers. There are many negotiating factors, such as financing, terms, date of possession, and inclusion or exclusion of repairs, furnishings, etc.
...makes a commitment to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public. As a client, you can expect honest and ethical treatment in all transaction-related matters.
You AND YOUR REALTOR
Realtors Depend on You:
Realtors spend many hours creating marketing pieces, researching financing alternatives, keeping abreast of the current market and market trends, and they also spend time in continuing education studies. All of this activity (and much more) is done with a desire and dedication to earn the loyalty of clients and build a personal reputation for efficient, friendly, and professional service. The real estate business is a people business. Each Realtor’s success depends on referrals, recommendations and repeat business.
Realtors Are Self-Employed:
Self-employment means that a Realtor does not receive a salary, a company car, an expense account, vacation pay, insurance, nor retirement benefits etc. In addition to these expenses, the agent also pays licensee fees, monthly Multiple Listing Services fees and annual membership dues in local, state and national REALTOR Associations.
Each Coldwell Banker West Realtor has a contractual agreement with Coldwell Banker West. This agreement states that the individual may list and sell real estate as an Independent Contractor representing the Coldwell Banker West company.
Realtors Earn Commissions:
At the time of closing, after all the work has been completed to the satisfaction of everyone concerned, the real estate commission is paid. This commission is divided between the company, the Realtor and any assistants.
Each member of Coldwell Banker West is dedicated to giving each client (past, present, and future) the very best service. They exemplify the professionalism you’ve come to expect.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN HIRING A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL
1. Find an agent that communicates information in a way that you understand and feels trustworthy. During this process, you are going to rely on your agent to explain the terms, convey what needs to be done, offer you guidance and keep you updated.
2. Find out how the agent built her business. Is she an “image” marketer? Or is she a relationship builder – working to earn referrals and repeat business? If the goal is to have repeat clients and referrals, then the agent must work hard to take good care of each individual client in front of them.
3. Take the time to call several references. You can even ask if she has previous clients in situations similar to yours.
4. Make sure you get a complete “estimated seller’s net sheet” prior to hiring the agent. This person should be skilled with explaining numbers, giving you heads up about taxes, expenses, typical costs and be able to tell you what sort of questions to ask an accountant or CPA.
5. Inquire about the market. Look at samples of old listings and property websites representing the agents work. Find out if she uses compelling language in descriptions and professional photography.
6. Find out if she has a team or works as an individual. It is important for you to know who you will actually be dealing with for each part of the sale.
7. Find out if the agent describes herself as a good negotiator. That is a must. The agent will not only negotiate price, but many other terms in the contract. Furthermore, the agent needs an in-depth knowledge of the CAR contracts and documents.
8. Ask the agent about the seller’s disclosure obligation. CA is a litigious state, and has a lot of forms and documents to help protect you. Make sure the agent has experience with all the statutory requirements.
9. Make sure that you like the person you hire. Trust your gut. The agent needs to be a personable individual, plus attentive to details. The best person does not always tell you the highest price, but the real price.
10. Ask the agent to walk around and give you tips on how to get the most out of the house - while investing the least money and effort. What can you do to improve sale-ability, without fully remodeling and spending a ton of cash?
SELLING YOUR HOME: PRICE IT COMPETITIVELY
Pricing your home competitively may seem counterintuitive when trying to receive the best offer on your home — most sellers think that they should price their home over market value to leave room for negotiation. However, when they do this, it makes the demand less for this home.
A house that’s priced lower could generate higher interest and demand. This means there will be more people interested, and thus more room for negotiations. Buyers will bid against each other, which will result in the potential sales price going up.
Advice from Realtor.com: “Aim to price your property at or just slightly below the going rate. Today’s buyers are highly informed, so if they sense they’re getting a deal, they’re likely to bid up a property that’s slightly under priced, especially in areas with low inventory.”
While we’ll work together to set your home’s asking price, the buyer will set the sales price. If you price your home too high, you’ll miss out on potential buyers. Pricing your property at fair market value, from the start, will generate the most activity from real estate agents and home buyers. The price must attract enough attention to result in showings and offers.
MAXIMIZE YOUR SELLING PRICE
Coldwell Banker® can help you make the needed improvements and repairs to prep your home for sale with no upfront costs using the RealVitalize® program. There are no hidden fees or interest and you don’t have to pay until your property sells*.
HOW IT WORKS
1. We’ll work together to decide which home improvement projects will increase your home’s value the most and set an estimated budget for the work.
2. I’ll enroll your home in the RealVitalize program and get you connected to a dedicated Angi Project Consultant who will source and schedule local vendors from Angi’s network of trusted service professionals.
3. Once you approve the estimates, local top-rated professionals implement your home improvements. Home projects and services are backed by the Angi Happiness Guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your home project or service, Angi will work to make it right.
4. I sell your home and you don’t pay anything back until closing*.
Popular Projects
Cleaning
Curb appeal
Electrical upgrades
Flooring and carpentry
Handyman services
Landscaping
Moving and storage
Painting
Plumbing
Room renovations
Staging
KEYS TO MAKING YOUR HOME SHINE
Curb Appeal: Trim all the shrubs and pull all the weeds. Plant colorful flowers. Water and fertilize the lawn. Put away implements or materials that are not part of lawn décor. Wash the windows, sweep the entry walls and over hanging area.
Lighting: Open all the shades and draperies during daytime hours. Replace all burned out light bulbs and install brighter bulbs as appropriate. Turn on all the lights for any showing, even on a sunny day!
Storage: All clothing, hats, accessories, tools, papers, magazines, books and personal items not contributing to décor should be put away into drawers and closets. Kitchen counters should be clean and free of clutter and unnecessary items. House should appear “like a model home” as if no one is living there!
Windows: All windows should be washed inside and outside. Clean the screens and window sills. Screens should be free of rust and holes and any paint on glass should be removed with a razor blade prior to cleaning.
Fixtures: All bathroom fixtures and counters should be sparkling clean. Polish chrome faucets and handles in the tub and sinks. All sinks, tubs, counters and toilets should be clean. Re grout shower and sink areas that are mildewed or stained.
Floors: All flooring should be clean and waxed. All carpeting should be clean or steam cleaned if necessary.
Doors: All doors should be free of scotch tape, posters, decals or stickers. Handles should be clean and in good condition.
Ceramic Tile: All joints should be clean and white. Use bathroom tile sealer to reseal and clean up edges of walls between bathtub, wall and floor.
Walls: All walls should be clean and free of gouges, scratches, smudges, scotch tape, posters, and thumbtacks. Walls should only have decorative items. Posters and paper pictures taped to walls should be removed and all evidence of the tape markings removed. Touch up or repaint as needed.
Odor: Nothings smells better than fresh air. On warm days, have your windows open and shades up. Make your home feel and smell bright.
Closets: The last priority. When possible, start packing and leave closets organized, tidy and uncluttered. Utilize shelving and hanging space to demonstrate functionality of space.
STEP STEP by
Selling a home is a complicated process, but I will guide you through it every step of the way.
STEP 1 – PRICING
• Prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA)
• Review market conditions
• Review other homes on the market
• Discuss your home-sale goals
• Determine the optimal listing price
STEP 2 – PREPARING
• Remove clutter and organize
• Clean and make repairs
• Stage your home for sale
• Consider a home protection plan
• Complete listing documents and disclosures
STEP 3 – MARKETING
• Install yard sign
• Promote your home on the MLS
• Syndicate your home’s listing to real estate websites
• Respond to online buyer inquiries
• Arrange showings
• Hold open house
• Communicate feedback
• Market your property via email, direct mail and social media
• Provide market updates
STEP 4 – CLOSING
• Evaluate offers and negotiate best price and terms
• Facilitate inspections
• Coordinate closing date, time, location and contacts
• Monitor buyer financing and home appraisal
• Follow up on details
• Review closing statement
• Close the sale
• Provide copies of all sale documents
THE SELLER’S ROADMAP
INSPECTION
The buyer will usually perform a physical inspection of the home. They may even ask you to make certain repairs. Your agent will explain all of your options regarding the inspection.
CLOSING
This is the transfer of funds and ownership.
FINAL DETAILS
Depending on when the buyer moves into the home you will need to be all packed up and ready to move.
While under contract the buyer will work with their mortgage provider to finalize the loan and perform other due diligence.
UNDER CONTRACT
At this point, you and the buyer have agreed to all of the terms of the offer and both parties have signed the agreements.
STRATEGIC PRICING
As dif ficult as it may be, it’s important to review the market analysis and consider your home price objectivity.
MEET WITH A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL
There’s no commitment required on your part for the initial meeting. It will be educational and help you identify your next steps.
ESTABLISH A PRICE
Your agent will provide a market analysis, which will help you set an asking price.
SOLD
CONGRATULATIONS!
You’ve successfully sold your home
OFFERS AND NEGOTIATION
If everything goes well, a buyer (and most often the agent who represents them) will present your agent with an offer.
CHOOSING AN OFFER
Your agent will present the benefits and risks of each offer. You will have the opportunity to either accept or counter any offer based on its merits.
PREPARE YOUR HOME
View your home through the eyes of the buyer and ask yourself what you’d expect. Your agent will offer some useful suggestions.
LIST IT FOR SALE
When everything is in place your agent will put home on the open market. It’s critical you make it as possible for potential buyers to view your home.
SHOWINGS
Potential buyers may ask to see your home on short notice. It’s best if you can accommodate these requests, you never want to miss a potential sale.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND MATTERPORT
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then beautiful highquality photography could be worth thousands of dollars when selling your home. I’ll make your property look its very best, thanks to professional photography that encourages buyers who are browsing online to slow down and take notice.
DIGITAL STORYBOOKS
Digital storybooks are an impressive way to showcase your home’s unique selling points. Filled with photography and capable of including embedded video and Matterport, a digital storybook gives potential buyers a complete feel for the property.
ONLINE EXPOSURE
My comprehensive online marketing strategy includes detailing your property’s critical selling points and posting multiple photos on the mostvisited real estate websites in the world. The result? Your home gets showcased on hundreds of sites — putting it in front of potential buyers everywhere.
SINGLE-PROPERTY WEBSITES
Show buyers your home is worth the investment with a single-property website. Unlike listing sites where your home is forced to compete for attention with similar properties, ads, and other distractions, a singleproperty website keeps the focus on your home. I will promote this unique site to potential buyers throughout the property marketing campaign and on social media.
PRINT AND DIGITAL PUBLICATIONS
To complement the online exposure your property will receive, we leverage relationships with print media partners to bring your home to the attention of buyers in the San Diego market and beyond. We also create our own monthly eMagazine called Home Simplicity which features all of our active inventory. This digital publication is sent by our sales associates to their clients and spheres of influence to further expand the exposure of your property to potential buyers.
MONITORING ONLINE VISIBILITY
Tracking the exposure of your property online is essential to understanding how it is being received by potential buyers. Our powerful data reports include the number of listing views and the geographical distribution of viewers, including city, state and country of origin. This insight can also be used to direct other marketing efforts to reach the ideal audience for your property.
FULL DISCLOSURE
Recent legal decisions and CA legislation reguire that the seller has a responsibility for revealing the true condition of the property. The sellers must disclose all known condition of the property to the buyer.
Charm or Irritant
Having lived in the property, the seller may become accustomed to peculiar conditions of the home. But for the buyer, that peculiarity may be an irritant which the buyer cannot tolerate. It’s important for the seller to review the condition of the property with their Realtor and take special note of any problems on the Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statement and Seller Property Questionnaire.
All Systems Go
A basic assumption in every sales is that the house and systems in the house are functional. For example, the roof will hold out the rain, the hot water heater will provide hot water, and air conditioner will provide cold air. If it is known that any of the systems do not function property, such facts must be included in the disclosures and acknowledged by the buyer.
As Is
An AS IS purchase is acceptable, as long as the buyer understands exactly what the AS IS condition entails. For example, the buyer accepts the roof and plumbing system in their present condition and acknowledges that they have defects. The acknowledgment provides a defense for the seller if it is later claimed that the defects were not disclosed to the buyer.
Environmental Hazards
It is required that the seller disclose any knowledge of environmental hazards in the home or area, such as asbestos or pollutants. The California Department of Real Estate prepared a handbook for sellers and buyers to inform them of various toxins and hazardous waste. As required by a law, a copy of this publication must be given to the buyer.
Natural Hazard Disclosure
Since June 1, 1998 a mandatory disclosure was issued for sellers to inform buyers about natural hazards. This disclosure informs buyers if the property falls into an earthquake, fire or flood zone. This is often compiled by an independent third party, who is hired to research the information.
THE INSPECTION PROCESS
When you receive an offer on your home, your Purchase Contract will likely contain provisions allowing the buyer various inspections of the property. The purpose of these inspections are to educate the buyer as to the physical condition of the property they are purchasing. While these inspections do not provide guarantees of the condition of the property, they do provide valuable information to the buyer. The buyer may withdraw from the purchase or negotiate a concession upon learning new information from an inspection.
Structural Pest Control Inspection
The Structural Pest Control, often referred to as a termite report, is conducted by a licensed inspector. In addition to actual termite damage, the Report will indicate any type of wood destroying organism that may be present, including Fungi (sometimes called dry rot) which generally results from excessive moisture.
Section I conditions are those which are active or currently causing damage to the property. Section II conditions are those which are not currently causing damage, but are likely to, if left unattended. A typical Section II item is a plumbing leak where the moisture has not yet caused fungus or decay.
Physical Inspection
The physical inspection clause in the Purchase Contract allows the buyer the right to have the property fully inspected. The home inspection covers items such as exterior siding, paint, flooring, appliances, water heater, furnace, electrical service, plumbing, and other visible features of the property. This is a general inspection and will often lead to additional inspections by specific trades, such as a roof or furnace inspection.
Home Warranty
Home Protection Plans are available for purchase by buyer or seller. Such plans may provide additional protection of certain systems and appliances in the home. Usually the buyer will select the company.
PREPARING FOR A HOME INSPECTION
• Most buyers will attend the inspection with the buyer’s agent.
• All utilities need to be turned on.
• The inspector needs clear attic access. (If you have clothes in a closet where the attic access is located, it is a good idea to remove or cover them.)
• The inspector will go in any crawl spaces. It is helpful to leave a note as to its location.
• Make room for the inspector to remove main electrical service panel or leave key if locked.
• Make sure that all pilot lights are lit (gas appliances, furnace, etc.)
• All components listed with the home should be in working order at the time of inspection (humidifiers, disposals, security systems, etc.) If they are not, leave a note explaining the defect.
• If you have a home security system, it should be disarmed on the day of the inspection.
• If you have pets that can not go outside, special notes should be left and arrangements should be made for dogs to be secure.
• Remember there are “required” repairs and negotiable repairs. We will discuss the difference.
• Replace dirty furnace filters.
• Have property neat and tidy with lights on—showing ready!
TITLE INSURANCE
What is Title Insurance?
A title insurance policy protects a real estate owner or lender against any loss or damage they might experience because of liens, encumbrances or defects in the title of said property.
How does Title Insurance differ from casualty insurance?
Casualty Insurers (car, life, health etc.) assumes risk for future events, collecting monthly or annual premiums. A title policy insures the past of the real property and the people who owned and own it, for a one-time premium paid at closing.
Who needs it?
Purchasers and lenders need title insurance to know that the property they are involved with is insured against various possible title defects. Whether it is a sale, finance, construction loan... the seller, buyer, and lender benefit.
What does Title Insurance cover?
Title insurance protects against claims from various defects such as another person claiming an ownership interest, improperly recorded documents, fraud, forgery, liens, encroachments, easements, and other items that are specified in the actual policy.
How
is
a Title Policy created?
After the escrow officer or lender opens the title order, the title company begins a search of the public records including the County Recorder, Federal and State Agencies, and the County and City offices. A Preliminary Report is issued to the customer for review and approval. All closing documents are recorded upon escrows instruction. When recording has been confirmed, demands are paid, funds are disbursed, and the actual title policy is typed and sent to the insured.
What types of policies are available?
A standard CLTA owners policy insures the new owner, the home buyer; and an ALTA or CLTA lenders policy insures the lenders interest.
Escrow
What Is An Escrow?
An escrow is an impartial third party, brought into a transaction to see that the primary parties, i.e. the buyer and seller, perform as they have agreed. Escrow enables a buyer and seller to do business with minimum risk, because the responsibility for handling the funds and documents are placed in the hands of someone who is neutral about the outcome.
Why Should I Use An Escrow?
You should use an escrow in order to assure yourself of concurrent performance. What does that mean? Concurrent performance means that the Grant Deed is recorded on the same day that the buyer funded the loan, and all obligations, such as inspections, title fees, and the like, have been paid.
Escrow Instructions
Escrow instructions are written documents, signed by the parties which directs the escrow officer in the specific steps to be completed so that escrow can be closed.
Since the escrow holder can only follow instructions as stated and may not exceed them, it is extremely important that the instructions be stated clearly and be complete in all details.
TERMS YOU MAY WANT TO KNOW
Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM): A mortgage with an interest rate that changes over time in line with movements in the index.
Amortization: Repayment of a loan in equal installments of principal and interest, rather than interest-only payments.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The total finance charges (interest, loan fees, points) expressed as a percentage of the loan amount.
Balloon payment: A lump sum principal payment due at the end of some mortgages or other long-term loans.
CC&Rs: Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions. A document that controls the use, requirements and restrictions of the land and physical structure.
Closing Statements: The financial disclosure statement that accounts for all of the funds received and expected at the closing, including deposits for taxes, hazard insurance, and mortgage insurance.
Condominium: A form of real estate ownership where the owner receives title to a particular unit and has proportionate interest in certain common areas.
Contingency: A condition that must be satisfied before a contract is binding. For instance, a sales agreement may be contingent upon the buyer obtaining financing.
Earnest Money: The portion of the down payment delivered to the seller or escrow agent by the purchaser with a written offer as evidence of good faith.
FHA Loan: A loan insured by the Insuring Office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development; the Federal Housing Administration.
Fee Simple: An estate in which the owner has unrestricted power to dispose of the property as she wishes, including leaving by will or inheritance. It is the greatest interest a person can have in real estate.
Lien: A legal hold or claim on property as security for a debt or charge.
Origination: A fee or charge for work involved in evaluating, preparing, and submitting a proposed mortgage loan. The fee is limited to 1 percent for FHA and VA loans.
PITI: Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
Planned Unit Development (PUD): A zoning designation for property developed at the same or slightly greater overall density than conventional development, sometimes with improvements clustered between open, common areas. Uses may be residential, commercial or industrial.
Point: An amount equal to 1 percent of the principal amount of the investment or note. The lender assesses loan discount points at closing to increase the yield on the mortgage to be competitive.
Prepayment Penalty: A fee charged to a mortgagor who pays a loan before it is due. Not allowed for FHA or VA loans.
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Insurance written by a private company protecting the lender against loss if the borrower defaults on the mortgage.
Purchase Agreement: A written document in which the purchaser agrees to buy real estate and the seller agrees to sell under stated terms and conditions.
Realtor: A real estate broker or associate active in a local real estate board affiliated with the National Association of Realtors .
Title Insurance Policy: A policy that protects the purchaser, mortgagee or other party against losses.
VA Loan: A loan that is partially guaranteed by the Veterans Administration and made by a private lender.
FOR MOVING Checklist
BEFORE YOU LEAVE:
Address Change
Post office: forwarding address
Charge accounts, credit cards
Subscriptions
Friends and relatives
Insurance
Notify company of new address for coverage
Life, health, fire and auto
Medical, Dental, Prescriptions
Ask Dr. and dentist for referrals
Transfer needed prescriptions
Transfer medical records
Bank
Transfer Funds
Arrange Credit References
Delivery Service
Laundry, Newspaper
Utilities
Gas, light, water, phone, garbage, Internet
Get refunds on any deposits
Pets
Ask about regulations for licenses, vaccinations, tags, etc.
ON MOVING DAY: AT YOUR NEW ADDRESS:
Carry enough cash or travelers checks to cover expenses until you make banking arrangements.
Carry jewelry and important documents yourself.
Double check closets, drawers, and shelves to be sure they are empty.
Arrange to leave all old keys, garage door openers, mailbox keys, HOA fobs, etc. with Realtor or new owner.
Establish service of phone, gas, electricity, water and trash.
Check pilot light on stove, hot water heater and furnace
Pickup any forwarded mail from post office
Update address on drivers license
Register to vote
Register children in school
Arrange for medical services: doctor, dentist, veterinarian, etc.
Arrangements for new license plates for cars if in a new state.
AMY’S PROVENtrack record
CREDENTIALS AND MEMBERSHIPS
• Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI)
• Seniors Real Estate Specialist, SRES
• Smart Home Technology Certified
• Realtor, National Association of Realtors
• Member of California Association of Realtors
MY EXPERIENCE
• 2023 - Top 1% Coldwell Banker West Agent
- Ranked #7 out of 1000+ Listing Agents
• 2022 Top Producer #1- Mt. Helix Coldwell Banker West
• 2022 lnternational President Elite, Top 2% Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide
• 2022 Real Estate Achievement and Leadership Award
- Top 3% in San Diego County Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors
• 2021 International Diamond Society, Top 12% Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide
• 2021 Real Estate Achievement and Leadership Award
• 2020 International Diamond Society, Top 10% Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide
• 2020 Real Estate Achievement and Leadership Award -Top 5% in San Diego County Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors
• 2020 Excellence in Client Service Award from HomeSnap
• 2020 Graduate Realtor Institute - GRl #25574
• 2019 International Diamond Society, Top 10% Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide
• 2019 R.E.A.L. Award - Top 10% in San Diego County
• 2018 International Presidents Circle, Top l0% Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide
• 2018 - Top 2% Coldwell Banker West Agent - Ranked #16 out of 750+ Agents
• 2017 International Diamond Society
• Real Estate Broker, Licensed since 1998
• Graduate Education: Masters of Social Work from San Diego State University
• Undergraduate Education: Bachelors of Arts from UC Santa Barbara
Testimonials
“GET THE HIGHEST OFFER POSSIBLE”
Amy is the best! After the passing of loved ones, Amy helped my family sell multiple properties at very stressful times. Amy is always calm, pleasant, respectful and most of all she knows real estate. Amy was there from start to finish, letting me know the most effective ways to get the property ready for sale and how to get the highest offer possible. She is also quick to respond to any questions. Amy made a daunting task easy and manageable. - Helen Samagaio
“KNOWS THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS BACKWARDS & FORWARDS”
I have worked with several real estate agents in the past 35 years, but I have never worked with anyone as perfect as Amy! She knows the business of real estate backwards and forwards and how to get the best deal possible. She explains every step and detail so you know exactly what’s happening. Her strategy for getting the best price for my home was spot on and she made the entire process enjoyable. I will never buy or sell a piece of property without having Amy as my agent! She’s the BEST!!! - David Milroy
“MOST DEDICATED AND CONSCIENTIOUS PROFESSIONAL”
Mere words cannot describe my recent experience with Amy in selling my home. She is by far the most dedicated and conscientious professional I’ve ever worked with in real estate. I am a licensed contractor and expert witness in construction defect litigation. My work requires great detail. I am at awe of how much higher she has raised the bar for me. I have sold two houses with Amy now and when challenges came up, we conquered them so easily. Her knowledge base is of great value. Amy came to us by a recommendation from a good friend, retired from real estate. I am so appreciative of her hard work! - Steve Stalheber
“UNBELIEVABLE ATTENTION TO DETAIL”
I had the opportunity to work with Amy in selling my family estate owned home. Amy knew the market well and applied her extensive expertise in residential real estate to make for a rapid and flawless sale. Unbelievable attention to detail in making this sale attractive to buyers but also in all of the pre and post-sale events. Highly recommended broker who not only has a wealth of experience but can understand seller’s objectives and then without delay, make them happen! - Howard Kotler
“MADE THE WHOLE PROCESS EASY AND ABSOLUTELY WORRY-FREE”
Amy was just who I needed to help me sell my home of 30 years. She gave me great advice about the market and she helped show it’s best side. Then she found the buyers so quickly and negotiated a great deal. Knowing she had all the details taken care of made the whole process easy and absolutely worry-free. I am so happy and would recommend Amy to anyone! - Chari St John