Thursday, April 26, 2012

Architect Andrew Morrall Review

We highly recommend Andy Morrall as an Architect.  We hired Andy to do the extensive remodel of our Laurel Heights Edwardian home.  We found Andy to be very professional and reliable.  Through a series of design meetings,  Andy was able to offer several design options to choose from that were very creative and sensitive the existing Architecture of the house. Andy offers complete services,  providing detailed construction documents to work from,  and he has working relationships with General Contractors that he can recommend to do the work.

We are in the middle of a kitchen remodel with Andy and everything is going great.  Andy took all of our wants and desires and came up with a very creative layout blending the kitchen into the TV room.  He took into account the character of our 1927 Glen Park home but also our modern sensibility to tie the two looks together.  We've worked closely on the style points we like, and he's right there to keep the whole design cohesive, including on shopping trips.  We're looking forward to the end of the project and posting pictures of the successful transformation!

2730 Mission St
(between 24th St & 23rd St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 282-0616

Climb Real Estate Group Review

I worked with Climb Real Estate to rent out my condo in The Infinity. I did very little actual work however because Darcy Algeo handled the process from start to finish in an extremely professional and efficient way and did so with minimal interruption to my personal life. Darcy advertised the unit, scheduled the showings around my schedule, handled all of the inquiries, screened the potential tenants and handled all of the documentation. The best part was that the exchanging of documents was all done online using an electronic document service that made the whole process very transparent and efficient. All that and we met our rental rate goal. Darcy also did an excellent job of keeping me informed throughout the entire process.

Darcy Algeo from Climb has been a pleasure to work with.  She came on a recommendation from our real estate broker and I would have no hesitation in recommending her to anyone seeking to lease out their property.  She has found tenants for me on 2 occasions now and each time at an outstanding rent, with extremely dependable and nice people.  She goes above and beyond for her clients.  Nothing is too much trouble.

251 Rhode Island St
Ste 105
(at 15th St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Serving San Francisco and surrounding area
Neighborhood: SOMA
(415) 431-8888

Arch Home Inspection Review

I can not say enough good things about David from Arch Home Inspection.  Our Realtor used him for our home inspection.  He was friendly, detailed and meticulous in looking at all of the aspects of our home -- from a tiny water stain on a cabinet to measuring moisture in the attic.  As a first time home buyer, I had an endless list of questions and he answered all of them thoroughly and made great recommendations.  I walked away with a great understanding of what I needed to do to maintain my house and also a handy dandy online packet that I could easily reference. 

The most impressive part was when we had a pipe issue in the inside of the wall about 5 months later.  I called David in a panic (not knowing who to call) and he came over in 10 minutes.  He helped to resolve the problem and stayed to get me on track with the developer, who fixed the issue. I can't say enough good things about David; his evaluation and support is above and beyond any contractor or home service we have ever worked with.

521 Frederick St
(between Arguello Blvd & Lincoln Way)
San Francisco, CA 94117
(415) 452-4000

Aaron Gordon Construction Inc Review

Aaron and his crew rebuilt a rotted out back stairway.  I work in the south bay, and can seldom be around my home in the city during working hours.  Aaron was accommodating, punctual, and he quickly and accurately took stock of what I wanted and how I needed it done.  Because I'm not around, he had to pull permits, manage inspections, and without me around to consult day-to-day like many contractors I've worked with.

Once the stairway was removed, he and his crew found rot that had spread into the corner support of the building.  They found efficient and cost-effective ways to make sure the rot was eliminated at only a minor increase in cost.

The was a minimum of impact, things were cleaned up each night and when they were done there was no sign a construction crew had been there! As the son of a civil engineer, I've grown up around construction work.  Aaron's work as world class. I recommend him without reservation.

479 1/2 Sanchez St
San Francisco, CA 94114
Serving San Francisco and surrounding area
Neighborhood: Castro
(415) 596-9567

Martinkovic Milford Architects Review

I just came from my second meeting with Brian of Martinkovic and Milford Architects and I can hardly wait to see the end result of the addition he's been designing for my house! Just one look at the design and layout of their beautiful office and you know that these people are amazing at what they do! I'm so thankful that my contractor recommended I contact Martinkovic and Milford for my plans because, so far, the process has been seamless and so easy. It makes me feel so at ease knowing that Brian is taking care of all of the permits and other city-related issues as well, because I wouldn't have the first clue as to how to go about organizing all of that. Even though I have flooded Brian's email in-box with questions, he is always quick to respond with a pleasant and helpful answer. I haven't even seen the end result of Brian's work but I already know it's going to be amazing. These people come highly recommended and I can tell already that I found the right architects for the job.

Martinkovic and Milford Architects have been working on our home remodel and they have been outstanding thus far.  We have been very impressed with their knowledge of San Francisco code and how to navigate through it and deliver an excellent product.  Our home is a historic home so it requires someone who is well versed in the standards that must be met and the ones that are likely to given an exemption.  To top it off they are very easy to work with and super friendly.  I whole hardheartedly recommend them for your architectural needs because they provide a quality custom product with fantastic service.

520 Sutter St
(between Mason St & Powell St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhood: Union Square
(415) 346-9990

Monday, February 13, 2012

Garfield Realty Corp Review

As a former real estate agent from a neighboring Park Slope agency, I have to give kudos to Garfield Realty for being such a personable, friendly office in what can be a very cut-throat market. I worked with Elizabeth Kohen to co-broke a deal and was so grateful for her hard work, professionalism, and kindness, even when dealing with a difficult client. I have since referred people to her, only to receive rave reviews. Not only is she an excellent agent who really knows the market, but she has the personal touch that makes the sometimes stressful process of buying a house, a great experience. Her dedication and the personal attention she gives to her clients are what makes her the agent you'll want to work with.

155 Seventh Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Neighborhood: Park Slope
(718) 622-7600

Peter Ashe Review

I had an excellent experience with Peter Ashe real estate services! Specifically, I dealt with Ami Hen, a consummate professional and all around good person. Mr. Hen accepted me as a client despite me having a rather unorthodox and challenging situation. He worked efficiently and professionally to secure my apartment and pulled hard for me to get Management to allow several exceptions. He was reachable well into the late evening hours, answering all phone calls and emails.  My lease was finalized within days of viewing the apartment and even after I moved in, Mr. Hen answered my calls and addressed issues that, in all fairness, should have gone to Management.

While Mr. Hen clearly understands the business side he also has a great personal touch and related to me on a very real human level. He dealt with me not simply as another client but as a real person with real life uniquely personal circumstances; that was the piece de resistance! An added bonus is the Peter Ashe office, done up in beautifully minimalist post-modern decor, I love loved visiting!! Good job Peter Ashe! Great job Ami Hen.

841Lexington Ave
3rd Fl

New York, NY 10065
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
(212) 750-3300

Nelson's List Review

Just moved from Chicago to Park Slope, and this couldn't have been a better/easier experience! Found Nelson's listing through Craigslist, and quickly realized how quality each of his listings were-- and in our price range! Long story short, we secured our Park Slope apartment from Chicago, without seeing it for ourselves (had a friend check it out). Risky, yes, but Nelson was incredibly helpful, informative, flexible, and responsive the entire time. We are so pleased with our apartment, and couldn't have asked for a better experience! Looking for a new place is stressful enough-- and Nelson completely took care of everything we needed, which made the process not only bearable, but easy.I would recommend Nelson's services to my closest friends and family.

7th Ave
Park Slope - Brooklyn, NY 11215
Serving Park Slope - Brooklyn and surrounding area
(917) 397-0507

Perfect Quarters Review

this is great small real estate firm the real estate broker Jacqueline really knows the ins and outs of real estate, she helped me sell my home that was underwater & educated me about the whole process every step of the way! I was beyond grateful to learn all I didn't know about real estate and get out of my current situation. I only wish I knew her when I bought my property in the first place, I wouldn't have been in this bad situation. I can say this because I was able to buy something I could afford during this whole mess with her amazing knowledge of the industry ... the right way! My wife and I are forever grateful.

545 8th Ave
Ste 401

(between 37th St & 38th St)
New York, NY 10018
Neighborhoods: Hell's Kitchen, Midtown West
(212) 281-6881

Mansour Abu-Rahmeh Review

I cannot say enough positive things about Mansour. It was sort of by chance that I came across him and from day one when he picked me up on a lonely corner in the pouring rain to go view our first property together, I was hooked. Not only is he a complete joy to be with, but he knows his stuff and is entirely honest and straightforward at all times and a fierice negotiator. He goes the extra mile on every item and is readily available when any questions come up (and you know there will be a lot of those with the involved process of buying a new home). If you are looking to secure your new home quickly and with as little confusion and delay as possible, Mansour is your guy. And if you are new to DC and the home buying process, do NOT look further than him. Not only will you gain a great realtor but perhaps a fantastic friend in the process.

Hounshell Real Estate
1506 14th St NW

Washington, DC 20005
Neighborhood: Logan Circle
(202) 423-8332