I specialize in working with individuals who include real estate in their overall financial planning as a means to protect their financial legacy, and seek appreciation of property while minimizing market risk.  I assist these savvy clients to evaluate their real estate holdings as part of the overall wealth management process, which includes collaborating with attorneys, financial planners and banking institutions.

My mission is to ensure that my clients’ needs always take precedence, that they are continuously educated and informed, and that they are an integral part of the process.  To this effect, I draw from my professional work experience in order to provide comprehensive and collaborative service to my clients. 

Business Practice

As a Real Estate Broker, it is my duty to provide and adhere to the following tenets:

I.                    Assess the specific needs and objectives of my clients

II.                 Develop, structure and implement a real estate strategy that includes:

§         A valuation of holdings with periodic timely review

§         Acquisition, sale, and improvement of real estate

§         Clearly defined options for financing, purchasing or selling

III.               Build a client centered, consultative relationship that does not end at the conclusion of a single transaction. 

IV.              Provide services that reflect my strong sense of fiduciary duty to my client

Professional Services

Valuation of real estate:

§         Broker Professional Opinions for personal or investment properties

§         Title Reports: including plat maps, comparable sales, permit searches and chain of title.

§         Estimate of return on investment for real estate improvements.

Purchase and Sale of Real Estate

§         Capital gains: tax implications & sales consequences 

§         Prop. 60 & 90 for California based clients over 55

§         Investment properties

§         1031 Exchanges

§         Depreciation and Recapture

§         Impact of environmental issues (Phase 1, 2, & 3 environmental)

Client Retention:

When placing a referral, I remain the intermediary.  This ensures that the client’s needs are always being addressed and there is an ongoing contact with other professionals to identify the right property.

Off-Shore purchases and sales:

I serve clients with multiple residences, some outside of the U.S., such as Bermuda.   

Professional Designations

v       Licensed since 1991 in California and New York.

v       Relocation training including CRMS® for selling and CRRS® for buying

v       Certified Corporate Property Specialist including extensive experience in REO’s and Probates

v       Affiliated with an office certified for architectural and multi-million dollar properties.

v       SRES® Seniors Real Estate Specialist

Client Interaction Philosophy

Selling a personal residence:

§         I listen to find the aspects of the move that are positive for the client and probe to find areas of concern to reduce the sense of loss and fear of change. 

§         I strive to understand what the move means to them and get them to articulate the important aspects of their life in their current home and their concerns about the move. 

§         With divorce I work to help develop better communication between the people involved, their attorneys and the other members of the family.

§         With Trusts and Probate sales, I interact with extended family members, trustees, and attorneys.

§         I explain all the steps involved in selling before we list. I develop a definite Marketing Plan for all aspects of the listing process that reflects their time table. 

§         I prepare a detailed list of points for agents to include in their offers, so that contracts closely reflect the Sellers’ priorities, needs and timing. 

§         I get them information about the new area and, if out of the area, find a broker who is a good fit for them. I stay involved in the process at the new location, acting as a buffer and helping to answer any questions or concerns that might arise.

Buying a personal residence:

§         I identify the needs that the new home is addressing: second home, down-sizing, upsizing.

§         I learn what the relocation means to those involved, which allows me to stress the positive and establish a client centered relationship.

§         As circumstances change, so do housing requirements. I discuss various replacement options, which may be different from what they have now.

§         I have specific training in dealing with the Seniors market (SRES®)

§         I offer information about properties in multiple areas.

Selling and buying an investment property:

§         I discuss the tax consequences of a sale including capital gains tax consequences, depreciation, recapture and 1031 Exchanges.

§         I discuss possible environmental issues such as Phase 1, 2, & 3 environmental clean-ups. 

§         I listen to their objectives and probe to find the comfort level of their investment strategy.

§         I discuss replacement options in various areas, getting them information about other areas, if needed. 

§         As clients age, their tolerance for management issues often changes. I work with the estate planning aspects of their investment real estate holdings.

Personal Background

I have lived in four (4) European countries during my eleven (11) years as a professional Opera singer and I possess a native command of German. I have lived in many different cities in the United States. This experience has helped me in my work with individuals of varying cultural backgrounds.

 I have owned and managed many investment properties in multiple states. I can personally relate to the desire of clients to create a real estate portfolio through the sale and acquisition of multiple residences, commercial, and investment properties.