Willis Allen Real Estate

Description of Work: Only reviewing Willis Allen for one R.E.Agent, Cati Nail. She is absolutely excellent - I have used her services twice (for buy and sell). Very professional and works hard to provide quality. I wish I had her energy!

Description of Work: I have used Cati Nail (Cati Byrne-Nail) for two real estate transactions. She works with the Willis Allen Real Estate Office in Del Mar. In 2007, I had to sell family home due to divorce. This was a 'small' custom-built home (2600 sq ft) on 2/3 acre with a pool & spa, waterfall, lots of stone work, gas to fire-pit, outdoor speakers - lots of loving detail. (p.s. Five Truck-loads of Large Stones, like 3-4 feet tall / wide) I interviewed two other real estate agents and Cati. Cati had me walk her through both home and landscape - and I told her about upgrades, etc. Well - I hired Cati, and she blew me away! Cati held a few open houses, and had several 'by appointment' showings. Each time she was to show the house, she would arrive (usually just minutes before) and go through house - making sure that all windows were opened/shades drawn (for light), fluffing pillows, turning on lights, etc. She helped me to 'stage' the house (I'm not a great decorator) and provided a potpourri on the stove-top (or a small crock pot thing) and a beautiful place setting at the bar / counter-top. She suggested (and I provided) a big bowl of fruit for color, and fresh flowers throughout the house, bath towels tidy...... But this is what truly Amazed me: A couple of times, I was scurrying out as folks were arriving to see the house. Cati took them on a tour. She started in the back yard, so I could scramble out & avoid any uncomfortable meeting. I OVERHEARD Cati through a window - describing in great detail - things that I had told her in that initial interview! For example: We (owners) were present and participated in the landscaping and the 'building' of the boulder - stone work retaining walls and the 4-5' tall stone waterfall - and she was able to convey that to potential buyers in a way that (it's difficult to describe) made it feel like a home built with care and love. Another Example: Cati was holding an open house and I was late getting out. Several people showed up, walking through the house, pausing & talking. Cati had soft music in the background and I had put out little chocolates (or something). It felt like there was a nice little party going on! As I was trying to sneak out the back door, I saw one couple (talking about house) coming down the stairs, then another couple in the garage, discussing where they might place the wife's kiln. [ In other words, not exactly 'lookey-loos ] ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ On the Paperwork side, Cati was meticulous. She went over what forms I was signing and initialing; what they meant and why they were important or required. She let me know her rationale for doing things along the way. An example might be as simple as the staging ideas that she brought: windows, fruit bowl, even down to: she suggested no Kleenex boxes sitting around because a tissue box can conjure up illness in a person's mind. I'll have to admit, I thought that one was a bit much, but I complied. :) A better example relates to her negotiating strategy and the many ways that she demonstrated that she 'knew her stuff' as far as the paperwork details in protecting me as a seller. Well, this is just the SALE of my home. I see that I have another text box for 'How Did It Go Overall?' I think I'll put my second experience there, briefly.