About Cherie Carson

Cherie and Elena are a fantastic team and it's been a pleasure working with them ... from the first interview (where they take the time to ascertain exactly what you're looking for), to the final touches such as a digital postcard they create for you to send to friends as you prepare to move. During an over-heated Bay Area's seller's market, they performed efficiently in vital ways such as last-minute viewings, near-instant call-backs, and creative solutions to logistical challenges. (During my recent close, I learned some information that could have compromised the deal: Cherie negotiated a win-win for both parties, so we could zoom toward a quick close.) But beyond their obvious technical real estate skills, their combined EQ (emotional intelligence quotient) is a huge differentiator: Cherie's calm yet enthusiastic approach and Elena's great contract and house infrastructure guidance is invaluable. Patient, cheerful, and supportive no matter the challenge or request, these two are an oasis of competence—and kindness—in the inventory-poor morass of a market that is (for now) 'the new normal.' They also have a superb network of mortgage brokers, home inspectors, stagers, structural engineers, and other colleagues who are trustworthy and high-performing (and very pleasant)—a huge benefit in itself. Because a dear friend recommended them, I knew their accomplishments before I met them: they've prevailed in multiple-offer situations—such as championing the winning offer out of 19 in this de rigueur $100K-over-asking-price environment—but always remain respectful of budgetary constraints. And they sincerely want you to acquire YOUR dream house, whatever your parameters: never is there even a hint of pressure to buy something you don't truly love. (In fact, they will counsel you not to 'settle' because they want you to be completely satisfied with what for many people is the biggest purchase of their lives.) No wonder they have such satisfied clients! Even though my particular house hunt went on MUCH longer than a 'typical' house hunt, Cherie and Elena remained as encouraging and responsive during the last month (of a multi-month process) as during the first week. I've seen decades of Bay Area real estate cycles (and have had residential, investment, and 1031 projects), but I want Cherie and Elena in my corner for future transactions.

My sister and I recently needed to sell my mother's condo in Oakland.  We were referred to Cherie Carson and Elena Ronquillo through a friend.  It was an important sale, because it wasn't just about doing the best for our mother, but we were representing the Family Trust.  Having experienced a lot of family emotion around my mother's move, it was really important to us, to have a straight forward sale.We found the right professionals for this job!  Cherie knew all the people to call: the stager, the handyman, painter, trust lawyer, . . inspector.  She was there for the inspection, directing the handyman, helping the stager and painter choose colors.  She advised us on the the cost effective upgrades to make.  Everything was done beautifully.  She knew an excellent lawyer to help with some important details of the family trust.  She was able to meet all the trades people at the condo herself, so that I did not have to be there.  Everything was done thoughtfully, carefully, and non dramatically.  Whenever we met or spoke on the phone, I felt that she was 100% present for me . .never like she was busy with something else, or rushing off somewhere.  Cherie's marketing efforts paid off well, we received 18 offers on the condo.   Again, Elena and Cherie's experience and professionalism was helpful for making our decision as to which offer was truly the 'best'.   We got an excellent price without one hitch, and a 30 day close.   We're just as pleased as can be, and are so grateful to have been led to these two excellent realtors.