Zillow
ReviewSpent the last 35 years in the Bay Area and just retired. Spent the last couple of years on the internet looking at homes and communities across the US. Cant afford to stay in SF. Decided to focus on adult restricted communities in the Phoenix area. Got in touch with Todd thru one of the real estate search engines. I described what I wanted in a home and a community, and Todd set up an automated search. I received updates daily with full results weekly. Its hard to really judge a property via pictures taken with lenses that distort whats seen, but we used the results to further refine the search criteria. I didnt want to make too many trips to Phoenix, but decided Id need at least 2, one to get a more accurate depiction of homes, communities, and areas, and another to advance the selection/purchase far enough to avoid a 3rd trip. Todd helped me with the logistics for the first trip, setting my expectations for what I could expect to achieve, and planning out the 4 day visit. His expertise began paying dividends when he advised missing certain weeks around spring training. Saved me a lot of money in airfare, hotel, and rental car. First trip went as expected. Probably saw a dozen or so houses over a couple days, from about 5 or 6 different communities. After looking at all the pictures on internet sites, it was a good to see what things actually looked like. Used any spare time to further explore areas on my own. Todd was very helpful along the way, providing me with estimates for expenses regarding all aspects of home ownership in the area. He also explained the process and helped me understand how the purchase could work with just a second trip. When I returned home, I was better prepared to deal with financial matters, and had narrowed my search to 3 communities. Todd further refined the search and I worked on finances, moving, getting out of my apartment, etc. So we planned the 2nd trip about 2 months after the first. I narrowed the candidates down to a short list, and Todd helped again with the logistics, planning activities that would allow me to get done what was needed. Long story short, in 4 days, saw multiple homes in 3 communities, and got it down to 2, made the decision, made an offer and accepted the counter. What Ive described to this point is my view of the process, but it doesnt fully highlight Todds countless contributions. Todd listened when I described what I wanted in a home and community. He could tell when I was struggling with some issue and helped with pros, cons, personal perspective, and experience. Todd also has a great Rolodex. He has a number of different people and organizations that he works with to help his clients navigate all aspects of the process, like loan brokers, title companies, home inspectors, handyman contacts, etc. He put me in touch with many so that I could work on parallel tasks. Another example, after my second visit, I received a letter from the HOA stating there were some existing violations of HOA standards. They expected the seller to address the issues, but let me know that should they fail to do so, responsibility falls to the buyer. When it became obvious the seller wasnt interested, Todd was kind enough to contact multiple tradesman to address issues in my absence. Also, I could not be there to meet the movers when they delivered the furniture. Todd was kind enough to do so for me. In fact, after I moved in, I still reached out to Todd a couple of times for perspective and recommendations when I needed specific work. In summary, I would recommend Todd to anyone looking to buy or sell their home. He listens, doesnt try to push the limits of your budget, understands the local market and communities, is patient, works with a good group of people, and returns your calls. Overall, just a very positive experience. I cant think of any aspect that was negative in any way.
