CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
January 2018 To Whom It May Concern: It is an absolute pleasure for my husband and I to have the opportunity to recommend Michael J. Okun as an exceptional and highly experienced real estate agent. It is rare in this day, to find such a person with impeccable work ethic and honesty; someone who has a sincere desire to strive and deliver nothing but the absolute best for his clients. Michael has a superlative understanding of the real estate industry as a whole and brings remarkable knowledge of the Los Angeles market to every transaction. My husband and I had extensively researched and met several agents for the sale of our home. However, after meeting Michael, the choice was obvious with whom we should work. Michael took the sale of our home to a whole new level of professionalism and well-crafted execution. The sales and marketing plan he presented to us was comprehensive and strategic. The proficiency he showed in implementing his marketing plan for the house was flawless. He, and his incredible team, left no detail unchecked. By the time, the house went on the market, our home went from being beautiful to utterly spectacular and after the first open house we had multiple offers, over the asking price, for us to consider. Michael was extraordinary in his efforts in communicating and negotiating complicated issues between all parties, while maintaining his focus to ensure our best interests. We must also give the highest of praise to Michael’s team. This team works together seamlessly and they allow Michael the ability to work at his best with his clients. The peace of mind of feeling safe, secure and well informed and to be able to understand every detail of a sale or purchase of a home is priceless. Whether buying, selling or leasing, Michael J. Okun is an absolute asset to have on ones’ side. Jana and Vincent Flumiani 2001 DeMille Drive Los Angeles
February 27, 2020 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN My brother and I were recently tasked with selling our parents’ home in the Hollywood Hills after the death of our mother last June. Neither of us had any recent experience in selling a house. We researched and found that Michael Okun was the top seller in the zip code in question. We met with several agents and Michael Okun was the clear and outstanding choice for us. Not only was he sensitive to our situation, his knowledge of the neighborhood and his plan for maximizing the value of the home was unmatched. Michael suggested that we invest some money in fixing up our house, an idea that we were concerned about. He showed us how this approach had succeeded with several of his listings and we decided take his advice. The results were spectacular. Michael has his own cadre of professionals to assist in this renovation including a design specialist, painters, flooring contractors, electricians, etc. The result was a coordinated effort to bring an outdated home up to the present time so that it would be attractive to the target audience. And Michael knew exactly who the buyers would be! The sale exceeded our expectations. Within 7 days we had 5 full price offers with the sale consummated well over the asking price within 8 days of the house hitting the market. The escrow process went smoothly and we closed in less than 30 days. I can’t say enough about Michael Okun’s expertise and professionalism. I am happy to recommend him to anyone who is looking to sell a home. He is knowledgeable, accessible, communicative and sensitive. I always felt that he was reasonable and fair, listening to our concerns and not judging. It was an emotional time for us and his respect for our mother’s home touched me deeply. I would be happy to talk to anyone personally if they have questions. Julie Bienenfeld juliebienenfeld@gmail.com 805 461 9187
To Whom It May Concern During my professional career over the past 40 years, business opportunities and personal choices have caused me to change my home more times than I care to remember. For those homeowners facing relocation in these tough economic times, my heart goes out to you as I know firsthand how difficult it can be not only to accept the current value of your property but to know how to navigate successfully, whether buying or selling, in today’s housing market. Yet, as savvy as I thought I was in dealing with real estate, my recent selling experience with Michael Okun at Prudential Realty not only made me realize just how much I really didn’t know about selling a home during difficult economic times; but more importantly, just how important it was to have a truly experienced real estate professional on your side. Was I glad I was smart enough to listen to him! Michael Okun is without a doubt and without exception the absolute “BEST” real estate agent that I have ever used and, believe me, I have seen a bunch of them. His knowledge of the market in this local area is extraordinary and his selling skills and communication abilities would be the envy of any sales professional in any market. How about that for a recommendation? (And no, Michael is not my cousin). In fact, when I first started the sales process for my home in Studio City, thinking I was being very diligent, I started out by interviewing several of the well known real estate companies and their agents. I then narrowed it down to what I felt were the three best alternatives, thinking I would be satisfied with any one of them who gave me the best “deal”; including the agent that I bought the home from originally who had become a friend. Sound familiar? Well, save yourself a lot of angst and aggravation, put your sharp pencils away and take it from me…if you want to sell your home and make as much money as you possibly can in today’s difficult housing market, just sign the damn listing agreement with Michael, sit back and RELAX. Believe me, if anyone can sell your home, he will and someday you’ll be offering to write a letter like this one for him as well! All The Best, Rick Doherty Studio City, CA A Happy “Michael Okun Customer”
December 18, 2020 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN It is my pleasure to recommend Michael Okun. From my initial call to Michael for information and all the way through the listing and selling process of my home, Michael exceeded all of my expectations. Michael is a consummate professional with not only empirical knowledge of the real estate market, but incredibly keen instincts based on his years of experience as a successful realtor. He has a team of first-rate marketing and administrative personnel working with him as well. The sale of my home in Longridge Estates, Studio City was remarkable. I had concerns (particularly in light of trying to sell midst the pandemic), but Michael was reassuring every step of the way. Within 8 days, 12 offers had come in at numbers well above the asking price – and the home ultimately sold at a number far beyond what I would have ever anticipated. I believe this is a testament to Michael’s thoughtful pricing and marketing of the home, knowledge of the market and his steady hand in guiding the process. In addition to Michael’s professionalism, he is also an incredibly kind and fine human being. He is accessible, responsive and sensitive. He was patient, never too busy for an anxious call from me and followed through meticulously on every step of the sale. I am very grateful for his help. You could not be in better hands than to have Michael Okun represent you. Wendy Beiser mamabeiser1@gmail.com 310-427-2836
Howard Bragman To Future Clients: I have known Michael Okun as a friend, a neighbor and a realtor. He is amazing at all three. But that’s not surprising, because the things that make him good are the things that make him good at the other—intelligence, loyalty, tenacity and hard work. When it came time to sell my home in Valley Village, there was only one option and the entire experience was professional and smooth from beginning to end. The result was that I had three offers; sold my home for $100,000 over asking; and got it signed in a week. I can’t imagine what more I would or could of asked for. As a marketer for more than 40 years, Michael is a professional’s professional and the best in the biz.
Howard Bragman
May 26, 2014 To Whom It May Concern, I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how grateful I am to Michael Okun for what he did for my family and me! I had lived in Colfax Meadows in Studio City for sixteen years and had seen his name on listings more than any other realtor in the area. In fact, I called him a number of times regarding his listings. Each time I called, the house had already been sold. I was always amazed at how quickly his houses sold. It was very common for me to see his sign for the first time on a house that was already sold. I repeatedly thought to myself, “That was fast! I didn’t even know that house was for sale.” When it came time to sell our home in Colfax Meadows, I knew I needed to talk to Michael Okun to learn his magic. When I met him, I was instantly impressed and understood quickly that his success in Colfax Meadows was no accident. He had thought through everything! Staging, Marketing, Timing, Pricing, Speed, Listing, Open Houses…he had a coherent strategy for each step. What impressed me most was his emphasis that every day a house sits on the market, the less it will sell for. A house is worth most on the day it is listed. That was music to my ears because with three kids, and three dogs, my wife and I wanted to sell our house for the highest price and shortest time possible. Michael assured me that that goal was not only possible, but certain. By the time we listed our home, Michael had all of the pieces in place for a quick sale. We listed on Monday. We did a Broker’s Open House on Tuesday. By Thursday, we had three offers all above asking price. And the highest offer was all cash. I wanted to accept on the spot. Michael insisted that we still do the Open House on Sunday to allow any other offers to come in on Monday morning. I reluctantly agreed and I thank God that I did. In exactly one week, we had five offers…one offer $150,000 over asking price. Competence is calming! Selling our house in the only neighborhood our three kids had ever known was the most stressful time of our lives. Oh how grateful I was to have Michael telling me what was going to happen next. Every time I talked to him, he would say “what is going to happen next is A or B. If A occurs, we will do this. If B occurs, we will do this.” I began referring to Michael as “The Big Martini.” Every time I talked with him, I felt better. I have dealt with many realtors in my life in more than fifteen real estate transactions. Michael Okun is by far the best realtor I have ever worked with. It is with a great deal of enthusiasm that I recommend Michael Okun to be your realtor too. Trust me…you will thank me. Brian Kazarian 4225 Kraft Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604 (818)400-6481
Steven A. Uribe and Warren B. Riley 4060 Kraft Avenue Studio City, California 91604 July 10, 2015 Michael Okun, Broker Wish Sotheby's International Realty 13501 Ventura Boulevard Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 Dear Michael: Thank you – and your entire team – for supporting us in the sale of our home in Studio City, culminating in the close of escrow late last month. From the beginning of the process to the very end, you and your team managed every detail with the highest levels of professionalism and enthusiasm. Let me list some of the outstanding aspects of your partnership with us:
You guided us effectively in setting a sales price for our home, using data and advice informed by your many recent real estate transactions.
You pointed out the clear and compelling advantages of staging our home for sale, and the strategy worked beautifully.
You researched the unique architectural style of our home so that you could market it effectively and distinctively.
You arranged photography that was superior to what we had experienced in the past.
You created high quality marketing materials and used the best real estate websites for creating great awareness of our property, and reported very high levels of viewership.
You arranged the caravan tours for brokers and scheduled an open house – which never happened because our home sold immediately!
You carefully coordinated everything – inspections, appraisals, appointments, photography – with phone calls, e-mail messages and text messages throughout the process.
You responded to any/all questions promptly and thoughtfully.
You provided us – from the beginning to the end of the process – with your professional counsel based on your impressive success formula as a real estate broker. You were forthright in your answers to our questions, and respectful in our discussions and decisions.
You effectively managed the buyer’s real estate agent who made the transaction very challenging by his lack of responses and professionalism.
And when all was said and done, you sold our home in 7 days. WOWOWOW. This is especially meaningful to us because we had our home listed by previous agents and were unsuccessful in selling it. We highly recommend you and your entire team, Michael. Please feel free to use us as a reference!! Warm regards.
Warren and Steve
September 7, 2017 Re: Michael J. Okun, Realtor To Whom it may concern: My name is Alex Williamson, and have been a TV Writer/Producer in Hollywood and New York for 35 years. I bought my house in Colfax Meadows in 2001 because it was close to most studios, and the charm and nature of the neighborhood was far from the flavor of my Columbus Circle condo. In 2013, I accepted a position back in New York and interviewed three top listing agents in Studio City/Colfax Meadows area to find a rental client who would pay top dollar to lease and take great care of my furnished house. I chose Michael Okun because of a personal recommendation, his exceptional knowledge of the market and value of my property, plus his warmth and integrity. His team helped ready the house and we had multiple rental offers right away. Coincidentally we chose a Writer/Producer from the UK, who leased my home for the next 30 months. By this point, it had truly become a seller's market and I chose to sell my house. Though instead of listing my house right away in December, Michael had the foresight to wait several months to list in the spring when the pool, trees and gardens looked their best. For the sale, Michael personally selected which furnishings to remove so the house would show well, and was very specific about what areas to spruce up and which I could leave alone. Michael set the listing price at a competitive number to encourage multiple bids. The brokers’ open went well and we had two offers that night, both over asking. The next day we received our third offer. Michael went back to each buyer and explained there were three offers over asking, and they should give their best and final offer. All three potential buyers submitted new bids, and we accepted the one that was $158k over asking, with a 30-day escrow that was a smooth, easy closing. I strongly recommend Michael to take care of the listing and sale of your home. The best! Sincerely, Alex Williamson 4329 Irvine Avenue Studio City wawilliamson@me.com 818-632-3995
C, Ross Mossler Thomas C Peterson 5209 Melvin Ave Tarzana, Caldornia 91 3 56 (626) 893-873s
March 8,2073
RE:
Michael J Okun
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with
great pleasure that my husband, Tom, and I write this letter of recommendation for real estate of Sotheby's International Realty.
agent Michael Okun
Tom and I had talked to many different realtors about selling our home for us and actually had it listed in 2011. We took the house off of the market for a period of time. When we were ready to move forward listing it again we reviewed the companies which had brought through the most prospects. Sotheby's was
one
of two top contenders. We met Michael and were very
impressed with his .knowledge,
professionalism and samples of marketing materials. Since our home was in an area that would attraci a worldwide clientele we were interested in the virtual tour that Michael would put together. I have to say that of all the online real estate virtual tours I have seen nothing has come close to comparing with Michael's. I had been in the marketing world for over 30-years and am not easily impressed, but I have to say Michael's presentation of our home blew me away. I had to remind myself why we were selling! Michael had suggestions of minor changes for us to do to the house to make it less personal and more like a model home so that someone walking in would be able to picture it as their own home. He pointed out small details that needed attention that we had overlooked. When we took care of those suggestions the house showed much better.
From the beginning we experienced top-notch realty expertise which included weekly updates online that showed statistics as to how many times our house had been visited online. We were very pleased with the manner in which our home was listed, presented and shown to prospective buyers. The house was sold shortly after being listed.
Michael understood that we were selling the house because it was too difficult for me to handle with my current health situation, which at times also affected my temperament. He was very patient and polite with me throughout the process and could easily become a therapist should he leave his real estate career. We do not write recommendation letters frequently, but write this letter without reservation. Tom and I feel that Michael is a quality, honest gentleman, he is the consummate real estate salesman, and his marketing materials have to be seen to be believed. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding Michael either at the number above or at my e-mail, ross.mossler52@yahoo.com.
FROM:
Ethan & Xinhua Reiff 4016 Goodland Avenue Studio City, CA 91604
DATE:
July 23, 2012
RE:
Rec. Letter for Michael J. Okun
To Whom It May Concern: We have been homeowners for close to 20 years. In all that time, buying -- and more occasionally selling -- our homes in New York City and Los Angeles, the smoothest, most professionally competent, and most user-friendly experience we’ve ever had, was when Michael Okun was our Real Estate Agent during the sale of our home at 11640 Morrison Street, in Valley Village, in December 2011. Michael took a hand’s on approach, helping us prepare our home in order to gain the best price the market would allow. It took a little time, and a little bit of money, but when we put our house up for sale, it took two days to bring in two offers, both at full asking-price -- which is pretty much the definition of a seller’s dream scenario. Michael’s attention to detail did not waiver after the offers came in. He kept on paying meticulous attention throughout the contract, escrow, and inspection processes, and was at our side the entire time. We don’t want to over do it, but from our perspective as owners/sellers, the sale of our home on Morrison Street, which Michael oversaw, could not have gone better. He was always a pleasure to deal with, be it in person, via email, or on the phone. We unhesitatingly give Michael our highest recommendation. Yours truly, Ethan & Xinhua Reiff PS If for any reason you would like to contact us to ask any further questions re: our experience with Michael, please feel free to call Xinhua on her cell-phone, at: 818-636-6279
a b b e m u r r a y – c o t e I met Michael Okun when he started out in Real Estate almost 20 years ago. He came to my door on La Maida Street in Valley Village to introduce himself. Over the span of two decades, I have seen him carefully, consistently, and considerately, curate our neighborhood for his personal as well as professional life. Michael got more involved in our neighborhood as time went on, and became (and is to this day) one of the premiere sponsors of Colfax Charter Elementary. He was ALWAYS there for any needs we had ‐ beyond his annual donation. When we needed new rubber ducks in our “toddler tent fishing game” for our annual World Fair…I asked him (naturally, as he had been dropping rubber ducks off at our homes every holiday for over 10 years) and received… 300! When Michael and his wife Tracy decided to have a child and move from downtown, they became an even larger part of our community – as homeowners. I couldn’t have been more pleased to have such great new neighbors! Michael’s generosity is only eclipsed by his integrity when it comes to business. He has spent 20 years working, living and breathing our amazing Valley Village community. He knows it, and can anticipate the ebb and flow of the real estate market, better than anyone. He’s a perfectionist and an advocate when it comes to listing and selling your home. We worked with Michael for over two years before we finally decided to sell our first home. He was patient and always available to us for questions, concerns, and more questions. Our home sold for more than $50,000 over asking in 4 days with multiple offers. The way that Michael constructed the listing and the sales/offer process was SO flawless that it made it seamless for everyone involved. I have referred more friends and neighbors than I can count. And I do this without any strings attached. Why? Because I know that I can trust Michael. Because I know that I am referring people to the best. And, everyone who I have referred that has worked with Michael has been thrilled with their experience and gotten top dollar for their property. There is a reason that most listings in Valley Village have a WISH Sotheby’s/Michael Okun sign on them…because he IS our neighborhood Realtor. Feel free to contact me with any questions. I’m happy to help! Abbe Murray‐Cote (818) 209‐6060 abbem@me.com
December 29, 2014 Dear Michael, Rachel and I wanted to take a moment to thank you and tell you how we so very much appreciated all of your hard work, honesty, and open line of communication. You did such a great job selling our house! Your assistant was also wonderful. When Rachel and I talk to other agents and mentioned we just sold a house using your services, the agents always ask what is Michael's trick/secret to his success. We tell them that you are honest, never bad mouth another agent, know the market, do an incredible job of marketing a property, and have a constant open line of communication with your clients. Since I have never met another agent with all those qualities, I now understand why you are the best at what you do. When someone needs assistance with a real estate deal, you will be our recommendation. Sincerely, The Medveds 4215 Laurelgrove Avenue Studio City, CA 91604 Please use us a reference: 213-880-7297 (Paul) 213-321-4174 (Rachel)
August 1, 2015
To potential clients: We send this letter of recommendation for Michael Okun of Sotheby’s, but I don’t think a letter can properly express our gratitude and our resounding belief that he is the best real estate agent in Studio City and the San Fernando Valley. We met Michael in 2009 when he was hosting an open house. Over the years, we followed his listings, and it was obvious that his approach was unique. When we decided to look for a new house, there was absolutely no question that we should call Michael. No other agent puts forth as much effort into marketing the home and attracting qualified buyers. We were thrilled when our house had multiple offers over asking price within the first 48 hours! The transaction closed in 30 days, and we could not have asked for a better outcome or a smoother process. Michael was also instrumental in finding us a new home in Studio City. He is very patient, ethical and diligent in all of his business transactions. Michael and all of his team members operate with an unmatched level of competency, friendliness and professionalism. Despite how busy they may be, they treat you as if you are their only client. Working with Michael was a pleasure. Personally, we formed a lasting friendship with him; and financially, we could not have selected a better agent to help us attain our goals. Sincerely, Greg and Kathy Bell
Empty Nest Support Services – Life in Transition 10061 Riverside Dr., Suite 1002 • Toluca Lake, CA 91602 Natalie Caine, M.A. natalie@emptynestsupport.com Phone: (818) 763-0188 • Fax: (818) 763-1743 • http://www.emptynestsupport.com
Letter of Recommendation Michael Okun was my real estate agent for the sale of my home at 11620 Acama Street in the Colfax Meadows neighborhood of Studio City. Throughout the process of marketing and selling my home, Michael made me feel like I was his only client.
His follow up was impeccable and he
returned every text, email and phone call promptly & professionally. Initially, I didn’t consider ‘staging’ was necessary to sell my home. However, after Michael showed me the positive effects of staging and the value it adds to the home, as well as ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos, I changed my mind.
I’m glad I did!
My home never looked better and we had
multiple offers within 2 weeks of hitting the market. Michael does his homework. He knows the market and he knows what it takes to sell a home for top dollar. He negotiated on my behalf every step of the way and always with my best interest as heart. I trusted him and he never let me down.
He is, without a doubt, the consummate real estate
professional and I give him my highest recommendation. Sincerely, Natalie Caine 11620 Acama Street Studio Ctiy
December 18, 2012 To whom it may concern, In June of this year, we decided to sell our home and contacted Michael Okun of Sotheby’s Realty. He is very knowledgeable and experienced in selling homes in the Colfax Meadows neighborhood where we lived. He helped us with the long and complicated process of achieving a short sale. Not an easy task, but he gave us great advice such as how to stage the house for the best viewing. He also had a professional photographer take pictures inside and outside the house and created a beautiful montage on the Sotheby’s website which helped greatly to get the word out. We had an offer within the first week which was quickly approved. He then put us in touch with the escrow office who handled the paperwork and the rest of the process. Michael is great to work with and very understanding of how difficult it can be to sell your house. He knows what works and can give a better understanding of the process so that you can get through it without undue stress. We highly recommend working with such a total professional. Best, Kathy Dailey and Ron Ripperger 4181 Farmdale Avenue
September 2012 To Whom It May Concern: As residents of Studio City for more than ten years, we always kept an eye on the local real estate market, including both home values and local realtors. While walking our dog through the streets of Colfax Meadows over the years, we often noticed Michael Okun’s name as the listing agent on many attractive properties. When the time came to put our Colfax Meadows home on the market, we called Michael and several other agents. Michael stood out as the best agent to meet our style and our goals. Michael had not only done his homework regarding the neighborhood and the current market, but he also offered a detailed presentation that demonstrated to us his multi-pronged marketing strategy that made so much sense. The fact that Michael is also a licensed real estate appraiser gave us confidence in his assessment of the value of our home. We signed with him without hesitation. In reading the various testimonials in this pamphlet, you will see that over and over again, Michael is called a “professional.” That is the absolute truth! He is professional, hard working, detail oriented, and charming to boot. Further, his integrity is apparent in all aspects of the sale process, which results in that all important feeling of “trust” while going through the process of selling your home. The Okun support team is as professional as Michael is. First, the house is staged to look its very best; next, an amazing photographer takes professional photos of the property. Michael then brings in a company that measures the square footage of the home and draws the floor plan; the floor plan offers another tool buyers can take home with them to help them imagine how their lifestyle and their furniture will fit with the home. Each of Michael’s listings has its own website, and the “For Sale” sign in front of the home contains a bar code buyers can scan with their cell phones and take a virtual tour of the property right then and there while standing in front of your house. Every property has a different story to tell, but our home sold in days, with multiple offers, at a sale price that far exceeded the asking price. There were dollars spent to prepare the house for sale, work on our part as the sellers to ensure that the property was always in the best condition for showings, but the final result was certainly worth the effort! We were very fortunate to work with Michael as a “team” to produce the excellent result we achieved. We have worked with many brokers through the years, and can say without hesitation that Michael is one of the very best. Sincerely, Nora Freedman and Jeff Gonzer 4212 Irvine Avenue
October 2015
Michael Okun took a huge load off our shoulders during a stressful time. Preparing and selling a home from 3000 miles away looked to be a daunting task, but the moment we called Michael he dropped everything to meet with us. We soon felt a sense of relief when we realized that he had the experience and strong work ethic to get the job done without our supervision and prompting. The entire process moved very smoothly and quickly. His stager came up with a list of suggested home improvements that were done quickly and at a reasonable price. The photographer took beautiful photos and very professional looking marketing materials were produced in a couple days. Any issues in the preparation process were handled by Michael and his team so we did not have to stress about it. Michael’s professionalism and responsiveness were much better than any other experience we’ve had with a real estate agent. His team of experts (photographer, writer, stager, etc.) not only made our house look beautiful, but most importantly got us four great offers during the first three days on the market. Since the house sold he has been a great resource while we have assisted other relatives with their moves. We highly recommend Michael to anyone selling a home! Sincerely, Cathy and Richard Cunningham 3265 Longridge Avenue, Sherman Oaks 323-287-7520
Gail Kantor 107 Royal Saint Georges Way Rancho Mirage CA 92270
January 21, 2010 Dear Michael, Now that Kelly and I are somewhat settled in our new home, I want to take a moment to express our thanks to you. Having observed your increasing success over the last fifteen or more years, we swiftly decided you were the right representative to sell our cherished Valley Village home. As a neighborhood resident yourself, we knew you thoroughly understood all the valuable qualities of this unique community. But there was more. We believed you. We believed that your suggested listing price was crucially important to getting a good market response. We believed that for us to get what we wanted for the home, we needed to do a few things – paint the inside a lighter color, refinish the wood floors, and stage the home. At first it seemed overkill, but we believed you when you said we’d get a respectable return on that investment. And, not to sound gratuitously glowing, but your marketing is extraordinary. I have no doubt that home buyers saw those photos and felt compelled to come see the house, resulting in a huge turnout that first Sunday open house. We ended up getting multiple bids right away and selling our precious home for considerably more than asking. And, as you’d suggested, we got back multiple times the cost of improvements and staging. To top it off, escrow couldn’t have gone more smoothly. Not one hitch. So again, Michael, thank you. We wish you continued success and hope to see you here in the desert at some point soon. Warmly,
Debra Denker 11488 Dona Evita Drive Studio City, Ca. 91604
January 10, 2016 To Whom It May Concern: Michael Okun is quite simply the best. His particular combination of knowledge, experience, skill, professionalism, enthusiasm, and compassion turned the sale of my childhood home in Studio City from what could have been a trauma into an uplifting experience. When my father passed away a couple of years ago, my mother started considering selling the house so she could move near me. We met with Michael at that time, as we had been referred by close friends. She really liked him a lot, but wasn’t ready to leave her home of 50 years yet. Sadly, two weeks after she agreed to sell the house, she passed away, but I knew that it was her wish to work with Michael. Michael and his excellent, professional, responsive staff guided me through the whole process. He referred me to an innovative and creative stager who did transformative renovations and repairs on the house, a classic and unique mid-century modern my parents had co-designed with a designer-builder in 1964. Michael was excited about the house and truly loved its design and hilltop location. Michael’s marketing skill is unrivaled. The brochure and virtual tour were stunning, both the visual images that showed the house off to its best, and the sensitive write-up that included both practical considerations such as the house being in the awardwinning Carpenter Charter School district, and things dear to my heart such as the trees I planted in my childhood that have long been home to hawks and owls. Within two days of going on the market we started to have offers, including the one that I eventually accepted. In less than a week we had 14 offers. I feel that we attracted the perfect buyers for this precious house. Michael and his staff made the process smooth and unintimidating, guiding me where I needed guidance. I would happily recommend Michael to anyone. I feel deep gratitude for his kindness, communication skills, and topnotch professionalism. Sincerely, Debra Denker
July 14th 2020 To Whom It May Concern: We are absolutely delighted to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of our real estate agent Michael Okun. We listed our home in Colfax Meadows, Studio City with Michael in May 2020. Prior to listing, Michael met with us several times to carefully go over our needs as well as the house needs for the best sale possible. He suggested some light cosmetic repairs and/or minor changes as well as the staging of our house for achieving optimal results. We followed through with his experienced advice and, bottom line, our home received 7 offers OVER list price within 6 days of listing. And this was in the early days of Covid when everyone was anxious! Our biggest "problem" was who to sell our home to! Michael gave us invaluable counsel on this aspect of the sale as well. Our home closed in 21 days, no drama. We recommend using Michael without reservation. He is kind, attentive, always reachable and immediately responsive. Further, we have several close friends who have enjoyed similar experiences with his services. Good luck...Although you won't need it! Sincerely, Laurie and Stew Lyons 4133 Camellia Avenue
September 10, 2020
Dear Michael, It was such a pleasure to work with you on the sale of our house. You and your team made the whole process seem effortless! Your knowledge of the market and advice on selling price produced an offer that we are thrilled with. Not only did we receive multiple offers but many were over the asking price! I want to thank you for your personal touch. You stepped up when I couldn’t make an appointment due to a family emergency. I will always remember your kindness during this difficult time. I really can’t say enough about your team: the stager and photographer brought out all of the hidden charm of our house. You knew from the minute you stepped into our home what needed to be done to show it off to its best potential. I appreciate your wisdom and would highly recommend you to anyone that is looking for a smooth transaction with a great financial outcome. All our best to you and your company, David Bate and Victoria Stewart
January 23rd, 2018 To whomever might be considering engaging the services of Michael Okun: My wife and I have known Michael for several years, during which time we lived in the Colfax Meadows neighborhood of Studio City. We spent many hours over the years going to various open houses just to keep in touch with what was happening to the real estate in our community and never failed to be impressed with Michael's consistently elegant, tasteful staging and descriptions of the homes he represented, and his wonderfully professional manner. At some point, many years ago, we informed him that when and if we were ever to put our home up for sale, we wanted him to be our realtor. In late November-early December, 2017, that day arrived and we hired him to list our property. We agreed on a solid asking price and Michael immediately went to work with his exceptional contacts. In 5 days, we had EIGHT offers, nearly all at or over the asking price. On the 6th day, we received a NINTH offer significantly greater than the next best one and more than 20% over the ask. Escrow closed smoothly in only 17 days and the deal included a lease-back to give us time to pack up a house in which we had lived for more than twenty years and find a new place to live. If we ever had to do another real estate transaction anywhere in L.A. county or nearby, Michael Okun would be the first person we'd call. Should you make the same choice you will not be sorry. Stuart Miller
Jan. 20th 2021
To Whom It May Concern, It is a genuine pleasure to recommend Michael Okun for your real estate needs. I had the opportunity to work with Michael and his capable team recently when I engaged him to list my Sherman Oaks home on Benedict Canyon Lane. Michael was incredibly thorough from start to finish and always available whenever I had a question. He is a dedicated professional who truly cares about his clients. Michael and his team made the process of selling my home go as smoothly as possible. He came up with solutions to prepare my house for market that were practical, insightful and showed a remarkable knowledge for Sherman Oaks and the surrounding area. Michael had a strong grasp for strategically pricing my home...And he was right on! I have previously used other realtors when selling homes and while good, they were not in the same league as Michael. His attention to detail and marketing skills are second to none! Sincerely, Peter Gillette – 3679 Benedict Canyon Lane
August 12, 2015
Dear Reader, Our home was on the market for several months before we met Michael. He came prepared with extensive research and recommendations that were rooted in logic and expertise and provided us a very clear roadmap to success. He had extensive knowledge regarding the market, the area, the buyer, and the architecture and advised us to take a few steps to make our home more marketable to a potential buyer and assured us that these changes would be instrumental in the quick and lucrative sale of our home. Michael not only delivered on all of his promises he and his team surpassed all expectations by leaps and bounds. We received a solid offer, above asking price within the first ten days. There are not enough accolades in the world that could do Michael and his team justice. Truly a #1 Agent! Best, Teny Kureghian and Ara Saroian tkureghian@gmail.com (818) 445-6152 15514 High Knoll Road Encino, CA 91436
January 5, 2016
Dear Prospective Home Owners and Home Buyers, I am compelled to write this letter to let you know about the wonderful experience I had working with Michael Okun. Michael recently sold my home in the Colfax Meadows neighborhood of Studio City. I had initially listed my home with 2 other realtor "friends" who were only interested in listing the house at a low price and then dramatically dropping the price when the house did not sell in the first week. I called Michael because I knew he was the top realtor in the neighborhood. Upon meeting Michael I was immediately impressed with his good attitude and upbeat, professional manner. Michael proved to be talented, ethical, professional, knowledgeable, sophisticated and kind. He helped me stage my house and made certain suggestions regarding de cluttering, etc. He also encouraged me to clear out my garage because we had beautiful cabinets installed that could be used as a selling feature. Michael took charge and had new photos taken of our house and a new brochure printed. From the moment he took over the listing of my home there was a new sense of class which added value to our home. Michael and his staff were always available and in constant communication with me until the last documents were signed. They are an outstanding, full service operation. Michael is one of kind, and truly the best realtor in the city! Best Regards, Natalie Lavine 4313 Kraft Avenue | Studio City
January 12, 2010 To Whom It May Concern: We were honored when Michael asked if we might write a letter of recommendation regarding our recent experience in both buying a new home and selling our current home. We met Michael about 3 years ago when we first began to think about needing more space. We had heard of Michael through our neighbor and knew he had the reputation of a great Top 10 agent. Michael’s warm nature, ability to really listen and internalize what a client is looking for had us sold. We didn’t consider ourselves the ideal client. We didn’t need to move, we had no time frame and we were limited to the neighborhoods we would consider. Michael always kept us in mind and made sure to apprise us of anything he felt would interest us. We were so continually impressed with the information that Michael would pass along, particularly since we were in no hurry. I’m not sure how many people in any kind of business would do that for a “potential client”. But if you were to meet Michael, that’s just who he is. It’s a true gift to make those kinds of connections with people and maintain relationships. The day finally came where we found the perfect home, and after entertaining a few others over the years, this was by far the best. Everything about the character of the home was exactly who we are as a couple and Michael worked to make sure we got it. Next came preparing our home to sell. This is where Michael is a true expert. He has great marketing instincts that have proven time and again in selling a home swiftly at the top of the range. We didn’t need the sale to move, but hoped it would be fast. The daunting task of buying and selling, plus holding down our full time jobs was overwhelming at times. All along the way Michael assured us “you are in my care”. No truer words were ever spoken. He expertly had our house on the market, knew the right type of buyer for our home and had a final offer within three weeks. We can’t say enough good things about Michael. He is with you every step of the way as if you’re the only client. Your questions, dilemma’s, angst filled moments, hopes and dreams for your home are all within his care. Thank you Michael! Sincerely, Rod and June Smith 4114 Bakman Avenue, Studio City 4359 Ponca Avenue, Toluca Lake
January 26, 2010 Michael Okun is exceptional. As a real estate professional, he possesses a skill set that I’ve never encountered before or since—a finger pressed firmly on the pulse of the market, an appraiser’s ability to access the true value of a property, a stager’s eye, top-‐notch marketing skills, a true passion for his work and unparalleled attention to details. He is compassionate, patient, accessible, and motivating. It was with some nervousness that I decided to sell my house in a down-‐market. I had meticulously cared for my 1936 traditional—maintaining the character while making high-‐end improvements to the systems and landscaping. I knew my house was special. Despite my desire to relocate quickly, I did not want to “give it away.” I remembered Michael from a neighborhood open house. I had been impressed by the presentation of the property, the quality of the marketing materials, the heavy foot traffic, and the energetic and affable agent at the center of all the activity. I called him for an evaluation. To say he is meticulous is an understatement. He combed every inch of the property and took copious notes on the history of improvements. He came back two days later and delivered a comprehensive 90-‐minute presentation which culminated in his recommendation of a listing price that was significantly higher than estimates from other agents I had interviewed, who based their opinions on average price per square foot, disregarding the value-‐added elements, and counseled me to be pragmatic about market conditions. Michael’s philosophy is to leave no money on the table. He knew that the right buyer would have an emotional connection to my house, and appreciate the turnkey condition. He knew he could reach that buyer through marketing. He made recommendations for inexpensive cosmetic improvements (complete with timelines and checklists), helped me edit my furniture and accessories to make the house look its roomiest (many brokers asked if the house had been professionally staged when, in fact, it didn’t cost a cent), made numerous spot checks, hired a professional photographer, styled the shoot, produced beautiful four-‐color brochures and a dedicated website with voiceover description, ordered the termite inspection, and proudly presented the house in well-‐attended brokers’ opens and at each and every showing. Within 21 days I had an all-‐cash offer at close to asking price. His attentiveness extended through escrow and inspections, and we closed in 29 days without a hitch. It was as painless as selling a house can be. I can’t recommend Michael highly enough. He is as good as it gets—a quality agent, a true gentleman, and fully present, committed, and real. Sincerely, Jill Glass 4219 Bakman Ave. -‐ Studio City
January 7, 2013 Michael Okun was our real estate agent for the sale of our condo at 6716 Clybourn Avenue #135 in North Hollywood in October of 2012. We cannot recommend him highly enough. We had the pleasure of meeting Michael in the Spring of 2012 when we visited a home he was selling. This chance meeting turned into an incredible blessing. From the minute we met him, Michael’s professionalism and depth of knowledge regarding the real estate market were apparent. When we later became serious about selling our condo in order to move to a larger home, we did not hesitate in choosing Michael to represent us. This was our first experience in selling property, and the entire process could not have gone more smoothly. Michael was always available to answer our many questions, and we never felt rushed in our conversations with him. He really took the time to clarify every step of the process. He was always willing to provide his guidance and advice whenever asked. He was respectful of our decisions regarding the sale of our condo, and he never made us feel uncomfortable or urged us to make a choice we did not agree with 100%. Michael did an absolutely incredible job of preparing our condo for the market. He recommended an excellent stager to prepare the property and hired a photographer who took fabulous pictures of our unit. I have no doubt that Michael’s advice regarding the preparation of our unit for sale was the single most important factor in the numerous offers, most at or above asking price, that we received within the first five days of being on the market. Within one week, we were in escrow. The entire escrow process proceeded on schedule with Michael always completing all necessary paperwork in a timely and prompt manner. We are thrilled to have been able to sell our property so quickly and to have received above the asking price. We highly recommend Michael to anyone who is planning to sell their home. He genuinely cared about the sale of our property and understood the importance of such an event in our lives. Anyone who has the pleasure of working with him will be able to easily recognize his professionalism, knowledge, insight, and friendliness. If the need were to arise to sell our current home, we would not hesitate in hiring Michael again to be our agent. We feel extremely confident in recommending him to both family and friends. Sincerely, Maggie Malone, Mauricio Alonso & Elena Alonso 1244 Highland Avenue Glendale, CA 91202 (818) 396-5306
February 1, 2011
To whom it may concern:
We sold our house at 4248 Lemp Ave in Studio City last fall and escrow closed in December. Michael Okun was our broker and we were very lucky to have him holding our hand and watching out for us every step of the way. He did a great job. We met Michael when he handled the house across the street a few years ago. He had a beautiful open house and some of the neighbors came and went. We knew we were going to be listing our house down the road and we were curious to see who this Okun guy was. We were impressed. Michael is very warm, caring and really knows his stuff. When we met officially the first time to discuss the sale of our home, Michael took a lot of time to walk around every inch of the house - inside and out - to assess what was needed and to make recommendations of what we could do that would improve the chances of the house selling quickly and for the best possible price. At other meetings, Michael always had his research about the house and the neighborhood and the comps at his fingertips and shared it all with us. It was very helpful in settling upon a selling price. This was a stressful time, emotionally mostly. We had lived on Lemp for 25 years and raised both of our children there. We loved the house, but we were at a point where it was time to move on and downsize a bit. Michael made this time go as smoothly as possible for us. He was supportive, honest, always in communication and there for us when tough decisions had to be made. We recommend Michael highly. He will represent you with integrity and be there for you as the sometimes difficult process plays out. Please feel free to call us if you have any questions. Be happy to help if we can. Good luck! Best, Maureen and Sandy Melvin 818.986.1836
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James C. Mahoney, C.P.A. A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
10922 Riverside Drive West Toluca Lake, California 91602-2210 (818) 769-7155 | jim@cpamahoney.com
December 23, 2013 To whom it may concern, We employed Michael J. Okun to sell our house. From beginning to end everything was perfect. Michael sold our house in the first week on the market and over our asking price. In fact we had several offers to choose from. He gave us knowledge of the buyers and their offers and how to choose the best offer for us. Michael’s knowledge and judgment of how to prepare and get ready for sale was impeccable. His timing and scheduling was never flawed and his knowledge of both the buyer and seller’s position was very helpful. He is a great teacher and explains the how’s and why’s in the sale of a home. He was very enjoyable to work with, prompt and very personable. I highly recommend him to anyone that is selling their home. Sincerely, James and Lidia Mahoney 4218 Elmer Avenue Studio City, Ca. 91602
May 11, 2019
To whom it may concern, It is with pleasure and gratitude that we share comments on our experience with Michael Okun and his team at Wish/Sotheby’s in the listing and sale of our home of 21 years. Initially, the prospect of selling our house was daunting to us, especially since we were in a time crunch due to a job relocation. Michael calmed our nerves and made the process easy and as painless as possible. He possesses all the attributes necessary to be an excellent broker: he knows his market extremely well, he is diligent, responsive, and very patient with his clients. Michael clearly takes pride in doing a good job which was evident from our very first meeting. The experience at each phase of the sales effort was superior from the initial recommendations on the staging, setting the overall timeline to the effective pricing strategy. The results speak for themselves – we got multiple competitive offers after the first weekend of showings and ended up being able to close in 45 days! Not to mention the $200K over asking that we received. Thus, we highly recommend Michael Okun to anyone that needs to hire a professional realtor, we couldn’t be more satisfied with his results. Sincerely, Inga and Michael Mendelsohn 3985 Sunswept Drive, Studio City
November 3, 2015 Steve Nicolaides 11568 Hesby Street Valley Village Dear Potential Seller, My name is Steve Nicolaides. I just sold my house in Valley Village and it was represented by Michael Okun of Sotheby’s. For the past sixteen years I was constantly hustled by realtors in the area hoping to represent me if and when I choose to sell my house. I called one realtor when I made my decision to sell; Michael Okun. For all those years he was a presence in the neighborhood (he lives in Valley Village) and everyone knew him as the number one guy (which he is in terms of sales). When I met Michael it was like meeting a long lost brother; we laughed, we talked straight about the neighborhood, its draws and the value of homes in Valley Village. We agreed to price my house at the top of the two-bedroom range, and he brought in his “stager” and we made some minor cosmetic fixes per his recommendation, and the house went on the market. After the realtors open house we received two offers of $51,000 over the asking price. The house sold without an open house to the public. If you are sitting on the fence about who should represent you, whether you are buying or selling, get down now and shake hands with the best man in town – Michael Okun. If you want, I’m happy to talk with you about him. My phone number is 818/416-8819. I never do this, but I feel this strongly about Michael and his team. You can’t do better. Sincerely, Steve Nicolaides
November 19, 2009
It is my great pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Michael Okun. I met Michael back in April 2007. My husband and I had been separated and I asked him to come by and take a look at our house. We had spent three years painstakingly remodeling the house and it had many ‘bells and whistles’ that were both seen and unseen. Michael was the only agent who really appreciated this. After we met, he presented me with a comprehensive report of the neighborhood comps, marketing strategies and price points. Unfortunately, we didn’t sell at that time. Over the next two years, I kept in touch with Michael. He would come by occasionally and present me with new comps and articles he thought I would find interesting about the neighborhood. Finally, when it came time to sell, my husband wanted to interview other agents, even though I had made up my mind long ago. After a few days of interviewing, my husband thankfully picked Michael. We signed with Michael in May of this year. He sat with me for many hours painstakingly explaining what needed to be done. He was very compassionate to my situation and helped me above and beyond. He was always available for me if I had questions or concerns. He held my hand through the whole process and was never afraid to roll up his shirtsleeves and get dirty. Michael has an incredible eye and attention to detail. He learns everything there is to know about a house, and with mine, it was a massive undertaking. By the time we hit the market, he was so well versed he could handle the most inquisitive buyer. His marketing flyers and brochures are beautifully and thoughtfully put together. He knows what sells a house. He sold mine in just a few days. I put my faith in Michael and he never let me down. He worked so tirelessly and with such enthusiasm. He made me feel at ease and calmed me down when things got overwhelming. He took care of me and even managed to get my eight year old son to keep his room clean. I can’t say enough about him. He is a great agent and a good man. I am grateful to now call him my friend. Erin O'Bright 4855 Carpenter Ave. Valley Village
January 2010 Professional Reference Michael Okun, Prudential We first met with Michael Okun in late summer 2009 while deciding whether or not to put our Valley Village home on the market. Our major concern was the rapidly approaching holiday season. As a result of that initial meeting and based on the wealth of information, marketing proposal and sound advice presented, we decide to move ahead and have Michael represent us through the process. It was the beginning of a great relationship. Though the Southern California housing market was “depressed,” we were determined to sell our home (and not just test the market). Over the fifteen years of ownership, we had upgraded and renovated to the point where we believed we had a great home and knew that we only needed one serious buyer. Michael encouraged us to put the sales efforts into his hands, and to follow his direction. He persuasively suggested we make a few minor improvements, de-cluttering and ultimately creating a true showcase home. Michael is a master when it comes to marketing a home. He oversaw the production of a virtual video tour, which truly exceeded our expectations and captured the beauty and character of our home and property. Our home went into escrow in 17 days and we were more than pleased with the offer we accepted. Michael kept us updated on a daily and often hourly basis. He handled each issue that arose with total professionalism; and though we knew we were not his only clients during this period, he made us feel as if we were. Escrow was nearly painless!! Michael smiles when he says he is “the hardest working guy in real estate.” So do we, because we know it’s the truth. We couldn’t recommend him more highly. John & Jenny Rosas 11805 Hartsook Street, Valley Village
Monday, October 17, 2011 To Whom It May Concern: If you are reading this then I hope that means you are lucky enough to be working with our realtor, Michael Okun. Michael helped us sell our home at 4362 Irvine Ave in Colfax Meadows last year and I just can’t speak highly enough of him. He guided us through every step of the way from preparing the house to sell (which with two young boys in the house that was no small feat), to walking us through the preparation for showings and then to helping us with offers and eventually closing escrow. I can actually say that with Michael, the process of selling our home was actually fun! Not to mention the professionalism of the photos, the pamphlets, the website, the virtual tour—it was all so impressive. We were really a team and I cannot wait until we can work together again. We had decided to put our home on the market just to ‘test the waters’. My husband was very skeptical that we’d get an offer in this market and not only did it sell, it sold just under asking price and we opened and closed escrow within 60 days of being on the market. I think my husband is still in shock! Though it’s been a year since we have sold our home, we have stayed in touch with Michael. Whether it’s researching my latest dream house for me, finding me a new mortgage broker to see if I could afford my dream house or just dropping off toy ducks at the front door for my two boys (they get so excited!), Michael continues to be a part of our life. I could go on and on, but instead please feel free to call me if you have any questions! Sincerely, Mandy Novak (310) 714‐1976
Seth & Gloria Oster
4284 Farmdale Avenue Studio City, California 91604
May 13, 2010 Re:
Michael J. Okun
Dear Gentlepersons: We recently selected Michael Okun as our agent in connection with the sale of our home. We chose him based on a number of criteria, and with respect to each, Michael has exceeded our expectations. Primarily, we were looking for someone with expertise in the real estate business: someone who could counsel us competently on every aspect of the sale of our home. Michael proved himself to be a consummate professional, able to analyze the market and project accurately what we could anticipate in terms of interest in, and activity on, our property. Given the unique challenge of selling a home during this historic economic downturn, we also wanted an agent with a specialized knowledge of marketing. This is perhaps Michael’s greatest professional strength. His careful attention to detail in preparing our home for sale was merely the beginning. He personally invested considerable resources in creating gorgeous marketing materials, hiring professionals to photograph the home, creating a website and narrating a virtual tour. In short, he treated our property as though it were truly special. Lastly, we were looking for someone who we could trust. Selling a home can be a trying and emotional experience. We wanted to know that our agent always had our best interests at heart. Michael demonstrated a true understanding of our needs and became our partner in the process. He was present at each and every showing of our home and was available to us – day and night – to answer our questions, big and small. He earned our respect and admiration for his personal attention to every detail. In short, we simply could not be more satisfied with the level of professionalism and expertise Michael demonstrated as our agent. And as if all of that weren’t enough, Michael also happens to be incredibly personable, respectful, humble and gracious. We recommend him highly and without any reservations. With regards, Seth and Gloria Oster
RON ROY PRODUCTIONS Three Decades of Award Winning Media
November 12, 2012 Michael J. Okun Sotheby’s International Realty 13501 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 Dear Michael, I’m finally fully settled here in my new home in Northern Nevada and I wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was having you as my realtor for the sale of my Studio City home. I’ve been in business for over forty years and have learned to trust my “gut feeling” about people. After interviewing numerous potential realtors and then meeting with you -- I immediately knew you were the person I wanted to work with. Your friendly, personable, caring, and professional manner immediately “clicked” with me … and I felt assured that you would make the very taxing process of selling my home go very smoothly. And with your consistent professional help, dedication, and easy going attitude … it really did! Again, I want to thank you for everything you did to help me get “top dollar” for my home … and please feel free to use me as a reference! Warmest regards,
Ron Roy President Ron Roy Productions
4835 Pradera Street • Spanish Springs, NV 89436 Phone (818) 445-6802 Email: WhozJnGalt@yahoo.com
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March 1, 2009
To Whom It May Concern: I need you to know Michael Okun. Michael not only listed and sold my home in record time given the current real estate market, but he did it with great care, class and dignity. He sold my house as though it were his own. The creativity behind his marketing plans are like none other. “A house seen, is a house sold” is his motto and with that in mind he encourages even the most reluctant buyer to step inside. I ask that you take a close look at Michael’s track record. If you want your house “seen” and ultimately “sold”, give Michael the reins and he will do just that. Congratulations on the future sale of your home or property! Best wishes and warmest regards, Judy Pastore
Little Star Foundation · 236 Sunset Strip Drive · Afton, Virginia · 22920 434-361-0302 · www.littlestar.org · JPLittlestar@aol.com
Date: March 3, 2011 From: Rori Peters Re: Michael Okun Letter of Recommendation I have had the pleasure of working with Michael on both the buy and sell side. He was not referred to me, in fact I met him at an open house he was holding that I just happened to stop into. But I would and have since recommended him to any friend or colleague looking to buy or sell a home. I moved to Los Angeles from Manhattan with little knowledge of the market and how to buy a house versus coop/condo. Michael suggested I look for several months before buying. He took me out almost every weekend showing me different types of homes in different neighborhoods, each time taking me through a formal evaluation to help him identify my perfect house on paper. Then he found me two that I agonized over before making a decision. He gave me stellar advice, held my hand through a contentious negotiation with the seller, was with me for every inspection, and even rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt to help on moving day. Michael continued to stay in touch by sending me articles that kept me informed on the market and renovation trends/values. When it was time to sell, he was brutally honest with me regarding pricing yet was aggressive. I have never seen this level of marketing before and I’d sold three other properties in the past. As a result, I found myself in a multiple offer situation within the first week. I cannot heap enough praise on Michael and can’t wait to start looking for my next home. So whether you’re looking to buy or sell, I strongly recommend Michael Okun. He really knows real estate, this market, is professional, provides amazing customer service, and is one of the most decent and honorable men I know. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email me. Rori Peters 3408 Alana Drive Sherman Oaks 917-331-1509 rep228@yahoo.com
February, 2011 To Whom It May Concern: I listed our house with Michael after meeting with two well known Realtors in the Studio City area. At our ‘meet and greet’ meeting, I was impressed with his professional and personal demeanor. He returned prepared for our second meeting with so much information that it was slightly overwhelming! I felt comfortable with his knowledge and expertise. Even though he is young (haha), he has been successfully selling and buying homes for a long time! Michael put in a huge amount of time and effort to sell our home. We were in a tough, downward market however, Michael did guide me (consistently) in the right direction; feeling out the market with pricing, assisting me in getting my house ‘market ready.’ And I did fight him on some of his suggested improvements! Hah! Doing what he suggested, sold my house. Truly. He maintained a connection with me throughout the sale, calming me down, offering me insight. Michael’s marketing plan worked. We had our house up for sale in late June and sold by September. My family, friends and neighbors were so impressed, as there had been houses (in our neighborhood) on the market for several months. He found a buyer and worked really hard to maintain the deal. I strongly recommend that you utilize Michael Okun as your agent. He is now a friend, and we continue to laugh at some of the antics I pulled while he was representing my home. I moved after living in my home for 12 years! This is a big deal, and he gets it. Sincerely, Erin Didia 4162 Farmdale Avenue
Sandra Nahan 11274 Canton Drive Studio City, CA 91604
July 25, 2016
Dear Michael, I know I have already thanked you for doing such a great job of selling my house last week, but now that the dust has settled, I’d just like to remind you of all the ways that you handled every single detail. Wow... who can say that selling their house, after 35 years was an amazing experience? I can. Let me first say how much I appreciated you being so direct and clear about what to expect. You had enough information about my house and the neighborhood, that you set the asking price just right. You introduced me to Karen. Not only did she have my house transformed in 2 weeks (even including installing hardwood floors), she did it within her stated budget. Impressive. I am so glad you had access to her. Since I received 4 offers, rather quickly, I needed your expert advice as to how to go. Once again, you suggested a plan, we followed it and within a week I had an “over asking price”/cash offer in hand. Your staff is also amazing. I never felt like I was bothering anyone. Every single time I called, they were able to answer my concerns. This is obviously something they learned from you. Nothing was ever a problem. Refreshing And finally... your choice of Escrow companies was fabulous. This may seem like a silly thing, but it is in escrow that things can get emotional. At one point I needed a little extra care and Tracy was there to offer it. Again, nothing was a problem. I truly appreciate all that you have done. Thank you... and wishing you all the best,
Sandy Nahan
February 2, 2016
Dear Michael, I am undertaking to prepare a letter of reference and appreciation on your behalf because of the outstanding work and assistance you provided to me in the sale of my home in Valley Village which closed escrow last week. I could not be present for most of the short time that my home was on the market, but because of your diligence and outstanding organization skills, you ensured that all tasks required to be accomplished for the sale of my home were completed well in advance of looming deadlines, securing full compliance with all local and State regulations and, most importantly, at all times efficiently working towards a prompt closing date. This saved me a great deal of money and extra responsibility for the home. Because of your efforts, I quickly received multiple offers on my home within days of the home being listed in the MLS. At every point in time where important decisions needed to be made, you made yourself available for as long as necessary for us to reach the best decisions and I very much appreciate your advice and experience when those decisions crucial to the sale of my home were made. In addition, you have a staff that is excellent at following up on matters that required my attention and whenever I needed miscellaneous questions answered. I note that you and your staff were always available to me even after regular business hours, which was very reassuring to me. I want to thank you also for troubleshooting on various issues that arose while my home was on the market, including having someone present for inspections, repairs and retrofitting, as required by Los Angeles County. Thank you again for your time and attention as well as your encouragement and support during the entire home sale process. I couldn't be more pleased with my selection of you as the realtor to handle the sale of my property. Most sincerely, Helen Schwab Helen Schwab 12344 Huston Street Valley Village
5.25.10 To whom it may concern: We met Michael Okun two years ago at an Open House he was hosting when we were only casually looking at homes with no agent of our own. We were so impressed with him and his event that we decided to keep his card if ever we needed an agent. Shortly after, we decided to sell our Hollywood Hills home and made the call to Michael; and we are eternally grateful that we did! Michael is the epitome of a professional, yet he makes working with him feel personal. From the beginning he made us believe that our home was special to him through the amount of time and attention to detail he put in to every aspect of the selling process. From paperwork to painters, comps to contractors- there wasn’t a question that we came up with that he couldn’t answer or find the answer to within hours. He always considered our budget and worked with other professionals to beautifully and thoughtfully stage our house, photograph and market it expertly, and create a stunning website that made our house look better than it ever had! He also helped us think through the perfect asking price, and made us feel very comfortable that he would be looking out for our best interests. He effortlessly juggled several interested parties with showings, discussions, and negotiations, all while we had moved out of town; so we had nothing to worry about with Michael in our corner. He was in continual communication with us, helped us with many items that were not directly related to the sale and showed a consistently miraculous concentration on everything, including minutiae that we wouldn’t have thought of. He was able to close one of the first offers soon after the home went on the market and to our amazement sold our home at the height of the financial crisis in a matter of weeks... Michael has abundant knowledge of all aspects real estate and a personal desire to make sure that you have all of the information that you need to be at ease without feeling overwhelmed. He works unbelievably hard and truly goes above and beyond- for instance, I was curious about a certain neighborhood and the very next day Michael dropped of an information package that he had put together containing recent articles on the area, charts, graphs, school information- it was unreal- but yet typical of Michael. We are so eager to work with Michael again that we are now are planning to buy a new home and he has begun showing us properties! We enthusiastically offer our highest possible recommendation of Michael Okun. If you have any specific questions please feel free to call us directly at 213.925.3878. Sincerely yours, Jackie & Jon Shapiro
March 28, 2016 Dear Michael and Amazing Team, My husband and I want to thank you and your entire team for your services selling our home in Studio City. The polish and expertise that you all offer truly has set a very high bar for the industry. Never did we imagine that we would be putting our home up for sale after nearly 35 years. A friend suggested Michael Okun, saying that his homes that he listed sold quite quickly. After meeting you I could see why. Michael, not only are you a lovely person to work with, but you are a marketing whiz! I have a marketing background and I can tell you firsthand that you leave no stone unturned, pulling out all the stops. The pictures taken at our home and the brochures turned out spectacular. Michael, you seem to have the perfect formula in place. Pricing the home, which can be an arduous task with other real estate agents, was quite matter of fact with you. Your heavy involvement selling homes in my neighborhood and the adjacent locales is such that you have a very good handle on what the pricing should be. Then you were quite direct, in your charming way, letting us know what we needed to do to sell our home. We followed your advise to the tee. My husband and I moved to Chicago leaving our home in the capable hands of you and your team. My standards are quite high and I had peace of mind to leave our most valuable asset in your capable hands. Under your direction our home sold quite fast and we had multiple offers. Michael, you were always available to us by telephone, though a time zone away, holding our hands along the way. The sales process went quite well and the paperwork was a breeze. We had some special needs being out of state. You and your team were happy to do whatever it took, overseeing staging, handling repairs, and even making sure our home stayed in pristine condition. Today we received a keepsake in the mail that we will always treasure. Thank you for the fabulous photo album of our home. It means so much to us to have this memory! Offering you a big thank you for all that you did to sell our home! We are now enjoying our grandchildren and it is hard to believe we are here. It is all thanks to you!! Fondly, Lori Solomon
August 12, 2015 15514 High Knoll Road Encino, CA 91436 Dear Reader, Our home was on the market for several months before we met Michael. He came prepared with extensive research and recommendations that were rooted in logic and expertise and provided us a very clear roadmap to success. He had extensive knowledge regarding the market, the area, the buyer, and the architecture and advised us to take a few steps to make our home more marketable to a potential buyer and assured us that these changes would be instrumental in the quick and lucrative sale of our home. Michael not only delivered on all of his promises he and his team surpassed all expectations by leaps and bounds. We received a solid offer, above asking price within the first ten days. There are not enough accolades in the world that could do Michael and his team justice. Truly a #1 Agent! Best, Teny Kureghian and Ara Saroian tkureghian@gmail.com (818)445-6152
November 19, 2009
It is my great pleasure to write a letter of recommendation for Michael Oken. I met Michael back in April 2007. My husband and I had been separated and I asked him to come by and take a look at our house. We had spent three years painstakingly remodeling the house and it had many ‘bells and whistles’ that were both seen and unseen. Michael was the only agent who really appreciated this. After we met, he presented me with a comprehensive report of the neighborhood comps, marketing strategies and price points. Unfortunately, we didn’t sell at that time. Over the next two years, I kept in touch with Michael. He would come by occasionally and present me with new comps and articles he thought I would find interesting about the neighborhood. Finally, when it came time to sell, my husband wanted to interview other agents, even though I had made up my mind long ago. After a few days of interviewing, my husband thankfully picked Michael. We signed with Michael in May of this year. He sat with me for many hours painstakingly explaining what needed to be done. He was very compassionate to my situation and helped me above and beyond. He was always available for me if I had questions or concerns. He held my hand through the whole process and was never afraid to roll up his shirtsleeves and get dirty. Michael has an incredible eye and attention to detail. He learns everything there is to know about a house, and with mine, it was a massive undertaking. By the time we hit the market, he was so well versed he could handle the most inquisitive buyer. His marketing flyers and brochures are beautifully and thoughtfully put together. He knows what sells a house. He sold mine in just a few days. I put my faith in Michael and he never let me down. He worked so tirelessly and with such enthusiasm. He made me feel at ease and calmed me down when things got overwhelming. He took care of me and even managed to get my eight year old son to keep his room clean. I can’t say enough about him. He is a great agent and a good man. I am grateful to now call him my friend. Erin O'Bright
Felicia Wilson 5238 Irvine Ave. Valley Village, CA 91607 October 11, 2015 Michael Okun Sotheby’s International Sherman Oaks, CA
Dear Michael Okun: Just a quick thank you and many words of praise for taking care of me and my family during the sale of our home. From the minute we met, you put me at ease with your enthusiasm and incredible knowledge of real estate in our little corner of paradise, Valley Village. You were always accessible to me and were always willing and competent to answer any question I had. You were able to sell my home quickly and for well-above asking price. The whole process couldn’t have gone any smoother or faster. Your team of professionals were super responsive and such a pleasure to work with. My gratitude is immense and you have a client for life. With much gratitude and affection,
Felicia Wilson Felicia Wilson
January 13, 2014 Michael Okun Wish Sotheby’s International Realty Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 Dear Michael, We are so happy we engaged with you to sell our home. From the moment we met you and invited you into our home we could tell you embodied the honesty, credibility and skills we were looking for in a broker. You took the time to understand our particular situation and then assembled a targeted marketing plan that really captured the personality of our house and quickly attracted reliable buyers. We were also so impressed with the quality of your team! From the photographer to the interior stager to your administrative assistant, everyone you assembled was professional, timely and extremely capable. You assured us you could sell our home in 30 days and your team delivered. When we look back over what would have normally been a very stressful time, we couldn’t be happier with our decision to have you sell our home. We wish you all the best and thank you again for your help. Sincerely yours, Cynthia and Thomas Whitcomb 3214 Longridge Terrace Sherman Oaks
LISA & LOUIS FEBRE
11805 Hartsook St. Valley Village
Dear Potential Client of Michael Okun,
Listed: September 18, 2017 $1,399,000
We first met Michael in 2009, when we purchased our Hartsook St house, for which he was the listing agent. We learned, being on the buying side, that he was highly professional, knowledgable and absolutely commited to his clients.
Offer Accepted: September 27, 2017
During the following 7 years, we were very aware of Michael’s presence in the area: he sold lots of homes near us, and his approach always struck us as effective and elegant, with beautifully photographed and richly informative brochures. That Michael is highly motivated and exceptionally hard working was self-evident. It was clear, when we decided to list the house in 2017, we wanted Michael on our side.
Closed: October 30, 2017 $1,420,505
When we met with him in late August, he thoroughly and expertly explained all aspects of the sale to us, which left us feeling reassured, and absolutely confident that we made the right choice. His experience with presentation, which included expert staging, proved invaluable. We are so glad that we listened to his every suggestion — staging turned out to be a critical factor in our quick sale. Two days after our first open house, we received multiple offers and we accepted what can only be described as a dream offer. Negotiations, escrow, and closing went even more smoothly than we expected. What can we say about his team? No matter who we spoke to on the phone or by email, everyone responded quickly and was happy to help. The whole office made us feel like their only clients. Everyone, especially Renee, pitched in to help us prepare for open houses, showings, and inspections so we never felt alone or overwhelmed. His entire team went well beyond the call of duty. Michael Okun and his Team are, without question, the finest realtors we have ever worked with, and for a good reason! We cannot recommend him highly enough, and he will be the only agent we use in the future.
Sincerely, Lisa & Louis Febre