Strock Real Estate: Seller Guide by Strock Real Estate

HOME SELLING GUIDE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;My vision is to have a like-minded group of agents with collective goals, personalities, and inner drive to create a culture of friendship through business making those in the group prosper through positivity and community enrichment.â&#x20AC;? - Ben Strock

At Strock Real Estate, we strive to exceed your expectations of a Realtor. We always do business in an honest manner with the highest level of integrity. It is of the utmost importance that we put our clients’ needs ahead of our own. We listen to our clients’ needs and sacrifice our self-serving interests in the process. Strock Real Estate opened its doors in 2007 and operates as a team. By supporting each other, we can offer our customers a higher quality of service that would be unachievable as an individual. With more than one set of ears and always paying attention to the small details we achieve an overall greater performance. We treat all of those we interact within a manner that would make our parents’ proud. Our commitment to our clients extends far beyond the close of escrow, and we pride ourselves on the long-standing relationships that we develop with our clients.

251-A Center Avenue, Aptos CA 95003 | 831.688.9800 | strockrealestate.com

THE STROCK PROMISE + our Client for Life Goal

STROCK Real Estate has a goal to create an experience that you honestly cannot imagine being any better. • Our entire team is focused on creating a Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts experience. • Our systems and everything we do is designed around delivering service. • Everyone on our team is focused on your needs and maximizing your returns. • We make every effort to stay one step ahead, simplifying the process for you. • Our goal is to earn a 5-star review from you and have YOU as our next Client for Life.

Ben Strock, Broker Founder

Proof from our client testimonial

When we first starting thinking about putting our house on the market, we interviewed five of the top rated Realtors in town. After meeting with Ben and his team, we were won over by their professionalism, knowledge, experience, and strategy. During the six months leading up to actually putting our house up on the market, the Strock Team was integral to understanding the best repairs and updates to invest in to gain the most attention from the right buyers. When we updated our tired old 1950’s kitchen, they not only referred some of the best contractors we’ve worked with, they took on all of the design work and project management. They picked out paint colors and purchased fixtures. They scheduled, estimated, and tracked the budget. They even paid all of the costs upfront, so we didn’t have to come

out of pocket. As a construction manager myself, I was so shocked when I first heard that this was a service they provided. This allowed us to deal with the inconvenience of living in a construction zone without all of the added headaches of managing the project. It would have cost us thousands of dollars to hire a project manager or hundreds of hours to do it ourselves. When the time came to start marketing the house, the design team came through and staged every room beautifully for photos. Again, this service was at no cost to us and made the house look like something out of Sunset Magazine. Let’s face it, dealing with selling your home is a huge hassle! Every single person we came into contact with from the

“

OUR TEAM APPROACH WORKS FOR YOU. Strock Team was a pleasure to deal with and made the process so much easier just by being themselves. Whether it was helping us understand part of the process, calming our nerves, jumping in to help, or showing up with a smile, we couldn’t have gone through this difficult experience as peacefully as we did without each of them. When the house went into contract, Ben really won our trust. At each turn, he was there to tell us our options and his thoughts on the best actions. Ben always led with integrity. Not only would we refer Strock Real Estate, we would absolutely use them again.

Paul and Autumn Brenner - Sold in 2019

It’s vital that we thoroughly understand your goals and objectives for this process, so we can best serve you. • What is your reason for selling? • What are your goals for the sale of this home? • What is your target sale date, and what is the importance of your timeframe? • What if the home doesn’t sell, what is your Plan B? • Can you tell me about the last time you sold a home? • Was that a good or bad experience? What do you want to be done differently this time? • What are the top 3 things you are looking for in the agent you hire to market and sell your home? • What topics do you want to make sure we cover during our time together today?

CRITICAL QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK YOUR REALTOR. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to know the track record of the agent who is going to take care of one of your largest investments. 1. How many combined years of experience on your team......Over 100 years 2. What is your list price to sales price ratio?........

Over 97% (avg. agent 92%)

3. What percentage of your listings sell?........

Over 90% (avg. agent <50%)

4. How many home buyers are you working with?........

Over 11,000

5. How much do you spend on marketing each month?........ $30,000+ (avg, agent <$1000) 6. On average, how long does it take a listing to sell?.........

24 days (avg. agent 52)

7. How many homes did you sell last year?........

8. How many homes will you sell this year? ........

125

9. How many staff do you employ?........

10. Do you have a proven process and marketing plan?........ Yes 11. Do you hold open houses?........

Yes, every weekend (if possible)

12. Do you have a prospect management system?........

Yes

13. Are you an expert negotiator?........

Yes

14. Do you work with multiple preferred lenders?........

Yes

OUR PROCESS 1 LISTING CONSULTATION

Our team will visit your home to learn more about your needs. We will assess the property condition, market comparable sales, determine who the target market is for potential buyers, and create a strategy that will help you achieve the highest return.

2 WHY YOU HIRE US

You have a lot of choices in real estate, but after you read this section on our services and experience, it should become more apparent why you want to hire us.

3 DESIGN CURATION

Our in-house designers will come into your home to determine what is need to help make the home more visually appealing to a broader spectrum of buyers. We believe a properly showcased home will sell more quickly and will bring in a higher price. *Only if desired by client for home staging.

4 IMPLEMENTATION OF DESIGN

The goal is to create a blank, modern slate that appeals to the largest buyer pool. We will put together a cohesive design of your home where any improvements made will match with full staging or occupied staging.

5 TARGETED MARKETING

Anyone can take a photo with a cell phone, post it online, and pray for an offer. In this section, learn how we go way beyond the traditional Realtor. Our marketing is next level -- it is quality, targeted, creative and captivating

6 PRICING REVIEW + GO LIVE

Pricing the property appropriately is extremely important and will reduce the days on the market and lead to a less stressful sale. We only get one shot to Go Live on the MLS with a punch, so we want to make sure and have a large impact.

7 OPEN HOUSE & SHOWINGS

Open Houses are a great way to increase your market exposure and make it convenient for buyers to see the house.

8 IN ESCROW + CLOSING

Escrow functions as an independent third party that holds all monetary funds and documents until the close of escrow.

SELLING PHILOSOPHY Selling your home is challenging -- the thought of moving, making complex financial decisions, thinking tax implications, the inconvenience of showings, violations of privacy thoughts of lifting heavy boxes, and the fear of change are only the start. At Strock Real Estate, we are here to work with you as your personal Real Estate planners/advisors with a goal of making the process painless with a white glove approach. Our strategies in the home sales process have been developed from many years in the business and learning from our many experiences. Selling real estate in our technology-driven world has become a vastly different business than the years of yesterday. Consumers now have broad access to information -- general access to the MLS, ownership records, tax records, permit history, and a vast array of other information. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more sophisticated consumer has redefined the job of the modern-day Realtor requiring the agent to have a higher level of sophistication and knowledge to be competitive in the top of our industry (we aspire never to be viewed as solely door openers). Technology has completely transformed our job, and at Strock Real Estate, we embrace the change and are continually adapting to the newest technologies. This includes sophisticated targeted marketing (from basic demographics to income, age, and ethnicity), global marketing platforms, dynamic home presentation, techniques tactical negotiation strategies and a diversified real estate background in taxation, construction, mortgages, insurance, and contract law.

THIS IS WHY

YOU HIRE US LISTINGS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES Design Consultation 45 Days of Free Home Staging* 4% Total Commission, if the Listing Agent Represents the buyer on Your Home Purchase Home Inspection + Pest Control Reports Free Move Out Final Cleaning In-House Professional Marketing Services Professionally Written, Detailed Description of Your Home Extensive Social Media Outreach on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram + YouTube Paid Facebook + Instagram Advertising Placement in 100+ International Websites *Applies to homes priced above $1M unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

“EASY EXIT” TERMINATION AGREEMENT We provide an “Easy Exit” listing in which the seller may cancel this agreement at any time and without cause and or reason by providing the broker with a 72-hour advance written notice of said cancellation. If this “Easy Exit” is exercised, the seller shall owe broker no fees and have no further obligation to whom the broker has shown the property. These buyers must be registered in writing within ten days of listing termination and would then be subject to a 90-day protection period in which the seller would owe the full brokerage fee if the property was sold to a registered buyer. The intent of this is to decrease the chances of a seller evading the brokerage fee by selling to a party procured through efforts of the broker. We have included this verbiage in every Listing Contract we have signed for approximately 17 years. I believe that the clients who hire us should be able to terminate the listing contract if their circumstances change, or if they think we are not performing adequately. To date, this clause has never been invoked by one of our clients.

LISTING CONSULTATION

Our team of professionals will visit your home for a design consultation to determine what work needs to be done. At this time, we will decide how to maximize your home’s appeal. It is our job to do the little things that

WHAT EXTERNAL FACTORS AFFECT THE VALUE OF A HOME? A common mistake that many owners make is to focus solely on their home when determining value. In dynamic markets, many influencing factors are completely out of their control. EXTERNAL influences on value: • Interest rates • New listing • Area competition • Local economy • Neighbor’s price

other agents often don’t do to ensure you get the best price for your home. A comprehensive proposal, including detailed bids from our trusted vendors will be provided for your approval or modification before any work begins. Please do realize that we often do not have to make any repairs to homes. We aim to maximize returns and minimize your time on the market. When analyzing construction needs, we only do repairs when you see a positive return on your investment, the goal is for every dollar invested we see two to three times the return.

WHAT ABOUT INTERNAL INFLUENCES ON HOME VALUE? The classic determinants of value are the intrinsic characteristics of the location, size, and amenities. The cliché “the three most important factors of value are location, location, location” has basis in fact. Again, many sellers cite their home’s amenities and conditions as a reason to overprice. INTERNAL influences on value • Location • Size • Amenities • Condition

DESIGN CURATION

(Only if desired by client for home staging) As we move forward in the listing process, we will bring in our design team to assess any potential visual defects with the home that may prevent a buyer from purchasing. You will be presented with a room by room itemized list of the cosmetic repairs that can be made to offer you the highest return on your investment. Nobody wants to think about making improvements where you put in a dollar and only get back fifty cents in return, therefore all repairs will be concentrated on bringing back well in excess of every dollar invested. Psychologists say that we make up our minds about a person within the first fifteen minutes of meeting them. Without question, the same is true when selling a home; you only get one chance to make a lasting first impression. A well-prepared and staged home can add considerable dollars to the value of your home. Plastic surgery can completely transform oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body, but we prefer home preparation on a lighter scale -- itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usually just light make-up. Prospective buyers have to be able to not only view your home as your home but as potentially their home. The goal in the preparation (make-up) process is to create a blank slate, something borderline generic to modernize and add appeal to the largest buyer pool without crushing your bank account. If your home needs significant updates, we have a team of experienced, trusted vendors to get the job done. We will work directly with these vendors to manage the schedule, oversee the work, and keep the job on budget. Once the updates are complete, we will work with our design team to coordinate and stage the home.

THESE ARE SOME OF THE UPGRADES THAT WE OFTEN SEE THE HIGHEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT: • Painting • Flooring • Lighting • Landscaping • Hardware • Front Door • Appliances • Window Treatments

Staging New Shelving

New Countertops

New Flooring

New Cabinet Paint

New Tile

Cabinet Pulls

IMPLEMENTATION OF DESIGN + STAGING (Only if desired by client for home staging)

We have realized over the years that not every home fits the same mold -- some are Modern, some are Craftsman, and others are more Traditional. As a result, we elect to work with a variety of stagers who can help transform your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s furnishings to match its architecture. Staging often takes the eye away from possible flaws, while accentuating what is actually in the living space. On average staged homes sell in one quarter the amount of days on the market as unstaged homes. As part of the many free services we offer, Strock Real Estate pays* for the staging of your home; including 45 days of furniture rental and fees associated with the staging design, delivery, set-up, and removal of furniture in the rooms we deem appropriate. Showcasing homes in their brightest light is our forte, and our reputation rides on your satisfaction.

*Applies to homes priced above $1M unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

BEFORE PHOTO

TARGETED MARKETING

PRINTING MARKETING

RT C O U 00 ITA S at $00,0 G UHNome - Offered A L 1 6 2 ptos

Exce

ption

al A

U RT N ITA S CO 0 16 2 LAApGtosUHome - Offered at $00,00

Exception

Strock B ener-Owner tate

Brok Real Es 38 Strock # 013378 rect di RE CalB 47.0922 .com ail 831.2 ock@gm .com tacruz bdstr

ock Ben Strwne r

Broker-O Estate Strock Real 7838 CalBRE# 0133 direc t 831.247.0922 ail.com bdstrock@gm om

enjoysantacr

uz.c

enjo

ysan

There is no such thing as luck or accident when it comes to excellent and creative marketing. We target specific buyer categories and have a procedures that allow us to expand your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exposure. First, at no cost to you, we will professionally photograph your home, including aerial shots, day and night photos (when appropriate), and virtual tours. All our marketing includes captivating and creative verbiage, professional writing, and graphic design for brochures, mailers, and print advertising. Online advertising costs including premium website placement when available, global online marketing, and so much more. We know who your target buyer is and how to reach them.

SOCIAL MEDIA In this technology-driven age, home sellers and agents must remain active on social media in order to nurture interest in newly listed properties. We are actively using all social media platforms to reach potential buyers, which include: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Google, Zillow, and Active Campaign, to name a few.

VIDEO We live in a visual world, so there is no better way to captivate an audience than through video. Real estate sales are driven by visual motivators; that is why we use the best videographers in the business to showcase our homes. We feel there is no better way to show off the virtues of a home than through video (apart from doing an actual, in-person walk-through, of course!). Video gives the prospective buyer the feeling of moving through the home, showing accurate room size and home features. *Applies to homes priced above $1.5M unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BE FRIENDS FACEBOOK: Strock Real Estate INSTAGRAM: @strock_realestate LINKEDIN: Strock Real Estate YOUTUBE: Strock Real Estate

PRICING

+ ON THE MARKET There is a lot more to evaluating the price of a property than a Google algorithm. Sure, you can use a dollar per square foot method, but we believe we are in such a unique market that determining a home value is far more complex than a Zillow estimate. An algorithm cannot determine what your view is worth, the value of your remodeled kitchen, or the devaluation of freeway noise. These factors, in conjunction with our knowledge of the local sales, will help determine an appropriate list price of your home. The demand for the market place will determine the final sales price. Pricing the property correctly is extremely important and will reduce the days on the market and lead to a less stressful sale.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Just purchased and sold a home with Strock Real Estate. From start to finish, Strock Real Estate was there for our family. They were dependable, reliable, and honest!â&#x20AC;? - Ray Barragan

OPEN HOUSES + PRIVATE SHOWINGS

It’s very important to have open houses, especially the first few weeks when the home is on the market. It’s a great way to increase your market exposure and make it convenient for buyers to see the house. A successful open house will often create a level of excitement that will help contribute to a higher number of offers.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Clean-up + Repairs Complete

Staging of the Home

Photographs + Inspections

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Seller Disclosure Paperwork is Due

Live on the Market + Social Media

Email Blast to All Santa Cruz + Santa Clara County Agents

Broker Open

Property Video

SATURDAY

Open House Weekend

ESCROW

+ FINAL SALE Buying or selling a home usually involves the transfer of large sums of money. The transfer of these funds and related documents from one party to another must be handled securely by a neutral and knowledgeable third party, the escrow holder. The parties to the transaction want to be certain all conditions of the transaction have been met before property and money change hands. For the protection of the buyer, seller, and lender, the process of escrow was developed.

GUIDE TO ESCROW THE ESCROW COMPANY’S ROLE

While the transaction is in escrow, the escrow company will do the following: • Act as a neutral holding party and facilitator between the buyer and seller • Contact the buyer’s lender to coordinate loan funding • Coordinate payoff of the seller’s mortgage • Forward the deed and other transaction-related documents to the county recorder • Handle final accounting and disbursement of any remaining funds • Issue a final closing statement (HUD-1)

OPENING ESCROW

The real estate company will typically open escrow for the transaction as soon as the buyer and seller have signed the purchase agreement. We like to open escrow early with sellers to help solve avoidable problems. The buyer and seller will sign escrow instructions, which list the contingencies from the purchase agreement and any other requirements for escrow to close.

WHO PAYS FOR WHAT IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY • Escrow charges: buyer pays 50% and seller pays 50% • Title fees: buyer pays 50% and seller pays 50% • County transfer tax: seller pays $1.10 per thousand • City transfer tax: none

INITIAL PAPERWORK

The escrow company will require a completed statement of identity form. The statement of identity form is used to eliminate judgments, bankruptcies, and liens that may be filed against persons with similar names to the buyer and seller.

Closing Process

In most transactions, the buyer will deposit a down payment, and the seller will provide escrow with any trust documents, death certificates and loan numbers needed for payoff of existing loans and to ensure title can be conveyed clearly from seller to buyer. After all funds are received by title for closing the title company will record the grant deed with the county. Before the close of escrow, the buyer deposits the balance of required funds with the escrow company and the lender funds the loan. You get keys after recording confirmation.

Closing Escrow

The length of the escrow period may range from a few days to several months. The buyer, seller, and real estate professionals will work together to determine the best time-frame. The time-frame will be specified in the purchase agreement. Escrow is complete after all parties.

HERE IS HOW WE CREATE A

CLIENT FOR LIFE: 1. Continual communication 2. Always underpromising and out-delivering 3. First-class marketing 4. Strategic pricing 5. Being responsive to your calls, texts, and emails 6. Giving solid advice as to improvements that will help sell your home 7. Making sure buyers are qualified 8. Weekly statistics on the market inventory 9. We will make every attempt to show your home personally 10. We are never too busy for you 11. We will listen to your needs 12. Negotiations are our strong suit

According to a recent National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyer and Sellers, 72% of all homeowners donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go back to the same Realtor! Why? Our STROCK Promise is to circumvent all of these issues in reaching our Client for LIfe Goal.

Our eye-catching marketing to sell your home will give you the maximum exposure online, but what about maximizing the exposure to those visiting the area for work or vacation. Every STROCK Real Estate listing has an OPEN EVERYDAY yard sign placed out front for prospective buyers to call and see your house in a moments notice. This simple sign creates a greater opportunity for us to show your home and get it sold!

Covenant

Conditions affecting the use of land or property written into the title.

Deed

A written instrument which, when properly executed and delivered, transfers and conveys title.

Earnest Money

GLOSSARY

A portion of money provided to the seller or escrow company by the buyer with a written purchase offer. Earnest money is intended as evidence of the buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good faith. It is deposited with the escrow company once the purchase agreement is executed, and is applied towards the purchase price of the home.

Appraisal

Easement

CC&R

Encroachment

Certificate of Title

Encumbrance

Closing Costs

Escrow Company

Closing Statement

Homeownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association

An expert judgment or estimate of the quality or value of real estate as of a given date. Often a purchase agreement contingency to be cleared for the close of escrow.

Covenants, conditions & restrictions. A document that controls the use, requirements, and restrictions of a property.

Legal proof of ownership of a property carrying the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name and other information.

Necessary expenses accrued during a real estate transaction, such as loan fees, title fees, appraisal fees, escrow fees, etc., and all other costs related to closing the transaction. These costs are itemized in the closing statement.

The statements provided by the escrow company that accounts for all of the funds received and due and disbursed for at the closing, including deposits for taxes and homeowners insurance. The typical form used for the closing statement is called the HUD-1.

Credit Report

A report on the past ability of a loan applicant to pay installments in a timely manner. Often a lender requirement for loan approval.

Commission Paid to Real Estate Professional

Fee payable by the seller to the real estate professionals for buying or selling the property; usually a percentage of the sales price.

A right or privilege of use over the property of another. Rights of access others have over your property, such as a shared driveway or local gas and electric company.

When part of one property encroaches upon the adjoining property.

An easement, mortgage or other liability on a property which impedes its use or transfer.

A neutral third party whereby both parties to a purchase agreement deposit money and documents temporarily. The escrow company handles all of the documents and distribution of funds.

An association of homeowners in a given area, or the builder of condominiums or planned developments formed for the purpose of improving or maintaining the common areas.

Impound Account

An account held by the lender for payment of taxes and insurance. For example, the buyer pays a portion of the yearly taxes with each monthly payment. The lender pays the tax bill from the accumulated funds.

Interim Binder

A binding promise between the title company and the buyer, allowing the buyer to resell the same property within a three year period and obtain a new title insurance policy at a fraction of the cost.

Inspections

A visual examination of the structure and systems of a building. The inspection report will describe the building’s condition and indicate which items will be in need of repairs or replacement. Various inspections are often purchase agreement contingencies to be cleared for close of escrow.

Lien

An interest claimed by one person on the property of another as security for money owed. Such claims may include obligations not met or satisfied, judgments, unpaid taxes, materials or labor.

Loan Discount

The points a lender charges; may be paid by either buyer or seller on conventional loans as dictated in the purchase agreement; number of points fluctuates with mortgage market; part of the buyer’s closing costs.

Mortgagee’s Title Policy

Required by the lender to insure that the lender has a valid lien; this does not protect the buyer.

Offer to Purchase

under the stated terms and conditions. Also called a sales contract, deposit receipt, earnest money contract or agreement for sale. This agreement is deposited with the escrow company upon opening escrow.

Recording Fee

Charged by the county clerk to record documents in the public records.

Restriction

A document that limits the right to real property.

Statement of Identity Forms

A form filled out by the buyer and seller to enable the escrow company to confirm the identity of the parties involved in a real estate transaction.

Settlement/ Closing

Completion of sale between seller and buyer; transfer documents are recorded; all funds are disbursed and the buyer is legally entitled to take possession of the property. Survey Confirms lot size and identifies any encroachments or restriction violations.

A formal legal agreement which offers a particular price for a specified property. The offer may be firm (no conditions attached) or conditional (certain conditions apply).

Tax Proration

Origination Fee

Title Defects

A fee the buyer pays the lender to originate a new loan; part of buyer’s closing costs.

Owner’s Title Policy

This policy insures the buyer against losses specifically related to property ownership or damage arisen from various defects, liens or encumbrances not excepted from policy coverage.

Physical Inspection Report

A qualified inspector’s report on a property’s overall condition. The report usually includes an evaluation of both the structural and mechanical systems. Often a purchase agreement contingency to be cleared for close of escrow.

Preliminary Report

It is an offer to insure title, showing ownership, encumbrances and liens.

Purchase Agreement

A written document in which the buyer agrees to purchase certain real estate and the seller agrees to sell that real estate

Allocation of taxes between the buyer and seller based upon the closing date.

Problems with the title to a property that may negatively impact the ownership of/ or the value of a property. Examples of title defects include but are not limited to: previously undisclosed heirs wit claims against the property; a forged deed that doesn’t legally transfer title to real estate; or mistakes in the public record.

Title Insurance

Protects lenders and homeowners against loss or damage due to liens, defects, or encumbrances affecting title to the property.

Title Search

The process of examining public and title plant records concerning names of owners, taxes, liens, and encumbrances against the property in order to prepare and issue the preliminary report.

BEN STROCK FOUNDER | BROKER

831.247.0922 ben@strockrealestate.com DRE# 01337838

Born and raised among a family of Realtors, Ben Strock has Real Estate in his blood. Growing up in Los Altos, Ben worked for his father, a real estate broker and owner of Strock Realty and Financial in Palo Alto. A graduate of the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Business-Economics and a concentration in banking and finance, Ben was a licensed agent at the time of his graduation in 2001. Ben quickly earned his place among Santa Cruz Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most respected agents, earning the trust of both his contemporaries and clients. With extensive knowledge of construction, finance, design, and the escrow process, Ben brings a distinct perspective that sets him apart from his peers. His negotiating skills, creativity, and honesty make him a valuable asset for any transaction. After years spent gaining local knowledge and an excellent reputation, Ben opened Strock Real Estate in Aptos in 2007. His mission is simple: provide the very best for his clients through hard work, dedication, and integrity. Whether you are buying, selling, or simply looking for some honest advice, Ben is here to help. As a long-time resident and business owner in Aptos, Ben cares about his community. A member of the Seacliff Improvement Association, a passionate advocate for the community, and member of various charitable organizations, you will often find Ben walking through the neighborhood with his wife, young son and daughter, and dog. Ben has continually been ranked among the top agents in the area and was the top agent by sales volume in Santa Cruz in 2016. Most important to Ben, however, are the relationships he forms with his clients, considering every client â&#x20AC;&#x153;a client for life.â&#x20AC;?

“Sarah was very professional, proficient, personable, and very proactive with insuring that the home purchase (& search) went as smooth as one could hope. It was a pleasure having Sarah as my real estate agent. Highly recommend.” - Marlin V.

SARAH MORGAN VICE PRESIDENT | DRE# 01342978 831.251.5670 sarah@strockrealestate.com AptosBeachLife.com

“Spencer did a great job finding a home for me and helping me close on it. Excellent knowledge of the area and the market, great understanding of the pros and cons of house details and of the neighborhoods, and a good knowledge of the city and county ordinances and processes. I would definitely work with Spencer again.” - Glen K.

SPENCER HAYS BROKER ASSOCIATE | DRE# 01224139 831.345.8800 spencer@cruzhome.com CruzHome.com

“We checked around the area for a referral to the best realtor. Time and time again the name Shawndy Linquist came up. We contacted her and asked if she had time in her schedule to list and sell our home. Later that very same day, she had professional photos taken, and the photos were fabulous. So much so that we almost decided not to sell it (it looked that good). Shawndy definitely knew what buyers were searching for and made sure our home presented itself to its maximum potential. We had multiple offers that exceeded our asking price. I would highly recommend her to both buyers and sellers. She gets the job done!” - John Layland

SHAWNDY LINQUIST REALTOR | DRE# 02062936

831.440.6733 shawndy@thatrealestategirl.com ThatRealEstateGirl.com

“Rose is the best Real Estate agent. She found us a property that matched our interest very quickly and worked with us through out the closing process. She is very knowledgeable, proactive, and pleasant to work with. She does an amazing job and we highly recommend her.” - Mac. N.

ROSE WOOD REALTOR | DRE# 01344958 831.239.2484 homesbyrosewood@gmail.com BayRoseWood.com

“Living in SoCal, with a daughter at UCSC, and with retirement near, I reached out to 3 or 4 real estate agents in Santa Cruz County. Bjorn was the only one to respond, and it was a blessing that he did. Bjorn is a very hard working young man, in every step of the way, he was ahead of the game. That made our transition from our offer to this point, a few days from closing, very smooth. Even though we are 6 hours away, everything has gone great, thanks to Bjorn being on top of things. Outstanding agent, very professional, very respectful, good people person. Can’t thank him enough for his help!!” - Guadelupe S.

BJORN BERG REALTOR | DRE# 02019108 831.566.6938 bbergsc@gmail.com SantaCruzPropertySearch.com

“Maya helped us buy our first home (fha loan) in a very tight housing market with lots of competition. She found us great places to look at within our limited price range. She was very responsive, available and patient with all our questions as new home buyers. Maya stayed patient through our process as it took months until an offer was accepted and we never felt pushed. Maya is highly educated, delightful and very knowledgeable about the community.” - A. Summer

MAYA CRELAN RAY REALTOR | DRE# 02005146 831.251.5171 mayacrelanray@gmail.com RealtorMaya.com

“Lauren was ethical, creative, attentive and receptive to my needs. It was a difficult sale but he handled it with grace and serenity. I would highly recommend him to anyone considering a real estate transaction.” - Ann B.

LAUREN GAGNIER REALTOR | DRE# 01920708 831.359.7346 Ljgagnier@gmail.com StrockRealEstate.com

“Sarah was totally attentive to our needs, super responsive, really listened, and helped us find a wonderful home. We were new to the Santa Cruz area and she took extra time with us to make sure we understood all of the neighborhoods and fun spots. It was really a pleasure working with Sarah, and I would highly recommend her for your real estate needs.” - Alysia J.

SARAH THORP REALTOR | DRE #02049553 831.515.8129 CoastHomeSC@gmail.com StrockRealEstate.com

“Guaranteed no one else in the industry will give you the dedication and customer service Chris provides! I highly suggest that you give him the opportunity to see yourself!” - Tanner

CHRIS TROWBRIDGE REALTOR | DRE# 02048989 831.566.9622 chris@strockrealestate.com ChrisLTrowbridge.com

TARRA MCPARTLAND Client Care Coordinator DRE#01962275 831.688.9800 tarra@strockrealestate.com

JENNY OATEY

Brand Marketing Manager 831.688.9800 jenny@strockrealestate.com

KNOWLEDGEABLE

Knowledge is not something you can quickly pick up from taking your real estate exams, learning through books in school, picking up in some get rich quick seminar, or reading in a real estate handbook. Knowledge comes from closing hundreds of transactions, remodeling hundreds of homes, and hands-on working experience in all aspects of the business from construction to property management to lending to sales to commercial lease negotiation. Real estate is a business that often gets confused with being easy. The customer tends to think it only involves looking at homes, which we call, “door openers.” We are far more than the average “door opening” real estate agents, and through our knowledge and experience, we minimize all risks involved with the goal of having a smooth and painless sale/purchase. If it appears easy, we’ve done our job - but it wasn’t easy, it came from a lot of practice which has given us the knowledge!

TRUSTWORTHY

Trust isn’t easily earned, but our goal is to become a part of your trusted inner circle for life. We want to be the family member you not only would trust with your children, but also to be on your financial counsel board. We treat every client from day one in the same manner we would treat our mothers - with respect and integrity. If we tell you something is going to be done, consider it done! Confidentiality is the norm, and being your financial counselor is our job. Though trust isn’t alway easily earned, we will earn your trust through hard work and solid advice.

COMPASSIONATE

Real estate often includes some of the most difficult circumstances: divorce, death, and financial duress. We have seen it all - we understand that life isn’t all rainbows and unicorns (though we wish it was)! We are not in the business to judge our clients based on your circumstances, but we do care about helping you obtain your goals. Keeping a stable focused mindset and culminating a sale to fulfill our clients needs is always at the objective. Your unique situation will never be viewed as weird or abnormal, and you will be dealt with in a compassionate manner, so we can all achieve our goals together!

Represented Buyer

Represented Buye

Represented Buyer

SOLD 1600 Lower Highland Way SOLD2270 Brommer Street

SOLD 2907 Crocker Court

SOLD 3207 Stockbridge Lane

SOLD 4275 Jade Street #4

SOLD 7530 Sunset Way

Represented Buyer

SOLD 14 Moorehouse Drive

SOLD 136 Hale Street, SF

SOLD 113 El Camino Del Mar

SOLD 122 Sea Terrace Way

SOLD 133 Cherry Blossom Drive

SOLD 145 Reed Way

Represented Buyer

SOLD 24 Loma Dr

SOLD 316 High Street

SOLD 106 Manresa Court

SOLD 333 Loyola Drive

RECENTLY

SOLD 205 Claudius Drive

SOLD 222 Via Novella

SOLD 237 Bluebonnet

Represented Buyer

Drive

SOLD 241 Walnut Avenue

SOLD 257 Vista Del Mar Lane

SOLD 278 Silverfish Court

Represented Buyer

SOLD 106 Serra Court

SOLD 365 Lee Street

SOLD

SOLD 288 Barkentine Court

SOLD 292 Barkentine Court

SOLD 306 Bonita Drive

SOLD 404 Broadway

SOLD 420 Roxas

SOLD 614 Cliff Drive

SOLD 111 Vineyard Court

SOLD 455 Bens Way

SOLD 1302 Orchard

SOLD 181 Seacliff Drive

SOLD 242 Alta

SOLD 411 Townsend

SOLD 4755 Opal Cliff

SOLD 132 Greenbriar Court

SOLD 456 Loma Prieta

SOLD 17 Nashua

SOLD 61 Verdoso

SOLD 109 Vineyard

SOLD 278 Beach

SOLD 28 Potbelly Beach

SOLD 217 Santa Cruz Ave

SOLD 503 Middlefield Dr

SOLD 1180 Avocado Road

SOLD 1758 Garza Lane

SOLD 240 Beach

SOLD 420 Hillcrest

SOLD 828 Encino

SOLD 2058 Seascape

SOLD 229 Wixon Ave

SOLD 505 Middlefield Dr

Represented Buyer

SOLD 1525 Jackson Ave

SOLD 424 Racquet

SOLD 9007 Rhodes

SOLD 444 Los Altos

SOLD 2981 Wimbledon Drive

SOLD 240 Rio Del Mar

SOLD 529 Santa Marguarita Dr

SOLD 285 Pinewood Street

SOLD 626 Seacliff Dr

SOLD 308 Seacliff Dr

SOLD 634 San Juan Ave

SOLD 310 Atlantic Ave

SOLD 712 Almar Ave

Represented Buyer

SOLD 653 Cliff Drive Represented Buyer

SOLD 1040 38th Ave #58 Represented Buyer

SOLD 1378 Lido Way

SOLD 755 14th Ave

SOLD 895 Pinetree Lane

SOLD 1069 Via Tornasol

SOLD 1175 Lisa Lane

SOLD 3868 Glen Haven Rd

SOLD 4555 Opal St

Represented Buyer

SOLD 1021 Aviator Court

SOLD 1118 Sutherland #1

SOLD 114 Tree Frog

SOLD 120 Ventana Court

SOLD 126 Wendell Street

SOLD 129 Vista Dr

Represented Buyer

SOLD 1735 Dolphin Dr

SOLD 250 River Street #331

SOLD 2559 Hambleton Lane

SOLD 261 Sea Ridge Road #3

SOLD 300 Old Adobe

SOLD 4435 Bain Ave