"We want to thank you for the fine work you did helping us buy our new home and sell our old home. You were superb.

"For many months you remembered the remarks we made describing the type of house we wanted and you diligently kept us updated and appraised when appropriate homes became available. Eventually, we found "our" house. That is when your expertise and dedication to quality service became evident. You patiently guided us though all the steps as we completed the inspections, financing, contingency clearance, etc. You paid great attention to details and were extremely responsive. We moved into our new home thirty-one days after making our offer.

"You were outstanding when it came time for us to sell our old home. Once again, you guided us through the process. You were very knowledgeable about the numerous things that needed to be done to get our old home sales-ready. You had a list of very capable vendors we could choose from to perform any task that we didn't elect to perform ourselves. You successfully used the latest technologies to market our home. You responded to our numerous questions and requests for comparable prices, which enabled us to correctly set a selling price for our home. After we quickly received an acceptable offer, you concluded negotiations promptly and once again guided us through all the paperwork. You even helped our new buyers navigate their closing process.

"Above all else we value the integrity you displayed throughout the entire process. You have earned our trust and respect.

"Thank you again for everything."

- Marilyn and David Pratt 04/12/05

Whether in the field of the arts, the sciences, or real estate, there's something amazing about dealing with someone who is on top of their game, a master in their field. Such a one is Marilyn Schumacher.

She recently handed us the keys to our new home having first patiently studied our needs, observed our reactions and in a very short period of time zeroed in on the one my husband and I instantly recognized as the dream come true. Contrary to common belief, the searching and the finding were not unsettling or upsetting but rather a time for refining concepts and growing in confidence that Marilyn would deliver the goods.

She confirmed our conviction that the most important decision in buying or selling is the choice of the realtor. When that is right, every detail falls into place. Naturally, nothing substitutes for experience and one of our favorite moments was watching Marilyn compose our initial offer to the seller. With confidence and the authority that comes from years of experience she produced a document that reflected our stated needs but also took careful account of the seller's legitimate needs. It was beautifully balanced and to our delight the seller accepted it immediately.

In a word, Marilyn is tops."

- Morris and Elizabeth Trevithick 11/25/05

"I just want to thank you so much again for finding us our house.

"Watching Matt and Christy go through all the same things is just bringing it all back a year later. Jenn and I couldn't be happier with our house. I don't know what else to say other than just thank you so much."

- Gabe Weiss 7/06

"Whew! What a job that was...but you certainly made it much easier for me, I would hate to think of it being any different.

"Our heartfelt thanks to you."

- Emily Fortier 4/06

"Thanks. You did a terrific job under very trying circumstances. Rather than a letter of reference, just refer anyone to me who is considering your services.

"Thanks again Marilyn. You were terrific."

- Steve Lillie 7/05

"Marilyn did an absolutely outstanding job when she was engaged as a Realtor when I needed to sell my mother's condominium in Alameda, CA in spring of 2006. The circumstances were a little complicated because when we first talked the condo was rented. I had spoken to my tax counsel per Marilyn's advice. Marilyn worked seamlessly with the rental management division of Harbor Bay Realty to communicate appropriately with the tenants, give notice, and arrange for needed work to be done in a very timely manner so that the condo could be put on the market quickly. She was very thorough in all the marketing and promotion of the property, as well as the research into the appropriate comps for setting the price. We "priced to sell" in what was a changing market since for personal reasons a relatively quick sale was desirable, and a full-price offer was received the first weekend it was shown. So far, so good. Now the story gets interesting...

"The offer was accepted and Marilyn was very quick and helpful in getting us through all the process steps and paperwork to accept the offer. All the documentation was completed and a closing date was set. About 8 days before the scheduled close - on a Monday evening that I will probably never forget - I got a call from my accountant saying that he had been doing some research and that the sale of the condo had to close AND be recorded by THAT FRIDAY (i.e. in less than 4 days) in order for my mother to keep her right to a "tax free" gain on sale of the house. When I called Marilyn, in shock, to tell her this she really went into action. In less than 3 days, she arranged for me to buy the condo from my mother, for the end buyer to buy the house from me - at the same price - and for the prior transaction to be cancelled and replaced by the two new transactions. She worked with the title company, the buyer's Realtor, my accountant and others to put all the pieces of this jigsaw puzzle into place and - almost miraculously - the sale of the condo by my mother to me closed that Thursday and was recorded that Friday, as my accountant had told us would be needed. A few days later, as per the revised plan, the second sale - from me to the final buyer - occurred. It was almost ludicrously complicated, considering what a modest transaction it really was, and without a Realtor of absolutely outstanding skill, knowledge and drive - as well as a wonderfully calm and pragmatic approach to problem-solving - this would simply not have been possible.

"My mother and I are absolutely indebted to Marilyn for pulling this hat trick off. In short, I could not recommend her more highly - "you're in good hands with Marilyn".

- Debbie Sorondo 9/29/06

"You took a complicated piece of property and made it manageable for me in the preparation to market and for prospective buyers in the understanding of how it fit, or didn't fit with their expectations. In the time we worked together it seemed you had nothing else to do but work on our property, and if anyone believes that they don't know you very well. Your calm thoughtful responses to tricky situations instilled confidence for us in your knowledge and resourcefulness in the business of real estate. Most importantly, the integrity you bring to all you do should be an example to anyone doing business anywhere. I can't thank you enough for all that you did to facilitate the sale of the Garratt Mansion."

- Royce and Betty Gladden 9/23/05

"Carrie and I want to THANK YOU for your most professional work in marketing and closing the sale of our rental.

"With over 30 years in the Real Estate industry as a Realtor, Vice President of Northwestern Title Company and my Mortgage practice of the last 10 years, I have worked with literally hundreds of Realtors. I do want you to know that we chose YOU to market our home because of your professionalism, integrity and knowledge of the Real Estate markets. You have also become a great friend and we will always refer you to anyone we know who is looking in to buying or selling Real Estate.

"Thanks again, your the best!"

- Lenny & Carrie James 08/24/05

"Making the decision to sell my house was difficult, but finding Marilyn made the process easy. She kept me informed through every step in the process, was right there to solve problems when the going got tough, had great ideas on how to present the house and put together a fair offer for all involved. Marilyn is up to date on all the rules and regulations of Alameda real estate and helped get through all the paperwork and inspections in record time. As a result of her experience and values she made selling the house easy and I highly recommend her."

- Rhonda Jobe 2/18/04

"A follow up email was received 3/7/04: This afternoon on Delmar Avenue there were 13 kids under age 8 (all who live on the street and 6 children of your clients) playing in the street, with the parents talking and playing ball with the kids. Bikes and big wheels were everywhere. It was like an unplanned block party and John and I were in total amazement that we actually live on such a cool street!... I just wanted to let you know how happy we were here and thank you for all your help."

- Clare Hansen

"Thanks again for your guidance and efforts this past summer. I can't tell you how delighted I am with how everything worked out. I love the new place..."

- Sue Haines 12/03

"I would recommend Marilyn to anyone buying or selling a house in Alameda, and would ask her to represent me if I ever wanted to sell my house."

- Dr. John Burke 7/23/99