I recently sold my San Jose condo, and Gary Gangnes at Real Options Realty was my real estate agent. Two years ago, Gary also was our agent when we bought our home on the west side of Santa Cruz.

At first, I was a little concerned that I might not get the same service since the condo was in San Jose and priced at less than 50% of my home purchase (that is, more work for less money). But Gary quickly put my concerns to rest. I immediately recognized that I was getting the same great service from him and the Real Options team. He was every bit as responsive, as attentive to detail, as patient, as professional, and as "on top of things" with my condo sale as with my home purchase.

Through no fault of Gary's or mine, the condo sale did not go off perfectly (do they ever?). Through it all, Gary kept me informed and provided me with timely advice that was in my best interests. When I had some difficult decisions to make, I would ask Gary, "what would you do if you were me?" I believe that he honestly and frankly provided me with the information I needed to make a well-reasoned decision. He didn't try to make up my mind for me, nor did he pressure me into making a decision that would benefit only him in the short run. He truly provided me with options and sound advice, and to this day, I am comfortable with the decisions I came to as a result of his advice.

Gary and Real Options do a very nice job of keeping me informed, not just when there's a problem or something that requires my attention, but on a continual basis. When the condo was up for sale, Gary's would call with weekly updates on any significant events in the area such as recent listings and recent closings. And two and a half years after I bought my house, I still love getting mailings from Real Options about recent real estate activity in my neighborhood.

Many real estate agencies seem like they are in the dark ages when it comes to communication. In the past, I have called other real estate agencies for comparables on my condo. It would take them up to two days to get back to me with verbal pricing information followed up my snail mail (first class mail). When I approached Gary about selling my condo, I received an email that afternoon containing all the recent closings. Naturally, you don't have to use email to work with Real Options. They will communicate with you in whatever style fits your needs. But if you're like me and you use email more than you use the phone, it's so convenient to work with a company like Real Options.

Without reservation, I would recommend Gary Gangnes and Real Options Realty to my friends, my family...even my boss!

Merilee Ford