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Brian A.
Hometown:
Redwood City, CA, 94065
InsiderRank: 14,249
First Reviews: 5
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Absolute Mortgage Banking
Joel Spolin has handled four different loans for us and we have no need to go anywhere else. He and his organization are very professional, organized, and high integrity. Tailors his explanation to his customers needs and interest level (neither too dumbed down nor too technical.) Appears to have great relationship with the lending institutions. Joel has a very experienced team that provides excellent customer service.
PROS: great customer service, really explains well and offers choices
CONS: busy guy, but will return phone calls within the day
Village Manufacturing Inc
We have had Village Manufacturing build 8 different pieces for us over the last year, including two fireplace mantels, audio/video cabinets, and lots of shelving. There designs are beautiful and craftsmanship is first rate. They have a beautiful showroom where you can see the quality of their work and sit down with their designers. They work fast and professionally. We are incredibly pleased with the work they have done for us. The dont paint, stain or install themselves, but they have tight relationships with former employees that have started their own businesses to perform these tasks.
PROS: Quality of work and designs are first rate. Excellent customer service.
CONS: Not cheap (but worth the price if you want high quality custom)
Magnolia Audio Video
I recently bought two Pioneer plasma TVs, HD Tivos, and surround sound speakers from Magnolia Audio Video in Palo Alto. Reza Moodi, the store manager, helped me in planning my systems and making my decisions. Magnolia also handled the installation, including mounting the displays on articulating arms, all the wiring, and programming a universal remote control that is RF and IR. Magnolia carries a broad line of brands, mostly at the high end. All of their sales reps are highly trained and experts in audio and video. They do not use pressure sales tactics and appreciate customers that ask questions and do research. Their installation work was highest quality: well planned, precise, secure, clean. I will buy all of my serious home theater electronics from these guys, even though cheaper prices are available on the Internet.
PROS: sales people are very knowledgable and professional, installation was A+
CONS: not the lowest prices
Realty World Homesellers Com
Patrick Carmichael recently helped us both buy a home and sell our town home. He was absolutely terrific. We had less than stellar experiences with other agents prior to finding Patrick. Unlike the others, Patrick really listened to our wants and needs and focused his search carefully rather than just showing us random homes that were convenient. He put in countless hours personally escorting us to viewings and he was always available evenings, weekends, etc. Patrick never tried to push us, and he was always a source of honest and realistic advice. When it came time to our purchase transaction he was thorough and steady, and explained all terms and risks in good detail. We liked him so much we used him to sell our town home. He staged it beautifully and marketed it well. He manned the open house himself and handled the offers very professionally. We got the price we wanted and there were no problems during the transaction. He was again careful and precise. Patricks real expertise is in Redwood Shores. I would recommend him highly for any transaction, either buying or selling.
PROS: Super high integrity, experienced, always available, knows the Shores
CONS: familiarity with markets lessens the further you get from Redwood Shores
Bowie Construction-Engineering
We worked with Mike Peterson and his team for a large remodel project. They were true pros and I would strongly recommend them. Most importantly, the quality of their work is A+. They pay close attention to detail, they dont cut corders, and their work is clean. We felt we got excellent customer service and communication. Unlike horror stories weve heard from others, Bowie does not nickel and dime you for change orders. We had a few during our projects, but all were based on significant changes we added to the scope. They dont try to stick you with every little item. Bowie has enough scale to be professionally run and put full teams on the job, but not so big that we got lost in the shuffle. They also use excellent sub-contractors.
PROS: A+ quality of work, strong customer service ethic, not a nickle & dimer
CONS: very unlikely to be your lowest bidder (but you get what you pay for)