ABOUT US

It was a long time ago and we were about to buy our first house. We knew a broker with business experience but not a lot of real estate experience, sort of practicing brokerage with his wife as part of his retirement. His name was Jerry Morgan and he worked in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. We told him that we wanted 4 bedrooms, Spanish architecture, in move in condition. At the time I was a real estate developer experienced in working with brokers, knowledgeable, potentially difficult.

Within a day Jerry called to say a home was about to be listed and we should see it right away. Not more than an hour later we visited the property. It had a small avocado orchard in the front yard, only 3 bedrooms, and exceptionally plain contemporary architecture, not at all distinguished, but it was in move in condition. We asked Jerry to inquire of the seller about his best price. A few minutes later, he returned with the information, and without further negotiation, the offer was written and signed by both parties.

It may seem like the broker did very little to earn his fee, no time at all, not much effort, but he chaperoned a happy experience. We remained friendly with the seller for years, and used Jerry again when we sold the house a few years later. Another good experience, and the buyers remained friends with our family to this day.

This is our idea of a good broker, intelligent enough to sense what is most important to his clients, prompt almost to a fault, and willing to let the transaction shape itself without his input.

Buying a home may be the most important decision in your lifetime, and in any case, a major decision. It should be a happy experience, a prelude to the happiness you will enjoy in your new home. Or if you are selling your home, which almost always entails a lot of history and memories, an opportunity to transfer your good fortune to another family in the hope that they too will find fulfillment and happiness in this place of importance.