Testimonials

"My husband and I received only two months' notice that we'd be relocating to North County San Diego by my employer. We hired a realtor over the telephone and flew in with a week to find a house, but from my first meeting, I realized I couldn't trust this person with this purchase, and she had insufficient experience to know what was important to..."

"My husband and I received only two months' notice that we'd be relocating to North County San Diego by my employer. We hired a realtor over the telephone and flew in with a week to find a house, but from my first meeting, I realized I couldn't trust this person with this purchase, and she had insufficient experience to know what was important to a middle-aged couple with children. I met Karen the next day shopping for new homes by myself, while she was looking for a client. This was a stroke of great fortune for me and my family. Karen and her husband knew the North County area well. I am a tough customer. I wanted a home in the best school district, with a built-in pool, a big enough lot for some fruit trees, in a great community with lots of children, low HOA fees, and nice amenities, and at a price point we could afford despite being unable to sell the home we were leaving, and I wanted to find it in a week! (Gee, is that all?) Karen searched zealously day and way into the night for me, skipping meals, as driven to help me find this house as I was, and by the end of the week, she had in fact zeroed in on the perfect house with every single thing we were looking for, but it presented one possible snag, the bank-owned home already had 2 offers when she found it. This is what separates the good from the great. Karen brilliantly negotiated on our behalf and saved us a ton of money by beating the other offers by very little cash, but by inserting aggressive closing terms that were very attractive to the bank. Within a week Karen had persuaded the bank to accept our offer over the others. I personally would have thought we'd have to offer more to get the bank to reject the birds they already had in hand, but Karen knows her business. I am a savvy client who some people would describe as a high maintenance (I am a lawyer who has bought and sold several of my own homes) so I know a thing or two about real estate and about negotiating. I'd have to categorize Karen as the best! Her understanding of her field and the North County area provided me with a service I couldn't have done for myself. In the end, she saved my family a ton of money that we would have paid on rent had we not been able to find a home, or by compromising by buying a home without a pool and having to put one in. Karen fully earned our strongest possible recommendation! My husband and I would not buy another home without her and would recommend her to anyone buying in this area. You could not put your home-buying decision in more capable hands!"

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— Jennifer E.

"A smart knowledgeable worker and a loyal friend; describe her the best. Thanks, Karen for helping us find our dream home; which we aspired and thought of someday, and today is the reality. Thanks again for making it possible for us! Also, your patience and dedication are beyond the mention. In a foreign country where everyone seems different cul..."

"A smart knowledgeable worker and a loyal friend; describe her the best. Thanks, Karen for helping us find our dream home; which we aspired and thought of someday, and today is the reality. Thanks again for making it possible for us! Also, your patience and dedication are beyond the mention. In a foreign country where everyone seems different culturally it is difficult to trust someone and describe one's needs and wants for investing in a home (both monetary and emotional) which is a big thing in one's life, and there came "you" and everything was smooth. I and my husband strongly recommend her if you want your real estate agent should value your hard-earned money and position the things you want them to be; all you need to do is just call her; and continue with your respective job! She will take care of everything personally. Locating the best place, or area for you and your family to paint the walls you want to live with, to garden the area for your early teas or evening get-togethers, to select the furniture and the list goes on and on. You are amazing. A complete package! We are so glad about our decision to have you as our real estate agent."

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— Buyer

"I have held a CA Real Estate Broker License for over 37 years, with licensed sales associates working under my supervision. In a recent Real Estate transaction, which I considered complicated, Karen Van Ness represented the property of the seller, while I represented the Buyer. It was not an easy escrow for the seller. They were undergoing extre..."

"I have held a CA Real Estate Broker License for over 37 years, with licensed sales associates working under my supervision. In a recent Real Estate transaction, which I considered complicated, Karen Van Ness represented the property of the seller, while I represented the Buyer. It was not an easy escrow for the seller. They were undergoing extreme emotional and physical hardship, which, within the year following, resulted in the death of the spouse. In my opinion, Karen provided professional service for the seller that few agents were capable of. Karen was always available to be of assistance to the seller and to provide "in-depth" answers relating to the property she represented. I value and appreciate the integrity, character, and professionalism of Karen Van Ness."

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— Marston M.

"My family and I were relocating to San Diego from Philadelphia when we were put in touch with Karen to help us find a new home to rent. We were clueless about the numerous areas and neighborhoods in San Diego and Karen was able to explain the pros and cons of several areas. We described our needs and desires to Karen and she was able to locate t..."

"My family and I were relocating to San Diego from Philadelphia when we were put in touch with Karen to help us find a new home to rent. We were clueless about the numerous areas and neighborhoods in San Diego and Karen was able to explain the pros and cons of several areas. We described our needs and desires to Karen and she was able to locate the perfect area that met our needs and found several properties that exceeded our expectations. Karen was a fabulous source of knowledge of not only the housing market but also the hidden jewels of the San Diego neighborhoods. Karen continued to be a valuable resource to my family even after our home was found, providing us with needed contacts and additional insider tips. We would highly recommend Karen."

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— Buyer