 Marni & Jean
(510) 882-9992
| |  | El Cerrito, Berkeley & Kensington Real Estate Agents & Notary Publics - Jean and Marni. Realtors providing expertise and homes for sale in the California Bay Area including Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Kensington, and surrounding real estate areas.
Jean Shrem and Marni Fischer provide a superior level of informed professional gay and lesbian friendly realtor services to Northern Californians, focusing on homes for sale, condos, property, and real estate in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jean is also an attorney and specializes in real estate law. Based in El Cerrito, Jean and Marni are real estate agents who provide realtor service to the East Bay real estate markets including El Cerrito real estate, Berkeley real estate, Berkeley Hills real estate, Westbrae real estate, Kensington real estate, Oakland real estate, Albany real estate, Richmond real estate, El Sobrante real estate, Pinole real estate, Hercules real estate, San Pablo real estate and specialize in 1031 exchanges, reverse exchanges, probate homes for sale, and homes for sale / relocations in California. | |
| Jean Shrem & Marni Fischer
Marvin Gardens Real Estate
Jean Shrem is a Broker-Associate, e-Pro, California Licensed Attorney & Notary Public
7502 Fairmount Avenue
El Cerrito, CA 94530
(510) 558-9996 Marni Cell
(510) 882-9992 Jean Cell
(510) 527-7782 Fax
Email: Marni@MarvinGardens.com
Email: Jean@Shrem.com
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| Marvin Gardens Goes Green!!! We are the first real estate company in Contra Costa County to obtain Green Business Certification. In keeping with our gree commitment, we provide free battery recycling for our community. Just bring your batteries in any time and we'll take care of processing them correctly.
Albany Real Estate
With a population of about 18,000 people, and city limits that encompass no more than one square mile, Albany, California real estate has a decidedly small town feel. But this little community of Albany, tucked between North Berkeley, El Cerrito, Kensington, and the Bay is anything but sleepy. Teeming with young families, Albany is a community that works hard to keep its schools top notch. And as a result, Albany is known as much for school test scores that consistently rank in the top percentiles as it is for its quiet streets of neatly kept homes where neighbors know each other. Solano Avenue, Albany's main street, is lined with a vast array of locally owned shops that reflect the diversity of the Albany area, including many restaurants that run the gamut from Nepalese and Tibetan to Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Italian, and California cuisine. For grocery shopping, you'll find everything you can imagine at one of Albany's small family owned groceries that specialize in Italian, Middle Eastern, or Asian foods as well as at the local Safeway. Albany's Solano Avenue is also the site of an annual street fair that celebrates this unique street at the heart of Albany. Even though Albany real estate has become more upscale over the years, Albany's homes for sale including its California bungalows, ranging in architectural styles from Mediterranean to MacGregor homes, hearken back to its working class roots. In Albany, there is a movie theater, a bowling alley, horse racing track, and a few bars along San Pablo Avenue that are enjoying a hip renaissance. In short, Albany enjoys a protected small town feel while it boasts the vibrancy of any major metropolitan destination. As your Albany real estate agent and realtor, we look forward to showing you Albany homes for sale, probate homes, 1031 exchanges, as well as other Albany real estate including condominium (condo), duplex, triplex, and fourplex properties.
Berkeley Real Estate
Berkeley is a relatively small urban enclave, with a diverse range of neighborhoods, yet its college town sensibility is the common characteristic that unites Berkeley into one interesting and exciting place to buy real estate and make a home. Of course, Berkeley is famous (infamous) for the heady days of the Free Speech Movement at the University of California, but these days its best known as a haven for epicurean delights which started in the North Berkeley neighborhood known as the "Gourmet Ghetto". The Gourmet Ghetto area is the home of nationally acclaimed Chez Panisse Restaurant, Peets Coffee and Tea, and the Cheese Board collective. Many other restaurants and cafes abound in Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto neighborhood as well as clothing and eye glass boutiques. All of this adds charm and character to nearby Berkeley real estate. Other Berkeley shopping districts include Solano Avenue, downtown Berkeley, Fourth Street, San Pablo Avenue, with pockets of upscale shops, and Elmwood. From the glorious bay views seen from the Berkeley hills and its wooded hillside retreats, to the charming Victorians and craftsman bungalows in the “flats” and the stately old homes in Elmwood, Berkeley real estate includes a variety of distinct neighborhoods: Berkeley Hills, Thousand Oaks, Cragmont, Park Hills, North Berkeley, Northbrae (Monterey Market), Westbrae, Elmwood, Claremont, and Ocean View. If you're looking for fresh produce, the Monterey Market has it all. No matter which Berkeley neighborhood catches your fancy, all of these Berkeley neighborhoods offer unique family homes. Some Berkeley homes for sale are distinguished by their winding streets and stunning bay views, others are close to neighborhood shopping districts tucked along tree-lined streets. Berkeley boasts numerous neighborhood parks, wonderful walking paths that straddle the Berkeley hills, and at its easternmost boundary, Tilden Regional Park, which offers a respite from city life. From the Berkeley hills to downtown, Berkeley homes for sale are notable for their singular architectural styles, some of which were designed by architects Bernard Maybeck, John Hudson Thomas, and Julia Morgan. If you enjoy diversity and great food, Berkeley is a wonderful place to find a home to live. As your Berkeley real estate agent and realtor, we look forward to showing you Berkeley homes for sale, probate homes, and 1031 exchanges as well as other Berkeley real estate including condominium (condo), duplex, triplex, and fourplex properties.
El Cerrito Real Estate
El Cerrito, which means “little hill” in Spanish, is known for its terrific bay views and easy commute to Marin County, downtown Oakland and San Francisco. El Cerrito real estate and homes for sale include varied homes that range from the tree-lined streets of the "flats" to the winding streets of the hills to the stately homes and gardens of the hillcrests. There are two BART stations in El Cerrito, direct bus lines to downtown Oakland and San Francisco, and easy freeway access to Interstates 80 and 580. El Cerrito has great public parks, a swimming and recreation center, library, the Mira Vista Golf and Country Club and is home to the Contra Costa Community Theater. A farmers market is held twice a week at the El Cerrito Plaza which has recently undergone a complete renovation and now includes stores such as brand new Albertson's Grocery store (with a Starbucks), Bed, Bath and Beyond, Barnes and Noble Books (with a Starbucks), Ross Stores and even another stand alone Starbucks Coffee location. For you lovers of Peet’s Coffee, El Cerrito has that too! El Cerrito schools are part of the West Contra Costa Unified School District and include several elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school, which is known for sending many students to top-notch colleges. There are also several excellent private schools located in El Cerrito. For community and value, El Cerrito real estate and homes for sale are hard to beat. As your El Cerrito real estate agent and realtor, we look forward to showing you El Cerrito homes for sale, probate homes, 1031 exchanges, as well as other El Cerrito real estate including condominium (condo), duplex, triplex, and fourplex properties.
Kensington Real Estate
Tucked among the East Bay hills just north of Berkeley, Kensington, California enjoys a quiet, small town atmosphere, spectacular views of the bay, and easy access to the Interstate 80 corridor for commuting to San Francisco, downtown Oakland or Marin County. A bucolic retreat from the hectic pace of city life, Kensington real estate includes homes for sale in an array of Tudor, Mediterranean, and contemporary styles that result in charming neighborhoods with interesting architecture and lovely gardens. Two local shopping areas serve the Kensington neighborhoods with small markets, restaurants, a bakery, a drugstore with postal service, and other conveniences. Kensington also features Blake Gardens, which is owned by the University of California Berkeley. Blake Gardens opens its gates during the week for self-guided tours or for meditative walks. (Dogs are allowed on leash!) Kensington has its own recreation department, tennis courts, and several preschools. Kensington Hilltop Elementary School has an excellent reputation and maintains top test scores in Kensington's annual standardized testing. Junior and senior high school students go to school in El Cerrito. Kensington is home to many University of California professors, professionals, and families and would appeal to anyone looking for homes for sale in quiet surroundings within easy access to the surrounding San Francisco Bay Area. As your Kensington realtor, we look forward to showing you Kensington homes for sale, probate homes, 1031 exchanges, as well as other Kensington real estate including condominium (condo), duplex, triplex, and fourplex properties.
Short Sales
More and more we are seeing homes advertised as being a "Short Sale". "Short Sale" means that the home owner is selling the property but owes more on the home than he can sell it for. Short sales must be approved by the bank and are often delayed in closing or do not close at all. Often, with short sales, the home owner is trying to beat the clock and sell the property before it falls into foreclosure.
Foreclosures
Foreclosure is the process by which a bank goes through the necessary legal steps to take ownership of a property that is in default or has delayed payments. With foreclosures, there will often be a sale at the "Court House Steps". This is where buyers who have 100% cash, usually in the form of a cashier's check, attempt to purchase the property for the outstanding balance prior to the bank entering the court house to finalize the foreclosure. For buyers with all cash, there are some great deals to be had with foreclosures.
Real Estate Owned (REO) Properties
A Real Estate Owned (REO) property sale is a property sale where the owner of the property is the bank that has foreclosed on the property. REO properties are usually sold as-is with no disclosures or reports of any kind. REO properties and homes are often in severe disrepair.
Probate Sale
Probate sale is a type of sale where the owner has died and did not put the home in a trust. These probate sales must then be conducted through the probate court system and either have independent administration or require court approval. Often, with a probate sale, a buyer must put 10% down and must buy the home as-is. With probate sales, there are often very few disclosures or reports.
Conservatorship Sale
Conservatorship sale is a type of sale where the owner is still alive but is mentally no longer able to make her own decisions. Conservatorship sales are often conducted through the probate court system and either have independent administration or require court approval. Often a buyer must put 10% down and must buy the home as-is in a conservatorship sale. With a conservatorship sale, there are often very few disclosures or reports.
SELLERS!
If you're planning to sell your home in the next few months, this FREE realtor service is designed to help establish your home's current market value. Simply choose Market Analysis and fill out the requested information. We will use comparable homes sold listings to help you calculate the fair market value of your home. We will also help you prepare your home for sale so that it will sell fast for top dollar. We will market your property on the internet, feature it on our website and show it to all the real estate agents within our realty company to build excitement for it, before it is even available to the public or on the MLS.
BUYERS!
We can get you started with names of excellent mortgage brokers for pre-approval, set up appointments with top home inspectors and tradespeople and provide you with expert guidance through the entire home buying process. We know how to minimize out of pocket expenses for closing costs and home repairs and we can also help first time home buyers save money with special third party deals. Also, you can automatically receive personalized MLS home listings by e-mail. We will ensure that you receive updates for homes for sale that match your criteria within 24 hours of coming on the real estate market! No more sporadic searching to find out that you just missed the perfect home for sale, updates come to your inbox daily. Simply choose Dream Home Finder and fill in the requested information.
About Us
We are licensed real estate agents and notary publics based in El Cerrito, California. We participate in ongoing continuing real estate education, seminars and training. We are active in our neighborhood and in the real estate community, lending help whenever possible. We always support and respect each other and our clients and collaborate well together. We are skilled and knowledgeable communicators. We empower our clients with knowledge and guide them through smooth real estate transactions with care and efficiency. We mainly focus our real estate practice in Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Kensington, Richmond and surrounding areas. We work extensively with home buyers, sellers and investors. We strive to help our investors increase their overall net worth. We support our clients in making educated decisions. We advocate and skillfully negotiate on our client’s behalf and always act in their best interests. We are always open and honest with our clients and listen to their needs. We exceed their expectations in every way - while still having a lot of fun!!!
About Jean
I am the oldest of 7 children and I grew up in Los Angeles, California. I have lived in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1985 when I came here to attend University of California Berkeley. I graduated with a B.A. in Psychology. I also received a law degree from University of San Francisco School of Law and I was admitted to the California Bar in 1997. I provide legal services to many of my real estate clients. I speak Spanish fluently and have traveled throughout Europe. My son, Zane, was born January 1, 1999. My education, training and professional experiences provide me with excellent real estate skills and expertise.
About Marni
I was born and raised on Long Island in New York. I was captain of my high school cheerleading squad. I have one older sister and three nieces. I received my B. A. in Speech Pathology from Hofstra University. I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1995. I worked with people around the world for many years in the international trade and transportation industry. I have over 14 years experience in real estate and sales which has given me the background and skills necessary to provide exceptional service.
A little personal information about Jean
Have lived here and there -
El Cerrito
Berkeley (UCB, Southside)
Oakland (Montclair, Rockridge)
San Francisco (Panhandle, Buena Vista Park)
San Diego (Carlsbad)
Los Angeles (Fairfax, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades)
Spain (Madrid)
Have traveled to -
About one third of the United States
Canada, Mexico
About half of Europe
Caribbean
Would like to -
Spend more time in my stained glass studio
Travel to South America & Asia
Spend two months on a Greek Island
Restore a Victorian Home
Little known facts -
As a Toys R Us Manager, we would ride the power wheels around the store at night
I was a tour guide in College for Japanese high school students visiting California
My parents are Cuban & Colombian and I am fluent in Spanish which was my first language
My uncle owns a winery in Calistoga
As an attorney I have only worked for software and technical companies and never for a law firm
I worked for a dot com company that had pinball machines, a pool table and even a foosball game
Family -
Partner: Marni
Son: Zane (7)
Dog: Josie (Boxer)
Mom, Dad, Step-Mom, Step-Dad & 6 younger siblings
Lots of experience in -
Real Estate Sales & Negotiations
Contract Drafting & Negotiations
Computers & Email & Web Page Design
Training (Employees & Dogs)
Intellectual Property (Copyrights, Trademarks, Patents, Licensing)
Human Resources
Retail Management
Public Speaking
Child Rearing
Activities of interest -
Softball
Football
Biking
Gaming (board games & craps)
Swimming
Racquetball
Movies (Thrillers)
Cooking (with whatever is in the fridge)
Traveling
Have been involved with -
Make a wish foundation
March of Dimes
Breast Cancer Research Fundraisers
Susan Komen Foundation
Toys for Tots
Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom
YMCA (member and camp counselor)
Christmas in April
Gladstone Foundation
Am passionate about -
Clear communication
My family
Having fun
Fruit desserts and creme brulee
Real estate
Equity and justice
What are the top ten reasons that I should hire you two -
1. Jean is a California Certified Professional Real Estate Broker, e-Pro, Attorney & Notary Public
2. Skillful, Experienced Negotiators & Zealous Advocates
3. Intelligent & Enthusiastic with High Ethical
Standards
4. Outstanding Communication Skills
5. Ability to Read Between the Lines & Flush out True Concerns
6. Creative & Intuitive Problem-Solvers
7. Dependable, Reliable & Accessible
8. Welcome Diverse Clients
9. Get Results
10. Optimistic, Fun & Easy to Work With
What sorts of clients have you represented -
A Cellular Biologist who collaborates with UC Berkeley labs each summer, Canada
A Controller for Opts Events, El Cerrito
A Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, Richmond
An Urban Planner for an Architecture Firm, Berkeley
2 City of Berkeley Police Officers, Richmond, Oakland
A Psychotherapist and Mental Health Services Supervisor, Oakland
A UC Berkeley Internet-Based Education Systems Manager, Berkeley
A University of Michigan Ergonomics Professor, San Francisco
A French-English School Teacher, San Francisco
A March of Dimes Volunteer Coordinator, Berkeley
A UC Berkeley Police Officer, Hercules
An ADP Sales Representative, Richmond
A Coldwell Banker Real Estate Agent, Mill Valley
A Beautician at Skin City, San Francisco
An Integration Technology Company, MarketShareSolutions, San Francisco
A Search Engine Optimization Company, Ace Rankings, San Francisco
Can you two recommend -
Accountants
Antique Dealers
Appliance Specialists
Appraisers
Architects
Attorneys
Chimney Specialists
Contractors
Decorators
Doctors
Electricians
Floor Specialists
Gardeners
Haulers
Heating Specialists
Home Furnishing Retailers
Home Inspectors
Home Insurance Agents
Home Warranty Companies
House Cleaners
Landscapers
Life Insurance Agents
Long-Term Care Agents
Mortgage Brokers
Movers
Nursing Home Facilities
Out-of-area Agents
Painting Companies
Pest Control Companies
Plumbers
Roofing Specialists
Schools
Stock Brokers
1031 Exchange Specialists
Telephone Specialists
Tiling Specialists
Title Companies
Window Replacement Companies
It takes a strong team to make the selling or buying experience smooth and successful.
PLEASE CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR NEEDS - WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN EVERY WAY AND MAKE YOU A CLIENT FOR LIFE!
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