Testimonials

 

I feel I was protected, taught and helped through a complicated process called selling one's home, and I know that the best thing I did was to ask you to take me on as your client.  The more I think about it all, the more I realize how simple you made it seem, while all the time you were doing all the things required, and you were directing all the workers involved and you were keeping me updated.  This doesn't begin to say how lucky I was, to have known you from your previous open houses and just how smart I feel for having recognized your quality and integrity and taking advantage of the opportunity to receive your services.

You helped me in so many ways, not least of which is that my home was sold in ONE WEEKEND, with 8 offers and was sold for the highest price ever in that condominium complex.  I want future clients of yours to be aware that I had left California and was establishing myself here, in Wilmington, N.C. and you took on all the work of getting my home ready.  Its clear you did a fabulous job of it and you saw to it that my car was sold, which is so above and beyond what I could or should have expected.  That worked out so very well too, a win-win situation that still brings a smile whenever I think of it.  You never let my dithering and uncertainty keep you from getting things done in the best possible way.  Your calm and patience are remarkable, two strong qualities for a realtor (and in a friend, which is how I think of you).  Please accept my thanks once again.   

 I will be in touch from time to time, because I don't want to let go of one of the best people I know and whom I greatly admire.  Anyone who is wise enough or lucky enough to have you as their realtor, will understand how I feel.

Mary K., ex-Palo Alto

 

Now that things have quieted down, I want to take the opportunity to thank you for the highly successful way you handled all aspects of the sale of my father’s Sunnyvale home.

 

My family and I profited from your thorough knowledge of preparing and marketing a house for sale, your organizational skills in managing the process, and your excellent overall judgment.  Your strategy for presenting the house as an unexpected — and possibly underpriced — “jewel” worked perfectly, as attested by the hundreds who visited it on the open house days and the many who made formal offers.

 

You juggled (and solved) inevitable problems with calmness and skill. I was especially impressed with your ability to find just the right contractors to help us get the house ready — and I know our house needed far more work than most.

 

Finally, just a word about your integrity, which we found to be unmatched. We learned early on that you always had our interests at heart, which gave us great comfort and confidence.

 

Thanks again, John, for a job that was extremely well done. I’m confident that your future clients will be as well served as my family and I have been.”

 

Karen B., Menlo Park

 

Thank you for the exemplary job you did in helping us sell the duplex.  We highly recommend you to anyone wanting to buy or sell property.

 

We knew there was a lot of essential repair/renovation work needed prior to offering the property for sale.  There were overwhelming numbers of details to tend to over the coming days.  As we live out of the area, we needed lots of help.

 

You recommended and we concurred with an action plan including bringing in reliable contractors to provide bids for painting, roofing, landscaping, and an assortment of repairs.

 

There was no way we could have managed the repairs and improvements necessary for the sale, even if we lived nearby.  We can't tell you how much we appreciated how you guided us in deciding what work should be done and then scheduling and watching after the contractors.

 

Arranging for the general, pest and mold inspections as well as analyzing their reports and advising us on what work to have done was invaluable.

 

Analyzing the offers from potential buyers and recommending addendum made our decisions easy.  And, of course, guiding us through the escrow process was critical.

 

Your communication skills are outstanding; we appreciated the detailed e-mail faxes that kept us in the loop each step of the way.  We highly recommend you to anyone who needs an exceptional real estate agent.

 

Joan and John B., Concord 

 

It was great to celebrate the sale of our condo...perhaps the challenges we faced made it that much more satisfying.

 

John, we will always be grateful to you and Claudia for all that you have done for us!

 

Jeff and Kathryn C.

 

This is to thank you for your assistance in helping us buy our home in Atherton.  It's seldom that a large transaction goes so smoothly.  The few hassles, minimal delays and the success of the financial negotiation was due in large part to your knowledge of the area and the real estate business and your willingness to work with us in a way that was comfortable to us.

 

Phil and I have both managed large projects in our careers.  You helped us successfully implement the largest project of our lives— without any surprises— a remarkable feat.

 

We are truly enjoying our new home.  Thanks for all your help and our best wishes for your continued success in helping others.”

 

Deborah M. and Phil M., Atherton

 

I was a first-time home buyer with very little knowledge of real estate business.  My criteria was very focused on a certain area based on advice from friends.  John took time to understand what it was I was looking for and provided me with other suggestions to meet my needs.  We quickly found a house and were able to negotiate a comfortable price.  Although the process went by quickly, I was comfortable at all times thanks to John’s helpfulness in explaining the process.  I would enthusiastically recommend John to anyone looking for a home.”

 

Jesus T., Menlo Park

 

John helped us prepare our condo for sale quickly, making suggestions and using people he knew.  We sold it soon after it came on the market with multiple offers.  John is our choice for any future sales.”

 

Rick P., Menlo Park

 

John's experience and professionalism helped make our first home purchase a clean, streamlined experience.  John was able to patiently address all our questions and really listened to what we were looking for.  We were impressed with his knowledge of the local real estate market and his interest in getting us the right place over getting the sale.  John's frankness swayed us from reacting to the heated market conditions and kept us focused on what our family was truly searching for.  Our closure went through without a hitch and we even bought below market. ”

 

Scott and Kimiyo S., Palo Alto

 

Our home buying experience with John was a wonderful thrill.  We love our new home and had John's incredible knowledge base and sound judgment on our side.  He is a genuine person and sincerely had our best interest in mind throughout the entire process.

 

John understands the nuances of home buying and was always very thorough in his research.  There were numerous times that John went above and beyond what was required of him.  He has diligently worked on our behalf and always made us feel that we were his most important clients.  He anticipated our questions, listened to our needs and desires, and was always responsive.

 

John is the best agent we have ever worked with and we will always use him as our agent in future transactions.  We wholeheartedly recommend him to our friends and families."

 

Raymond C. and Prascilla P., Menlo Park

  

We met John early in the house hunting process.  It was a pleasure working with him and he was very helpful showing us new listings in the area.  We got the second home we made an offer on even though our offer wasn’t the highest.  We are very pleased with the service he provided.  We wouldn’t hesitate to use John again or recommend him.”

 

Tom and Brenda P., Sunnyvale

 

I met John after using other agents and making nine unsuccessful offers.  My first offer with John was successful.  I appreciated John’s diligence in finding out information that I as a first-time buyer would not have known, such as structural costs for a house in Palo Alto where the fireplace was falling into the house.  John suggested that the first house I saw might not be right for me, and guided me to a house he’d seen that was perfect for me.  I felt that John was looking out for my best interests instead of just trying to make a quick sale.  I also appreciate that he followed up to help me with any needs AFTER the sale.”

 

Cameron T., Mountain View

 

As first-time home buyers we appreciated John’s low-key and informative approach.  We were able to find a nice home quickly, even in a seller’s market, and got the first house we made an offer on.”

 

Ken and Annette B., Redwood City

 

I was working with another agent but found John to be much more helpful.  With his assistance my family was able to find a house in our price range, one that wasn't even on the market at the time. ”

 

Jairo and Maria R., Menlo Park

 

Although we had done research on our own, John’s expertise in the area we liked and knowledge of what was available helped us to focus on the right home.  We were competing with another buyer and John’s advice during the offer process was invaluable.”

 

Steve and Lisa T., Palo Alto

 

We have recommended John and would not hesitate to recommend him again.  He helped us find and buy a nice home quickly in a seller’s market.  It was only our first offer and we were competing with four other buyers, but we got the house.”

 

Tom and Sodi H., Redwood City

 

We have nothing but satisfaction with our dealings with you, and feel free to mention our name with ‘satisfied customers’.  As you know, I have mentioned you to several clients in our circle of friends…Thank you also for favors up and beyond the ‘call of duty’.”

 

Kay and Emil R., Menlo Park

 

Many thanks for your prompt and efficient help in selling my Palo Alto condominiumthree weeks from listing to sale, and another four weeks to close of escrow.  I was very pleased with your and Claudia's preparation and presentation of the property.  There were multiple offers including a "no contingency", 8% over listing price offer from a well qualified buyer.  The transaction closed on schedule without surprises. 

 

I strongly recommend John for his attention to detail and ability to facilitate a smooth transaction.

 

Kent P., San Carlos

 

You have done it again!  You rented my condo in the record time and for a top dollar.  You are a real pro.  I used to rent my condos myself so I know how much work it involves.  I also had them rented by (other) realtors.  They couldn't even compare with you.  Your advertising, attention to the detail, screening of the tenants is unsurpassed.  Thank you very much for your excellent work.

 

Joanna R., Menlo Park

 

It was definitely great working with you.  Your advice was a great reading and very very helpful to us.  We will miss that now.  I have to thank you for for staying strong with us for a year too.”

 

Shailesh and Neelima M., Cupertino

 

(I'm grateful for) the association with you and all the tremendous help and encouragement you gave on the condo salecouldn't have done it without you. 

 

Natalie C., Palo Alto

 

Thank you so much for all your help and most importantly, your patience.  I'm very much enjoying my new home.

 

Mini K., Santa Clara

 

We write to thank you for your excellent work selling our Los Altos house this spring. Although we anticipated a good job, you surpassed our expectations in every respect.

 

Of particular importance was your quick handling of an issue that threatened to block our efforts to sell—how to find a satisfactory rental property that the tenants could move to, enabling us to put up the house for sale. Somehow you did it, and the deal moved forward.

 

Another issue involved how much to spend on fixing up a house that probably would be torn down and rebuilt. You estimated that an expenditure of $10,000 to $15,000 would yield a 10-fold return. Despite our skepticism, we spent money on modest repairs, painting, floor refinishing, and garden cleanup. We also followed your advice to rush the property to market in May. Sure enough, we got the payoff you predicted from among the half dozen offers you brought us. And the timing was perfect.

 

Your good advice and your experience made the deal move quickly and smoothly. In addition, your work selling my father’s Sunnyvale house in 2001 was outstanding. Now we’re pleased to recognize your accomplishment selling our Los Altos rental property. We’re confident that your future clients will be as well served as we have been."

 

Karen B. and Claude B., Menlo Park

 

THANK YOU!!!!  for all your help and hard work during this process.  Although at times it looked pretty bleak for us, your expertise and wealth of knowledge helped guide us through this tough market and for that I'm very appreciative. 

 

I also can't thank you enough for your help with all the little things which helped me tremendously, the upkeep of the landscaping, forwarding of mail, and lastly the smoke detectors.  Again, just like in 2000, I felt very comfortable through this process. 

 

The only bad part in this is that unfortunately you don't work the Los Angeles area, the agent I'll use down here has some pretty big shoes to fill.  Thank you for everything."

 

Jesus T., ex-Menlo Park

 

Thank you for your help all along the way.  In particular, your handling of the situation was instrumental in getting us the house at a price we are happy with." 

 

Fang X. and Deyu H., Palo Alto

 

Thank you for your help.  It was a great pleasure for me too working with you .  Your integrity in helping us find a house definitely went above and beyond the call of duty as a real estate agent.  It was a standard setting act, I must say."  

 

Toyu Y., San Carlos

 

You are the best real estate person I've ever encountered, and will recommend you to anyone I know looking for a house on the peninsula."

 
David C., ex-Palo Alto

 

Thank you John you've been so wonderful through this whole process and we are lucky to have found you as our agent."

 

Jeremy and Margret W., Burlingame

 

Thanks John.  It's been a real pleasure working with you.  In particular, I have been impressed by your integrity, and have felt comfortable placing a great deal of trust in your judgment.   It is nice to know that the person representing oneself is impeccably professional, reliable, and overall a good ambassador!"

 

Vai R., Palo Alto

 

John is a consummate professional.  Sure, I wish he discounted commissions more, but I suppose you get what you pay for.  He's always on time, communicates very well, knows all his neighborhoods, isn't pushy at all, and gives sage advice.  I do think he's better on the buy-side than on the sell-side, but it worked out well there too."
 
Mani V., Palo Alto

 

Once again, John, YOU RULE!!!"
 
Nicole W., San Jose

 

Thanks for all your help with this whole process.  We are both very happy with the outcome and really thankful that you were guiding us through the whole process."
 
Joe V., San Mateo

 

I sincerely appreciate all of your hard work in finding tenants for our rental house...Once again, a job well done!"
 
Tom M., Menlo Park

 

Thanks so much John...you are super duper!!"  
 
Diane M., Palo Alto

 

A Big Thank You for getting us into our first house and making the buying process a pleasant experience."
 
Mandar and Diana G., Mountain View

 

We have also appreciated working with you and couldn't be happier with the outcome."
 
Jed P. and Carolina R., Portola Valley

 

Thanks for all your valuable help and advice. A few months ago, we knew nothing about real estate. The way you educated us about the market (both theoretically and practically) was crucial in giving us confidence while making the decision, and your help in coordinating and managing all the inspections even after we entered into contract was highly significant. It was very important for us to find someone whose wisdom and experience we could trust, and who could represent our needs, and we're glad that we found you after our previous bad experience."
 
Omkar D. and Smita R., Mountain View

 

I strongly recommend John Fyten whether buying or selling a home. When relocating, I hoped to gain some shortcuts in targeting neighborhoods by working with someone knowledgeable and experienced. In working with John I got that and more. He effectively targeted my parameters from a distance and was extremely patient and helpful during the search process. John's assessments were accurate and his attention to detail superb. Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity."
 
Tracey V., San Mateo

 

He is really knowledgeable about neighborhoods, very detail oriented and overall a really awesome agent."
 
Lalitha R., Los Altos

 

It was a real pleasure working with John. His clear and calm directions and suggestions continuously leveled out the "bumps in the road". He successfully led us through the technical and emotional process of selling our condo in an unstable market."
 
George H., ex-Menlo Park

 

We appreciate all of your work, thank you, you are great communicator."
 
Nga P., Mountain View

 

Hey John, it has been a pleasure having you as our agent. Thanks for sharing your experience with us and for guiding us at each and every step of our house buying process. We are excited with our purchase and are eagerly waiting to move into our own home, we can't thank you enough for making it possible.
 
Shikha A., Mountain View

 

Wow !!!  Great work !!! ... You made it a simple, fast and easy sale for us.  You did a fantastic job and Rita and I sincerely thank you for making it all work :)
 
Tom M., Menlo Park

 

From an email between a prospective client and a former client:

I'm wondering whether you would recommend John, and if so, why?

 
I would definitely recommend him. 
 
 * Knowledgeable on LONG TERM peninsula real estate trends
 
 * He's "by the book" when it comes to the gruntwork.   I closed on one of my places with a lower bid because his offer paperwork was cleaner.
 
 * Extremely patient.
 
 * Good judge of people.  He's able to read you,  your current situation and your needs better than most.
 
 * Good intuition.  He's made good guesses about how things will turn out.  Very helpful in predicting the end in bidding wars.
 
Would you consider him an expert in the Palo Alto and Menlo Park area?
 
Best I've come across.  Ask him about long term historical trends. :)

Anything positive and/or negative you can say about him would help us greatly in making a decision.
 
I'll start with the negative first cuz that's short:
 
He's not a good realtor if you are unsure about the idea of owning a house.  He won't give you a kick in the pants even that's what's needed. I can think of 2 out of 7 interesting Palo Alto properties where I needed that kick so I could catch a great opportunity before it slipped through my fingers. 
 
For context on my opinions, here's a summary of my experience with John:
 
* Worked with a different (mediocre) agent in Santa Clara during the late dot com days.
 
This other agent was really interested in the money.  The house was really a bad choice in hindsight, both as an asset and a lifestyle choice.  I was new to real estate and made all the classic mistakes. It was only good fortune that the greedy seller rejected my insanely high bid hoping for even higher offers. 
 
* Bought 2 condos through John. I felt like I was paying what was fair market value at the time.
  
The first condo was my primary residence.  I knew I was paying a premium for downtown Palo Alto, and was looking for the cheapest thing possible.  I started with a really run down property.  John helped me make bids on this first attempt, but informed me of all the baggage the place entailed and prevented me from overbidding.  The place finally sold for way over my bid, which worked out very well.  After that experience John introduced me to Townhouses and Condos in a better price range, and I went for the middle of the road choice.  Its a condo, so you can't expect too much from it financially, but it was by far the best quality of life choice I could have made.
 
The second condo was my first great experiment into an investment property.  John was extremely helpful in setting expectations and went above and beyond helping me with my renter.
 
* Sold 1 condo through John. Felt like I got fair market value at the time. 
 
I sold the investment property.  John did a fantastic job helping me first scope, then  coordinate the remodeling/presale work needed for a sale.  The sale went through reasonably quickly at a reasonable sale price.
 
* bought 1 house through John.
 
I was looking at bottom of the  housing market in Palo Alto.  Most houses in that price range are very rough or are placed too low so the sellers can trigger a bidding war.  John prepared me for this, but let me go through the experience on my own.  In the end, he introduced me to other alternatives in the same price range but were at the edge of some other top neighborhoods.  John eventually steered me to one of those rare deals of the lifetime, where I got that legendary "diamond-in-the-rough" for well below market.  In this rare instance, the house was inherited property being sold through "difficult" realtors.  John helped me dig up lots of leverage from city zoning and helped set my expectations appropriately.  It was an unusually long sales process, and I know John was doing lots of painful back-and-forth with the sellers behind the scenes.  I love the house and the area enough that I'd have trouble moving back to Crescent Park, Palo Alto.

 

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