Thanks to Steve and Kris Berg, we are in the home that we dreamed of owning. Shortly after our first meeting with the Bergs, we received an email from Steve regarding a home that just came up on the MLS. We reviewed the photos and we were surprised that it seemed to fit all of our qualifications (they really must have been listening to us when we told them what we were looking for), so we were cautiously optimistic. We went to view the home and as they say, “as soon as we walked in the front door, we knew we wanted the house”. So, here comes the fun…the buying process had some challenges, as it was a short sale, but we were in good hands with the Bergs.

After the home officially became ours, we then went to work selling our condo. The original reason that we decided to interview Steve and Kris was their impressive marketing, so now it was time to test the waters. So, as expected, they did a phenomenal job in marketing our condo. With the help of a professional stager, photographer, and a beautiful brochure as well as a stunning virtual online tour, our home sold the first day on the market at full asking price.

The talk of purchasing my parent’s home began years ago as a big conversation of “what if?” It as a big leap for us to begin to put those words into action. contacting you was the first step.

We knew well before that time came that we wanted to work with San Diego Castles. In a neighborhood flooded by realtors, you stood out. Your website not only advertised your services, but your professionalism and knowledge.

You jumped right in to an unusual and at times, awkward situation and handled it with ease. You knew exactly what to do to produce results and not only did we receive an offer our first day on the market, but when that fell through, we had another four offers as soon as we relisted! You were always professional, supportive and truly our advocate. No matter how busy you were, you always had time for our myriad of questions and made us feel that we were the only clients you had. That is the true sign of providing high level customer service.

We can not begin to thank you. While this may be what you do every day, this was a major life change for us. We will always remember the part you played in making our dream of owning this home come true for our family.

See you around the neighborhood!

We were very satisfied with Kris Berg as our realtor in Scripps Ranch. She had a wealth of information, did a lot of extras such as hiring a stager to stage our home to it’s optimal advantage, had a professional photographer capture the best features of our home, displayed a personalized sign in our front yard as well as providing glossy, personalized flyers that were in good supply in the front yard pouch.

She managed our questions and rough spots extremely well. When our buyer offered a purchase price above our asking price, Kris cautioned us ahead of time that it was highly unlikely that our home would be appraised for that amount. This early information helped to prepare us for the inevitable lower appraisal that came in. When things got tense for us, Kris helped us understand and keep the selling process in perspective Just that honest feedback is what did it for us.
We applaud Kris (and Steve in the background of our sale) for her knowledge and professionalism. If you want competence, honestly, and the ability to market your home with all the bells and whistles, Kris Berg is your realtor.

We were very satisfied with Kris Berg as our realtor in Scripps Ranch. She had a wealth of information, did a lot of extras such as hiring a stager to stage our home to it’s optimal advantage, had a professional photographer capture the best features of our home, displayed a personalized sign in our front yard as well as providing glossy, personalized flyers that were in good supply in the front yard pouch.

She managed our questions and rough spots extremely well. When our buyer offered a purchase price above our asking price, Kris cautioned us ahead of time that it was highly unlikely that our home would be appraised for that amount. This early information helped to prepare us for the inevitable lower appraisal that came in. When things got tense for us, Kris helped us understand and keep the selling process in perspective Just that honest feedback is what did it for us.
We applaud Kris (and Steve in the background of our sale) for her knowledge and professionalism. If you want competence, honestly, and the ability to market your home with all the bells and whistles, Kris Berg is your realtor.

Having followed Kris’s Real Estate blog for years, and having purchased a home that she and Steve represented, my wife and I called upon Kris when the time came to sell our home in Scripps Ranch. Kris performed the dog and pony show of how they’d market the home, and then she and Steve each presented their take on the fair market value.

While acting as a buyer’s agent, Kris listened to what my wife and I wanted and only presented properties that she knew would meet our expectations while remaining in budget.

Thanks to Kris’s advice and market savvy, we were able to sell our home and closed escrow in a timely manner.

I recommend Kris (and Steve) to anyone looking for an agent in the area they serve.
Having followed Kris’s Real Estate blog for years, and having purchased a home that she and Steve represented, my wife and I called upon Kris when the time came to sell our home in Scripps Ranch. Kris performed the dog and pony show of how they’d market the home, and then she and Steve each presented their take on the fair market value. While acting as a buyer’s agent, Kris listened to what my wife and I wanted and only presented properties that she knew would meet our expectations while remaining in budget. Thanks to Kris’s advice and market savvy, we were able to sell our home and closed escrow in a timely manner. I recommend Kris (and Steve) to anyone looking for an agent in the area they serve.

Kris was so patient with us during our first time home buying experience. She walked us through the process and used her sense of humor to keep things fun, because we all know how fun short sales can be! She was incredibly responsive during the 5 month process. Kris really took care of us and was always looking out for our best interest. Thanks, Kris!

We met Kris Berg in 2001 when she represented us in the purchase of our home in Scripps Ranch. Immediately, we felt confident in her ability to represent our best interest and in her depth of knowledge. Later, in 2005, we hired Kris and Steve to sell our home in SR. They did an amazing job marketing and pricing our home. As luck would have it, Steve brought the buyer and the process of selling was so smooth since the seller’s agent and buyer’s agent were so familiar with one another! I know that they each represented their clients with complete professionalism. It was without a doubt the smoothest sale of a home we’ve ever experienced! In 2009 we returned to San Diego after living in Indiana for 3 years. My husband and I didn’t need to even discuss who would be helping us buy a home…we have such confidence in the Berg’s. Both Kris and Steve assisted us throughout the purchase of our home in 4S Ranch. They were incredibly patient and thorough in their dealings with us. We have appreciated the help, expertise, and patience the Berg’s have shown us over the years! We will definitely be hiring them to sell our current home (when and if that time comes!!).

Kris:
When you told me that I could sell my Scripps Ranch home from NE without having to fly back to CA, I have to admit I was a little concerned. You quickly put my concerns at ease with your professionalism, planning, and proactiveness. Everything fell into place quickly just like you told me. Getting a solid offer on the first day the house went on the market was due to all your efforts (stagging, prepping, ect).
Thank you.
Regards,
Gisele

Steve & Kris Berg did an excellent job in determining a good asking price & listing my home 10990 Red Rock Dr in Scripps Ranch. They were well organized, efficient, friendly & comfortable to work with. If I had questions, I knew I could just call & get answers quickly. My home sold in 1 day at full asking price! Unbelieveable! I’m so pleased. Steve patiently help guide & reassure me through escrow papers & the whole process. I would definitely have Steve & Kris Berg handle my future real estate needs. Thanks so very much, you two!

I happened onto Kris’s blog as I was very upset at my buying agent trying to charge me a Transaction Coordinator fee and wanting me to sign a exclusivity agreement to purchase a condo for my son and dog in the UTC area. Well, my then agent did me a huge favor as the condo that Kris found for me was just perfect for Krissie, our dog.

It was a great pleasure working with Kris through this unconventional transaction. Kris is patient and very responsive to all my emails. I value her advice and her reassurances actually calmed my nerves as we approached the closing deadline.

Kris, Thank you and I would not hesitate to work with you again should another real estate opportunity come up in San Diego.

Thanks to Steve and Kris we have moved into our our new house. We had a tremendously complex transaction that included selling our home in Scripps Ranch and buying another home in North County. We had met with Kris and Steve on prior occasions but finally decided to make the jump. We felt completely comfortable with their expertise in the entire San Diego market and decided to use them for both transactions. They were wonderful in selling our house. They helped stage and photograph our house and got the best price we could have expected in a tough market. Steve drove us around North County and helped us get a wonderful house that even we thought was a little out of our reach. The real expertise of the Bergs was shown when we had trouble with our lender who added a stipulation that our house had to be sold prior to the closing of the new house. The Bergs worked with all of the parties involved to have our selling date moved up 3 weeks and our buying date extended . It was extremely stressful for us but the Bergs really helped us through this process. They were extremely professional throughout both of our transactions. They are very accessible and easy to talk with. They take the time to explain and educate. I’m not sure any other team could have helped us as much as they did. I would highly recommend the Berg’s for any of your real estate needs. Thanks Steve and Kris!

Working with Kris and Steve has been excellent!
I called Steve and he and Kris came out to talk to me right away. I hired them and immediately they got to work. They go the extra mile immediately to get the sale done. They brought in a “stager specialist” and photographer and the results were excellent. They know everyone or “everyone ” knows them which assured the agents who showed my home -things would be in top condition. They are using all the state of the art tools for paperwork and everything and everyone involved worked right on time. They invest their money on advertising. (including Zillow- expensive) I did not know what to expect in this market, this time of year, and this price point, (economy & bank conditions) Everything was “smooth” . I know that this is hard to believe but it is true. Steve found the buyer after all. Even better. Probably the most important part of my experience is: I ENDED UP WITH A GOOD AND FAIR PRICE ON MY HOME in 58 days-I would not use anyone else If I were you.

We were buyers new to No. San Diego, and Steve Berg of Castle Realty gave us an education in this market that was invaluable. No pressure, just a desire for us to find the right home for what we had to spend.

If you want realtors who not only listen, but pick up on your body language about the homes you see – try the Berg’s & their Castle Realty. Steve never made me feel that I was putting him out with the many, many viewings we went to. He was a calm advisor, and a good sounding board.

We took three trips to the house we finally bought, with Steve’s advice on how we could make the minor changes needed for it to feel like home. Now it is. We appreciated their professionalism and low-pressure approach to this huge life decision. Steve could tell when a home wasn’t right for us, and didn’t waste our time.

I am a San Diego native, and have lived in Scripps Ranch since 1982. However, the process of buying a home in Scripps Ranch was not going smoothly or successfully for me. After working with another agent for over 8 months, I still had not accomplished my goal of purchasing a home. Knowing the Scripps Ranch area and available agents, I felt that Steve and Kris would be one of the few teams out there who would know the area just as well or even better than myself! So, I called Steve and Kris and they kicked things into high gear!

I am a single parent, in the most competitive price segment and have impossibly high standards – but Steve never gave up in finding and attaining my dream home for me! His knowledge of the market, price points, and cyclical availability of properties was wonderfully helpful. He also had the patience to go through so many showings for myself, my parents and my daughter. He had a fantastic sense of humor and always stayed positive even when I couldn’t see my way to success.

Steve and Kris have also really thought about how to make the whole real estate process easier on their clients. Their electronic document signing system was truly invaluable! I could not imagine having to run in to sign an offer or have the hassle of constant faxing in order to keep the process moving. The online signing system basically took a couple of clicks of the mouse and I was done! So helpful!

Even after the sale closed and we had just moved in, Steve acted as a great intermediary/consultant regarding a house warranty issue we had with the water heater. His service never ended!

My daughter and I are now happily settled into our forever home, and we know we couldn’t have gotten here without the constant dedication, knowledge, positive attitude, and ease of process that Steve and Kris gave us.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

In February 2011 we decided to place our Scripps Ranch home on the market. We wanted to downsize because both our daughters are in college and no longer needed a large home. In 2002 Kris sold our home in Scripps Ranch for us and she did an outstanding job. The difference between this time and last time was the extreme downturn in the real estate market. We needed someone we could trust and someone who knew the best approach in this market. As expected Kris provided us with an outstanding overview of the market and provided us with her marketing plan. Our home was only on the market 22 days when we received two offers. The 30 day escrow process went flawlessly because of Kris.

We are now about to close escrow on a home we purchased in Kensington. Kris was our agent in this process as well. We had the opportunity to see her expertise as both a buyers and sellers agent. She was just as good helping us buy a home and she was selling our home.

What sets Kris and Steve apart from other agents is their cutting edge marketing plan and their expertise – and throw in two great personalities. But what impressed us the most was their honesty, integrity and work ethic.

[...] is this. We began doing this long before Zillow rolled out the feature. We have been doing it on our own site, for the benefit of our own clients and would-be clients. We do not fear the transparency; we [...]

[...] is this. We began doing this long before Zillow rolled out the feature. We have been doing it on our own site, for the benefit of our own clients and would-be clients. We do not fear the transparency; we [...]

Posted from letter with permission:

Kris, you and Steve did a great job in a difficult situation and made it very stress free. You’re the bomb!

Stuart Bathard

Posted from letter with permission:

Kris, you and Steve did a great job in a difficult situation and made it very stress free. You’re the bomb!

Stuart Bathard

Posted from letter with permission:

Kris, you and Steve did a great job in a difficult situation and made it very stress free. You’re the bomb!

Stuart Bathard

You both were excellent and your coaching and advising on the subtle aspects of the marketing and the transaction were especially helpful. Thanks for everything.

Steve and Kris, You two are alone the real estate equivalent of a wireless network! I could see your professionalism at every turn, from Kris’ voice and humor in her blog to Steve’s patience with worried, micromanaging clients. You got the job done in less than 90 days in a tough market and the job you did had not one thing to do with luck! All the best and continued success.

Hi Steve, Kris,
It was a pleasure to have you as our selling agent, we appreciate your time and efforts to help us sell our house during the current economic situation.
I will recommend your names to our friends and family going forward.
Thanks,
Taher and Rula
 
 

We were fortunate to have Steve & Kris represent us on two separate real estate purchases.  They are experienced, knowledgeable & caring agents.  They asked probing questions to understand exactly what was important to us.  Given we were new to this market the search criteria evolved over time as we learned different areas.  Steve & Kris understood this was a learning process and were patient throughout.  In addition, they have a strong team of agents standing by for additional support, if needed.  We would recommend Steve & Kris without reservation and look forward to working with them on our next transaction.
-Kaveesh

Outstanding.  Highly recommend!!! Ken Selzer

Chris and Steve sold both my home in Scripps Ranch and my sister’s condo in Tierresanta.  Their knowledge, professionalism and work ethics leave other brokerage firms in the dust, from the quality of their brochures and signs to efficiently handling the mounds of paperwork connected with offers and the ultimate sale.  They love what they do and it shows.  In a very tight market, they sold both our homes in a little over a week at the price we wanted.  Both Steve and Kris bring their individual strengths and personalities to the team making them a dynamic combo.  I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Claire Shumaker

Kris was wonderful to work with.  I can’t imagine there being anyone as knowledgeable about local real estate as she is.  She’s incredibly thorough, detail-oriented, and her technological savviness helped get things done quickly and efficiently.  Kris managed to sell our home and find us a new one concurrently, with both closing on the same day.