Testimonials

To say that we are extremely pleased with the results would be a tremendous understatement. There is no doubt that those results are attributable to the efforts and guidance that Helene gave us. Bottom line is that she worked tirelessly at making the house “hot.” We will certainly give her name to anyone who asks – and plenty of people who don’t.

Helene’s amazing focus, energy, sense of urgency, market knowledge, client care and personalized touch coupled with her experience, timely communication and incredible follow-through made it a real pleasure to have her represent our property.

Her word is everything and can be counted on. I do not believe there is a finer agent to represent either buyers or sellers in any price range. Her reputation working with buyers looking for a grand estate in the high-end market is matched in intensity and effort by her work with buyers who can afford less.

I met Helene Barkin serendipitously, like all great finds. My immediate impression was that she was, in a word, prodigious. Her depth in understanding and de-mystifying the East Bay housing market comes from years of sage experience, and she exudes that confidence in her skills. Her uncanny ability to read the emotional and cultural map of her client — who was unlike her in many ways — made her absolutely priceless to my journey.

As a busy surgeon, I needed efficiency, and she provided it. Helene exemplifies the highest standards in service, and imbues her working relationships with warmth and strength in the most trying and frustrating times. I feel so blessed to have had Ms. Barkin in my corner.

She is tireless in her handling of minute detail, she’s a terrific communicator, and she has an uncanny ability to make you feel like you are her only client. In a gentle, patient manner, Helene guided us through all travails.

I can’t think of any other agent in Berkeley who could have obtained the same extraordinary result as Helene. We rely without question on her professional opinions. The friends we referred to her have shared with us their own enthusiasm and appreciation for her work. Anyone in need of a listing or buying agent would be blessed to engage her.

Helene demonstrated sensitivity, flexibility and patience. She also went above and beyond, under some extenuating circumstances, remaining involved even after her work had technically been completed.

Helene’s foresight, smart analysis and fair assessment of the value of my family’s home made it clear to us that she was the right choice to represent us as a realtor. She used dynamite professionalism, business savvy and detailed planning skills to a degree I have never seen in a realtor — more even than exhibited by many senior managers I’ve dealt with in my 25 years in a professional arena.

Helene is great at explaining and masterminding negotiations. She manages to make everyone come out a winner. Her level of service and professionalism extends to everything she does, and she handles it all personally.

I am extremely particular, and wanted to be sure that when my home hit the market, it would look spectacular. Helene’s support people were so responsive and detail-oriented — all the work was done at a fair price, promptly and superbly.

Helene kept me calm and on track at a very emotional time. Be careful what you wish for with Helene – because you’ll get it.

Helene made our dreams come true. Truly! We know we wouldn’t be here today were it not for her exceptional talent, timeless work ethic and her dedication to her clients. From beginning to end, she made the home buying experience as seamless as possible and went out of her way to educate us on everything from the market, to negotiating tactics, to important ‘watch outs with older homes.’ We felt like we had the best champion throughout the process and when it was go-time on a very tough negotiation, she delivered big time and we now own the house of our dreams. I know from other people we’ve talked to that Helene truly goes above and beyond what other agents do.

She’s in another league of professionalism, expertise, market savviness and hustle. Several of our friends have worked with Helene and feel the same way we do. Our professional fields are competitive and so we know what it takes to navigate in the business world. We have been impressed from beginning to end with Helene’s honesty, integrity. and her savvy, mixed with a large dose of kindness, to be able to deliver the goods.

As we wake up each morning in this wonderful home, we are endlessly grateful and are thrilled to give her the highest recommendation possible.