"Like many significant events in one's life, buying a house can be an extremely stressful endeavor. I have purchased and sold a number of properties and have invariably found this to be the case no mater how simple the deal appears at first glance. Nevertheless, the purchase of my current home, with the help of Afsoon Shahrdar from Cashin & Company as my agent, was a unique and amazingly painless process. Before Afsoon, I had never had a real estate agent that I could really call "my agent." Most real estate professionals that I have worked with, while generally well intentioned, act primarily in their own best interest first and then in the client's second. Afsoon, on the other hand, went out of her way, time and again, to help with any problems that arose, whether it was negotiating the timing of the closing, to arranging for access to the house to allow inspections, to following up on a plumbing problem after the deal was long closed because she was not happy with the way the plumbing company had dealt with me. That kind of dedication, follow through, and personal concern without any additional financial incentive is rare in any circumstances and is certainly extraordinary in the fast-paced, high tension real estate market of Silicon Valley. Afsoon is a tough negotiator and her background in architecture is invaluable in assessing the real value of a home. I cannot imagine a better person to assist in selecting a home, negotiating a deal and making sure it all goes smoothly and seamlessly. Anyone who is lucky enough to have her as his or her agent should consider themselves in the best of hands."

"We moved from Netherlands to California without the slightest idea what the housing situation was all about. She took all her time to explain the environment, housing market, procedures, educational system, and logistics, and made us comfortable with what we though was an almost impossible stop. She showed us a number of houses and introduced us to financial advisors to talk about getting credit approval, which could have been an impossible thing if it weren't for her connections, since obviously we didn't have any credit history in the US. It was also because of Afsoon's great help that we decided to make the 'great move'. She had given us the confidence we needed in finding a place to set new roots. Before I forget, she didn't really push us one way or the other regarding buying or renting a place. She was very open about the pro's and con's of both options, and her advise was very professional. I have to admit it, we sometimes felt lost, not because of Afsoon, but because the changes were so huge. But it was Afsoon who put us back on our feet, and she kept on working hard and long hours to get us the house we liked. She took her time, and more time, and never gave up, even if we asked her for the third time. The after care was also very good, and her advise on all the 'non-real estate' questions was wonderful. She is truly a relocation specialist, and certainly not the typical salesperson whose only job it is to move as fast as possible to her commission. Always reachable, always responsive, and highly professional, we enjoyed a process that usually is quite nerve-wrecking. It was a great experience, and one we would only do again with her help."

Rene Bonvanie
Oracle Corporation

"We have recently completed the selling of a property in Redwood Shores. Ms. Shahrdar has excellent marketing abilities and she left no stone unturned in finalizing this deal. We were always informed of any situation that could affect the sale of the property. Based on these professional services we will be sure to contact Ms. Shahrdar if any future real estate transactions should occur."

Susan Bhatty
Collection Manager, United Airlines, E.C.U.

"Afsoon had been highly recommended to me. I decided to use her expertise in San Mateo Real Estate after interviewing fifteen agents from various companies. She proved her capability by marketing and selling my home in a timely manner for an excellent price in such a depressed real estate market. I would like to express my complete satisfaction. I will gladly recommend her to my friends and colleagues."

M. Amadi
Producer, X Dot 25 Productions

"After going to open houses for about 10 months on my own and being 'bounced' around by a few other real-estate agents, I had all but given up on my search for a home in the San Francisco Peninsula. After meeting you at an open home, you seemed like someone who genuinely 'cares' about her clients, follows through, and gets results. Many people in your profession 'talk' a good game but don't deliver, so I was a little reluctant to invest more of my time and energy with yet another agent. I'm glad I didn't throw in the towel and let you give it a try. To my amazement, within a few short weeks you found me a great house, ideal location, and (most importantly) within budget! I appreciated all the extra effort you put forth in making sure that my time wasn't wasted wandering through every home in the multiple listing. You did a great deal of leg work on your own, making sure every property we saw had most or all of the characteristics I desired in a home. You maximized the time we spent together. The outcome was a home I love, in which every one who walks in comments on how the house 'suits' my personality. This is a direct product of the 'commitment' you make to your clients. I never felt like you we're trying to 'sell' me something, rather, you were determined to help me find the right home. The process was enjoyable (which the purchase of a home should be) rather than the 'frustration' it had been in my past experiences."

Robert Bilotti
CFO Four Seasons

"It has been a pleasure dealing with Afsoon Shahrdar. She is highly professional, organized, and very personable. Afsoon has taken a personal interest and sincere one in helping us relocate. She is a 'Gem'!!

Mr. & Mrs. Ira Rosenbaum
Loral Space Systems

"From the beginning, Afsoon conducted herself in a very warm and professional manner. Given her knowledge of the Peninsula and the parameters that we outlined for her, she utilized our time efficiently and only showed us those properties that met our selection criteria. Since neither of us had any familiarity with the area, we found her advice and judgment extremely valuable in situating us. Following our move, she has kept in contact with us and continues to be a resource person as we become more familiar with this area. We consider Afsoon to be a relocation expert, and we recommend that any Oracle employee transferring to the Bay area would benefit greatly by utilizing her services."

Norm and Paula Raffish
Peoplesoft Corp.

"I am now more or less settled in my new home and enjoying it very much. I had really intended writing before now to thank you for efficient and gracious assistance before, during and after the purchasing process. I will certainly recommend your services highly to any friend or acquaintance."

David Williams
Remedy Corp.

"Thanks a million for your tireless efforts in searching for a home in Burlingame , and the time you spent with us holding our hands and guiding us through the long purchase process.Your knowledge of Burlingame Real Estate market was invaluable."

Pat & Raza Mostatabi

"Mike and I would like to sincerely thank you for helping us find our new home we truly appreciated your time and expertise. You really made our experience a pleasurable one!"

Nancy & Mike Popa
E-Trade Corp.

"We are very fortunate to have had you as our broker because as first-time buyers we were nervous about parts of the process and you were always accessible, returned phone calls promptly and were very thorough in explaining each step along the way so there were no surprises." 

Meg & Gerry Callahan

"This is the second nice house that you have helped us find. First, when we moved from San Francisco to San Mateo in 1993 and again in October 1996. We really appreciate your help very much. On both occasions you have treated our family like your own. You have shown great concern about the location and the kind of house that you have shown to us in the process. Your excellent knowledge of the market, location, and how to finance the house have been so helpful. In both occasions, you have helped us to find good financing. Your great patience in taking the time to show us the houses has also been appreciated. In 1992, it took us 6 months to find our house. Sandra and I were already giving up but you never were. Once again we really appreciate all you help in finding us our 'home.' We will not hesitate to refer you to anyone who is looking for a property in the San Mateo Real Estate market."

Irwan & Sandra Ojong

"My wife, Juliana, and I wanted to send you a note to inform you of the appreciation we have for the work that Afsoon Shahrdar did for us in the recent purchase of our new home. After initially looking at a range of houses, Afsoon developed a sense of our priorities and tastes and did an excellent job of pre-screening homes as they came on the market so that we were not spending an excessive amount of time looking at homes in which we were not interested. When houses that did fit our goals came on the market, Afsoon was very prompt in notifying us and showing them to us (often on the same day that the houses came on the market). Given that all three of the houses that we eventually put bids on were sold within a week of coming on the market, her promptness was greatly appreciated. In one case of a house for which we were considering making an offer, Afsoon obtained a copy of a general inspection report and helped us to determine that the problems to the foundation were significant enough that this house would not fit our requirements. Eventually, we found a house which fit our goals very nicely and made an offer which was accepted. Unfortunately, given today's heated market, the appraised value was a little bit below the agreed upon purchase price which would have made raising the funds for our loan very difficult. At this point, Afsoon was able to renegotiate a significantly lower price, which was a compromise between the initial offer and the appraised value. Thanks to Afsoon's hard work and skill, we were able to close on the home."

Dana Andersen
Genentech Corp.

"The Bay Area is a very challenging region to purchase a home. Home sales become very competitive and decisions need to be made at an often uncomfortable rate before a house of interest disappears. Buyers need someone like Afsoon to serve as an advocate. We would highly recommend Ms. Afsoon Shahrdar to both home buyers and sellers alike. Her extensive experience, impeccable character, and professionalism truly shine." 

Ben Franc & Anamarie Franc

Assistant Professor, Radiology Director, Corporate Strategy

UCSF SAP AG

San Francisco, CA Palo Alto, CA

I want to thank you for all you did for me in helping me sell my Aunts house in Belmont. I am a Realtor and know what it takes to be a great Realtor and I found that in you! I called the Keller Williams Peninsula Estate and asked the broker for one of his top agents that could help with the sale of property long distance. He recommended you and I would find out why during the next few months. The first conversation I had with you I knew I was in good hands, you sounded professional and you understood your market. When I was out in the Belmont area getting Aunties house cleared out, you took my husband and me to a property that you had helped an investor get ready for the market. I was very impressed with the house and what you had done with the paint, carpet, and updated kitchen and baths. Even the exterior of the property was in wonderful condition. I trusted you in all selection for our house. You picked out the paint color, tile for the kitchen, carpet, and all new appliances. You did all the coordinating between the contractors and vendors that I need to get the house marketable, from home inspectors, electrician, heating specialist, gardeners, handyman to roofers. The house needed a lot of work and I live in Virginia, I could never have done what we did without your help. And we did it on a budget as well!! I would recommend you to anyone I know in the San Francisco, Bay area. You are professional, proactive, and extremely knowledge. Please feel free to have any prospective clients call me and ask about my experience with you. I hope our paths cross again,

Debbie Buckley

The Garrell Group ,Keller Williams Realty

Afsoon knows the various neighborhoods around mid-peninsula in the Bay Area amazingly well. She was always available to show us houses, answer our questions, meet with us, and accommodate our schedule. With a market heated with competition & multiple offers in the Bay Area, we needed to work with someone who is knowledgeable & can follow the very fast pace of the market. Afsoon was acting fast and provided us always with all necessary information in terms of loan, housing market value, inspection, and the various processes involved in purchasing a house. Afsoon not only introduced us to a very beautiful neighborhood where we bought our house but also helped us to strategize the offer & present it to seller agent in order to make the purchase happen in a very competitive market. We strongly recommend Afsoon as a Real Estate agent/Consultant. 

J.Cizeron

Feb.2013