A client came to me a few years ago with contradicting specifications for their retirement home as they sought to exchange the harsh winters of the Midwest for the sunny climate of Santa Barbara. They were a couple with two hearts. The professorial husband's wish was for a reclusive lair while his warm, upbeat wife wanted an open space. Where was I going to find a tree house and a cave in one?

I've been a real estate broker in Santa Barbara for many years, long enough to know that I still love matching people to the places that they can call home, no matter how left field and seemingly impossible their requirements.

I have always viewed it as a privilege when clients share their needs, desires --- and sometimes life stories --- in order to help me understand their vision of their next home, whether it's a place they can hang their hat and retire, or a sanctuary from the furies of their fast-paced lives. I never take it for granted that people have deep-seated desires and needs that make them who they are and I keep at it until I find a dwelling that my client can uncompromisingly call "home".

Just as I love working with people, I equally enjoy the sport of finding a house my clients will appreciate. It's a thrill when I find that gem, as my efforts as part psychologist (really listening and understanding my client's needs and desires) and part matchmaker (scope and ferret out the properties) pay off.

So, is there such a thing as a treehouse-cave in Santa Barbara? You bet. And I'm happy to report... I found them the perfect home and they lived there happily for many years before moving in to a retirement community.

Dear Pam,

Just a short note to formally express the appreciation that we both have for the truly great service that you have provided us since we first met back in October.

Throughout, you have exhibited a prodigious level of professionalism, enthusiasm, optimism, attention to detail, and just plain hard, smart work. The fact that it paid off with two offers in less than 60 days (after our previous experience!) is nothing short of remarkable.

When we first met, you said that if you were as successful as you assured us you would be (and you were certainly right), that what you wanted in the end was simply a referral. Well needless to say, Linda and I will not only refer any and all prospects enthusiastically to you, but will try to convince them that they should not even consider using any other resource.

Thanks again for being all we were looking for and more, and we look forward to on ongoing friendship with you in the coming years.

Very Sincerely,
Bill and Linda Edgar

To Whom It May Concern -

Pamela Taylor is a wonderful real estate agent. Let me explain.

Though we’d lived in San Francisco, I’d never been to Santa Barbara until the summer of 2000. Then, some California friends suggested that we vacation there. We’ve traveled a lot with these folks from Shanghai to Sea Ranch, Honolulu to Florence, and we’d chatted about again living near each other.

So, we recruited a Realtor for our summer vacation. Frankly, we wasted two days. He literally lacked a sense of direction, as well as a sense of our needs.

Nevertheless, Santa Barbara worked it’s magic. Last Christmas, my wife and I returned for a vacation. It was 72 in Santa Barbara, 1—one degree—in Chicago. We definitely were motivated buyers.

I’m in the magazine field, so we looked through a copy of Santa Barbara magazine for Realtors. A series of calls narrowed us down to two Realtors.

Fortunately, Pam showed up first.

Pam knows her Upper Riviera from her Isla Vista. She showed us a variety of targeted listings. She also knew her left from her right.

Pam took us to a place we really liked. She knew it would be a second home for a while, and she helped us separate ‘now’ from ‘later’.

Now comes the really impressive part.

After four visits, we stood in the empty home – never more space than when they’re vacant, right? -and realized that, despite that great view, it was just too small.

When we called Pam, she turned on a dime. A few questions later, a new list, a different part of town, larger, more traditional places.

We bought the second home she showed us.

Pam found us our dream house. She deciphered California’s myriad purchasing forms on a real-time basis. Despite my best efforts, the bank she recommended had the best loan offering, and a rock-steady finance officer.

The highest compliment I can pay Pam Taylor is that she began as our realtor, and now she is our friend.

See you on 101,
Abe Peck

Named Educator of the Year for 2003-04 by the Magazine Division of the Assn. For Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Theodore R. and Annie Laurie Sills Professor and Chair, Magazine Program, Medill School of Journalism; Director of Magazine Programs, Media Management Center,
Northwestern University

Dear Mr. Pitts:

This is an unsolicited letter of extreme praise for one of your realtors. We can’t begin to tell you now honest, helpful, knowledgeable, professional, responsive and sensitive to our needs Pamela Taylor has been. We have dealt with many realtors over the years; having bought and sold over ten homes, but never have found one as outstanding as Pam.

There was a recent article in an Arizona newspaper by a nationally syndicated writer, Ellen James Martin, entitled: “Looking for a Dream House? Find a Dream Agent” that describes Pam Taylor to a ‘T’. It took her just a short time to find out what we were looking for – she was able to tune into our tastes exactly. This allowed her to select properties that were precisely what we needed to see without wasting our time with ones in which we would not be interested. She was incredibly patient, never sought to rush us, and was extremely efficient. She returned our calls promptly and was always enthusiastic, even when slogging through muddy properties in the rain! She was always positive, had up-to-date information, knew the Santa Barbara neighborhood intimately, and provided support and services that went far beyond what one would normally expect of a realtor. Even after the property was purchased, Pam kept in touch, (we were still in Philadelphia) and volunteered to help in any way she could.

As you have probably guessed, we did find our “Dream House” and Pam has become a trusted friend. We already have recommended Pam to several potential buyers, and will continue to do so, because we know she is the best! You are very lucky to have someone like Pam representing your organization.

Sincerely,
Thomas L. Dent, M.D. & Joan Rosenberg-Dent