Alain Pinel Realtors

We hired Emily Barraclough and Esther McClay and could not have been happier. We had a complex situation, relocating from Southern to Northern California. In addition, we had to find a home over the holidays, as well as long distance. We were impressed from the outset at how prepared, informed, and professional Emily and Esther were. Within an hour of letting them know we wanted to retain them as our agents, we were on tour throughout the Pleasanton area, viewing all of the available properties in our price range. Emily & Esther were very patient that first day, and paid close attention to all of the details that were important to us. They didn’t just listen to what we said; they observed us and our reactions to the properties we were looking at.
After exhausting all of the limited inventory that first day, my wife and I flew back south without having found a new home. But we returned two weeks later, and after we decided to view a home we had previously disregarded, decided we were happy with it and should make an offer.
Ours was a complex transaction. We had only entered escrow on the house we were selling, which made it contingent. My wife and I were in different cities most of the time and so signing documents was challenging. Our selling escrow ran into some delays; we also had a few hiccups in lining up our financing.
Throughout all of this, Emily & Esther were champs. They made sure we always were on top of things; they didn’t let US drop the ball. We certainly never had to worry about them dropping it. As our San Diego escrow was delayed, the sellers started getting very worried; we had to extend the escrow for the purchase. Emily kept the sellers and their agent calm, managed their expectations beautifully, and we closed just a few days late… all because of the San Diego property, not the Pleasanton one.
On top of this, Emily or Esther were always, always available and helped in many ways that a realtor doesn’t have to. They provided very detailed information about the schools and services in the area. They helped line us up with a handyman to make some improvements before we moved in. One of them was always available to meet or talk to us; which was critical, since we either had to fly in or arrange conference calls.
I also must go out of my way to say that they are both really, really nice people. Could not recommend them more highly. I hope it’s a long time before I need a realtor in the area again, but I will call them first.

We sold our house through Alain Pinel Pleasanton on Main Street and used Linda Goveia as our agent. Worst experience ever! You had to schedule your open houses around her personal schedule. On many occasions, she had another random realtor hold it for you, as she was too busy. On many weekends, there was no open house, as no one was available to do it. In addition, she is more worried about becoming friends with the buyers agent than watching out and negotiating for your best interests as her client. Worst of all, she shares your personal and financial information with everyone! I heard all of our personal information via Linda coming back at me from my friends at my gym. Bottom line, you pay a good fee to your realtor for selling your house, you expect GREAT service and professionalism. Unfortunately, with Linda Goveia, this was not the case. You can and should find a better realtor to work with you to sell your home.

We recently worked with Emily Barraclough. I don’t believe there is a better realtor out there! She was super patient and truly informative to us. We are first time buyers and she walked us through every step of the way. I will and have recommended her to friends and family. I think any other realtor would have given up on us because we were very picky and had a tight budget but she was amazing. She went out of her way so many times to help us out and she stuck up for us as her clients to make sure we got the best deal on the house.
Our loan process was not easy but that had nothing to do with Emily or APR. Loans are very hard right now and we kept having to prove more paperwork but in the end we did close and we got a house we love. Emily did everything in her power to push the loan agent to get our loan done on time, even though this was outside of her duties as a realtor.
Someday when we out grow this house or decide to buy a second one we will definitely use Emily again. I really can’t say enough amazing things about her. If you are not sure who to go with or unsure about anything I would recommend calling Emily and after just a few minutes I am sure you will feel the same way about her.

Stay away — far, far away!
After our agent and their recommended lender weren’t giving us answers, I spoke with the branch manager regarding a home we had entered into contract on. Ron Faught, the branch manager, told us with certainty that our loan would be closing within the week. With this information, we put in our 30 day notice, only to receive word one week later that the loan wasn’t approved with their lender (would have been approved with our lender). Thanks to the people at this office, our family will not have a place to stay at the end of this month!

After seeing a home we decided turn in our application. The fax number on the app was wrong. We had to make multiple calls and leave multiple messages before the Realtor Sam called us back. Finally after we faxed our app to him he kept telling us «by the end of today I will have answer» after multiple attempts at trying to reach him. This was the most difficult process I’ve ever been through with a «professional» Realtor. I will never deal with this group again. I recommend staying away from this group!!!