Having been involved in real estate investments for over 15 years, it’s now impossible to imagine buying and/or selling residential real estate without St. James+Canter representing me. I've worked with Cristie & Markus on several real estate deals over the last decade. Their efforts and results are unmatched by any other Realtor I've worked with. Cristie & Markus work tirelessly. They have a very positive “can do” attitude, they are honest and have a great reputation in the real estate business, both with peers and clients alike. My most recent transaction was on the selling end in this current economic climate and I have never seen anyone go to the great lengths it now takes to sell a high end house in this market. From the moment I listed with them until the day it sold, they had an open house every Sunday, they developed a great web site just for my house, had an amazing photographer capturing unbelievable photos of the house, had lots of advertising with photos in the LA Times, The MLS magazine and other print and online venues. Markus even did a video with a walk through narration of my house. Needless to say, Cristie & Markus sold my house, when many other realtors would have just given up. Words cannot express my gratitude and admiration for Cristie & Markus. I cannot wait to work with them again!!

My opinion of working with realtors was forever altered (in a very good way) after Markus Canter and Cristie St. James, of St. James + Canter, sold my home. My previous realtor experiences, regarding my personal residences, were mostly unpleasant and negative. Changing that perception was a major factor in who I chose to work with this time. The house I needed to sell was very unique and challenging; from the geographical hillside layout to the difficult market of potential San Fernando Valley buyers.

From our first meeting, Markus and Cristie were not only extremely enthusiastic but also very pragmatic. They concentrated on the positives of the property and addressed those areas that a buyer would be concerned with. They either helped to correct those concerns or he found a way to disarm them. They immediately went to work on how best to present my home as if it were their own. The sales process was long and difficult. We had numerous showings and multiple offers. It was a distressing and changing time in the Southern California real estate market and many potential buyers were skittish. Markus and Cristie were undeterred and extremely optimistic. As with any personal transaction, we had many discussions expressing frustration and concern. Through it, all Markus and Cristie maintained a professional and, most importantly, an upbeat and enthusiastic demeanor. After 5 months my house was sold for a very acceptable price. They were undeterred and relentlessly optimistic throughout.

To me, the true test of a successful business transaction is if you would ever partner with those individuals on another opportunity. Would I chose or refer St. James + Canter for a future real estate transaction? I’d be a fool not to.

My first encounter with St. James + Canter was as a buyer of one of their listings. After our first meeting, I felt comfortable emailing them directly with questions about the property (vs. my own agent). They always made themselves available to me so they could answer my every question. I honestly ended up talking to them more than the agent who represented me. I was so impressed with their work ethic and commitment to their careers that I hired Cristie and Markus in 2010 to sell one of my properties. I told Cristie and Markus that I was only willing to sell if got my minimum asking price. Undeterred, they quickly got the process started by putting together an impressive marketing campaign. The property sold in less than one month and I had my asking price. Cristie and Markus then represented me on a purchase for another listing that closed a few weeks later. In my opinion, many real estate agents do not take the time to get to know their client or put in the work to really earn their commission. Markus and Cristie are not like those agents – they take pride in what they do and I could not see myself ever hiring another broker to help me buy or sell a property.