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Fran and Gil Troutman were instrumental in the sale of my late father’s house in Menlo Park. We chose them as listing agents because we have known Fran and Gil for over 25 years and consider them to be impeccably honest, personable, perceptive, and extremely professional. They did an exceptional job helping us prepare the home for sale – coordinating inspections, repairs, painting, carpeting, decorating, etc. We were very satisfied with the quality of work of those they recommended. Fran and Gil’s follow-up and attention to detail made the selling process very successful for everyone.
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Since we live in Saratoga and were unfamiliar with the real estate market in Menlo Park, we especially relied on their expertise in pricing and marketing the property. Their guidance through the marketing, negotiation, and closing process was outstanding. This was particularly difficult because of the partial ownership of the house by extended family and a complicated trust.
We highly recommend Gil and Fran Troutman and wouldn’t hesitate to list a home with them again.
| Mike and Denise Salisbury, Almaden Valley |
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Fran and Gil were a great find for us. First, their marketing style and materials are top notch. One look at their fliers will let you know you're dealing with professionals. They believe, as we do, that generating more interest in your house will invite more offers which will result in the highest price.
Second, they have a low-key approach to their business that worked perfectly for us. They didn't push us to make particular decisions, but instead offered up as much information as we needed to make our own.
Finally, they work together effectively as a team. They complement each others interests and expertise, and they were always available to answer our questions and calm our nerves. We would not hesitate to recommend them for anyone looking to buy or sell a house. |
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| Jeff & Yoshiko Baer, Saratoga |
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As a review, we were looking for a home with an excellent school system in a family oriented community for our two sons, Eric and John. We met at an open house and over the next two months saw many homes. We couldn't seem to find the "right' home in the "right" community. One day from an "open house", you called us with a new listing you thought might be of interest. We met later that afternoon and loved the home. We competed with multiple offers and won acceptance with our large down payment. What a wonderful birthday present, the perfect home in a perfect location. Next you guided and supported us through the escrow process and we closed a month later.
We have owned the home for about a month now and we love it ... and you are still providing excellent support!
Working with a true professional real estate team is a great experience." |
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| Joanne and George Stone, Almaden Valley
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My wife Joanne and I have had the pleasure of knowing Fran and Gil Troutman for many years.
This friendship and other factors led to our selection of them and Coldwell Banker as our representatives in the selling of our home in June, 2005. Important to us was our first-hand knowledge of their integrity, honesty, engaging personalities, work ethic, training, technical knowledge, initiative, ethics, and sound business policies. These factors gave us a high level of trust from the beginning. We believe all these characteristics came into play to gain us the highest price for our home. |
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To sell our home within a tight timeline, Fran and Gil guided us on a daily basis to handle the many details such as paperwork, inspections, meeting inspection requirements, property improvements, legal responsibilities, negotiations, moving, staging, etc. Their attention to detail and timely advice relieved us of much of the pressure of selling and moving. This turned out to be very important in our total satisfaction with the results of their efforts.
We greatly appreciated their dedicated efforts which, by the way, continued as they helped us with sound advice as we searched for a home in the northwest. Since leaving San Jose we have recommended Gil and Fran to several friends. We feel very confident in doing so.
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"As you know, I had been looking for a home on-and-off for the past several years, but had not found the perfect home. Because of a demanding career, the time that I was able to devote to my search was limited. Several times I had re-engaged in my search both with and without the help of realtors. However, I quickly became frustrated with the poor quality of many homes and neighborhoods, the high prices and the competitive bidding process for the best homes.
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I recently decided to renew my search, and like many buyers found a couple of homes on the internet that seemed interesting. My Mom suggested that I give you a call, and I'm glad that I did. My search criteria was to find a home that could be expanded, on a large lot and in a good school system for my family. I also wanted to find a home that had been remodeled and would not require much work. Over the first weekend you helped me find the perfect home, which had been listed just a few days before. We competed with multiple offers and won acceptance with a well thought out strategy. Next you guided and supported me through the escrow process which closed just 16 days later!
I appreciate not only your ability to help me find the perfect home, but also your diligence and the experience and judgment that you used to guide me through each step of the home buying process (particularly as a first time home buyer).
I have owned the home for about a month now and love it ... and you are still providing excellent support!
Working with a true professional real estate team is a great experience."
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"When I first began the process of selling my house, I had no idea what was involved. It turned out to be one of the most daunting tasks of my life, but I couldn't have weathered it without your help.
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I soon found out that having a good real estate agent makes all the difference. My house sold in seven days for considerably more than asking price, while my neighbor's house languished on the market for weeks.
What made the difference? I think it was attention to detail, knowledge of the market, and the willingness to do whatever it took. I was in a difficult period in my life--changing jobs and moving to a new state. I am grateful that I didn't feel any pressure but only your willingness to help. True to your word, you were there every step of the way, from participating in home inspections to finding vendors and even offering suggestions for taking care of my cat while I was moving.
You tell me you are in real estate for the fun of it (Gosh help you!). Thanks for helping me and for being nice people, too."
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| Howie Painter, Retired Chairman of the Board, DSPT |
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I have known Gil Troutman for over 30 years, first at GenRad where we both worked and later at DSP Technology Inc.
At GenRad, Gil learned the sales and marketing skills which served him well over his career as National Sales Manager and Product Line Manager of a NYSE company.
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When we hired Gil as President and CEO of DSP Technology Inc., we wanted these marketing skills plus strength of character that would see him through difficult business situations. These character traits, including integrity, honesty and trust cannot be underestimated when the job is to stabilize, grow and ensure profitability of a NASDAQ company.
In his 10 plus years at DSPT Gil negotiated and integrated acquisitions (making acquisitions work is an extremely tough task); moved the company headquarters from Fremont, CA to Ann Arbor, MI; ran several company locations in California, Michigan, England and a strategic alliance in Germany, and merged DSPT with MTS Systems Inc., (NASDAQ:MTSC) where he became a Vice President, thus giving DSPT stockholders an excellent return on their investment.
As a former real estate broker, I fully realize that there is a very wide variation in agents' skill, integrity, industry knowledge, ethics and marketing ability. You will find Gil at the very top tier in all of these categories. He will treat you right and do an excellent job for you.
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I have known Gil Troutman for more than 18 years. I began working with Gil when he was President and Chief Executive Officer of DSP Technology Inc., a small Nasdaq-traded company. At this size company, the CEO is very involved in every key business decision. Gil's management skills were critical to the success of the business. He was very hands on and grew the business through a successful acquisition by a competitor. |
I was the Company's corporate and securities counsel and worked closely with Gil in negotiating several mergers and acquisitions and a strategic alliance for DSP in Germany. I also worked with Gil in developing strategies to deal with some tough business problems. Gil is calm under pressure, a great collaborator and a very effective communicator. He was a tireless advocate for his business and customers.
Many of the skills Gil exhibited as a successful CEO are also important in his career in real estate. I found Gil to be of the highest integrity and a very gifted negotiator. He has a wonderful ability to listen carefully to the other side in a transaction, understand their needs and develop a proposal that will bridge the gap and meet all parties' needs. He is smart, hard-working and very reliable. Perhaps the most notable things about working with Gil are his sunny optimism and can-do attitude, which make him a real pleasure to work, and very successful. He loves people and that also shines through all his dealings.
I highly recommend Gil as a real estate broker - he is a great marketer, a fine strategist, and a very effective salesman.
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| Dawn McCahan, Branch Manager,
Stewart Title Company
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I have had the pleasure of working with Fran and Gil Troutman for the past several years. I must say that it was truly refreshing to work with a couple who are so enthusiastic. Their professionalism, close attention to detail and follow up has been apparent in each and every transaction. They monitor every step in the escrow process so that even difficult escrows close seamlessly. |
Whether they represent the seller or the buyer, all of their customers have appreciated the extraordinarily high level of service and expertise they received. As their escrow officer, I appreciate the experience and care Fran and Gil exhibit to all parties involved and look forward to working with them on each real estate transaction.
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| George Pires, Senior Loan Officer
Princeton Capital
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I want to thank you for having me as a member of your real estate team.
I enjoy working with you as much as your clients do. I think you provide a tremendous positive influence to your clients as well as our industry. I am privileged to witness first hand the professionalism and dedication you bring to our field. Your strong negotiating skills, business experience and attention to all the small details lead to a successful real estate transaction. |
All those skills are magnified with the enthusiasm and positive energy that you bring to the transaction. Your clients are fortunate to have you representing them in this important financial decision.
Mr. and Mrs. Troutman, you are the ideal Realtor's for your clients and also role models for the rest of us in the Real Estate industry.
I am looking forward to our continued professional and personal relationship."
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