Business Philosophy

I love helping people, making new friends, solving small and large problems that come up in the process and seeing how my actions, skills and experience can change the lives of others. I am lucky to experience this, it's a blast and keeps me going!

Professional

Before coming over to Bay Area in 2001, I have graduated from one of Moscow's best law schools. Instead of pursuing career in law in California, I started working in sales. After years in automotive and high tech industries in 2000's I've switched over to real estate in 2010. Initially I mostly worked with investors and contractors. In 2012 I've got my real estate license, joined the Coldwell Banker and never looked back. Over the years I have helped my many clients in San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento area and also Tuolumne County near by Yosemite National Park. I will go where ever my clients need me. Best excuse to travel! :)

I have experience with new construction, remodels and all stages of project management. Whether it is a regular single family home, town home/condo or a manufactured home - I have been there and done that. I have also done and managed long term and short term (vacation) rentals. Over the years I've worked on many projects myself and have a strong understanding and hands on experience with all the major systems and components of a typical residential home/building.

That being said, there's always something new. There are moments when I think that I've seen it all, but then a new challenge comes up and you have to raise the bar again and keep learning.  Although I have to continuously change with a fast paced market to remain on the leading edge, my core values - honesty, integrity, and respect, remain a WINNING combination around which I build my business.

When you pick an agent that will help you to sell or buy your home, keep in mind that nowadays we (agents) all have very much the same tools. The big difference is in how one uses those tools, people skills, ability to manage tasks and prioritize. You may add luck if you believe in that!

Sometimes it may feel that buying or selling a home is an uphill battle. Having a dedicated, fearless and experienced professional on your side will make all the difference!

Personal

I was born in Ukraine and have also lived in Russia before moving over to the California in 2001. I am fluent in English, Russian and Ukrainian languages.

I enjoy my life one day at a time. I'm happily married to a girl that grew up across the street from me. Sometime it feels strange, that we know each other since we were only 4 years old and went to kinder garden and school together . We are blessed to have two sons. Older one's name is Ivan, he was born in May of 2006. The younger one was born in August 2014 and his name is Luke. As a family we enjoy our time together as much as we can in between work / school schedules and just a busy everyday life.

Bay Area and California in general is like a one huge play ground! There's so much that you can do all year around. I like spending time outdoors, bike, hike, camp, ride ATVs and motorcycles on and off road, all kinds of water sports. I enjoy skiing in the winter and going down to the desert when the cold gets old. I also enjoy sailing in San Francisco and Monterey Bays and dream of cruising around the World one day, as soon as my crew is ready.

My most memorable transactions:

My longest sale as of writing this took 4years, 6month and 11days. That included years of slow market and low prices, when it made sense to wait. I helped my at that time 81y.o. client to rent the house, helped and supported them during legal issues that we ran into with the tenant. We WON the case in court, but that wasn't enough for the occupants and Sheriff had to be involved. Finally we did get the home back, got it all prepared and sold in just 9days. That was quiet a ride! Took a lot of time, emotions and patience from everybody involved, but at the end the house appreciated by almost $400,000 during that time frame (more than doubled in price!). Sellers started crying when they saw an offer, it was their last largest investment and somewhere in the process, because it took so long, they almost stopped believing that this sale will go through.

My quickest sale on the other hand took only 4 days, from initial phone call contact till making an offer and getting it accepted. That included one over the phone interview, one meeting in person and viewing homes all over the Santa Clara County. Than on Monday morning I get a call, my client decided on what house he likes. At first it felt that it's impossible. I was out of the area that day and sellers' agent already had a time set to review other offers. We literally started from scratch and in less than 3hrs working by phone and internet we got a full credit approval with my preferred lender, and had an offer ready. We barely made it to the offer submission deadline and WON in a multiple offer situation. That was la perfect storm in our favor!

Community Involvement

I volunteer at Village School. It's a parent participation elementary (K5) school in Campbell Union School District. Myself and my wife are both members of several parent committees that oversee various educational programs throughout the year. We've also taught center programs for kids. Woodworking and Lego Robotic have been the most fun, while my wife enjoys teaching ceramics. I'm lucky to be exposed to that experience. Working with kids is one more way that makes you feel, see and understand how what you do now can and will affect the future of other families and kids in your community.

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