I represented the sellers of this house, and at the end the buyers wanted the sandbox removed. When this type of stuff happens, somebody has to do it, and besides, I’m always looking for a reason to drive the ’66:
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Jim Klinge
Klinge Realty Group
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- 682 S. Coast Hwy 101, Suite #110
Encinitas, CA 92024 - (858) 997-3801 call or text
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Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jim & Donna Klinge helped us sell our home of 30 years in Ocean Hills. We were very happy with their service and would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone looking for an Honest, Knowledgeable, Skilled, Informed Efficient realty team. Both Jim & Donna were so helpful in different ways and complemented each others skills. Please refer to a more detailed review that we wrote on YELP. Thank You Both for all your help!!!Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A+ thank youTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Many years ago, we purchased a home in Carlsbad, using a realtor that was recommended to us - Jim Klinge. Fast forward to 2025, we recently had the privilege of selling 2 homes in Carlsbad, CA and didn't hesitate to reach out to Jim and Donna Klinge of Klinge Realty Group to guide us through the sales. The transactions were very different, each with its own unique situation, opportunities and challenges. From start to finish, Donna and Jim helped navigate the pre-sale preparation, the listing, showing of the house, buyer negotiations, the final close and all of the paperwork and decisions in between. What stands out with both transactions is the professionalism of Jim and Donna (and their team), wonderful communication (timely, relevant, concise), their deep understanding of market dynamics (setting realistic expectations), their access to top-notch contractors, and last, their ability to guide us across the finish line successfully. We wouldn't hesitate to use Jim and Donna in the future and highly recommend them for anyone looking to buy or sell a property in North San Diego County.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We sold a home with Jim and Donna and from beginning to end they were consummate professionals. Their initial walk through the property resulted in a list of items to be repaired or updated. They supplied a list of vendors and job quotes to do the repairs and updates. We originally wanted to sell ‘as is’ and just get it over with. They gave us a selling price for ‘as is’ and options for doing a few updates/repairs to doing it all with the selling price for each option. We agreed to do all they suggested and we sold for the exact price they predicted. For every dollar spent we got back more than $2 back in the selling price. And they got that price in a rising interest rate environment! Donna and Jim are extremely detailed and guide you through ever aspect of the sale. There were no surprises thanks to their guidance. We couldn’t be more pleased with their representation. Thank you Donna and Jim, Jerry and MaryTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have known Jim & Donna Klinge for over a dozen years, having met them in Carlsbad where our children went to the same school. As long time North County residents, it was a no- brainer for us to have the Klinges be our eyes and ears for San Diego real estate in general and North County in particular. As my military career caused our family to move all over the country and overseas to Asia, Europe and the Pacific, we trusted Jim and Donna to help keep our house in Carlsbad rented with reliable and respectful tenants for over 10 years. Naturally, when the time came to sell our beloved Carlsbad home to pursue a rural lifestyle in retirement out of California, we could think of no better team to represent us than Jim and Donna. They immediately went to work to update our house built in 2004 to current-day standards and trends — in 2 short months they transformed it into a literal modern-day masterpiece. We trusted their judgement implicitly and followed 100% of their recommended changes. When our house finally came on the market, there was a blizzard of serious interest, we had multiple offers by the third day and it sold in just 5 days after a frenzied bidding war for 20% above our asking price! The investment we made in upgrades recommended by Jim and Donna yielded a 4-fold return, in the process setting a new high water mark for a house sold in our community. In our view, there are no better real estate professionals in all of San Diego than Jim and Donna Klinge. Buying or selling, you must run and beg Jim and Donna Klinge to represent you! Our family will never forget Jim, Donna, and their whole team at Compass — we are forever grateful to them.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. WeI had the pleasure of working with Klinge Realty Group to sell our home in Carmel Valley, and I cannot recommend them highly enough! Jim and Donna demonstrated exceptional professionalism, offering expert guidance on market conditions and pricing strategy, which resulted in a quick and successful sale. Communication was prompt and we were well-informed throughout the entire process. For anyone looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable real estate team, look no further! ---Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Donna and Jim Klinge of Klinge Realty Group have our highest possible recommendation. From Donna and Jim’s first visit to our house through closing their advice and counsel was candid and honest in all dealings. They kept us fully informed throughout the process. The house sold less than three days after listing with a two-week closing. My wife and I have sold several houses during our lives. This was by far the best experience. Klinge Reality is a premium service realtor. You can’t make a better choice for someone to sell your home fast and for top dollar.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Donna and Jim provided exceptional support and professionalism throughout the entire process. We couldn't have been happier with their efforts. They made our house shine, and thanks to their expertise, it sold above the listing price in the very first weekend! Truly a fantastic experience from start to finish.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This year has been difficult on our family, mainly due to having to sell our home. Thankfully we knew God had a plan for us and working with the Klinge team was a key part of it. It was an obvious decision to work with them again after such an amazing experience when purchasing the same home we needed to sell. The challenge was, how will we do this in so little time with so much going on? Jim and Donna held our hand every step of the way. Whenever an unexpected issue arose they found and provided a solution. Never once did we feel pressured to make a decision and the Klinges were always reassuring after providing the information that the decision was ours to make. Despite the curve balls, they never panicked and exemplified the “can do” attitude, making us feel optimistic and taken care of. Their expertise and professionalism was superb. But of all the reasons to work with the Klinges, the most impactful and valuable is their compassion and genuine care for their clients. We pray that we can one day purchase our forever home and you better believe that Jim and Donna will be representing us - as long as they will have us of course. Thank you again Klinge team! Your execution, experience, and care are unmatched.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jim and Donna were fantastic! Jim understanding my needs, recommending potential places, pointing out the pros and cons of each property was invaluable. Then when the offer was accepted Donna’s organized guidance through the inspections, paperwork etc made the whole process seem effortless. So grateful that I had them on my side!Load more
You shattered the record! Gotta work on the dismount though 🙂
I recommend carrying around an electric chainsaw to cut stuff like that down to size.
Or maybe a gas chain saw if you want to be ready for the zombie apocalypse too.
Full service indeed!
Have to say, though… damned nit picky buyer.
p.s.: Where did you take that stuff?
Impressive! That was a nice looking sandbox. Does the build quality of the sandbox match the build quality of the house? Did it help the sale?
I have a nice play house structure on my back patio which came with the house. I am not sure what to do with it. Freecycle, perhaps. It is very cute…in someone else’s back yard.
Nothing wrong with some manual labor once in awhile.
Do people give you dirty looks when you cruise the chevy through their nice neighborhoods?
Did you make more than minimum wage on the job after dumping fees?
You are a champion Jim.
Hope your back is feeling okay.
Jim, gotta admit that while I felt badly for you working in that heat I let out a belly laugh when the dang platform fell off the truck. That’s the way most of my projects go too.
I’m not really sure how the buyer could stand to sit inside in the a/c while you were out there taking care of his request alone in the heat.
Was the buyer requesting credit for sandbox removal or was the sandbox a deal breaker?
What kind of a sissy was the buyer that he couldn’t remove the sandbox himself?
Just saying…
Jeez – the buyer couldn’t help? Was he or she informed? Seems rude. You’re awesome!
Uh, that should be INFIRMED above.
Was the buyer requesting credit for sandbox removal or was the sandbox a deal breaker?
The buyer had requested removal in the repair-requests, and the seller removed the big playhouse that was on the platform.
When the buyers did their final walk-through, they asked that the entire package be removed, and because I hadn’t been over there in a couple of weeks to see it and I thought the seller had removed the bulk of it, I thought what the heck, how much trouble could it be to take out the measly sandbox?
I’m not done yet either, I’ll be going back for the gravel.
Now that is full service! It is why you will always be a success in life.
Thanks for never taking yourself to seriously and for all you give to this blog.
It was a great post.
Haha “no blood yet”! Buyer should be ashamed unless he is crippled. You ARE the man!
Love the patina on the sitty six and not having to keep it idling or pointed downhill just in case.
I cringed when you swung that pickaxe…
@jim, ok, a little better given additional details. Still, the buyer should have been out there helping you out.
Couldn’t you have HIRED someone to do it and maybe made more £££ selling another house?;D
Jim, that was great video!
Thanks for brightening my day.
Nice, that was awesome. Picked the hottest weekend I can remember to get your hands dirty!
Jenn offered beer + dinner if you’d like to help me chainsaw down the upper half of my yard. I still owe you a beer for all the help closing on this place. Thanks again!
Jim,
3.0 level of difficulty. 9.0 score. You nailed it! Lol.
I hope the buyers give you some great referrals.
Bravo, JtR! (sound of golf clap)
That kind of customer service cannot be taught; it has to be part of your DNA. I know good service when I see it because I spent years working in restaurants and hotels to put myself through college. This just proves to me that you are cut above the majority of agents in this town.
It’s a good thing you went to San Elijo in the ’66 because I don’t know if security would have let you past the gates if you tried to roll that bad boy into Rancho Santa Fe!
Mexican helpers or Canadian helpers, your choice…
http://www.shouldice.com/
If you get the sandbox installion perfected, you could change your name to Klinge Realty and Sandbox Installation and Removal; however, I’m uncertain of its legality.
Late to the party, Jim, but the gold medal for “Best Performance by a Realtor in the Sandbox Division” goes to… JtR!
I respect your work ethic. You should show this to all your soon-to-be clients, Jim, to easily prove that you do, indeed, go the extra mile and are willing to get down and dirty…
Would you be willing to fill in a pool, or remove one of those portable spas? That would be quite handy. 🙂 kidding…..