Wifey thinks I’ve been a little too hard and snarky on the Zillow topic, but these guys didn’t hold back here (hat tip Stormin’):
http://thenationalrealestatepost.com/will-zillow-start-taking-listings-and-selling-homes/
7 Comments
Jim Klinge
Klinge Realty Group
Are you looking for an experienced agent to help you buy or sell a home?
Contact Jim the Realtor!
- 682 S. Coast Hwy 101, Suite #110
Encinitas, CA 92024 - (858) 997-3801 call or text
- klingerealty@gmail.com
CA DRE #01527365, CA DRE #00873197
View More Interest Rates
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
I disagree with these guys about NAR and MLSs frowning on Zillow and their Coming Soon.
I don’t think NAR or MLSs care.
At least they don’t care enough to do anything about it.
NAR won’t take a position, and their only comment is to warn realtors to not do anything illegal:
http://www.realtor.org/articles/coming-soon-is-it-in-the-seller-s-best-interest
Interesting. Every industry is facing this problem – the steady destruction of the middle man. My industry is as well. Information, oceans of it, is now at almost everyone’s fingertips. With the internet, there are NO SECRETS and everyone is a KNOWITALL. What happened years ago to the small town shops when a mega-Walmart came in town, is happening now in every field. Thank you internet. And at a frightening pace. Before we all know it, we’ll all be closing down our ‘buggy-whip’ shops. This is the flattening of the markets; where more people everyday are going directly to the big box boys, or, even, to the producers.
Now, just because there is an ocean of information (data) available with a click of a button, that doesn’t equate to knowledge. If the service or product is complex enough, it requires a guide or a helper.
The market, all markets, have changed. And the change has come at lightening speed, unlike anything in history. We have to adapt the best we can. It might mean an adjustment in fees and commissions. It will certainly mean a change of the way we conduct business.
The old days are gone. The old ways are not working.
Today, as far as I’m concerned, 2 things will keep you going where you want with your business. It’s not traditional marketing that will take you very far. It’s TRUST & CONNECTION.
If all agents were like Jim, this would be much less of a problem. Might not even be a problem.
But they aren’t. Not even close.
My wife and I have bought and sold 6 homes in our long marriage and moves around the country for our careers. Our 1st agent was the best. He was like an early version of Jim. Gave great advice that we tried to use later.
Our 2nd home purchase experience wasn’t too bad, but after that, it was ALL down hill.
People are going to Zillow or whatever is out here to try and AVOID contact with the many gangster realtor/agencies that seem to operate with little or no supervision or fear of repercussions from “authorities”.
A few homes back, my wife and I found a great real estate attorney who we came to trust. She spits fire and knows the industry in and out. We haven’t made a move without her. Even with her help, we’ve had to battle some crazy/criminal dealings.
Zillow, Trulia and all of that are great. But once you find that house, without good help (which is really hard to find), you have to bring your A game to keep from getting taken to the cleaners.
P.S. 4 of our moves took place in the last 20 years. The nightmare years.
People just want to buy a house. They don’t want to feel like they’re in a Godfather movie and are about to uncover a horse’s head in their bed.
I don’t know Jim. I’ve never met him. In fact, I don’t live in San Diego or California (hello from Atlanta!). But having bought a few homes, you really do need someone who knows the ins and outs of the business, can be a honest broker of competing interests (ethics) and a tough negotiator (they help you get the best deal).
I think over the last 20 years those realtor skills have become ESSENTIAL. I can’t stress that enough.
Problem is, few realtors have all of those qualities.
From this distance, Jim is someone I’d talk to if I were in town looking for a home.
Zillow will get you there, but Jim seems like the kind of realtor that will get you in the house. In one piece.
Thanks Kelja, and thanks for commenting again!
The music business is undergoing a similar transformation, and suffering just the same. Joe Walsh nails it starting at the 19:00-minute mark here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPV6nKrhOGg
While we all may yearn for the good old days, we need to move on and adapt to modern ways, whether we like it or not. Whether they are better or not.
“Zillow will get you there, but Jim seems like the kind of realtor that will get you in the house. In one piece.” -jd
Word! ^ When I think of Jim, I think of this quote: “In a world where many just don’t care, be the person who cares more.”
It’s not just that JtR has 25+ years as a broker, he has integrity! And in the field of real estate where it’s rarely apparent, that’s important. After reading bubbleinfo for over five years, I never doubt that Jim always put his clients’ needs first.
Real estate is not for the faint of heart. It’s shark-infested waters out there in RE land. Jim is the guy that will get you through those “waters” (without drowning) either buying your house or selling it so you can move on with your life.
The only time, I surmise, that Jim becomes a “shark” is when he sits down to negotiate with the other agent for his client–whether buyer or seller…
Thanks jd and Susie!
The internet is great for buying books and gadgets, and even travel/vacations. You don’t have much to lose if they go bad.
Consumers are too accustomed to the convenience, and think buying or selling a house is the same. Just do a little internet research and start making decisions!
For a different perspective than Joe’s on the music biz:
http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/