We wouldn't be living in our dream home today if it weren't for Pat and Ken. Literally. Our list of requirements was very specific and we were willing to wait to find exactly what we wanted. Pat and Ken were sensitive to our needs and patient in helping us fine tune our expectations. They quickly picked up on our subtle likes and dislikes and did not drag us around to look at houses that were an "almost" fit. We never felt rushed along. Ken called us on a Thursday to tell us he'd just heard about a house that met all the criteria. We saw it at 1pm on Friday and by that evening we were in contract. This home was off market and we would never have seen or heard about it without Pat and Ken's keen awareness of the southern Marin market. Once we were in contract, they immediately sprang into action to dot all the "i"s and cross all the "t"s. Certain aspects of the transaction presented challenges, and they smoothed the process all along the way, negotiating with the seller, working with the town to verify permits, carefully vetting all inspections, and suggesting options that would not have occurred to us. In an environment where many people seem to be in it for themselves, Pat and Ken stand out as partners who will genuinely look out for your best interests. As residents of Tiburon, Pat seems to know the history of every house in town and Ken can tell you anything you want to know about the community and its families. We call them the Dynamic Duo! They are refreshingly honest, straightforward, consistent, professional, and personable. We will absolutely be employing their talents again and would not hesitate to recommended their above-and-beyond services to anyone who asks us. M.H.R.
- M.H.R.
Ken is my go to referral agent for Tiburon & Belvedere. He knows the market inside & out and is 100% on top of upcoming listings, a critical component to finding the right property in Marin, as many of the best opportunities don't hit the open market. I've sent Ken several referrals over the years and my clients have always been delighted with him, he is extremely organized, detail oriented and incredibly helpful in what can often be a stressful situation for buyers. Beyond that, Ken is just a great guy. An absolute pleasure to work with, I would recommend him hands down!
- Colleen CotterVangard Real Estate
I was lucky enough to find Ken through an internet search for "Top Broker Tiburon." We were moving from San Francisco, so I had a good sense of the comps in the area. I needed someone who not only knew the houses available in Tiburon but which houses "might" be available if we made the right offer to the owner. After listening to my criteria, Ken showed me 4 homes before he hit the ball out of the ballpark. We had an off market deal signed within 30 days of my initial call. I highly recommend Ken for his professionalism, his willingness to work with his clients' specific time frame and needs and for knowing the market inside and out.
- Kathryn
It was easy finding Ken and Pat when we decided to buy our home in Tiburon. We did our Internet research and reference calls, and all consistently pointed to the Dara/Montag team. Our high expectations were met with unequaled service and delivery. Ken and Pat had all the basics any homebuyer would expect: experience, technical skills, knowledge of the market and community, relationships with all the selling agents, understanding of the economy and how that would affect the process, and negotiation skills. What really set Ken and Pat apart was their willingness to understand what we wanted and listen to our needs without rigidly imposing their point of view on how to buy a home. They were flexible to our restrictive schedules and laced good practical advice with just the right amount of forward momentum. They were able to create a winning game plan for us without creating excess stress. Being told to just wait for the right deal was very comforting, and their patience with the market and us was saintly. They showed us several homes, even homes they knew we wouldn't like just to hone in on what we wanted. Ultimately, they found the perfect home for us, meeting all of our requirements, negotiated a winning deal for everyone, and seamlessly managed the close. And by the way, their after-sales services is awesome, too. Ken Dara and Pat Montag's combination of hard and soft skills will ensure repeat business from us or anyone else in the Marin market.
- Jeff T.
Pat and Ken make a perfect team. They were very patient in handling our sale in Tiburon, and helped us on the buying side in Ross when quick footwork was necessary. They gave excellent advice throughout both transactions, resulting in a smooth transition for us despite difficult market conditions. Their experience, insights and willingness to work hard was tremendous. We wholeheartedly recommend them.
- Erik and Laurie Young
We worked with Ken and Pat during the recent purchase of our very first home. We have been passively looking for quite some time now and truth be told, a bit afraid of pulling the trigger and leaving our city life. Ken was amazing through the process - we were in contact daily and often throughout the day - guiding us through writing the best offer, inspections, and the ultimate closing. Being in a client service oriented profession myself, I so appreciated Ken's own client service. He made what could have been a fairly stressful process, pain free and dare I say, easy. Pat was incredibly helpful during the negotiations and she is clearly a force to be reckoned with. Together, they make a great team and we will not hesitate to recommend them to friends and call them again when we are ready for our next house.
- Amy K.
I first met Ken Dara in 2002, when he helped me sell my Berkeley craftsman home. In those days he had the East Bay dialed in and he and his partner at the time worked wonders to properly stage, market, price, and at the end of the day get top dollar for my home. Ken then closed a extremely complicated Tenants-in-Common transaction in San Francisco a couple of years later. A six month-from-hell escrow with multiple parties and the City forever-changing rules, but we prevailed with the best deal of all the buyers. Ten years later, Ken and Pat successfully sold my TiC-converted-to-condo at an unbelievably great return, with little or no hassle other than signatures from me. They take all the hard parts out of it, and I cannot be happier with their service. They're great at "Walking you through the hard parts" with understating and professionalism. Whether it be in the City, East Bay, and the last few years in Marin, this team knows what they're doing!
- Eric E.
Ken provided exceptional service in helping me find a rental property. He understood what I was looking for and quickly sent me relevant available properties. He was helpful in providing information to me about the area since I was new to the area. He was enjoyable to work with and was efficient in getting the paperwork done and the process completed quickly.
- I would highly recommend working with Ken!
Pat and Ken did a remarkable job educating us through out the process which can be a bit stressful. Moreover, we felt they also did a great job negotiating on our behalf while getting us fair price. We would defiantly use them again in the future.
- Praful B.
Pat and Ken, What can we say other than you are just the best. Thank you for being persistent, faithful and intelligent guides throughout this long journey to finding a great investment property for our family. We could not have done this without you. We saw this townhome through you at the very start of our search, the first week of the journey. Being a short sale the unpredictability could easily have caused us to forgo the opportunity but your support gave us the patience needed for such a great venture. Having gone through this process many times in the past, we can honestly say this time it was rewarding and you made it worthwhile. We're putting you and them on notice, referrals coming your way, and most likely they will include couples like Linda and me, hard to please but willing to venture with an incredible guide like you, and with the remarkable people supporting you including the title company - all just a great team. Our Warmest Regards,
- Craig Buxton & Linda Neuhauser
Working with Ken was a wonderful experience. He not only helped sell my house but also found me the perfect condo to buy. He was patient throughout both transactions and made himself readily available for any and all needs. He truly understands that buying/selling a home is more than just a business deal...it is an emotional investment as well. He was there every step of the way to make sure everything went smoothly. If you want a professional realtor who goes above and beyond, Ken is the right person for you.
- JD
My husband and I were introduced to Ken on July 29, 2012; 26 days later he gave us a sneak peak at the home we would move into--a MONTH later. Our home has nine of our ten "requirements," and now we don't care that we can't walk to town. This house is perfect. Ken is extremely professional, and made us feel completely relaxed. He and his business partner, Pat Montag, sell houses at more than eight times our max budget, but they never blinked at eye at this. I felt we were treated like any other client they work with, including those with a $5M budget. Ken advised us on writing a very attractive offer and it was chosen over the other five. We moved in within the month, gained 1,000 square feet over our rental in the city, and feel grateful every day to have met Ken. If I could recommend Ken Dara to everyone I know, I would, and I guess that's just what I'm doing here. If we're ever in the position to buy another home, Ken will be the first person I tell.
- CL
We really enjoyed working with Ken. We moved here from outside the state and were unfamiliar with locations, housing and costs but we knew exactly what we wanted, and how much we were willing to spend. Ken guided us through the labyrinth, educating us along the way. He answered all our questions and helped us get the best info at closing. I admit to doubt and suspicion when dealing with agents; in this case I was extreme pleased. Ken was always honest, direct and forthcoming with information. When I sell this house or buy the next one, Ken will the first person I contact.
- PM