ELEVATING THE ART OF REAL ESTATE
DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP
Dudum Real Estate Group is an independently owned, thriving brokerage comprised of highly motivated, resourceful, and successful real estate professionals. Formed by Julie Dudum Del Santo, who comes from a long line of Bay Area entrepreneurs, Dudum Real Estate Group is one of the preeminent and finest real estate brokerages in the East Bay. With offices in Walnut Creek, Lamorinda, Danville, Brentwood, and Sierra Tahoe, Dudum Real Estate Group agents work collectively to give their clients the best possible real estate buying and selling experience in the East Bay. At the core of Dudum’s business philosophy is a commitment to extraordinary service, cooperation, honesty, and communication.
Dudum’s team of experts, knowledgeably and competently, cover a wide territory from the Oakland/ Berkeley area, continuing east along Highway 24, throughout Lamorinda, the communities along both sides of Highway 680 down to 580, as well as East Contra Costa County and West Contra Costa County serviced by Highway 4.
30%
OF BROKERAGES NATIONWIDE
RIS MEDIA: 2023 Power Broker Survey, By Sales Volume
5 TOP BROKERAGES IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY*
When ranked by Units Sold per agent 2020-2023
*Source: TrendGraphix, January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023
$808M SALES VOLUME 2023
748 UNITS SOLD 2023
BEST PLACE TO WORK 2015-2023
Voted Best by San Francisco Chronicle
TOP 10 BROKERAGES IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY*
Ranked top 10% out of 1152 Brokerages;
Total Sales Volume; Ranking by Market Share
RANKED #2 IN LAFAYETTE*
Total Sales Volume; Ranking by Market Share
RANKED #5 IN WALNUT CREEK*
Total Sales Volume; Ranking by Market Share
TOP 10% IN BRENTWOOD & DANVILLE*
Total Sales Volume; Ranking by Market Share
*Source: Trendgraphix, January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
MORE.
Our agents sell more homes at higher sales prices in a shorter time than the competition.
12%
GREATER AVG. SALES PRICE * Than the brokerage average in Contra Costa County
35%
FEWER DAYS ON MARKET * Than the brokerage average in Contra Costa County
71%
MORE PER AGENT $ PRODUCTIVITY * Than the brokerage average in Contra Costa County
21%
MORE UNITS SOLD * Than the next closest competitor
*Source: TrendGraphix, January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2023
TENACIOUS AGENTS
CHERYL HATA & LORI LEGLER
Having been friends and colleagues for over a decade, it made perfect sense to combine our individual strengths to create a partnership that doubles the value we provide to clients as they navigate the complex process of buying and selling homes. Together we bring over 50 years of experience to every transaction and we are ready to provide you with an unparalleled real estate experience. TWO experienced real estate advisors who on average complete over 30 transaction a year. TWO tenacious agents who have your back at every turn. TWO pro-active planners who communicate on a timely basis to keep you fully informed throughout the entire process of selling your home. Work with us and experience an elevated level of real estate service.
ABOUT CHERYL
• Realtor Since 2003
• SF East Bay resident since 1992
• Originally from Los Angeles
• Excellent Project Manager
• Acute attention to details
• Prior career: Brand Marketing
• Passionate about creating a top-notch client experience
ABOUT LORI
• Realtor Since 1981
• SF East Bay resident since 1977
• Originally from Wisconsin
• Regional Vice President
• Effective negotiator and mediator
• Prior career: Social Worker
• Passionate about setting a positive stage for lasting client relationships
Helping you transform your vision into reality.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
“I can’t say enough good things about working with Lori Legler and Cheryl Hata. We live in Pennsylvania and I dreaded the process of selling what they lovingly called our “charming” older ranch home in Walnut Creek that needed loads of work, including removal of unwelcome animal “friends.” Cheryl and Lori came to us with a well-considered marketing plan, an EXCELLENT team of stagers, photographer, workers which we could never have managed from across the country. I never heard “we have a problem” -- which we did many times - but more was “here is how we are going to take care of XYZ situation.” And they did. They demonstrated every attribute of professional service: responsiveness, timeliness, communication, cost-effective, courteousness, and importantly drove an excellent deal for us. Though I did many corporate deals, I was nervous all along the way but never lost a wink of sleep. If you are reading this you will have the pick of real estate professionals but having used this team on both ends of buying and selling - you are dealing with the consummate professionals who take your needs seriously.”
~ Annemarie & Phillip
“Lori and Cheryl made the whole experience of selling the home I had lived in for 42 years so much more worry-free than I could have imagined. They gave us excellent advice at every step and they did all the legwork with the inspections and disclosures. To our amazement they also paid for the staging. They did the little things that were caring and thoughtful like bringing lunch when the packers and movers were there. They had excellent referrals as well. I recommend them without hesitation.
~ Barbara Freet
“We are very happy to have worked with Lori and her team. Our house was not an easy property to sell due to a number of peripheral circumstances, but every step of the way Lori provided us with solid advice and keen insight. We also cannot say enough good things about Cheryl Hata – she is an absolutely tremendous person to work with; not only is she a skilled professional, but her responsiveness and flexibility were called upon repeatedly and she always went above and beyond expectations. Lori and Cheryl are two of the finest people we have encountered, and together form a truly fantastic team.”
~ Jerry W. & Nancy L.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
“Lori Legler and Cheryl Hata recently helped us sell our Orinda home and purchase one in Rossmoor. Not having sold a house in more than 30 years, we did not know how to begin this huge task. From the beginning, they were encouraging, understanding of our needs and worries, and willing to do anything to make the move less stressful.”
~ Susan and Don
“In just a month’s time, Lori, with her associate Cheryl, helped us get all in order and ready to list. Fast forward, our home sold in a week with a 30 day escrow. Lori and Cheryl kept things seamless. It’s a huge and important process, but we knew every step of the way we were in good hands. As I tell them, we had the A Team. Thank you Lori and Cheryl!”
~ Trudy & Bruce
“I have waited a long time to write this note! I have wanted to tell both of you from the outset how amazingly impressed we have been by your professionalism. I practiced law in the higher end circles in SF and I have to say that I think the two of you are the most skilled and polished businesswomen I have ever encountered (EVER!!) We often laughed that I was so happy you went into real estate and not the law where I might have had to do battle with one or both of you! Truly, you were poised, answered all of our questions and guided us through the process so well. We are ABSOLUTELY THRILLED by the results and I wanted you to both know how very much we appreciated your swift actions and unfailing commitment to us.”
~ Maria L & Nader M.
“Exceptional knowledge, expertise in all aspects including managing contractors during needed repairs, SUPER responsive, impressive negotiation skills while always maintaining a professional, calm and positive attitude. Cheryl handled the sale of our old home and purchase of new home with proficiency and urgency (21 day close), she also acted as liaison with mortgage company and inspectors. Could not have done better. Do I recommend her? Every day!”
~ Robin B. & Nick S.
REALTOR® SERVICES
Here’s a list of the professional duties we may perform on your behalf.
PRESALE ACTIVITIES
• Initial consultation to determine client needs, priorities, and timeline
• Research and determine market value
• Review estimated net sheet to determine possible proceeds
• Prepare initial timeline calendar for important presale activities
• Prepare all documentation for signatures
• Review agency relationships
• Discuss and create pricing and marketing strategies unique to your property
Sign listing agreement
• Order pre-sale home warranty with seller’s coverage
• Schedule consultation with home stager
• Schedule pre-sale inspections
Prepare pre-sale disclosure packages
• Refer attorney and/or CPA for legal and/or tax advice, if needed
MARKETING PLAN Preparation
• Obtain bids on repairs, if needed
• Coordinate home repairs as needed Coordinate updates & improvements, if needed
• Stage property, if applicable
• Schedule housekeeping, window washing, carpet cleaning, and landscaping, if needed
• Have property professionally photographed and create virtual tour
• Order “For Sale” sign and appropriate riders
• Install lockbox at home
• Determine showing availability and communicate with other agents
Input listing on Multiple Listing Service which syndicates to over 25,000 websites
• Host broker’s open house*
• Host public open house(s)*
• Offer twilight tour*
Advertising & Collateral Materials & Social Media
Create custom color property brochure customized and tailored to your property*
• Create single property website, i.e. www.yourhome.com
• Enter property listing on websites including Dudum.com, listing agent’s website, Zillow.com, Trulia.com, Realtor.com, and more
• Create open house invitation and mail to surrounding neighborhood, to agent’s SOI, and to other prospective buyers*
Create e-blast and send to 4,000+ local agents and brokerages
• Create social media designs; post to Facebook, Instagram, and other social media channels
• Create newspaper and/or magazine ads including open house ads, and submit to publications*
Networking
• Promote to agent network and announce at all office meetings*
Promote listing to out of area, out of state, and out of country buyers via our relocation network
• Promote to listing agent’s SOI including prospective buyers and agent’s networking groups
• Promote at weekly marketing meetings* Promote within neighborhood*
Ongoing
• Schedule showings and show property to potential buyers*
• Communicate updates to sellers on a regular basis and share activity feedback and comments
• Continuous tracking of market conditions, sharing results, and discussing competition, if any
• Respond quickly to all buyer inquiries
• Revise marketing plan and pricing strategy, as necessary and if needed
• Give updates on activity, number of online views, and clicks for online and social media ads
NEGOTIATE OFFERS/ACCEPTANCE
• Schedule offer presentation with seller
Present offer(s)
• Explain ramifications and/or benefits relating to terms and conditions of contract(s)
• Negotiate terms on behalf of the seller(s)
• Negotiate actual occupancy
Coordinate actual close date
• Complete necessary paperwork in order to execute chosen agreement
• Organize and facilitate copies of offer, counter offer, and addendums to appropriate parties for ratification
• Coordinate opening of escrow
FACILITATE AN ESCROW
Much of the following is done with the assistance of a Transaction Coordinator, whom I employ:
• Deliver completed contract to both parties involved in the contract as well as to the title company, lender and/or appraiser, when necessary
• Confirm title company is in receipt of buyer’s earnest money as specified in the contract
• Identify and disclose any new or additional information or details concerning property to the buyers through any additional disclosure paperwork beyond that in original disclosure package
• Coordinate and confirm all inspection appointments with sellers
• Receive and review title report
• Negotiate any post inspection concessions
• Strive to resolve problems and challenges relating to property condition or buyer’s concerns
• Coordinate appraisal appointment
• Meet appraiser with applicable comparables
• Negotiate any negative impact relating to appraisal should discrepancy arise
• Complete ongoing necessary transaction paperwork
• Facilitate contingency removal Coordinate and attend final signing in preparation for the closing*
• Work with seller on organizing utility shut-off
• Work with seller to finalize moving plans, warranty transfer, or any other move out needs Arrange and attend buyer’s final walk-through*
• Work to resolve any problems or challenges that may come up
• Confirm loan funds and remaining buyer money has been deposited into escrow, if applicable Call sellers with Congratulations! Deed has been transferred and recorded and escrow is closed
• Deliver keys to new owners
AFTER CLOSING
• Provide final HUD and final closing flash drive keychain with all supporting home sale documents for seller’s file and tax purposes Possibly help you find your next home or direct you to out-of-area agents, or assist you with possible relocation services, if needed
• Work with seller to ensure the transition to new residence is smooth
Provide a list of trade professionals and resources who can help with repairs or upgrades needed on your new home
• Serve as a community resource and great REALTOR® to your friends and family for all of their real estate needs
• Check in periodically
• Add client to gift and mailing campaign
• Invite to client parties such as Shredfest, Sundae Sunday, Client Appreciation, and Santa Party* Follow up with market updates!
INTEGRATED MARKETING
Online, Print Publication, PR, and Collateral Services
The more exposure your home receives, the more opportunity you will have to achieve your financial goals. Dudum Real Estate Group’s in-house, full service marketing team goes into action when we list a property to ensure all online and offline essentials are handled.
With our finger on the pulse of the market, we utilize an integrated marketing approach which couples traditional advertising and visibility campaigns with extensive social media outreach leading to an immediate impact on the visibility of your home.
Our marketing team consists of a Marketing Director, Graphic Designer, Social Media and Public Relations Strategist, Advertising Coordinator, and IT Consultant.
WE OFFER:
• Dudum.com
• Property syndication
• Multiple Listing Service
• Realtor.com
• Enhanced property listings
• Exclusive property website
• Social media/e-blasts
• RE/SOURCE™ e-magazine
• Traditional media advertising
• Public relations
• Property flyers
• Direct mail and event marketing
• Professional photography
• Broker network caravan
• Open houses
• Relocation connections
• Referral network
• Market data reports
STAGING
PUTTING YOUR HOME’S BEST FACE FORWARD
According to the National Association of REALTORS®, staged homes sell 80% quicker and for up to 11% more money than non-staged properties. We believe buyers tend to gravitate toward a home based on curb appeal and its first impression. That’s why we’ll work closely with top notch professional stagers to ensure that your home is best prepared and ready for sale before potential buyers see it. From creating an appealing walkway to the removal of furniture, or even renovating a room, staging will help transform your home, as needed, in order to give you the best advantage for a quick sale at the highest possible price.
We are impressed that you have already started the staging process and happy you have selected one of our favorite stagers. We have worked with Mimi & her team before and are confident she will present your home in the light it deserves.
More than 90% of today’s home buyers use the Internet to search for properties, making professional photographs more important than ever.
We know that great photography can draw in a buyer. A talented photographer always shows a property at its very best. Working with top notch photographers, we create a look that showcases your home to ensure it comes across as beautiful online and in print as it is in real life.
SINGLE PROPERTY WEBSITE: www.YourHome.com
Your home will have its own website which will be showcased on all advertising, promotional materials and social media. Professionally designed and hosted by Open Homes Photography, the site will include a video tour with aerial drone shots of the property. We will also have a FLOOR PLAN VISUAL created for your home to help potential buyers see the layout of the home. This floor plan will be included on the property website and in the property brochure.
EXAMPLES OF PROPERTY WEBSITES:
1032LindseyCourt.com
146CaminoSobrante.com
1820Ivanhoe.com
1032 LINDSEY COURT LAFAYETTE
1032 LINDSEY COURT, LAFAYETTE
OPEN HOMES PHOTOGRAPHY
ONLINE PRESENCE
COMING SOON
This relatively new MLS listing input allows us to display your home to registered local and regional agents, who have the opportunity to set appointments for qualified buyers.
MLS + SYNDICATION
Your home, including photos, virtual tour, and property description, will be posted to the local MLS. The listing is then syndicated via an IDX feed to 25,000+ consumer and broker websites including Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and more. This happens after the 30-day “Coming Soon” period when the home is not syndicated to other websites.
EBLASTS
eBlasts that feature your home and advertise the dates of the brokers tour and open houses will be sent out to 140 Dudum agents plus the entire CCAR membership, which is made up of 4,000+ brokers and agents. Includes links to property website and digital brochure.
SOCIAL MEDIA
SOCIAL MEDIA
Since 90+% of buyers begin their home search online, exposure via all social media networking sites is a critical part of marketing your home. Social media is a great way to reach a designated group of loyal followers and instantly expose your property to a multitude of target prospects. By implementing a comprehensive social media campaign using Facebook, Instagram and more, our goal is to increase the impact and visibility of your home to garner the widest exposure from the start.
OUR NETWORK
BRINGING YOU THE POWER OF OUR NETWORK
As a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World,® our company is a global — not just local — real estate company working on your behalf. LeadingRE provides world-class marketing and resources, allowing us to provide the very best services. Our invitation-only network was responsible for $405 billion in annual home sales volume among the top 500 U.S. real estate firms in 2021.
OUR GLOBAL NETWORK
1.2 MILLION TRANSACTIONS
550 COMPANIES
70+ COUNTRIES
We are members of Top Agent Network which are the most experienced, well-connected real estate agents in Contra Costa County including Lamorinda, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Danville and San Ramon. They help you better understand the Contra Costa market, so you can make smart real estate decisions.
TAN agents ensure you won’t miss out on your dream home or ideal buyer. That’s because they use exclusive sales tools & local market intelligence so you are fully informed when you buy or sell a home.
This special Lafayette, Orinda and Moraga group of agents started over twenty years ago with about twenty agents from different brokerages who meet every month (weekly in high season) to share their listings, market trends and best real estate practices.
It is similar to the Top Agent Network but is laser focused on the local market and is comprised of seasoned, experienced agents who keep you informed of the most current trends.
LAMORINDA MARKETING GROUP
PRINT MARKETING
Print ads in local and regional newspapers are targeted to potential luxury buyers. Custom designed by our in-house marketing/creative department, each ad presents your home at its absolute best in a format that’s unique to each publication. When available, your home will be featured in the East Bay Times Real Estate Plus section.
PROPERTY BROCHURE
Our marketing department will design a custom property brochure that will showcase your home’s assets and unique features. The use of professional photography (traditional and drone) plus a separate features/amenities page will ensure that potential buyers are educated about all your home has to offer.
JUST LISTED POSTCARDS
Just Listed postcards will be designed and mailed to surrounding neighborhoods. One of our favorite advertising tools is “word of mouth” from local residents.
PRICING YOUR PROPERTY
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE PRICE YOUR HOME PROPERLY FROM THE START, WHILE BUYER INTEREST IS AT ITS HIGHEST.
Pricing your home is a complex task that requires the expertise of an experienced real estate professional. Consider the following:
• If the listing price is set outside of the proper parameters, potential buyers may be deterred from considering your home
• Arriving at the optimal price requires evaluation and understanding of current marketing conditions, the marketable features of your home, and recent trends in the real estate market
• The closer your home is priced to fair market value when it first comes on the market, the more likely it will sell quickly at the highest price
• The higher your home is priced above market value, the smaller the number of available buyers
Your Dudum Real Estate Group agent will advise you of the following factors when assisting you to determine a listing price for your home:
• What have buyers recently paid for similar properties?
• Will this price attract enough attention from buyers to generate showings and acceptable offers?
• Which properties are competing for the attention of your buyers right now?
• Which properties have not sold, indicating what prices buyers are unwilling to pay under current market conditions?
BUYER INTEREST OVER TIME
A property attracts the most excitement and interest from the real estate community and potential buyers when it is first listed; therefore it has the highest chance of selling for the highest possible price when it is new to the market.
HOW BUYERS FIND YOUR LISTING
FRIEND: 6%
YARD/OPEN SIGN: 7%
HOME BUILDER: 5%
OTHER: 3%
REALTOR®: 28%
ONLINE: 51%
Understanding where buyers come from allows Dudum Real Estate Group professionals to market your home more effectively. While the expertise of a real estate professional remains vital to the home buying process, the internet serves as a tool for all generations of home buyers. That is why it is so important for Dudum Real Estate Group to offer a powerful combination of expert real estate reputation and a dominant web presence.
• 97% of all homebuyers used the internet in their home search
• Across generations, real estate agents remain the most frequently used source of information in the home search, followed by mobile search devices
• Our agents are equipped with the latest in mobile technology and are ready to respond
ESCROW TIMELINE
It is essential to understand that selling a home is a step-by-step process that should begin with the selection of an agent who will skillfully guide you through the entire transaction. Below is a sample of the typical buyer/seller transaction, and what to expect. DUE DILIGENCE GETTING STARTED CLOSING AFTER SALE SERVICE
Present Offer Package & Purchase Contract in Person
Negotiate the Best Possible Price for Your Home! Offer Accepted Escrow Set Up
Assist You with Relocation Needs Provide Resources for After-Sale Homeowner Needs Be a Referral Resource for Friends & Family Seeking Same Great First-Class Service 1 2 3 4
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
COMMUNICATE ON A TIMELY BASIS.
Timely updates and juggling our clients’ busy schedules are what we do every day. We will use whatever mode of communication works best for you (email, text, cell or Zoom call) and with your preferred frequency (as needed throughout the day; once a day or once a week). We thrive on details while keeping focused on the plan and will keep you fully informed.
HOLD YOUR HAND THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS.
Sometimes the transaction can be emotional, but we are here to guide you through the bumps of negotiations and occasional surprises that may arise during the transaction. We can supervise any work being done at the house including inspections. Also, our team of trusted tradesmen and resources can aid with most challenges that may arise. We will be your partner before, during and alter the transaction as needed.
SHARE OUR INSIDER REAL ESTATE INFORMATION WITH YOU.
Our close relationships with a network of local agents keeps us informed about properties that are being sold off market, in contract/not closed yet, and homes preparing for market providing you with the most current information to aid you in pricing your home. Our network of top producing agents combined with the multiple listing service will give you the full picture of the market.
GIVE YOU AN HONEST OPINION...
Even if it is something you may not want to hear. This will be done based on experience and with diplomacy. It is our job to give you all of the facts (good and bad) and it is your responsibility to make the final decision.
