Jim Marak

Jim Marak is an exceptional realtor in El Segundo, California. His knowledge of the local housing market is impressive, and he combines it with a great sense of humor that makes the home-buying process enjoyable.

Jim's outgoing personality creates a comfortable environment, making it easy to communicate and share preferences. His 40 years of expertise and personable approach make him a standout choice for anyone looking to buy or sell a home in El Segundo.

Thanks, Jim

You've made El Segundo truly a remarkable place to live !!!

Jim Marak Is the absolute best Realtor in the business.

Several years ago I was going through rough times. Having to sell the condo that I shared with my ex-husband, and split the proceeds with him. I started looking for a new home, and Jim was most helpful. I would find vacant homes in the area where I wanted to live, telephone Jim and he would do all the research for me. Finally, I found the ideal home and Jim did all the negotiating for me. When the Bank came back with a high counter-offer, I sort of went into a tangent..." the house is not all of that and it's in a declining area." Jim listened and went back to the bank and negotiated a counteroffer within $5000.00 of my original offer price. Jim, said accept it and I did. I have been in my home now for 8 years, and the value has more than tripled. I am still so appreciative to Jim Marak and I refer all my friends to him. Sandra Neal

SANDRA NEAL

El Segundo Resident/Homeowner Letter of Reference for Jim Marak, Broker Associate (Branch Manager), for RE/MAX Estate Properties, 402 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245.

Direct line and V.M. 310.322.1900 This letter is to convey my thank you to Jim Marak for his services in the sale of our home we bought in ‘2004. We bought a large home with a large lot and RV parking…we wanted it all… and bought it at a time when there was a dip in the prices in the real estate market. After a few years, we found that the home was too large for our day-to-day needs, preferences, and utility. So, we rented it out for several years after trading it down to a smaller home. In the summer of ‘2018, our long-term tenants decided to move along…so they gave us their (60) day notice to vacate. After conversations and research done with Jim Marak, it was determined that this was an “IDEAL” time to sell. The desire of the tenants to move at this time presented us with an opportunity to sell in a strong market. Jim made suggestions as to the best ways to increase the Sales price and net proceeds of the sale in the most economical ways. He said, “Make sure that you get $3 for every $1 that you put into the fixing up of the house”. This was advice for cosmetic and mechanical upgrades and improvements and or repairs. He also outlined what needed to be done to meet current California Health and Safety Codes and the new water conservation laws. In just weeks our house was in escrow to a local fireman and his wife with excellent credit and full loan approval. They were the perfect buyers for the house because they wanted the big lot so that they could start a family and the RV parking for the Husband’s toys…cars and boats. Jim Marak can be counted on to work under any conditions…easy or harsh…he had to have a complete hip replacement due to a car accident including time in the hospital…but this did not interrupt any of the logistics of our sale. Jim had planned it all out and had people to help him get things done that he could not do because of that major operation. I would suggest any Buyer or Seller of a home, condo, or townhome to work with Jim Marak from Remax. He will never let you down…and he doesn’t let anything stop him from getting his job done to your satisfaction!!! Sincerely, Susan Stenhouse, El Segundo Resident and Homeowner for the past (16) years.

SUSAN STENHOUSE October 29th, 2018

My first experience working with Jim Marak was 18 years ago when I purchased my home.

Jim handled everything for me and all I was required to do was sign the papers at escrow. When it came time to refinance, I turned again to Jim. He found an excellent deal and a great person to work with to handle the re-fi. Jim was friendly and hard-working throughout both deals. He was timely for all appointments as well as with all paperwork. He readily answered my questions and promptly returned phone calls. He took 95% of the stress out of buying a home. Even now, if we meet in the bank, hardware store, or on the sidewalk, he remembers my name and has a joke to brighten my day. If I needed an agent for any type of real estate dealings today, I would certainly call Jim. I feel he would give me his best effort and a good return on my investment. Althea Strahm 950 Virginia Street, El Segundo

ALTHEA STRAHM

Dear Jim, One more sate to your credit.

Congratulations! When I moved into El Segundo 26 years ago, I settled in happily to my new home and then began receiving regular mailings from you. I was pleased that you always provided information on recent sales in my building and the surrounding areas. Nothing heavy-handed about your communications, just good solid information about the real estate market. When I finally decided to sell a few weeks ago, I called you up in November and arranged to meet with you. You already had in mind a few potential buyers. Within a week, one was ready to make an offer and three days later the deal was made. I certainly wasn’t expecting it to happen as quickly as it did. But I am grateful to you. By New Year’s Eve, I was out of my place and am now settling into my new home. Thanks to you the process was handled quite smoothly due to your excellent attention to detail and your sensitivity to the needs of both the seller and the buyer. I’m a very pleased customer and will gladly recommend your services to anyone seeking great service when faced with either buying or selling property in the South Bay area. Thank you for all the help you provided me, not just during this sale, but for all those mailings over the years that brought me to have confidence in you, your knowledge, and your experience. Gratefully, JoAnn Camperi, CMC One more satisfied customer!

JOANN CAMPERI, CMC

This letter is my reference to the outstanding relationship that we have had with Jim Marak and REMAX since 1989 when we first purchased our condo at 745 Main Street in El Segundo.

We have lived in Colorado for the past 9 years and over that time, it has been comforting to know that we have a reliable contact in Jim, who keeps us informed on market conditions in California affecting our California condo's current value. While it has been more than a decade since Jim assisted us in the purchase of our first piece of property, being able to maintain a relationship over the years with Jim has been invaluable to us given the fact that we are out of state. Jim has responded to our many questions through calls and emails with promptness and efficiency. Our experience has been that Jim works hard to keep his current and past clients happy and informed. I would not hesitate to recommend his services and that of REMAX. Best Regards, Teri and Scott Howard Evergreen, Colorado

TERI AND SCOTT HOWARD

To whom it may concern, Jim Marak sold two properties for me in 2003.

I highly recommend Jim to anyone interested in buying or selling real estate because of his professionalism and personal attention as well as his high level of experience. One of the properties was a multi-unit income property and there were many difficult issues involved with the sale that were resolved by Jim. His persistence and attitude were important to the process and positive outcomes. When I purchase another property, I intend to use Jim as my realtor. If you would like to speak with me directly regarding this matter, please feel free to call me at 310 871-5469. John Naccarelli

JOHN NACCARELLI

February 15th, 2008 To whom it may concern, BACKGROUND: It’s February 2008.

For the last year, the real estate market has been falling. New construction is down. Sales volume is down. Real Estate prices have been dropping. Foreclosures are up. In this difficult market situation, my sister passes away from ongoing cancer. I was the executor and my Mother’s health was failing as well. Soon I would have two houses to sell. What to do. TO THE RESCUE: Shortly after my sister died, my Mother suggested that I call Jim Marak at RE/MAX Realty. She remembered Jim from over (20) years ago when she and my Dad first moved into El Segundo. Jim found them their first home. She remembered Jim because “she liked doing business with him”. I gave Jim a call and he and I had a sit-down meeting. I can hardly believe it myself, but Jim sold both houses for me within weeks if not days on the market. FOR YOU DOUBTERS: You may ask…did you set the price too low? Not the case, I paid for an independent appraisal, and the court ordered its appraisal. All the appraisals were close, with the court’s being the lowest. Jim sold both houses within about (2) weeks of their listing at near their appraised values. More importantly, HE SOLD THEM HIMSELF! Jim put good deals together for both me and the Buyer of each property. He was competent, helpful, and pleasant to work with, and he got the job done. I highly recommend Jim Marak for your next purchase or sale! Bob, the seller of the Standard and Oak Street properties.

BOB, SELLER OF THE STANDARD AND OAK STREET PROPERTIES.

Stress avoidant?

Don’t like it or are too busy for it, then Jim Marak is your real estate broker! No stress is Jim Marak’s MO. House buying and selling is complex and stressful for the rest of us but Jim Marak is just the BEST at de-stressing the process through explanations tailored to each seller’s or buyer’s needs. Jim quickly learns who his clients are, their needs, expectations, and expertise, and guides the process as a custom and realistic fit for his clients. Jim explains home selling and buying in terms of the big picture as seen by each side. For sellers, Jim’s assistance goes right down to the tiniest details of what a seller can do to enhance price and the people to call to assist the seller on any task. Jim sits down with you for as long as it takes to answer any question you have, and, emphasizing that there is no such thing as a bad question, he tells you the only possible bad question is the one you didn’t ask. He’ll never embarrass you and is the ultimate professional when he turns into your new and lasting friend (as he did with me!). He pulls out prior area sales and shows you homes that had this or that that the seller did and gives you the financial estimates and guesstimate sense of what this or that might cost a seller to do in preparation of their home. When you get an offer, Jim’s negotiation expertise is unmatched, literally- he will guide you to the best offers in all aspects and if the offers aren’t what he thinks they should be, he knows how to get the best outcomes from bidding wars. If you are buying, he will help you understand market trends, so you know that what is good today will also be good tomorrow. Jim wants you as a seller or buyer to be fully informed on everything in the purchase or sale of a home so that you will be comfortable in the process and able to sleep peacefully knowing you did your best in your significant sale or purchase. Jim always takes your calls and your texts and wants you to know to never hold back - always ask right away to relieve any anxiety you might have. When our first escrow buyers walked out, Jim was immediately back on the market with a new offer of $15,000.00 higher than the first before he could even hold a second open house. This is what Jim lives for, making sellers and buyers feel comfortable and fully informed in the sale process!!! Don’t hire anyone else. Hire Jim Marak-

Jody ~ Seller

February 2010 I can’t say enough great things about Jim Marak.

My wife, newborn, and I were looking to sell our condo in El Segundo and purchase a home in El Segundo. Jim met with us and provided us with information instead of pressure. Throughout the purchase and sale, Jim was always available, knowledgeable, and provided sound and accurate advice. He helped us navigate the tricky real estate market and was always ready to help. Jim always had his client’s best interests at heart. I recommend Jim highly! He is the best. J.L. and family

J.L. AND FAMILY

Re: Jim Marak, Realtor Letter of Reference Our experience with Jim Marak as a realtor has been exceptional.

He worked very hard in finding us the perfect El Segundo home back in 1992. As young first-time home buyers, we were nervous and inexperienced with the real estate market. Jim was very patient and took extra time to help us understand the ins and outs of real estate. There was a period in which we were calling him almost every day and he never seemed to mind this barrage of questions. His advice and information were invaluable. We have referred him to several friends over the years who have also reported a very good experience with Jim. Jim has lived and worked in El Segundo for many years and knows the El Segundo real estate market like the back of his hand. We have turned to him several times over the years for his advice on other real estate matters. In addition to being our realtor, he has also become a good friend. We must confidently and sincerely recommend his services. Brian & Laura Waag 614 Loma Vista Street • El Segundo, California 90245

BRIAN & LAURA WÄAG

June 22, 2005, To whom it may concern: It is our great pleasure to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Jim Marak.

My husband and I have known Jim for over 7 years and had the pleasure of interacting with him when he helped us purchase our first home in Pleasant Hill, California. Since that time we have both remained close with Jim and are greatly aware of his excellent work as a Broker/Manager of RE/MAX Realty. What stands out most about Jim is his outstanding knowledge of accounting and real estate laws, his honesty, integrity, and his ability to follow through on his promises. He made the purchase of our first home a most enjoyable experience and eased whatever fears we might have had. Since that time we have moved to New Jersey and are only sad that we could not use him as a broker in our state. Sincerely, Suzanne and Michael Pugsley

SUZANNE AND MICHAEL PUGSLEY

Associate Dean, Education Graduate School of Education and Psychology Pepperdine University 6100 Center Drive Los Angeles, CA 90045
To whom it may concern: Jim Marak of RE/MAX Realty represented my family in the preparation for the sale and sale of our Concord Street townhome in El Segundo.

I had spoken with Jim during the two years before the sale of our home and told him that it was just a matter of time. Our family situation made it necessary for us to move out of a multi-level townhome and into a one-level living situation. When Jim came by we discussed what work should be done to maximize net cash and with his advice we lined up the contractors and handymen he referred and got the property ready for market in quick time. He discussed and charted for me the logistics of the sale process and some of the curves in the road that can take place as well as the band-aids that could be applied should any problems surface. He explained to me that escrows don't just close on their own but rather that they most always need help and guidance on the way and that he would be there for me (7) days every week. When the prep. work was almost complete we moved into a (1) level home and Jim let in the contractors and handymen for the final tasks. The townhome was brought on the M.L.S. and Jim's website and it sold for a record-breaking price. Jim made sure the townhome was locked up each afternoon as we had moved a few cities to the north. He made sure the windows were all shut and the lights were turned off...it was the rainy season. I would highly refer Jim Marak as a broker to anyone buying or selling real estate...he was an information-sharing, communicating, skilled, and experienced man of his word...he was always realistic and honest with us and that meant a lot to my family. Chester McCall

CHESTER H. MCCALL

We lived in El Segundo for 35 years and recently relocated to the San Diego area.

Jim Marak represented us selling our home located on the west side of town. He is skilled and experienced in the real estate field and helped us navigate the sale of our house and the escrow process. Jim was available for any questions, 7 days a week, and present at all showings of the house. He has a lot of resources available, if needed, to help prepare a home for sale. We are grateful for his honesty and guidance, and recommend Jim Marak to anyone for their real estate needs. He is trustworthy and fun to work with. Thanks, Jim. Ted & Elizabeth Ferri

TED & ELIZABETH FERRI AUGUST 2019

February 4th, 2010 Dear Jim, I finally finished moving.

I want to express my thanks for the help you provided during my house purchase. You are successfully represented by both the seller and the buyer. I am very happy during the process and I like the house very much. Thank you so much! Yeheng Liu (Vicki) Jim Marak RE/MAX El Segundo, CA 90245

YEHENG LIU (VICKI)

To Whom It May Concern: I'm writing this email to relate my very positive experiences working with Jim Marak in the sale of my condominium.

In 1999, I got engaged and wanted to sell my condo in El Segundo to move to Hermosa Beach where my new wife, stepson, and I would settle. At the time, the real estate market was rebounding somewhat and I had hoped at the very least I could break even from the price I paid for it in 1993. I spoke to some friends who recommended Jim as THE man to sell my condominium. Even then he had a reputation for being a customer-driven realtor! After meeting with Jim for the first time, I was convinced that he was the guy I was looking for. Jim was very honest with me about the real estate market and where best to price my home compared to similar properties in the area. I felt I could trust his instincts, so agreed with his suggestions and listed the condo at his recommended price. He marketed the property exactly as he said he would and handled all of the open houses without my having to lift a finger. With Jim's efforts, I got a favorable offer after only listing the house for a few weeks. When the house sold, the inspector identified some areas for correction and Jim handled all the repairs through his contractors, again not involving me at all. The entire transaction from soup to nuts was completely painless (unlike previous and subsequent property sales/purchases). The success of the entire project was completely due to Jim's professionalism, attention to detail, and patience. I rarely give professional recommendations because I'm very exacting. I recommend Jim Marak as both a realtor and a local professional. He will handle all the details of your real estate transactions and leave you both worry- and problem-free in the process. Tom Ranalli

TOM RANALLI

Letter of reference: Jim Marak Broker/Manager, RE/MAX Realty, El Segundo CA.

I have known Jim Marak for over 20 years. I met him during a period when I sold real estate with him in the same company. Although I continue to maintain a current real estate broker's license and at one time owned my real estate firm; I frequently choose Jim Marak to represent me when I buy or sell properties. I do this because of Jim's professional conduct, real estate experience, and attention to detail. I know that Jim will respond quickly to circumstances and situations commonly found in real estate transactions that when left unattended can lead to disappointing results and/or costly consequences. In other words, I feel confident that my best interests were thoroughly and professionally represented by Jim. He has my strong recommendation as a real estate agent. Sincerely, David Johnson, Lifetime El Segundo Resident and Homeowner

DAVID JOHNSON

Dear Jim, Many thanks for your expert guidance in purchasing our condo in El Segundo.

Your encyclopedic knowledge of El Segundo proved to be our advantage. Your estimates of traffic patterns, noise levels, and hours of sunlight were correct. You helped us to find a home suitable for us in every aspect, and your advice proved to be wise and very valuable. Please accept our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for your assistance in our search for our perfect home. All the best Trevor and Antoinette Holliday 123 E. Oak Ave Unit 207 El Segundo

TREVOR AND ANTOINETTE HOLLIDAY

My father was a resident of El Segundo since the 1980s.

When he passed away last summer, I gave Jim a call as I knew he had spoken to my father on several occasions and lived just a block away on the same street. I needed help to sell my father’s home. Jim jumped right into action contacting his many qualified service providers to meet with me, see the property, provide quotes, and get the property cleaned up, refreshed, and ready for sale. The landscaping work was great, the painting and fixes both inside and outside were done well and quicker than projected. Jim walked me through all the paperwork and disclosures needed. Since I live in the San Francisco area we had to do much of your paperwork remotely and Jim was very responsive to emails and phone calls. Jim even offered help and advice while I spent several weekends at the property clearing it out. He had referrals for donating, recycling, and even hazardous waste disposal. We got the house listed before our target date and Jim brought a full-price offer to me immediately. The whole thing could not have gone any better from start to finish – and I made a friend in the process! How do you beat that? Thanks, Jim! Spring, 2019 ‘1921 House, 400 Block of Whiting Street, El Segundo

THANKS, KEN SPRING, 2019

Winter ‘2014 -‘2015 To Prospective Buyers and Sellers: My husband and I recently decided to sell our condominium in El Segundo, and chose Jim Marak of RE/MAX Realty to represent us.

It was one of the best decisions we have ever made! With Jim’s guidance, his vast knowledge of the real estate market, and his endless list of contacts to take care of every repair necessary, we were able to get the property on the market in a very short time and list it at an appropriate price. The condo was sold within weeks of the listing date. We found Jim to be patient, trustworthy, beyond helpful, and always available to answer any questions or solve any problems we had. Without question, Jim Marak is the best realtor we have ever worked with. Robert and Patricia Hanger

ROBERT AND PATRICIA HANGER