Portfolio
Putting You First
I work closely with each of my clients and provide them with guidance and local expertise. My service is all about making you happy and I’d be thrilled to work with you to find the property you want and deserve.
"I love helping my clients throughout the entire process"
1 Atlas Pl., Berkeley
6 Bedrooms ~ 4.5 Bathrooms
Offered at $3,200,000
Represented Buyer
Client Feedback
“You guided us through the selling process with an expert touch, your intuitive sensitivity and supreme marketing skills!” ~ Justin and Lisa
"Working with Annie was the easiest and most enjoyable real estate purchase we have ever experienced. Annie was referred to us. We were interested in a house and wanted to make an offer immediately. To our surprise in her soft-spoken voice, Annie mentioned all the reasons why this was not a safe investment for us and reassured us that we would find a better deal. At first, we were disappointed, but just hours later, we realized that she was quite right in her judgment and had saved us from a big mistake. A few days later, we had found a house that was not only much better, but that was also a jewel. Annie s expertise gave us time and peace of mind that we would find something better. This was our ninth real estate purchase and the first time our Realtor did not push us to buy but actually said, “Don’t buy!” … This experience was so pleasant that we were truly sad we didn’t have a reason to see Annie anymore. So now we have to think up other reasons to get together. Thanks Annie!" ~ Rick and Susie
"We are particularly difficult clients, yet not only has Annie shown unending patience during our 6-month, 8-bid search, but her knowledge about properties and the market along with her recommendations about inspectors allowed us to get a house for less than the asking price in a very competitive market. That speaks for itself. To this day, we consider her a good friend." ~ Jonathan and Re-Cheng
"We would like to express our extreme pleasure and gratification at having worked with Annie Walrand of the Grubb Company. In helping us find our new home in Berkeley, she was knowledgeable and results-oriented. Beyond that, she brought a warm-hearted joy to the process. Annie was particularly useful in introducing us to the various neighborhoods and architectural styles in Berkeley. She was able to take us from the all too vague goal of “moving to Berkeley” to a defined list of needs and wants. She attended brokers’ tours with our specific goals in mind and was right on target when recommending properties that would match our taste and budget. Annie was forthright and realistic in describing potential trade-offs and downsides to a property as well. Berkeley is currently a very competitive market, making it a bit challenging for buyers. One event that particularly struck us in the whole process was when one property rapidly bid out of our price range. Annie very sympathetically promised that she would find the perfect property for us – and a few short weeks later, she succeeded with a place that matched and exceeded our hopes! Annie was again very knowledgeable and professional in negotiating the offer and guiding us through the detailed paperwork. She has also been able to provide us with a list of resources for some of the repairs and remodeling we are planning. All in all, Annie was able to not only bring her knowledge and resources to bear on our needs – she also made a potentially stressful process enjoyable. Annie is not only skilled, but shares her pleasure in playing matchmaker between houses and their buyers. It has been a delight to work with her." ~ Karin and Shel
“From the moment we met, I knew you were the one I wanted to work with. It is something I never had second thoughts about. Down to earth, direct, forthright, honest, scrupulous and interesting are some of your traits that come to mind. Yes, I will miss seeing you on a regular basis. Thank you, Annie!” ~ Charlotte
“Annie Walrand wore two hats for us. She helped us both to buy a new home and to sell our old home - both located in Berkeley. Her professionalism, quiet sense of humor, steadiness, organization and constant communications made it a very smooth process with little stress. She helped us negotiate the purchase of our new home in a realistic way and understand the strategy of pricing and accepting offers for the home we sold. There was never pressure imposed, only sound advice given. In the end we received seven offers on the home we sold, all above the asking price, during a very mixed market period. We recommend her with reservation.” ~ Karen and Marc
“Thank you for all the help and hand holding for the sale of our home. We know it was trying at times. We enjoyed getting to know you. We look forward to seeing you again soon.” ~ Mike and Toni
Biographie
Understated and soft-spoken, Annie Walrand embodies a European graciousness that expresses both personal flair and discretion. She is a rare breed of Realtor who zooms in on her clients’ needs without fanfare. In the business since 1989, expertise honed over years guides each transaction.
Born and raised in French-speaking Belgium, Annie arrived in Berkeley when her husband began a PhD program in Electrical Engineering at UCB. She entered the field of real estate and became known as a trustworthy residential specialist.
First and foremost, she is a wonderful listener. When clients speak, she hears their stated desires and their underlying aspirations. Her attuned radar and ability to communicate directly allow Annie to quickly assess an effective sale or purchase strategy. At the same time, she is authoritative, bringing decades of experience to buyers and sellers eager to enter the desirable East Bay market.
It’s not uncommon for first-time buyers to walk in armed with data from the Web. They research homes online, of course. But here’s the truth: No matter how much data you get from an app or an algorithm, nothing replaces knowing the context in which all this information fits. In other words, it’s only with experience that one knows how to assess a home’s assets and pitfalls, and how to structure a deal that allows all the puzzle pieces to fit together. In this way, Annie is a savvy mediator, not a shark. While firmly holding her client’s priorities as her own, she carefully strikes a balance between making demands and facilitating closure.
In addition to all the tasks one expects of a realtor, and there are many, one of the most important roles is helping clients handle financial decisions during what can be a roller coaster of emotion. Here Annie excels. She keeps expectations realistic and is persistent and patient at the same time. She brings a sense of timing with a sense of humor.
Annie was raised in a large family; frequent happy occasions meant pushing back furniture to make room for the twirls of a Viennese waltz. A lover of cats, dogs, travel, singing, and marching bands, Annie truly appreciates life. She is fiercely dedicated to her family and to her clients of all ages who seek her professional guidance.
Call Annie at 510.599.6914 to ask all your real estate questions
