Client Success Stories

This is Why We Do What We Do

With over 30 years of market experience representing buyers and sellers in Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Santa Monica and Los Angeles. We provide unmatched expertise and guidance throughout the entire process.

"...very extensive knowledge of the Pacific Palisades market"

Michael Edlen has very extensive knowledge of the Pacific Palisades market with over 30 years of experience. He has an MBA (as do I) and took several meetings with us to patiently answer all our questions with data and examples of how he would handle different aspects of the real estate transaction. His experience/knowledge and time spent with us convinced us to work with him and his team. He advised us to get our house on the market in February (2018) because inventory was 33% below the prior year. We worked with Christina Wagner, the Marketing Director, who evaluated our home, recommended how to stage it and recommended the various trades they work with to get it painted, landscaped, de-cluttered, etc. Our house looked gorgeous within a few weeks and we listed in February. All the publications and websites they said we would be advertised in were launched. We told Michael we needed no more than 90 days from list date to close because we had a contingency on a new house and he said he could make it happen and he did since we closed in May. He said he would work hard to get back-up buyers which he also did, and we felt ‘covered’ throughout the contingency period. Michael also delivered on the sales price, which was 4% above what we expected. His other team members – Tatiana Weiss and Monica Miranda expertly handled all the legal documents, inspections and details to get to closing. Customer service by Michael and his team was excellent. Phone calls/emails were returned the same day. They communicated with each other so there was absolutely no confusion regardless of who we spoke with. Overall great experience! BRAVO! ~ALIDA DUREJ

"We consider Michael to be our personal realtor"

We consider Michael to be our personal realtor. Like a brother. You know who to call. And we love him. Not only is he a complete pro who makes escrow EASY, (with his wonderful team) but he is a delight to be with, AND he listens to what you are looking for and finds it! He informs us of all the pros and cons of a property, and when we really do want a house, he advises us on the right strategy to GET it. He has done that for us TWICE on properties we really wanted that had bidding war situations, and we got them both. And obviously that works for the seller too. His knowledge of the area and the history of a property and the pros and cons make selling or buying a much happier and more successful experience. So, he’s our answer to buying and selling, and even just for being curious about what’s out there when you’re not sure what you want to do. He found our perfect house twice. It’s no stress. He handles everything and if I want to know any detail of information about geology, or local rules etc, he knows it or gets it. He never pushes. Just informs. So you can see why we consider him ‘our realtor’. ~KATHERINE AND FRANK PRICE

"...delivered us multiple offers, with an all cash, above asking, final offer with minimal follow up negotiation"

Michael and his team – Tatiana, Christina and Monica are amazing. I wanted to work with Michael as I have been aware of his success over the past 25 plus years I have lived in the Palisades. From the initial conversations, to pricing model and marketing strategies, to staging and to negotiation and managing the closing, I was impressed with the skill, knowledge, and attention to detail that each person brought to the process, getting to the finish line with minimum stress. Having been through three prior home sales this felt very much more under control with clear strategy and faultless execution. Michael’s approach to negotiation left everyone feeling whole and at the same time delivered us multiple offers, with an all cash, above asking, final offer with minimal follow up negotiation. We are grateful to The Edlen Team and recommend them wholeheartedly without reservation. ~JANE KRANTZ

"Give real meaning to the word competence"

Micheal Edlen and his team give real meaning to the word competence. From day one, they steered us through what was a complicated process. Their recommendations on how to recondition our home and make it attractive to buyers proved absolutely correct. Michael Edlen, Tatiana Weiss, Christina Wagner, and Monica Miranda showed great skill and patience in making the home ready to sell and in negotiating with buyers to bring about a sale that satisfied the expectations of all parties. Whenever we had a question about what to do next or about complicated legal matters, they responded immediately and facilitated a solution. Michael Edlen’s years of experience and knowledge of the local area proved invaluable. All in all, working with Michael and his team was a pleasant and rewarding experience. Not only did we sell our home but learned some valuable lessons about housing and real estate. ~ ALAN FOGELQUIST

"A TRUE team, that thinks, adapts and is creative"

Throughout, The Edlen Team were the consummate professionals, but, most of all, never forgot the client. I’d recommend them to any and all who want a team, and I mean a TRUE team, that thinks, adapts and is creative. I particularly want to thank Keith. He went above all expectations I had any reason to expect. The team always had my best interests at the forefront of their doings. ~JAY McCANN

"...entire process was done properly and without any complications"

We had seen The Edlen Team’s activity around our neighborhood and their success in closing deals. So when the time came for us to sell our house, we selected them as our agent/team. We are extremely pleased with our decision. Michael and his team including Christina and Tatiana were with us every step of the way, from explaining the sales process in a clear and concise way, helping us select a staging company, even to help us get a professional cleaning company. We had an offer within days after listing our home, and when it came to the closing process again The Edlen Team made sure that the entire process was done properly and without any complications. ~AHMAD & NILU MAGHBOUL

"Awesome, integrity"

Awesome, integrity, knowledge, execution. It is always great to have The Edlen Team on your side. ~HOUSHANG DADGOSTAR

"...the total experience"

This is an unsolicited letter to prospective clients who are fortunate enough to contact The Edlen Team on behalf of a real estate challenge.
After more than three decades living in the Palisades, we stumbled upon the Michael Edlen Group essentially because that office was in the neighborhood. The experience taught us the classic definition of serendipity. The total experience was far more rewarding than the record-setting sale the Team orchestrated as it was completed seamlessly in a matter of a few short weeks. That wonderful bevy of professionals who are now considered personal friends – each of them, indeed all of them, worked diligently to ease the total effort in the absence of any level of stress or discomfort. Bottom line – they are the best – we would work with no other! Take this message to the bank, as you will the benefits of their extraordinary labor on your behalf. ~DAVID & ELAINE MARMEL (Now satisfied residents of Lake Quinta, Ca)

"...every detail was handled with professionalism, care and great attention to detail."

We’ve worked with several real estate teams over the years, but we’ve never experienced anything better than working with the Edlen Team. From beginning to end, every detail was handled with professionalism, care and great attention to detail. Each member of the team treated us like we were their first priority and #1 client. I look forward to working with them again and highly recommend them to anyone on the Westside of LA!  ~ESTELLE HAYES

"Their marketing team is top-notch and can’t be beat!"

Steve and I have known Michael Edlen for years. He is very involved in the Pacific Palisades community and is a seasoned professional… Soooo when it came to selling our home, we did not hesitate to reach out to Michael. We worked with Michael Edlen and his team in the spring of 2018 to sell our home, and couldn’t have been more pleased! We received multiple offers the first day the house went on the market, thanks in large part to his team’s incredible work. They brought in a fabulous photographer and videographer to showcase our home online, and created much activity with serious buyers. Also, they brought in a designer to help stage our home, which helped make it more appealing to a larger number of potential buyers. Their marketing team is top-notch and can’t be beat! As we are dog people, although we received multiple offers immediately, we ended up working with the buyers who had a kinship for dogs. Mike’s team was wonderful in moving the transaction along, keeping us updated, answering any of our questions and getting the transaction to close on time. We had an overall excellent experience! ~STEVE AND LIZ GHYSELS

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Many times sales people talk a good game but don’t follow through with what they represent to be their level of effort. You and your Team certainly performed. I was skeptical about hiring a “Team”, thinking that we would not get the kind of attention that we deserved from you, its leader. Well, we were very satisfied with your personal responsiveness, as well as the overall professionalism of your Team. I’d recommend you in a minute. JOHN DOYLE

I greatly appreciate all the work that you and your outstanding colleagues put into the marketing, showing, contract negotiations, sale, and settlement of our house. My mother was wise to advise us to work with you. It was quite an experience and I learned a lot from all of you. I’m not going to sound like an Oscar winner and thank each of you individually, but will just say that every component and stage as handled by the individual team members – with you as the quarterback – was impressive. You are model professionals but also very pleasant people to work with. ~ROGER KINGSLEY, TRUSTEE

It was a lucky day for us when I walked into the office and met Christina, the professional and no pressure feeling of the office was just what we were looking for, each and everyone was right on top of their game, meeting with Michael and Christina, learning about there sales strategy and the way they took the time necessary to explain it made us feel very comfortable. Settling my mother’s estate has not always been easy, but The Edlen team is the best, they get the job done in a friendly and professional manner, I consider you friends. ~LEON HUDSON, TRUSTEE

Thank you and the team, Michael. There were some obvious extraordinary hurdles for you on this one and you all simply stayed focused on the task at hand and did whatever it took. You will always have my gratitude. ~GARY RAY

We have moved numerous times, bought and sold properties on both coasts and this is the best experience we have had by far. Each member of your team is an expert in their area and everyone was extremely responsive, pleasant to deal with and most helpful. In addition, everyone really worked as a team knew what was going on. The advice we received on the preparation of the property for sale was very valuable and we took it to heart, after all, who are we to second guess people who have been through this with so much success. Also, the process and advice on handling the offers from you, your team and Robbie resulted in a very successful sale. The post-sale process was similarly valuable in suggesting an excellent escrow company and your continuing involvement through the close really made it easy for us. Altogether I would say that the entire process exceeded our expectations. ~BOB & ELAINE BAUER

It is a pleasure to work with the Edlen Team. You are not only exceedingly knowledgeable, but you all understand that attention to detail often means the difference between closing an escrow and falling out of it. Thank you for handling our transaction with the personal touch that you provided on a daily basis and for making the process so enjoyable! ~TIM CARR

The decision we made to utilize the services of Michael Edlen & his team ranks as one of the best we have made…every detail was handled in a very professional manner. It is a comfortable feeling to have confidence in the ability and integrity of one’s agent. ~MARY AND ROLLAND ROHDE

Thank you so very much for your commitment, perseverance, patience, professionalism, caring, ethic, insight, understanding, level-headedness, positive enthusiasm, unwavering optimism, time, flexibility and open-mindedness. ~ED BUTTWINICK

Whenever possible I am singing your praises! Judging from the signs I see around town (and I see a lot)…you are all very busy. Thank you again, EDLEN TEAM, for your hard work, patience and absolute professionalism throughout these three transactions. ~JUDY AREND

Thank you and your team for all of your efforts in helping me to buy and sell my Palisades homes. You provided an exceptionally keen understanding of the market and your ability to negotiate was outstanding. Your sense of timing and guidance through the purchase and sale processes were invaluable, and I am truly grateful to you and your team for providing an extremely high level of service coupled with honest caring and enthusiasm for my individual situation. ~DARREN BURRIS

Finding the right house can be, at times, frustrating, and we appreciated your patience and guidance at every point along the way. Your dedication to our process and your reputation within the community are the reasons you are the best agent in the Palisades. And your Team was not only helpful and hard-working, but caring and good-humored throughout our transaction. If we ever move again, you can be sure that you will represent us. ~ROBERT & BARBARA JESUELE

We have bought and sold six homes now, and Michael is by far the most professional and detail-minded agent we have ever worked with. We especially benefited on the buying side because Michael took time to fully understand our desires, and then utilized his superb negotiating skills that made it all possible. We are happy to give a glowing recommendation to anyone. ~MICHAEL & GINA SHELDON

We can say that we are still amazed and thrilled at how smoothly our purchase transaction went. Partly luck, perhaps…but we know it was mostly competence, experience and Michael’s desire to do the very best for us. If anyone is looking to buy a home in Pacific Palisades, we urge them to work with Michael Edlen and they will get the full advantage of his services. ~KRIS WONG

In this complex market, you can’t use just any agent who may be your friend or neighbor…you need the experience and talent of the EDLEN TEAM. Their extensive knowledge of current market conditions makes a huge difference in the time it takes to sell your home. At every stage of the process, Michael and his team knew exactly what to do to move us closer to closing the deal. They’re the best! ~MELISSA RATCLIFF

The EDLEN TEAM provided me with a sense of comfort and support and never failed to be anything but positive about selling my home. They stuck with me through many trying moments and gave me the guidance I needed without pressure. They were much more than my real estate team extraordinaire – they were also my therapists, decorators, and lawyers! ~MARLENE CLARK

We had to sell our home during a period of pronounced market turmoil, and I don’t believe we would have reached such an equitable resolution to our home sale had we worked with any other agent or team. ~ERIC TARDIF

I believe people would be better off and have a higher estimation of the real estate profession if there were more professionals such as Michael Edlen and his team. They combine a pragmatic determinism with a finely honed sense of the invisibles. They are able to read the feelings between the lines, and that is where the game is truly played, won and lost. ~PETER BROWN

I marvel that our home sold so quickly and at such a good price. Certainly, the many suggestions made by the Edlen Team, the strategy for showing our property and your tremendous positive energy made the difference! ~PAUL AGNEW

Michael’s experience in the Westside residential real estate arena was of the utmost benefit to us. His thoroughness was continually appreciated. The work ethic of Michael and his team was exemplary, above and beyond what could have been expected. Finally, Michael’s manner made him a pleasure to work with. In addition to being very considerate, he had a good sense of humor, was always positive, was interested and interesting, provided good advice and exercised good judgment, and was a good coach and hand-holder. With this letter, we are providing a strong recommendation to anyone (buyer or seller) who needs quality representation. ~SALLIE & RALPH SMITH

Thank you so much for your sunny outlook. I’m sure that your positive attitude affected our Karma and landed us this house! You are a super real estate team and a pleasure to talk and work with. I’m just sorry we didn’t meet sooner. ~AMY LEBENZON

We’d like to thank you for negotiating through many difficult situations. You handled the hurdles and the hair splitters with finesse. You were also terrific at follow through on all details. You prodded all parties, including us when necessary, and managed not to offend anyone. We’re thrilled! ~CHRIS & ROBERTA LAMB

I thought I’d take this opportunity to let you know how pleased I was by the way you handled all aspects of the purchase of my home and the sale of my old home. I would have quit several times if it were not for your indefatigable energy and unfailingly positive attitude throughout. I recommend you without qualification. ~STEVEN MANDELL

Your sense of timing, superb negotiating skills, professionalism, and knowledge of real estate were responsible for our obtaining a home which we really love in a very time-pressured and competitive situation and at a good price. Without your crucial efforts, we clearly would not be living where we are today. ~CHARLES & RENE BUCHANAN

We cannot say enough to express our thankfulness in having Michael and his team on our side. They treated us respectfully, and brought so much knowledge to the table, which made us feel confident in finding our home. Thank you again – we are honored to be neighbors with you in the Palisades! ~DAVID HOUSTON & DAWN UMEMOTO

We are so happy with how Michael Edlen and team sold our house in the Pacific Palisades. With Michael’s expert knowledge of the area, Christina’s help in styling and editing the house for marketing, Tati’s legal expertise and Monica’s assistance with the process and viewings, it made what could have been a very stressful experience, seamless and straightforward. We are moving internationally, so we have had many balls to juggle over the past few months, but from start to finish the communication has been second to none and attention to detail A+, plus they have been really lovely to deal with. Really great work Team Edlen! ~LAURA & IAN MOFFIT

Do you have plans of buying or selling a home in 2020?

We provide a comprehensive marketing strategy to sell your home. Our unique approach combines 30+ years real estate expertise, mass media PR, digital advertising, email outreach and 1-on-1 outreach to our network.