Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for real estate agencies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Lommori Stahl Group of Re/Max Star Properties, the most effective way to keep clients happy is to utilize its comprehensive expertise to guide them through the real estate process. “We’re there for our clients every step of the way, from the first phone call to the moment they get the keys to their new homes,” says co-owner Christine Stahl. “Buying or selling a home takes a lot of planning and hard work, so our clients really appreciate how hands-on we are throughout the process.”

Lommori Stahl Group has been helping clients buy and sell residential real estate in San Mateo County and San Francisco since 1994. The agency handles every step of the real estate process for its clients, from providing financial advice to counseling them about their short- and long-term plans. Its agents are also qualified to work on short sales and 1031 exchanges.

Unlike less experienced real estate agencies that try to be all things to their clients, Lommori Stahl Group takes a team approach to every job so they can focus on their areas of expertise and ensure the best possible results. “Together, we’re able to bring more to the table than we could individually,” affirms co-owner Pete Lommori. “With my lending expertise and Christine’s marketing savvy, we’re able to meet the varying needs of our clients.”

Ultimately, Mr. Lommori and Ms. Stahl see their decades of industry experience as Lommori Stahl Group’s most important attribute. “Both of us are second-generation Bay Area real estate agents–I started in the 1980s and Pete started in 1973–so we have a lot of knowledge about local homes and developments,” says Ms. Stahl. “Whenever we show a property, we can give the client a lot of information about how it was built and the history of the area, which they really appreciate.”

If you’re thinking about buying a home, make sure you’re aware of the latest real estate rules. Gone are the days of low or no down payments, borrowing the full balance of your loan, fast escrows, and easy prequalification to home buying. Since the housing market upheaval of 2008, buyers now face a limited approval process, harder-to-find loans, limits on loan amounts, and longer waiting periods before the close of escrow. However, savvy buyers know that finding the right real estate agent to walk them through the process can alleviate frustration and get them into their dream homes with fewer missteps.

According to Pete Lommori, co-owner of Lommori Stahl Group of Re/Max Star Properties in Pacifica, home buyers should be prepared to undergo a lengthy approval process that takes into account their principal, interest, taxes, insurance and long-term debt rather than their gross income. “Unfortunately, this limits a lot of buyers,” he says. “Rates can be higher if you don’t qualify for a 30-year fixed loan, and the process can be slow and require a lot of documentation and signatures.” Mr. Lommori advises buyers to stay patient and give themselves extra time. Having paperwork, documentation, and other necessary items on-hand can reduce wait times and hasten the process.

Knowing your budget and using that information wisely can get you into a home without putting you deep into debt. “I always recommend overbidding if you’re shopping for a new home in certain Bay Area locations,” says Christine Stahl, Mr. Lommori’s business partner. “Many smart buyers look for properties that are priced under what they’re qualified for because they know they may have to overbid to get into a home.”

Being able to use technology wisely also helps today’s home buyers and sellers. “Zillow, for example, prices homes by taking an average in the area, but it doesn’t actually account for your home’s specific features,” cautions Mr. Lommori. “Instead, I recommend hiring a local agent who can give you a market analysis that’s based on your home’s size and condition, any remodels or upgrades you’ve done, and other information that will give you an accurate price. A hands-on agent will show your property, write offers, coordinate inspections and be there for you from start to finish.”

Q: Can you help me sell my house?

A: Yes. We’ll start by looking at your home and assessing its condition, and then we’ll sit down with you and determine what you want to accomplish. We’ll discuss what your home is worth, the costs of selling, and details like inspections and disclosures.

Q: What do I need to do to get my house ready to sell?

A: Depending on the condition of your home and the area in which you live, we may recommend repairs, upgrades, staging or other actions to prepare your home for the market. We’ll walk you through what your home needs before it goes up for sale.

Q: Is location the most important factor when it comes to buying a house?

A: Location is definitely important, but so are things like the size and condition of the home, the number of bathrooms and bedrooms, the price, the distance from your workplace, and other factors that may be important to you. Once we determine your goals and expectations, we can help you weigh your options.

Q: How can I determine my budget for buying a home?

A: The most important thing you can do before looking for a home is to get preapproved for a loan. Most lenders approve people based on their gross income, but the real figure is what you can afford to spend on housing each month. We advise our clients to break down their living costs so they can see what a monthly mortgage payment would look like.

Q: Why isn’t my house worth what Zillow says it’s worth?

A: Zillow prices homes by taking an average in the area, but it doesn’t actually account for your home’s exact features. Instead of using Zillow, we’ll show you a market analysis of the area that’s based on the size and condition of your house, any remodels or upgrades you’ve done, and other information that will give us an accurate price.