Allison W. Testimonials for Diogenes and Bob

“Diogenes was a fierce advocate for me during the home buying process. He knew all the right questions to ask, and gave me good insight when we were looking at homes. He told me to go with my gut, and never made me feel bad about dragging him to all kinds of properties that I ended up not liking. When I finally found a house I wanted to buy, Diogenes got me the first available showing appointment. The rest is history. Diogenes was meticulous in his attention to detail, and was an excellent resource.”

“As a first time homebuyer in the current market, I felt like a guppy in a shark tank. Bob was incredibly educated on all subjects in the real estate field, and he never tired of explaining basic real estate concepts to me multiple times. Bob kept me informed on market trends, pointed me towards properties I might like, and held my hand through the entire process. I don’t know what I would have done without Bob’s expertise and outstanding customer service. When I received the keys to my new home, Bob’s job wasn’t done. He warned me about homeowner’s scams and even followed up with me to make sure I knew how to request a garbage bin from the town. The whole process was so much easier with Bob looking out for me.”

Allison W., homebuyer

_______________________

“Agent Bob Mulder of Umstead Realty LLC, was fantastically helpful throughout the homebuying process! When initiating our search, he provided information that kept us focused on practical solutions to my needs for a house within a specific geographic area. Then while viewing homes, Bob moved efficiently to make the most of our time visiting homes on the market and open house events. When it was finally time to buy, we made an offer without delay and he followed up with me personally each step of the way right through the closing date.

Overall, agent Mulder was thoughtful, thorough, and efficient during the entire house-shopping and buying experience. Purchasing a house with him was an excellent decision yielding excellent results!

Charles Lanier, homebuyer”

_______________________

Diogenes Ruiz is an excellent resource for any and all information related to the home-buying process. Being a first-time home-buyer, I had absolutely no knowledge or experience in this area.  Diogenes walked me through every step of the way, keeping me informed about the next steps at every point in the process so that I always felt prepared. He was available day or night for any questions and was incredibly resourceful, always meeting any complications with solutions. Diogenes was also exceedingly understanding, patient, and flexible regarding my unconventional schedule and very particular taste.

Because of Diogenes’ expertise and constant support, I felt well-informed and comfortable making the important, necessary decisions throughout this process. He consistently went above and beyond, sending me suggestions and recommendations about specific ways to improve the process and make it as stress-free as possible. It truly was as simple and easy as it could have been, and I am so grateful to Diogenes for helping me find and purchase my dream home!

– Morgan

_______________________

Bob Mulder of Umstead Realty is an excellent resource of information for everything related to selling or buying a home. His expertise extend well beyond just assisting the buyer in finding the right home or crafting the correct package to sell a home effectively, Bob is well versed in everything from understanding future road and construction plans in the Raleigh area to the more typical realtor skills of understanding all aspects of home construction. He is knowledgeable, professional and great to work with.

Bob goes above and beyond with everything, making the buyer feel comfortable with all decisions along the way. By the time you finish working with Bob you will truly count him as one of your friends as he really does make you feel like he is in your corner and working for you.

As people moving to the area from a distance, Bob’s willingness to cover all sorts of bases and provide extensive information on the area as well as on specific homes and neighborhoods was critical to us. He was constantly at the end of a phone or email, providing us with timely information every step of the way.

We cannot speak more highly of Bob Mulder and our experience with him as a representative of Umstead Realty. If you are looking for a realtor that will truly be on your side and make the stressful process of house buying and selling much more enjoyable….give Bob a call and you will have no regrets.

Dawn Fraser and Paul Peterson

__________________

Being a first time home buyer, I was anxious about finding and buying a home, but Diogenes was there every step of the way, keeping me informed and advocating for me. He helped me take advantage of a tax credit program for first time home buyers that I did not even know existed. He went above and beyond every step of the way. His availability, flexibility, and dedication are a few of the many reasons I could not have asked for a better agent. Thank you for finding me a house that I love and can now call home!

– Taylor

__________________

I first used Bob’s services about 10 years ago when selling my parents’ house. Based on that positive experience I recently asked him to handle the sale of my sister’s townhome.  I wasn’t disappointed.

Bob has all the skills you’d expect from a good agent – knowledgeable, experienced, resourceful, conscientious about keeping me in the loop, and quick to respond to my many phone calls and emails, whether my questions were big, small, or even silly. But beyond this, he went the extra mile (sometimes literally) to take care of things I figured I’d have to do myself.

This was especially helpful because the townhome was not occupied while on the market and I lived an inconvenient distance away. Rather than my having to make a special trip every time something came up, Bob often stepped in to take care of things.  This once even involved his driving there just to lock a door that had been left unsecured.

He also handled chores I expect some other agents might have left me to deal with myself. For example, he negotiated repair responsibilities with the HOA; he recommended and worked out a detailed quote with an excellent repair contractor; he then scheduled the work and monitored progress. And one more thing I don’t think you’d find in a typical agent’s job description:  Just a few days before closing, I faced the big chore of hauling a washer and dryer the buyers decided they didn’t want from a second-story laundry closet, down an awkward flight of stairs, out the front door, and down more stairs into the parking lot for pickup.  I was ready to hire someone to do it but, instead, Bob offered to come to my rescue with his appliance dolly.

The house was under contract within 12 days of listing and closed within another 6 weeks. I appreciate Bob’s smoothing the way through the entire process, and on top of all this, he’s been a fun and interesting guy to get to know!

David, Raleigh, NC 11/15/2016

_________________

It’s been about a year since we moved to University Park and we are so very happy with our house and neighbors! It is good to be here.
I want to express my appreciation for the wonderful real estate agent who helped us with buying our house.
Bob Mulder was instrumental in helping me navigate a very difficult purchase. He had words of wisdom and sound advice for every aspect of the transaction from looking at houses to the day of closing, and he continues to check in to see how we are settling in.
— When it was time to make an offer, he brought his expertise as an appraiser and helped me with examples to support our figure.
— In buying an older home, he brought his knowledge of home repairs and older building systems to our aid and helped us schedule and coordinate the five different inspections we needed for electrical, plumbing, and other specifics.
— In negotiating a very difficult situation because of the seller’s particular circumstances, he was incredibly persistent and wise and calm.
— Finally, we faced a difficult lending environment because of the banks’ tightening their standards n recent years, and even though it was challenging to finalize our loan, he never faltered but always had a useful suggestion or a word of sound advice.
— No matter how often I called or emailed, he responded almost instantly every time.
He truly lived up to the ideal standards of a loyal and resourceful agent, and then some.
It was so good to have his help. I wanted to say thanks to Bob for helping us be here in this great neighborhood. If anyone would like his contact info, I will gladly provide it with highest commendations.

Betsy Kane
Raleigh, NC

____________________

Bob,

I’m glad you are our friend and on our side. Thank you for all the hard work you do and always putting our best interest first. You are the best agent we could ever have and a true friend.

Sara-Ann
Raleigh, NC

__________________

After years of living abroad, we returned to the USA to retire. We’d never owned property before, and needed an agent who not only understood the local real estate market, but understood us—our unique situation as returning expats. A friend recommended Bob Mulder. Bob guided us through the entire process, offering us sound, objective advice but never trying to push us in a particular direction. When we made our choice, Bob coached us patiently and calmly through the stressful negotiating process and onward to a result that leaves us happy in a home we love. Bob’s caring didn’t stop at closing; he’s come by the house to help us get settled and checks up from time to time to make sure we’re doing well. We consider Bob not only a real estate agent, but a true friend.

Ann and Randy
Raleigh, NC

__________________

Dear Bob,

Thank you for all your patience and for really listening to me when my house was for sale. As a first-time seller in a buyer’s market, I was very anxious and easily stressed, You stayed calm and cool and logical, and provided me all the information I needed to make good, rational decisions. That all your abilities also come with a phenomenal technical knowledge of the real estate market and how things work was a blessing for me. Thanks to you, I didn’t need to “get hyper” about anything.

Thanks,

Carol
Raleigh, NC

____________________

Erick, I just want to thank you for selling Mama’s house in one day. You knew the area and what price to ask for. You were very professional and yet really seemed like a long time friend. Even though Bob and I were taking care of things for Mama, you made her feel like she was included in the decisions. Thank you so much for all of your help.

Sandy, Greensboro, NC

_____________________

“We just wanted to say again how much we appreciate all of your efforts in helping us sell our home. We truly couldn’t have dreamed up a better realty team to represent us. You made a complex process seem painless.

“As soon as we close on our new home in Charlotte we’ll get you our address and contact info and do hope to stay in touch.

“After working with Umstead Realty in the sale of our home, we have nothing but the highest praise for their excellent service. Erick and Bob consistently presented us with our options, gave us their insights, and then supported our decisions unequivocally. They conducted each interaction professionally and demonstrated honesty and integrity throughout the process. They also provided informed guidance on pricing our home and negotiations. As a result of working with Umstead Realty, we sold our home in just 4 days after we listed it (other homes in our neighborhood had been on the market for considerably longer). Erick and Bob repeatedly went above and beyond the duties of a real estate team, and well exceeded our expectations for representation.

“We would recommend Umstead Realty without hesitation to anyone buying or selling a home. Working with them was an absolute and profitable pleasure.”

Louann and Doug, Charlotte, North Carolina

__________________________

“Wow! Where do I start?”

“I am a first time home owner and to be honest pretty ignorant to the world of real estate. Erick was recommended to me by a friend because I did not know anybody in real estate. I was embarrassed about how little I knew, but Erick was a great tutor. He made it clear he wanted me to know what a first time homeowner should know. Erick showed he had my best interest in mind.

“Erick is an excellent communicator. He is thorough and patient. Erick not only had patience for questions, but had no problem answering the same questions repeatedly. He sincerely wanted me to understand what kind of things I should look for in a house, not just the things I was attracted to.

Erick made the recommendations for everything I needed from the mortgage company, loan officer, home inspector and closing attorney and coordinated the entire process. He completely took the stress out of buying a home, which is quite an accomplishment!”

Mark Brown, Raleigh, North Carolina

________________________

Bob Mulder is a very dedicated professional who will go the extra mile for you, and then some! Imagine a realtor who volunteers to empty 2 big waterbed mattresses, one in the basement and one on the second floor!

Bob was always available to let workers into the house when needed, to check mail, to take garbage and recycling bins up to the street and then return the next day to wheel them back down again. He recommended workers to do the appraisal, carpentry, yardwork, cleaning, final clean out, power washing, and they all did excellent work.

Bob suggested giving unneeded clothing and furniture to a charity that helps refugees. He contacted the charity for me, then went to the house to gather 8 bags of clothing, and to meet the truck for the donation.

It was always easy to reach Bob by cell phone and email for an update or to answer questions. Since I live 2 hours away from the house that Bob sold for us, I feel that it would truly have been impossible to accomplish all that needed to be done without his expert help. Thank you, Bob! You have my highest recommendation!

Harriet, Winston-Salem

____________________