I never thought I would have such a long lasting and valuable relationship with my realtor. Before working with James, we didn’t think we could ever afford to become homeowners in California. But buying our first house with James several years ago was just the first stepping stone on our journey. With James’ help we are now on our second home (by the beach!) and with his continual guidance we have seen our wealth and quality of life grow!Several years ago we were renting a very small run-down home in not the safest neighborhood. We wanted to buy in California but with two small kids, our budget and savings couldn't afford us much (or anything?), or so we thought. After meeting with James he got to the core of what we were looking for in a property and for our lifestyle then, and what we wanted for our future. We bought a decent size starter home in a safe neighborhood with good schools. We were willing to compromise on the location and, while we needed something that was move-in ready, I was open to a cosmetic fixer. James suggested an area that he predicted would also grow in value. And it did! After we bought our first home, James did not leave our side as our advisor. He was there checking in and giving suggestions on upgrades that would add value, and letting us know about amazing programs, rebates, and other ways to afford and finance these upgrades. In the end we transformed a dated home into a dream home that was so lovely we almost didn’t want to sell. All along, James said he would let us know when he thought the market was approaching that sweet spot and we could sell high and buy low in our dream location. And now looking back 6 months later, I have to say he was spot-on! After the first open house James called and said he had a strong feeling we had our buyers. A few hours later we had our offer from the sweetest family and we sold for oh so much more than we bought it for 3 years previous!Throughout the process of buying and selling his team was on top of it. He truly has handpicked the best team. From his handyman that helped us fix up our home and is now like family, to his lender we couldn’t have been happier with, we felt like we were more than taken care of. Every person he works with and that he recommended was trustworthy, professional, prompt, and always had the client’s best interest at heart. The lenders and contractors who we personally found on our own did not compare in what they could offer in quality and price. When it came time to buy our second home, James helped us avoid making a heartfelt but ultimately poor financial decision. He laid all the facts out for us and without his knowledge and forethought, we would have made a very bad decision. With the information and insights James gave us, we decided to pull out of escrow. While I know pulling out of escrow cost him time and money, he cared more about finding us the right home than making an immediate sale. Undoubtedly James’ support with upgrades and getting our first home market ready helped us sell for a great profit, but it was more than that. His knowledge and timing of the market blew me away. We bought a home 10 minutes from the beach for $40,000 less than we sold our comparably sized suburban desert home for! I thought we’d at least have to downsize, but no. There’s some cosmetic upgrades we could do with our new home, but it’s because we want to make this home ours. James didn’t just sell us a house, he helped us become financial adults. He helped us take the small amount of money we had, and through his expert guidance over the years, he’s helped us make it grow. We still talk to James on the regular about everything real estate related, and beyond. He has a wealth of knowledge that we know we can trust. I am sure we will move again someday; upgrade, downsize… however life unfolds. And now with James in our corner we are considering investing in real estate and continuing our prosperity.… [Read full reviews on Zillow]
When we entered the housing market as first time buyers we were inundated by friends and family with horror stories of how fraught and unforgiving that market can be. Add to that the worst public health crisis in a century, and we nearly had ourselves convinced that owning a home may be something that we simply couldn’t do.James quelled those concerns, not forcefully and not all at once mind you, but slowly by laying out all of the steps in the process patiently and concisely. This demystification of what to us seemed like entirely foreign territory is the heart of what made working with James such a recommendable experience. For us, James became the shoulders that our heads could balance on. He was always available to help answer our questions, from the small curiosities to the large and more complicated inquiries. James supported us in making the right decision. We highly recommend him for all your realty needs. You will never feel undervalued.… [Read full reviews on Zillow]
James helped my wife and I purchase our first home. I can say that going into this process I knew very little about purchasing a home, especially in a competitive market like LA. James took the time to explain the process in detail, as well as answer my many questions along the way. My wife and I were very particular in what we were looking for and in no real rush to buy, James understood this and was incredibly patient. He was always willing and available to meet with us to view potential listings, which at times were last minute or odd hours due to the nature of my career. Once we found the right home and submitted an offer, James went above and beyond helping us navigate through what I’m sure he will agree was not a typical real estate transaction, ultimately getting our offer accepted at a price my wife and I were very happy about. Then through escrow, James continued to maintain a superior level of service, double and triple checking documents, researching anything that seemed unusual, and offering advice while keeping in constant communication with me about the process. In the end, my wife and I found the perfect home thanks to James’ expertise, hard work, and dedication to us as his clients. I’d highly recommend James to anyone looking to buy or sell a home in the greater LA area. -Bryce & Danielle… [Read full reviews on Zillow]
As first time home buyers, James made the entire process make sense to us. He was always available and quick to respond with any and all questions we had along the way. He really had our best interest at heart and always kept a calm presence. James was very diligent in communicating with our loan company and sellers agent on our behalf. He was even ready and willing to get our questions answered from the previous owners once we were already moved in. I would highly recommend James if you want your home buying /selling to go smoothly.… [Read full reviews on Zillow]
James helped my husband and I purchase our first single-family home. He was thorough, patient, and wonderful through the whole process. James made sure all of the seller agents' paperwork was correct and double-checked everything. He was immensely helpful with every detail from showings through the after the sale was closed. He helped us track down additional garage clickers even after the owners moved out of state. In addition to being a great agent, James is a wonderful person who cares about his community at large. I could not recommend him more. He's not a slimy agent who just wants to "make the sale."… [Read full reviews on Zillow]
I highly recommend James Holden as a Realtor! He helped us buy our first home. We had no idea what we were doing and he held our hand the whole way and explained everything we were too overwhelmed to understand. He helped us make the right choice for our family. I can wholeheartedly attest that he is a true blue trustworthy person who puts your best interest before making a deal. I had fell in love with a few properties that without James's insight and knowledge we would have had unforeseen costs or worse yet put our families health at risk. 5 stars!… [Read full reviews on Zillow]
James helped my partner find an amazing condo in the Valley. We were both blown away by his persistence, attention to detail, and willingness to go the extra mile for his clients. He's also done a great job of keeping in touch with us over the years. If you're looking for a trustworthy agent who's passionate about his clients, James is your guy!… [Read full reviews on Zillow]
James is great to work with. As an investor, I look for specific types of properties, in certain locations with particular characteristics. James shows me properties that meet those characteristics.James has helped me buying several properties (we sell our own properties for the most part). He is very calm and methodical. I always know what is going on during the escrow process. James is proactive in heading off any issues that might slow the closing down.I highly recommend James for purchasing a home.Thanks,Chris V.Carlstrom Investment Group, LLC(dba Summit Investments)… [Read full reviews on Zillow]
James provided us an easy and knowledgeable first home buying experience! He did not rest until we found the perfect place for us. He walked us through the daunting home buying process answering any question we had and had great knowledge of the local area. I highly recommend his services.… [Read full reviews on Zillow]
James is great to work with throughout the purchasing process. As an investor, I am looking for particular types of properties in a specific price range and in certain general areas. James has been excellent and showing me properties that meet that criteria.We have bought several properties using James' as our agent (we sell our own properties). He is extremely diligent and always "on top" of what is going on. I don't ever wonder what the situation is. James is proactive in keeping me informed about what is going on and how things are proceeding. Also, in highly competitive situations, his creativity helps us to secure deals.In my business, I talk with many agents. I wish they were all as conscientious as James. James is someone that will help you find the home you're looking for. Chris… [Read full reviews on Zillow]
