Testimonials

Mike Bell and his team were engaged to sell a somewhat distressed residential property on behalf of a trust. He politely but aggressively marketed the listing and succeeded in closing a sale in a very difficult market. Throughout the sales effort, he kept the trustees informed of all pertinent developments and never faltered when two prospective buyers fell out of escrow. I commend his professionalism and highly recommend his services.
Brian D McKay, Esq., Pasadena

Where do I start? Mike Bell is true to his word, period. With me traveling and only able to communicate thru emails and bad cell phone connections, he not only directed me in a direction that gave me the people I needed to "touch up" my property, he kept me informed with their progress. That is invaluable to somebody that can't be there. As soon as the "touch ups" were done, he had his staff of amazing people come and take photos of the inside and outside of the property. Mike sent me the proof of his flyer for my approval and after that it was on the web - EVERYWHERE !!! In a difficult market, he never slowed down, never gave up. Thank you Mike for that…. Once a buyer made an offer and I had paper work to sign, he was able to get it to me thru Doc-u-sign, an internet document signing program that made that process even easier .Thank you Mike for that as well. I send a huge thank you to Mike Bell and his team for doing what they said they would do. In today's world all we have is our word, and the Mike Bell team lives by their word - THANK YOU!
Thomas Braislin, San Gabriel

Thank you, Mike, for making the sale of my home a positive experience. I was nervous as I had heard horror stories from friends. Working with you and your team took away all of my concerns. You answered my questions, kept me updated every step of the way, and made me feel as if I was your only client. Within a week of being on the market, multiple offers were received! I would not hesitate to recommend you and your team to anyone looking to buy or sell their property.
Nancy Kriegsman, Alhambra

Mike Bell is a consummate professional! We were out of State sellers and Mike and his team handled every aspect of our transaction impeccably. When things got tricky, Mike knew not only the intricacies of the Real Estate law but, just as importantly, he knew what needed to get done to resolve the issues and keep our escrow moving forward. If you are looking for the best price for your property, a smooth transaction and complete satisfaction, then Mike Bell is your man!
Daniel Colimon, South Pasadena

Michael Bell has been forthright in recommending needed improvements to my father's 1916 home, that were cost effective and expedited the sale of the property. His knowledge of historic homes and ability to recommend competent contractors has been invaluable. Additionally, his assessment of the market in pricing achieved the sale in a short time under the 2011 poor market conditions. His team of professionals provided continuous support throughout the process. After some basic improvements to the home, Mike listed it on the market and found a buyer within 2 weeks of the listing. Our first listing agent had the house on the market for over 4 months, with no market activity and no input about the needed changes to sell the house. Mike's realistic approach and knowledge of the market achieved the desired results through pre-listing remedies, listing, contract and escrow period. Mike's knowledge and support have been exceptional. His constant interaction and with me, a trustee living out-of-state, made this transaction as smooth as possible.
Juliana Embree Young, Trustee, Altadena

Thank you for handling my 2 Pasadena homes so well since I am out of state. Great marketing, great follow-up, and helping me with the zoning hearing and the permit process was really fantastic.
Charles Bohannon, Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena (2 transactions)

Mike Bell assisted in a recent real estate transaction. In my view, Mike is one of the most competent, understanding real estate brokers in the business. He gets to know you as an individual so that he is prepared to act in a responsible and thoughtful way in meeting your objectives. He is also very warm, sincere and engaging, so that both buyers and sellers have a positive impression of any interaction. He even knows how to deliver bad news (and there are always snafus) in a warm and competent manner. I would recommend him enthusiastically for your real estate needs.
Joseph M. Zanetta, Esq., South Pasadena

My wife and I have worked with Mike numerous times as buyers and sellers. His combination of market awareness and attention to detail are unmatched. We wouldn't use anyone else.
Francis Senger, Pasadena (3 transactions)

We highly recommend Mike Bell as a smart, diligent professional who knows the real estate business inside and out. He has always been responsive and thorough in his dealings with us. Mike knows how to use technology to get results for a seller, and in our case he was able to induce multiple offers that he evaluated for us with insight and intelligence. He also has a friendly, upbeat demeanor and the people skills that engender goodwill. He is a good listener, but he also has the judgment and experience that enable him to point out factors that a seller ought to consider before making decisions throughout the process. Mike gave us excellent advice every step of the way.
Alex Blancarte & Scott Green, Pasadena

Mike, thank you for the exceptional job you did selling my house. You were diligent, persistent, creative, and without you I am sure given the current market that it would not have sold as quickly or as well.
Rosemary Barbus, Trustee, Greene & Greene Covelle House, Pasadena

I started communicating with Mike Bell online after finding a home in South Pasadena among his listings. I don't have patience for long response times. Mike was exceptional in every aspect of our interactions. After initiating a conversation with Mike, we handled everything with his competent help. We've also continued to work with Mike seeking referrals for painting, remodeling, etc... All outstanding!!! Save yourself time, stress and problems -- let Mike handle things for YOU!!!
Ann Braun, South Pasadena

I once told Mike Bell that he's the first Realtor that I ever liked. It's sad but true. In a field awash with pushy, psychopathic, inattentive, thoughtless, incompetent "professionals", Mike is an exception. He's calm. He listens. He's helpful. He's well-informed. He's strategic. He does what he says he'll do. He obviously has a team behind him. He's easy to recommend. We do.
Al Braun, South Pasadena

We were referred to Mike after we thought we selected the right agent. Mike suggested we talk to him for just 20 minutes, and we were very impressed. His marketing was far and beyond a traditional agent. He explained the market very well and his analysis was thorough. He backed up everything he said with hard data. The end result was great: multiple offers and everything was trouble free. Mike did everything he promised. My family is very pleased to have worked with Michael Bell.
James Phillips, Trustee, Arcadia

Michael Bell is one of the finest professionals with whom I have ever done business. Forthright and honest, Michael clearly knows his market, customers and business. All questions and dealings are handled with speed and completeness. He brings broad personal experience to the job and an array of resources that I have found invaluable. You will find very few individuals with the capabilities and integrity of Michael Bell.
Bryant Duffy, Sierra Madre & Altadena (2 transactions)

Patricia and I have bought and sold six properties during our lifetimes and we have never had the personal attention that Mike gave to the sale of our house in the Historic Bungalow Heaven. After a bad experience with our first choice of Realtors and losing five months of prime selling time, we asked Mike to take over the sale while we moved out of state. He started late in the season and in one of the worst housing markets. He pulled out all the stops, set up a website for the house, entertained and fed Realtors, held open houses, produced brochures with professional photography and art work, assisted in the clean up, checked the pool, and even watered the lawn. His persistence finally paid off. Mike has gone beyond the normal services provided by most agents and we recommend him highly.
John & Patricia Maciejunes, Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena

Mike Bell was an integral and valuable part of our buying experience and strategy in the competitive South Pasadena market. Every step along the way, he was present and on top of all that needed to be done to make our process smooth and speedy. Not only do we like Mike as a person, down to earth, straight-forward and kind, but he is also an excellent realtor/broker who fought for us, is highly knowledgeable and creative. We had a varied experience with Realtors before, and finally decided to solely go with Mike to optimize our chances of finding and securing our dream home. It is especially helpful that he had an excellent reputation in the brokerage community, which helped get our offer accepted in the midst of a 9 party bidding war. We are thrilled to be living in a fantastic place… thanks to Mike Bell.
Dr. Michael & Ann Wang, South Pasadena

Thank you Mike for the great job marketing our property. We understood there was an extra challenge, having the historic property but your attention to details and all the extra little things you did made all the difference at the end. You found the right person for it in shorter time than we had expected. We appreciate that you were there for every step, especially the follow-up after we closed.
Sunnie & Kevin Burke, Historic Castle Green, Pasadena

We were awed by your abilities and capabilities and can't say enough about you. We really liked your style. I just now read some of the testimonial that others wrote and I heartily concur. It is truly a pleasure to have encountered you on my life's journey and I will recommend your services at every opportunity.
Elizabeth Buckner, Co-Trustee, Sierra Madre (2 transactions)

Mike Bell was referred to me. Because I am in Arizona, I needed a really good local broker to help me. Mike has a great network of people he works with that took care of every detail. He kept me informed almost daily so I got to make the majority of decisions. Mike did a fantastic job. We were only on the market for 3 weeks and he was able to get multiple offers. It was a pleasant experience and I would recommend him to anyone. Thanks Mike!
Dick Fleischer, Probate, Pasadena (4 transactions)

Mike helped us at every step, from setting the listing price through negotiations, and to the close of escrow. His expertise and knowledge of the property was invaluable and we couldn't ask for a better outcome.
Victor & Judy Takayama, South Pasadena

Mike, thank you for doing what you promised. Your preparedness, reputation with other agents, and advice was clearly a huge advantage and your attention anchored our trust. Mike has successfully performed 4 real estate deals for us since 2005. If you're looking for an ethical, detail oriented broker, I wouldn't hesitate to call Mike.
David & Frances Valera, Pasadena, So Pasadena & La Crescenta (4 transactions)

My family entrusted Mike and his wonderful team to sell our home in South Pasadena. With great persistence and under some treacherous economic hurdles, Mike and his team did exactly what they said they would. The house sold, and the process went rather smoothly. His team handled my calls and requests as if I were the most important client on the roster, and as a seller, what more could you ask for? I would recommend Mike and his team to any person needing a team that is both attentive and goal driven. Cheers to you and your team Mike and here's to our next deal.
Bhav Patel, South Pasadena

I hired Mike to help me sell my first condo after interviewing 3 other aggressive pushy agents. I hired him again for my next two real estate transactions. He has always been responsive, respectful, and aggressive on my behalf without being pushy and I would definitely recommend him for any real estate transaction you have.
Sallie Manson, Pasadena (3 transactions)

Mike was referred to me when I was having difficulties negotiating a large estate purchase. I was trying to work with the listing agent. He immediately knew the challenges and had such great solutions and strategies that he saved me $200,000. I thought all agents are the same. They aren't. Mike was persistent, was honest, blunt, and never gave up. Thanks Mike.
Adam Kitchingman, Los Angeles

Thank You Mike!!!!! We have been in business for 50 years. It is rare to do business with someone as energetic and devoted to doing a great job as you are. As we were from out of town and didn't know where to get the help we needed, you went out of your way to help us and stopped by to check on us & see if we needed anything. You sold my folks house quickly and took care of all the details. We would recommend you to anyone that wants to sell their property. You did a wonderful job, and like to think we made a new friend. My only regret is you can't sell our home in Iowa for us.
Jan & Dean Wiebold, Trustee, Pasadena

You did a great job in this difficult market, and worked really well with the inexperienced buyer’s agent to help close my South Pasadena property successfully. Since distance was a factor for me, I appreciate all the little things you did for me, the updates, and the marketing. I always knew that you were working very hard. I will certainly refer you to my friends and relatives if they plan to acquire or sell their properties.
Marjorie Quan, South Pasadena

Mike represented me for my first home purchase. I travel a lot for business and the house needed some repairs. Additionally, there were a number of people involved as my original contact on the seller side died during the process. It was the worst case scenario. Mike was extremely helpful every step of the way and kept things moving forward. He helped me find financing and was present for some of the repairs when I had to travel. He kept everyone on track with our original agreement and brokered fair changes where they were necessary. For the first time I could see how this would have been a far more daunting process had I not had Mike there to help make things happen. I achieved a life goal by getting a great house at a fair price with minimal challenges and that's all due to Mike's efforts. Thanks Mike!
Robert McClinton, Monrovia

Mike, thank you for the past few years for your hard work as my Realtor. You've asked me for a reference and I am very happy to endorse you. The four transactions you've successfully closed for me were done professionally. You were very prepared, very enthusiastic, and I discovered that you have an excellent reputation in the industry. There were many little details and challenges in my transactions and you knew how to handle all of them. I’m looking forward to working with you again, and always recommend you to those looking for a Realtor.
James R Balesh, Esq., Pasadena (4 transactions)

Mike was very resourceful in becoming a market expert in downtown quickly. He contacted tons of other agents, really understood the market so he could market and price my home very effectively. He created a lot of buzz. We were able to get just a handful of very good offers, making our sale very strong. Thank you.
Dr. Alithea Corter, Los Angeles

Mike, I didn’t know you were an Eagle Scout until I read your bio. I don’t know much about Boy Scouts, but you certainly were prepared, informed, enthusiastic, and handled my business with integrity. You’ve helped my family and I purchase our first home, and a few years later, our present home, as well as sell our other houses. In all 3 dealings you were never pushy, and I really appreciate that. Thank you Mike!
Celia Wong, Alhambra (3 transactions)

All Real Estate Agents Are Not Created Equal. When I decided to sell my home, I think I did what everyone else does, see a real estate sign in the neighborhood and give them a call. Big mistake. In a good market anyone can sell your home, in the market of today it takes marketing, knowledge and honesty. I listed my home using the agent whose sign was in the neighborhood and seven months later the house was still on the market. Two open houses, one low ball offer, and the agent telling me I should accept it. When the listing expired, I thought there had to be better agents out there and I was determined to find one. I interviewed 14 agents, different companies, some local, some not. This process took about ten days and after awhile I knew their presentation as well as they did, most were using the same pitch telling me how much they were going to do almost reading from a book that they all had, different covers same content. Amazing, the difference in the listing price, varying from high to low. Too high and you will never sell it, too low and you are giving it away. This is what Mike did: he first determined a fair market price for the house, put it on the internet and company website (the house also had its own website). He had professional photos taken, the square footage and house plan done by a draftsman. The sign with flyers and info were put up and would you believe, the house sold in three days, with back-up offers. Due to his expert market analysis, the house sold within a 1% variance. Let me save you a lot of time and boring interviews, choose Mike Bell. Mike is a true professional real estate agent and a man of integrity. I would not hesitate to recommend Mike to sell your home or list another home with him in the future.
Ret. Det. Pete Jack, Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena

When it came time to sell the family home I had been raised in and my parents had loved for nearly sixty years, I turned to Mike Bell for his expertise and guidance. Mike worked hard, marketing the home to create interest even before we officially put it on the market, such that when we actually did put the sign up, we had multiple persons interested in our property. In one really tough real estate market, when virtually nothing was moving, Mike Bell managed to get over fifteen offers on our property within the first eight days, and we had more than twelve offers over the asking price in one week. We sold the property for $21,000 more than our asking price, and Mike guided us through the process every step of the way. If I had another property to sell, Mike would be the first one I would call. He is very dedicated, professional, and one heck of a nice guy!
Nancy Barron, Trustee, Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena

Michael did a great job for us, selling my parents home in Pasadena. While I am in Nebraska and my Sister in Virginia, Michael made the process smooth and seamless. His recommendations and advice were most valuable. I recommend Michael to any potential client; they will be most satisfied!
Dick Railsback, Trustee, Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena

Mike, thank you for your hard work over the years. You've worked very hard and so well with all my different clients (and also on selling my own home) and I appreciate everything that you've done and that's why I continue to give you all of my real estate business. Additionally, the probate sales you've handled were done extremely well, and the estates you represented were very happy with the tremendous overbids you produced because of your marketing know-how. Thanks again Mike.
Rhonda Walker, Esq., Pasadena, Altadena & Arcadia (5 transactions)

What I like about Mike Bell is his straight-forwardness in the difficult sales transaction he successfully closed for me in Altadena. Too many parts of this transaction needed to be looked after and taken care of, many that were beyond the scope of a normal agents duties and abilities... but Mike was prepared, provided straight-talk, and went beyond what I expected, and got the job done.
Ali Farazdaghi, Altadena

You did an excellent job selling my home so I could move out of the country. There were huge challenges in the marketplace, and at the development, and you had very good solutions. I'm glad I trusted you, because you did what you promised.
Toshi Kawauchi, South Pasadena

I enthusiastically recommend Mike Bell to anyone looking for an outstanding Realtor. We met Mike when he showed one of his listed properties to us and he continued to work with us for some time until my wife and I had about given up trying to find a house to fit our budget and taste. Mike continued to work with us until just the right house was found. There were several offers on the house but Mike skillfully guided us to the winning bid without having the highest monetary offer. Mike understands all aspects of real estate and is a great people person. We have purchased several homes in the past working with different Realtors. Mike is far and above the very best.
Bob & Melissa Melendes, Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena

My wife and I worked with Mike as our buyer's agent in Pasadena. We met with several agents but had an immediate rapport with Mike, believed he represented us very well, and we were very happy with the outcome. One part of his expertise that I found particularly helpful was his background with home remodeling and construction, as we came from outside California and were not familiar with the building codes and construction practices in southern California, and how those have changed over time. Overall, Mike definitely exceeded our expectations.
Dr. David VanderVelde, Pasadena

Michael Bell has had a profound effect on my current financial condition. In the past 4 years, he has handled 3 real estate transactions for me. Despite the fact that I have family and friends who also work in the real estate field, I chose Michael because he is the only one who seemed to take me seriously. He has a very keen business sense and always seems to be privy to information that other agents aren't. I've gotten in on some great deals just because he already had his foot in the door, a door that had already been closed otherwise. He is tenacious and hard-working and doesn't stop until he gets you what you want. I so appreciate what Michael has helped me achieve.
Christina Spano, South Pasadena (3 transactions)

Mike, thanks for handling my family's trust sales in Pasadena and Sierra Madre so well. Your expertise in the market and your understanding of the trust process made selling these properties very smooth. Your attention to the small details, and all the updates and straight-talk was great.
Kathy Blond, Trustee, Pasadena & Sierra Madre (2 transactions)

Mike is a very skilled and great agent. In the two transactions we worked on, I was impressed with Mike’s ability to keep things moving forward and his spot-on advice. I would highly recommend Mike Bell to both buyer and seller. He understands the market, and better yet he understands people. Mike is a winner.
Jeff Jones, CFO, Lake Ave Church, Pasadena (2 transactions)

I would not hesitate to recommend Mike Bell to anyone looking in today's tricky market. Even though the offer we made on our current home was the third lowest monetarily, it was accepted due to Mike's expertise in handling the deal. His knowledge of the market, attentiveness and ingenuity secured the home of our dreams and I honestly don't believe we would be living where we are without his fine work.
Mike & Jane Devlin, Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena (2 transactions)

Mike, I thought you did a great job selling my brother's house. We really needed a broker that understood the market, and thanks for your help with other things that most agents would never do. My son-in-law is a commercial broker, and he oversaw you every step of the way, and you really impressed him and my family.
Bill Cameron, Trustee, Mt Washington

Mike's marketing/presentation via the web differentiated the property from all of the others. Great pictures, narrative, plus special features such as a scale floor plan of the home were all available on-line. As soon as we saw the home on the website, we had to go see the property in person. He is very knowledgeable, was always prompt in returning calls, etc., and worked really hard (especially on price negotiations) to make the deal work. A+ for marketing and hard work!
Thomas Kucera, South Pasadena

Mike, thank you for your excellent work in both selling my home in Pasadena and negotiating the purchase of my new condo in Pasadena (and again selling it for me). I received an excellent referral to you through a work colleague and have been consistently pleased with your preparedness, organization, market knowledge, and frank and professional nature. In addition, you are just a true pleasure to work with during what, by their nature, are stressful situations. I will definitely use you for future real estate transactions and will gladly refer you to friends and family.
Dr. Christina Smolke, Pasadena (3 transactions)

Mike, thank you for a great job in finding and smartly negotiating the purchase of my home in South Pasadena. We met at an Open House and I used your services because of your market knowledge and was happy that you knew many agents. When a friend or family member needs great real estate consultation, I will have them call you.
Rustin Mork, South Pasadena (4 transactions)

Our previous Realtor couldn't sell our home, and when we listed with you we understood why... you provided more exposure than anyone. I think everyone on Earth knew about it! You did a wonderful job. Thanks again.
Charles & Sara Perry, Duarte

I recently had the opportunity to work with Mike Bell to find a new home in Pasadena. We found Mike to be knowledgeable, highly professional, and respectful of our time. Mike understood what we were looking for and worked diligently to locate and show only those properties that met our criteria. Once we found the right home, Mike was an effective advocate on our behalf. We will recommend Mike to our friends and would not hesitate to use his services in the future.
Jill & Chris Borgeson, Esq., Pasadena

As Susan and I gradually get settled in our new home, I want to take a minute to thank you for your help in selling our former home in Pasadena’s Bungalow Heaven. The decision to sell our historic Craftsman home was a difficult one. I doubt that many people use the word “pleasant” to describe the home-selling process, but it’s the word that comes to mind when I think about our dealings with you. From the start, you showed a keen understanding of the historic significance of our house, our desire to find a buyer with a similar sensitivity, and our overall needs. You explained every step of the process clearly, you were exceptionally patient in answering our questions and followed up on our requests. You were easy to reach and always returned calls promptly, were on time, prepared and professional for all appointments. As you know, we interviewed several Realtors before choosing you.
Mike & Susan Lange, Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena

Thanks for being a bulldog in protecting our contract rights in helping us buy our first home. Also, you had a lot of great ideas and insight as to how the house was built, and how to improve the flow into the backyard. Honestly, we thought you'd be too busy to help us, but you did a great job at making us feel like we were your only clients.
Dorian & Nicole Quispe, Pasadena

I met Mike after a bad experience with another agent from another company. So, I was wary about the entire process but he had helped some friends of mine and they said he did a great job. We found a great townhouse and he worked to close the deal with a difficult seller. He walked me through the entire process, explained everything, helped with the financing, used his experience and tenacity to make the deal a good one for me. Since I am not someone who buys and sells property regularly and after my previous experience, he made sure I knew everything I needed to know, dealt with all of my concerns, answered all my questions and made sure the deal went like it was supposed to. Mike will definitely be my Realtor next time.
Mike Kranther, Los Angeles

Mike was my second broker and he got me more money in 3 weeks than my previous broker could in 4 months. You were very prepared, responsible, and you went above and beyond. Thank you.
Hope Martinez, Trustee, Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena

Thanks for the great job selling my historic home in Pasadena and getting multiple offers in this tough market. We appreciate your follow-up, your advice, and your blunt talk with the other agent. All the other little things you did really helped us, especially since we have moved to Tennessee. I wish you were out here, I'd let you sell all my properties. Thanks Mike!
George & Judith Vestal, Pasadena