Paul and Shanda, San Jose (April 2013)
Doug (one of the owners) was our realtor and has been AMAZING. We are part-timers and he stops by and updates us on work being done, what he thinks of the place, etc. It’s great. I can email him about anything and I know he’ll answer me honestly. The whole process of buying a vacation home was very smooth. He gave us recommendations for every type of contractor we needed, and everyone has done an excellent job. We got a booklet with restaurants, services (from lot clearing to contractors to pest control), local events, etc. We also got a wooden sign with anything we wanted on it (and we already had a name for our cabin, so it was perfect.) When we’re ready to start renting it as a vacation rental, we will DEFINITELY use Cedar Creek. I’ve met people in the area who use them for multiple rentals and have NOTHING but good things to say. I’m so glad we contacted Doug to look at this place (the first place we saw, second place we made an offer on…my favorite place to be in the world). I cannot say enough good things about this company. We lucked out for sure!
Mike and Diane, Half Moon Bay (March 2013)
Carrie-We started working with Carrie 14 months before we finally jumped in. There was no rush and she understood it and helped us truly find the perfect fit. Then stand back because she will be on a mission to make sure that your deal goes through without any hitches. Carrie is a true professional and a delight to work with.
Holly and Gary, Arnold (September 2012)
Thank you Carrie! During summer 2010, Carrie Shinn, Cedar Creek Realty, worked with us in finding the best home property available for us in the Arnold CA area. We really did put Carrie’s knowledge & skills to the test in locating a property suitable for us to purchase as what was initially to be a 2nd home. Now, we are moving to our home in the cute town of Arnold full time and hope to be moved in soon. Carrie’s knowledge, professional skills, connections, diligence and hard work helped us so much even up to the last few hours before the close of escrow. We do recommend Carrie & Cedar Creek to all we can when shopping for property. Thanks again Carrie!
Cherie and Michael, El Dorado Hills (August 2012)
Doug – We wanted to say thank you one more time for helping us sell our house, we couldn’t have done it without you. We appreciate all your help. Anyone that has you for their realtor is very lucky. You are top-notch! It was a pleasure working with you. Sincerely, Cherie & Michael
Renee and Doug, San Jose (June 2012)
Kelley- Doug and I are grateful to you for the excellent assistance provided to us during the real estate transaction. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend your service to anyone. THANKS!
Jason F, Redwood City (April 2012)
Harry came highly recommended to from other friends in the Blue Lake Springs area. After touring over 20+ homes throughout Arnold, Harry’s patience and persistence paid off for my family and we now have the most beautiful cabins (second home) we could ever dream of. Patience is a virtue and Harry’s professionalism in dealing with my wife and I shined through stunningly. So much we bought another parcel last summer from harry and look forward to developing it this Spring/Summer. We would recommend Harry to any person who is serious or just entertaining the fact of buying a home or second home (or third) simply for the fact of his demeanor, professionalism, and knowledge of all the surrounding areas. Not to mention his follow up with banks when dealing with parcels, short sales, and foreclosures. As long as Harry is out there selling, our family and friendship circle will be buying from him and Cedar Creek Realty. Thanks again Harry for all the memories we have made so far and the ones to come!! Cheers!
Gary and Mary, Pleasanton (February 2012)
Kelley: Thank you for your diligence and excellent organizational skills in listing our home. I am amazed you can keep this all straight! We are recommending you to any friends who are interested in buying a cabin in Arnold. You are terrific; we are telling all our friends this is a GREAT time to buy.
Ron and Marilyn, Redwood City (January 2012)
Kelley and Cedar Creek staff: in case I have not told you how much we appreciate you all, please know you are all the best! We appreciate your time, effort and work to make our vacation rental profitable. You have far exceeded our expectations for the past six months of rentals. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Jack and Sue, Arnold
Your office gave the very best to our family and we thank you so much. Arnold feels like home and Cedar Creek made that happen. Our hope is more business will come your way as we tell everyone our positive experiences with you as our realtor.
David and Lisa, Redwood City
Carrie- I wanted to take a few minutes to thank for making one of our dreams a reality. My wife Lisa and I have had several dreams since our relationship started over a decade ago, one being that we wished to own a vacation home that we could enjoy with our family and friends.
Once we discovered Arnold, we were convinced this was the place for us. We cannot thank you enough for making that dream a reality. I know that our relationship started just under a year ago when we met you for a review of some properties in mid-November. I really did not think that less than one year later, we would be completing this transaction. We wanted to thank you for your patience with us, your understanding of our needs and working for us throughout the process.
We believe that our new cabin will be our home for a very long time; it will be a place for memories of our family for years to come. Thanks and best wishes to the entire Shinn family and the extended Cedar Creek Realty family for all that you did for us.
Danielle, Santa Rosa
Dear Doug and Carrie: What can I say but thanks a million! You picked us up from our many defeats – always positive you would find us our dream place – and you did! Your service, expertise and friendship will always be dear to us. Thanks for keeping us sane and our eyes on the prize. If any future friends, family (or ourselves) need Real Estate Service – you have our utmost loyalty. Danielle, Santa Rosa, CA
Tomi, Redwood City
Toby Jordan from Cedar Creek acted as our agent during our purchase process in Arnold last year. He was absolutely excellent; he started by providing us with lots of market data (approach that I very much appreciated); he carefully listened to our parameters and sifted through properties to find the ones that fit our needs; he tirelessly viewed property after property with us from March through August 2009. When the time came, he strategized well about the bidding process and worked well with our mortgage broker — he generally was on top of everything. We continue to be happy cabin-owners more than one year into our ownership. I referred a friend to Toby earlier this year, and now my friend is a cabin owner in Arnold as well. He was equally satisfied with Toby during the process. Toby works for Cedar Creek Realty, and many people rave about Cedar Creek for a reason as well. As a purchaser through Cedar Creek, they continue to hold the key to our cabin for us – it has proven a very valuable service when our guests arrive before us and when we need plumbing or other services performed to our cabin while we are not there. Awesome people.
Tibor and Sam, Arnold
I first met Harry Tomlinson about 5 years ago when my husband and I got it into our heads that we wanted property in Mountain Ranch. Harry was kind enough to supply lists for us, without insisting on accompanying us on our forays. We told him we weren’t serious buyers yet, just wanted to see what was out there, didn’t want to waste his time and promised to come to him if we found anything. He was kind enough to believe us. Then we discovered the M24 and the 40 acre well stocked fishing lake. My husband is a fly fisherman. We were sold. Harry accompanied us and tramped all over the place, up and down and all around the lake. We probably visited fifteen different sites. He listened to our requirements. He was quiet and let us talk and then pointed out various obstacles, like water and electric availability and lava caps. When it was time to make an offer, he not only negotiated a reduced price, but got the seller to allow us to drill a well with the understanding that if the property didn’t perk, we could walk away. It did. Then, when my husband was out of town, Harry went with me to interview the guy who was going to clear part of the property. I really appreciated that. Now that we’ve decided not to build, we listed the property with Harry. He’s tops in our minds.
Teresa, Livermore
Awesome company to work with!!! Tessa was fabulous. She responded to my many questions quickly and patiently. The rental information was precise and easy to understand. A very organized and professional company. Casa de Montana exceeded our expectation as did Cedar Creek Realty and Tessa. We will definitely be repeat customers. Thank you.
Steve, San Jose
All the staff at Cedar Creek, and in particular, Kelly Stellar, are extremely helpful, accommodating and always are in a position to help when ever necessary. I have had several instances where I have needed someone to meet utility groups, tile contractors and other service providers at my cabin. The group at Cedar have always stepped up to help me out. Also, they will make a point to drive by my place if I need them to or pay additional attention to those items that are a concern for me. I have had two other management firms represent me, and by far Cedar is the best. I have been with Cedar for the past 5 or 6 years and plan to stay with them.
Mark and Nancy, Livermore
Carrie: Mark and I can’t thank you enough for all your help with our vacation home purchase! Patience! Kindness! Professionalism! Car Tours! We appreciate all of it more than you know.
Dan and Stanlee, Durham
Since the mid 1980′s, we have been associated with Doug Shinn. During that time, we have had four real estate transactions with him. Doug has provided us with a quality of service that has made our lot/home hunting enjoyable and professional. Doug was prepared at each outing and insightful as to our likes and dislikes and worked to make sure we were looking at properties that fit our needs.
We have always found Doug to be candid and honest in his attempts to show/sell the properties we were involved with. We always felt Doug had our best interest at the forefront. Doug is an excellent and professional broker and he has become a good friend thorough our negotiations.
Gary and Beatrice, Modesto
We had the pleasure of working with Kelley Stellar as our agent in purchasing our dream cabin and could not have asked for a better experience. She made the whole process so easy, beginning with showing us cabins we found on the internet and adding her own additional recommendations to visit based on what she knew about our needs. She provided very useful advice in helping us choose the right cabin for us even if it meant less commission for her. She continued to be very helpful in making an offer, dealing with inspections, supporting us in any special requests, and the close of escrow. She always kept us up-to-date on the status of our purchase. Even months after the close of escrow, she has remained a great resource of information. You will not find another realtor who is as friendly, helpful, patient, knowledgeable, easy-going or honest as Kelley is and we recommend her wholeheartedly! And most importantly, she was a big hit with our 3 year old daughter! With our sincere appreciation, Gary & Beatrice
Laurie, Copperopolis
Kelley and everyone in the office has ALWAYS gone the distance to help me in any way they can. I would not hesitate to recommend them.
Ken and Amy, Fair Oaks
Our experience purchasing our home in Arnold through Cedar Creek Realty and specifically with our agent, Carrie Shinn, was very enjoyable and efficient. Carrie used state of the art computer technology to customize our search and successfully locate the right home in our price range. Carrie is an excellent real estate agent in that she is thorough in all aspects of the home buying process and conducts business in a casual and comfortable manner. Cedar Creek Realty continues to provide services to us by providing a key service and information about events and businesses in the surrounding area. We are delighted with our home and the town of Arnold. Thank you Carrie and Cedar Creek Realty!
Les, Pleasant Hill
We were exceptionally pleased with both the personal attention received and the professional manner in which Doug worked with us throughout the entire process, from initially listing the property, then advertising the property, and finally in helping both us and the buyers to negotiate and complete the transaction.
Doug worked diligently with us over a period of many months, staying in constant contact and was always available to answer our questions? and there were many.
This was the third real estate transaction Doug has assisted us with over a period of nine years and it has been a pleasure to work with him each time. We have appreciated his professionalism as well as his care and concern for us as his clients.
Sean, Santa Rosa
Carrie and Doug – How tremendously fortunate we were to meet the two of you!! I have worked with many real estate professionals in my career – but none as hard-working and dedicated to their clients as you. Our lives have changed for the positive and this we owe in no small part to your efforts.
The Fitzsimons Family, Bay Area
Harry Tomlinson’s insight while touring over 20 homes in the surrounding area with me was unsurpassed by his gentle demeanor because I know I was extremely picky (being a General Contractor from the Peninsula and having a mind set of what I wanted for what I wanted to spend). I am a strong believer that you get what you pay for and to let the professionals do what they do best, which is exactly what Harry did for our family. Harry you will always be part of our family and we thank you and your team at Cedar Creek Realty for the strong work!!
Keep on selling!!!
Karen, Clayton
I have known Kelley Stellar for the past 6 years since we purchased our cabin from her in Arnold. She was absolutely wonderful, personable and very professional to work with and still is as she is our property manager. I would very highly recommend Kelley to anyone who may be looking to buy, rent or just have any questions regarding real estate as she will have the answers!
Mike and Laura, Redwood City
Carrie and Doug – Thank you so very much for introducing us to the area and helping us discover this great home. As a small business owner who has had previous real estate dealings, I can’t say enough about your ability to realize our needs and help direct us to our goal. All this without any pressure. You couldn’t have possibly fit our need any better. Bless you for your time and effort.
Ed and Cindy, Los Gatos
I understand you are considering Cedar Creek Realty for your rental management. My wife Cindy and I have partnered with Cedar Creek for a little over 3 years and we’re very happy with the services that they provide. Carrie Shinn was our realtor when we bought our home and it couldn’t have been a better experience. We did a lot of preliminary investigation on the internet and Cedar Creek was always the first realtor/property manager that popped up which is really the reason we sought them out from the beginning. Once we spent a little time with them, it became apparent to us that they have a great team in place and a very nice atmosphere in their office, important qualities I feel in any business, but especially in hospitality. They are warm and welcoming, fair and honest. The number of repeat renters is a real testament to the service they provide to the families that have shared our home over the last few years. Kelley and Paige are also extremely good at keeping us informed about what needs to be done around the cabin or if there are any issues that need to be dealt with. Issues are inevitable… how you deal with them is what sets you apart from everyone else. Our relationship with Cedar Creek is now one of friendship as well as a partnership and I think you couldn’t ask for a better partner for your rental business.
Jack W Christy, President, JD Christy Inc.
Harry, We at JD Christy Inc would like to express our gratitude for the many years of service you have provided our organization.
No matter if we were looking for a proper location, designing a project, purchasing property or selling property you have always provided timely and professional advice and assistance to our needs. It is our optimistic nature that allows us to look forward to a productive and successful 2011 which includes our ongoing relationship with you.
Regards, Jack W Christy, President, JD Christy Inc.
Dave and Lori, Petaluma
My husband and I met Cedar Creek Realty and Kelley Stellar five years ago when we discovered a house by the lake I just had to have. Kelley helped us sell our existing cabin and buy the cabin of our dreams. Our relationship continues with Cedar Creek and their staff as we share our cabin with part-time rentals throughout the year. It’s so easy being on the program, everything is spelled out, reminders are sent when it’s time to winterize or get ready for summer and if you don’t have the time to do it they have someone available to get cabins ready. It’s like having an extended family. Thank you, Cedar Creek!
Mark and Teresa, Santa Clara
Dear Carrie – When Mark, Madeleine and I met you in Autumn of 2005, we knew you were the right real estate agent for us even though the first property we saw wasn’t for us. The first property we thought would work turned out to be a bit small and too old for us. Your patience with us for almost making an offer was very appreciated and you never pressured us, simply and sincerely explaining you wanted us to find the right property and it’s ok if it takes a while. The second property that we did make an offer on would have worked for us but shortly after the offer was made, we truly found THE ideal vacation home for us. You were very professional, thoughtful and genuine during all of our periods of indecision. Your assistance and your team’s help during all of the negotiations, inspections and closing process were the best we’ve ever experienced. And even after we purchased the property, what we suspected all along became even clearer – that you were not only our real estate agent but also our friend. You provided much needed insight about local conventions for doing things, suggesting trustworthy local people for a variety of things, answering any and every numerous question and request for guidance. So this letter is a long overdue thank you to you and your entire team at Cedar Creek Realty for providing such ethical, professional, personal and detailed service for Mark and I when we purchased our cabin. We really appreciate all of your knowledge, patience, and friendship through everything. We would recommend that anybody looking for a vacation property or full-time home work with you. And considering that we know we are critical purchasers, this is saying a lot! With sincere gratitude and friendship, Mark and Teresa, Santa Clara, CA.
Rick and Sandy, Shingletown
We both want to thank you for your outstanding service in helping us purchase our new home. You were positive, patient, thorough and supportive from beginning to end. We also sold a property last summer, giving us a real reference for recognizing the consistent excellence you provided. You are truly a gold standard and we will enthusiastically recommend you to our friends.
Marilyn and Dan, Ripon
Cedar Creek Realty has helped us both buy and sell cabins this year and it has been a joy to work with them. Our Realtors, Doug and Carrie Shinn, were knowledgeable, available, and very attentive. Their sales advertising made excellent use of all possible technology. The office staff was helpful, supportive, and pleasant every time we had a question or problem. Even better, this attitude and service continues after the transactions are completed. It’s great to have them in your corner.
Michael, San Jose
From the moment that we met Kelley, we knew that we had the right realtor to find our vacation home. We had traveled over three hours to look for homes and Kelley instantly made us feel at ease. She had done her homework ahead of time and had the right type of homes ready for us to tour. Her knowledge of the local market helped us find our vacation home. During the closing of the home and even after the purchase date, we continued to count on Kelley’s key contacts in the community to help us outfit and upgrade our home. Despite being far from our home, we always felt that we had someone that we could count on to look after us and help us get settled. Regardless of whether you are buying or selling, I would highly recommend Kelley Stellar to help you find your vacation home. We could not have asked for a better realtor and real estate firm like Cedar Creek to help guide us through the process.
Gary and Janice, El Dorado Hills
We have had the pleasure of working with Doug Shinn several times over the last ten years. He has been great help to us in all of our real estate matters. Doug helped us to find a rental home when we were building our own home. He has helped us in purchasing investment property, and he brokered the recent sale of our home in Arnold. All of our dealings with Doug and the staff of Cedar Creek Realty have been professional as well as helpful. Doug has given us good, honest advice whenever we asked. He is very knowledgeable and an excellent resource for information about the Arnold area. We would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who wants the best real estate broker in Arnold.
Jeff and Gloria, Walnut Creek
My wife and I recently purchased a cabin with the assistance of Doug Shinn and Cedar Creek Realty. This letter summarizes our experience and recommends to prospective home buyers that they seriously consider working with Cedar Creek.
As an executive for a major west coast bank, I am accustomed to working with top-notch professionals. In contrast, my experiences with real estate agents in the past have been mixed. After a poor experience with another realtor in Arnold, I began working with Doug and noticed the difference immediately.
Doug took the time to understand what my wife and I were really looking for. He provided significant insight regarding the local real estate market. He was completely forthright in disclosing potential conflicts of interest. He never pressured us to compromise. He was calm and collected, always a voice of reason, and he represented our interests well. Perhaps most important to me, I found Doug to be easily accessible and very responsive – no phone message or email went unanswered, no task was left undone, no offer of assistance was forgotten. Throughout the entire purchase process, I always trusted Doug would hold up his end.
And now that we own our dream vacation home, Doug and his firm continue to assist us. Recognizing that we were not familiar with owning a cabin in the mountains, Doug has helped us learn what we need to do to protect and maintain our investment. Not surprisingly, we have decided to enlist Cedar Creek as the rental agent for our new home, and here too, we have found the quality of service to be exemplary.
I assure you, you will not regret selecting Cedar Creek Realty to represent you; to the contrary, I expect you will find it to be a pleasure.
Bill and Joan, Walnut Creek
We recently decided to sell our cabin in Arnold that we had owned for 22 years. After interviewing some of the businesses in the area, we chose you and your staff.
Doug, with your guidance in pricing, based on a sound analysis of the market, our property sold quickly. We were impressed and pleased with the latest marketing techniques that you offered.
Throughout the negotiations of our sale, the many details were handled effortlessly, honestly and with efficiency. There was constant communication throughout the whole transaction.
Thank you Doug, Carrie, Dustin and staff.
Marty and Eileen, San Diego
In 1984 we were privileged to have Doug Shinn as our real estate agent when three families joined forces and purchased a vacation cabin in Arnold. After many years of enjoying the cabin, we moved away from the area. We contacted Doug to assist us with the selling of our share of the cabin. There are many agents in the Arnold area but we know Doug’s attention to detail, his positive attitude, and his vast knowledge of the Arnold real estate situation. We couldn’t have been happier with the outcome! I would recommend Doug Shinn to any person needing real estate representation. He’s the best!
Nuno and Donna, San Jose
We want to thank Cedar Creek Realty, specifically Kelley and Paige, for the great job they have been doing for us over the past few years. They have not only showed true professionalism, but have exceeded our expectations with their organization, politeness, and fast response. As property managers, Cedar Creek Realty has helped us numerous times with referrals, replacing bear-eaten trash bins, and is happy and willing to do whatever is needed to accommodate simple requests when we are not at our cabin. When asked, we always refer Kelley to our friends. Cedar Creek Realty is not a real estate company that disappears after selling property – they have been fantastic at following up and making sure our every need has been met. Everything they do is above and beyond and we are more than happy to recommend them to anybody and everybody.
Don and Carolyn, Davis
Many of our friends marveled at how smoothly the experience went, and we have taken delight in telling them that, because of you and your staff, we could not have been treated in a more professional, friendly, caring manner from the day we listed the property until escrow closed. Thank you, Doug, so very much for making what is often a traumatic experience, one we will always remember with gratitude.
Craig and Shawn, Aptos
My wife and I have been with Cedar Creek Realty since the beginning of its rental program. We are proud to say that we were Cedar Creek’s first vacation rental property! Kelley and all of the Cedar Creek staff are a delight to do business with! We give them our very highest recommendation!
Lewis, Pacifica
Doug, I want to thank you for the totally professional manner in which you sold my house on Mustang Road in Arnold. From beginning to end, it was a satisfying experience. It should be noted that prior to selling this property for me recently, you were also my agent in purchasing the house in 1989, as well as assisting me in renting it to several different tenants. All these transactions happened without difficulty or complication. So, a successful full circle has been made. Thank you again to you and your staff for a very pleasant association.
Dale and Patricia, Arnold
Cedar Creek Realty exceeded all our expectations in providing an invaluable service as to assist our family in making a smooth and positive transition in our lives. Thanks to Doug, our new home is the home of our dreams, and we love our wonderful mountain community neighbors. We feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity and privilege to work with Doug and Carrie Shinn. We gladly recommend their service and business to family, friends, and new neighbors.
Grace, Santa Clara
Harry Tomlinson has assisted my husband and I through the selection and purchase of two homes and the sale of one. Harry is professional, knowledgeable, detail oriented, and easy to work with. Additionally, he has the experience and resources to quickly respond with answers to questions that arise. Harry is who we choose for our real estate needs in the greater Arnold area.
Brian and Carol, San Jose
We started with a simple wish: a little cabin in the snow, close enough to a ski resort…with a really big garage. Oh, a level lot would be good, and enough room so that the kids could bring all their friends and still think that we were really cool…cuz we had a cabin in the snow close to a ski resort. Done…thanks to Doug.
Okay, that was easy. We dared to share the next wish: investment property so that we don’t have to work until we are ninety-two…oh and could you rent this out for us, and while you are at it, manage it too so that we don’t really have to do anything? Done, done and done…thanks to Doug and the Cedar Creek Realty team.
Philip, Redwood Shores
I should mention that I have handled all aspects of real estate law for many years—both transactional and litigation. For a number of years, I represented real estate agents and brokers in litigation arising out of residential real estate transactions. Thus, I have had the opportunity to know and observe many real estate agents and brokers and can say, without reservation, that Doug Shinn is one of the best.
He is a man of impeccable integrity. He works diligently on behalf of his clients, placing their interests above his own. He is an exceptional real estate broker—far above the norm.
Anyone interested in buying or selling real property—residential, commercial and/or business pursuits can do no better than to be represented by Mr. Douglas R. Shinn. He can be relied upon to represent one’s interests better than any other broker or agent in Calaveras County.
