Steve is a professional who made us feel like we were his only client.
Regardless of how many e-mails we wrote and questions we asked,
Steve always took the time to return our inquires
and do it in a manner that was both detailed and prompt
during our search and purchasing process.
We never once during all of the communications with Steve
felt like we did not get all of our concerns addressed,
rather on the contrary Steve always provided such
a detailed explanation and background information that
we felt extremely comfortable with each initiative that was undertaken.
On several occasions during our search
and purchasing process Steve would comment
”This is what I would do, if I was purchasing for myself or my family”.
While many realtors or sales people utter those words
on a constant basis without a thought to what they mean,
Steve actually treated us like an extension of his family.
Today we are often cynical of people’s actions and motives
and we have come to expect less from people
as we remain guarded in extending our trust.
Steve is a throwback to the old days of when
“your word was your bond”
and you cared about others rather than just yourself.
We could comment on how we are really happy
with the purchase of our home in Paseo (it’s beautiful)
or about the amenities associated with living there (they are first class),
but we would rather leave that up to Steve to undertake.
Anyone fortunate enough to pick up the phone or e-mail Steve
to inquire about living at Paseo will also begin a journey
of becoming what we are now...
“Steve’s new neighbors”.
Cornelia & Randy Marko
Windsor, Ontario
About two years ago I decided to make the move to Fort Myers.
No, I don't have friends or family in the area.
I paid a visit to the City of Palms on a two day business trip
and fell in love with the west coast location.
I immediately contacted the local Chamber of Commerce
to have them send me a relocation packet.
As I was flipping through one of the magazines they sent to me,
I came across the advertisement for Paseo.
At that moment, I recall pointing to that page and saying to myself,
"Some day I am going to live there!"
I did a search on Google and thank heavens I did that search.
That is what led me to Steve.
I felt as though he and I made an instant connection.
You have to understand that I am very decisive
and know what I like (and what I don't).
I can tell that Steve listened to my likes and dislikes
as he showed me several properties that had potential for me.
What I loved most about working with Steve
is his genuine caring for me as a person.
He took the time and effort to really understand
what this home purchase meant to me and it showed.
I, unfortunely, was unable to buy my dream home
during that first visit with Steve two years ago.
He could have dropped me like a hot potato
(as I'm sure many other realtors would do
just to move on to the next sure thing).
Instead, he stayed with me through thick and thin
until the timing became right.
I just closed on my casita two weeks ago and could not be happier.
I couldn't have done it without Steve!!
If you want to know, how I know,
that Steve listens and pays attention to his clients.
Just take a look at his blog posting about my closing from December 16th.
I couldn't have expressed my experience better if I were writing it myself.
All I can say is "thank you" to Steve and someone "pinch me"
as I still cannot believe I am FINALLY here in my new home.
And, yes, I now have at least one friend in the Fort Myers area.
Michelle Goin
Fort Myers, FL
This year you welcomed me back,
like the neighbor I have since become. Thanks for everything!The is the fouth property I've purchased
and the first in Florida.
I cannot think of another agent
who went to the lengths that you did,
but I don't have to.
You're the best!
Tom Ripley
Guilford, CT
I had been researching the Ft Myers / Bonita Springs market
I know you are a true professional,
Sandy & Tom Mercier
"Hi Steve...Just a short note of thanks and appreciation
for the outstanding service you rendered as our buyer's agent,
at every step of the way in our purchase
and deal-closing experience at Paseo.
That service came with a smile and sense of humor,
but with your strong professional ethics and
deep and rich real estate experience always shining through.
Your intimate knowledge of this beautiful community,
being a Paseo resident yourself,
was a huge asset to us in assessing the features and prices
of the various home models and the particular units available for sale;
in making a decision; and in negotiating with the builder's representative.
And during the month between the signing of the contract and our closing date,
your responsiveness; attention-to-detail; well-informed and candid advice;
and always prompt follow-up and personal attention
(including handling the final "walk through" for us and
shepherding all aspects of our "mail away closing")
exceeded our expectations.
And all that says nothing of the value to us of your
post-closing referrals to proven local trades people
and value-for-money home furnishings retailers.
What we experienced as "above-and-beyond-the-call-of-duty service"
seems routine and "all in a day's work" to you.
Your commitment to excellence and the highest ethical standards
in carrying out your profession is inspiring.
We look forward to enjoying our beautiful new home
at Paseo for many years to come,
buoyed by the reassuring knowledge that those sunny days
will include an "annuity benefit":
having you as a friend and trusted advisor in our community."
Brendan Wycks & Valerie Troy-Wycks
Oakville, Ontario
"Hello Steve...quick thank-you note:
I'm just writing you this to thank-you once again for all your
good work in helping us find our Florida vacation home in Paseo.
Your help with our closing,
as well as the final walk-through was fantastic,
and it really helped to know that we had someone
"on our side" throughout the entire process!
That said, dealing with everyone with Stock was quite enjoyable as well,
and it gives us a great feeling to know that we made the
absolute right decision in dealing with you, and deciding on Paseo!
As I said, we'll recommend you to anyone else who may be looking
for their dream home in the South, as well.
Hope to get down there and see you again soon."
James & Robin Albrecht
Mississauga, Ontario
"We were already vacation home owners in Paseo and
initially ran into Steve walking his dogs in the neighbourhood.
If you think about it, selling to clients who are going to become your neighbours
puts an additional pressure on Steve to serve with integrity.
I am a Blackberry and email guy, so Steve and I got along great...
getting instant i-Phone text responses to my many unreasonable requests.
Whether I was in the neighbourhood or back up north,
the whole process was able to move forward seamlessly.
If you like a great deal and/or want to consider "short sales" or bank-owned,
Steve is the guy to present a balanced and insider view of
the pros and cons of new construction vs pre-owned,
without being in a conflict of interest situation.
Our transaction was bank-owned
and from offer-to-close was three weeks!
All this to say we would not hesitate
to recommend Steve as a real estate agent,
especially if you are looking at Paseo.
With the Canadian dollar at par or higher,
this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Canadians.
See you at the Tiki Bar!"
Randy Kroeker
Ottawa, Ontario
"We had run into Steve by a lucky coincidence while
researching the Florida real estate market via the internet.
We have worked with many real estate agents in the past,
and for the most part, at the end of the transaction,
we were wondering why we had an agent in the first place!
The situation with Steve was a completely different one.
While one could walk into the Paseo sales center and execute a purchase on his own,
I would reccomend against this idea, especially if the buyer is out of state.
Steve was the most helpful person that we have ever worked with in real estate.
From the time we talked on the phone, to the final mail-in closing, the walk-through,
and providing advise on stores in the area to move our house into turnkey operation,
he was always giving 100% commitment and steering us in the right direction.
We truly can say that we would not be able to achieve everything
that we have done with this purchase without Steve.
We are very grateful and would not hesitate to reccomend Steve
to anybody who considers a purchase at Paseo
or any part of Southwest Florida."
Nirana Holdings, LLC
Pennsylvania
"We found Steve through a google search of Paseo.
Once we talked to him, it became a no-brainer to use his services.
He is the 'resident expert' on Paseo.
He concentrated his efforts on exactly what we were looking for.
His knowledge of the market and values in Paseo
helped us immensely in the decsion making process.
And once we bought, the services (advice) did not end.
We highly recommend him."
Steve & Pat Pedi
N. Reading, MA
"As we sit here next to the luxurious pool,
it is hard for us to express our gratitude
for assisting us in purchasing a place at Paseo.
As you know we had visited many times previously,
but it is nothing like the feeling of owning a place here.
We would like to thank you for your hard work in
finding and securing this opportunity for us.
Not only did you send us the opportunity of a lifetime,
but you followed through in every aspect of the deal.
Not many people would purchase a place without seeing it first.
However thanks to your review of the property and the pictures provided,
we felt secure enough to complete a large transaction on your word alone.
Once the deal was closed you were there to assist with any issues
and were able to secure us items that were removed
and were not supposed to be, according to the accepted offer.
Steve, we would gladly recommend your services to others (already have).
Chantelle, Carson and I would like to thank you again for assisting us
on the purchase of our dream vacation house at Paseo."
Yours truly.
Scott, Chantelle and Carson
Ontario, Canada
"Just want to let you know how happy we are with the Paseo property.
It is not very often that you buy something sight unseen and it works out so well.
You kept us up to date and feeling very comfortable about everything
as we did things via the internet/phone and fax.
Thank you so much for your guidance and valued input along the way.
Looking forward to seeing you in the Fall."
Jeff & Pat Jones
Beaverton, Ontario
"You have surpassed all our expectations of a great real estate agent.
Your knowledge of the Paseo market and honest assessment
gave us much confidence in purchasing our vacation home.
Our home was bought sight unseen,
we trusted you to be "our eyes"
and you did not dissappoint.
You guided us through the house with detailed reports
on every inch of the property.
Our instinct was right on... you had our vision.
Thank-you for making our purchase a smooth and wonderful experience.
Please keep up the good work,
we will highly recommend you to all our friends and associates."
Peter & Diane Thai,
Sudbury, Ont. Canada
"Steve had a great sense of what we were looking for
and provided us with several options to get it done, and
then proceeded showing properties to our local family on our behalf.
He continued to work through all the details with us from a distance,
informing us about the market, location, and sending lots of pictures via e-mail.
We made our decision and he did an excellent job assisting us with our negotiations.
We closed without ever having been there and upon arrival found our property
to be all we expected, and more. We thank him for a great job and highly recommend Steve."
Bob & Kerry Bahl
Fargo, ND
"We cannot thank you enough for all you did
to help us with our purchase in Paseo.
The closing on Friday went very smoothly without our presence.
It is a pleasure to work with an agent who conducts himself
with such honesty and integrity.
You are an asset to the profession of real estate agents.
We will share with you a very unpleasant experience
that we had in December 2009
when we visited Fort Myers
to look at properties available for sale.
We met with an agent whose name was given to us
by someone who rented in Fort Myers.
He was a high pressure salesman and made us uncomfortable.
He was very unprofessional and dishonest.
Consequently we would never recommend him.
Fortunately in January 2010 we saw your website
when we were making plans to return to Ft. Myers.
We found your site extremely informative and easy to navigate.
Keep up the good work.
We hope to see you when we return.
Thanks once again."
Keith & Laraine Beck
Lincoln, RI
"Having bought and sold many properties over the years,
I can tell you that we have never had a better buying experience
than we had with Steve Zajas.
He helped us determine the exact type of property
we should be looking for,
and then went out and found the perfect home!
Steve invested a great deal of time educating us on banks,
foreclosures, and the Florida market.
I don't believe that anyone knows Florida as well as Steve.
Never once did he put his interests ahead of our own.
We feel quite fortunate that we had him on our side during our purchase.
We have given his name to many people telling them
just how great it was to work with Steve Zajas."
Gene & Debbie Roberts
Cleveland, OH
"Peter and I would like to express our sincere appreciation for
all of your hard work and effort in helping us find our Florida dream home.
From our first contact with you several months ago, you have been
very diligent in responding to our numerous e-mails.
During our recent visit to Florida, you were very generous with your time,
and we appreciated and felt reassured with your knowledge of Southwest Florida."
Louise and Peter Jeffery
Toronto, Ontario
"We wanted a real estate agent to quickly get back to us with our questions
(STEVE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR US).
We wanted to feel confident that all the details and follow-up were always in place
(STEVE IS THE BEST FOLLOW UP PERSON WE HAVE EVER MET).
Most importantly and amazingly
(because he "met" us on the phone and the internet),
Steve had a great sense of who we were as a couple,
and exactly what home we would be happiest in.
We felt he really listened to us and cared about us as a couple.
We are grateful for knowing this man-
he comes with our highest recommendations!"
Joy Salberg & Chuck Trovato
Long
Island, NY
"Jennifer and I truly, TRULY appreciate what you
have done every step of the way during this process.
We will definitely think of you every time us northerners
talk about weather and real estate in Southwest Florida!!
Have a fabulous Thanksgiving!"
Sonny and Jeannie Atadero
Chicago, IL
"There comes a time when everyone needs a trusted and
knowledgeable agent when purchasing a new home.
Steve, you were very professional and took whatever
time my wife and I needed to find our dream home.
If we ever buy another home in Florida,
or anything to do with real estate in Florida,
you are our guy... that's the truth!"
Mr. & Mrs. B. Tapper
Brooklin, Ontario Canada