Paul, you are a spectacular, warm, funny, caring and intelligent human being!
Who is Paul Fortino?
The Summary:
Throughout my years in real estate, I’ve never been about “the hype”, but rather, always about the people. From the very beginning, I believed that this business was far more about people’s dreams and hopes than the actual houses themselves. Your live turns a house into a home!
To reflect my business approach, I came up with my own slogan, “Bringing REAL back to Real Estate!” REAL Connections, REAL Honesty, REAL Integrity and REAL Dedication to my clients and community.
I have years of experience helping real people buy and sell their homes with the highest level of service, regardless of their price range!
I also have experience in the property maintenance field, and personal experience buying and selling several of my own single family homes, multi-family homes, and a commercial investment property.
I know first hand as a seller what it takes to properly prepare, market and sell a home for the best price and terms. I know first hand as a buyer what it takes to investigate, negotiate a fair price and the best terms. I am a strong and fair negotiator on behalf of my clients and am not easily intimidated by a challenge. I also have a keen eye for spotting and pointing out potential problems (before they become a problem for my clients), as well home staging suggestions and home improvement ideas.
The Now:
– I’m currently living out the “third third” of my life in the amazing Portland area with my husband, Larry. I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to have found Living Room Realty. It is amazing how Living Room’s philosophy and commitment aligns with my own way of doing business; maintaining excellent and connected client relationships, having the highest regards for professionalism and ethics, and giving back to our community!
Ever since setting foot in the Pacific Northwest, and Portland in particular, I was hooked. I knew this was where I would want to spend the rest of my life. Portland offers the lifestyle of a big city, with unique urban and suburban neighborhoods – each with their own special feeling, a “big” city feel in the downtown area, and parks, green spaces, and wilderness like no other city I’ve ever experienced. All within a walk, bike, train or quick drive away.
The Past:
– In 1989 I moved from Michigan to Santa Cruz California where I would spend the “second third” of my life. I had a successful residential real estate career, working with David Lyng Real Estate. Prior to that I had two successful careers working with the City of Santa Cruz parks department and the UC Santa Cruz facilities department. I took on project management and supervisory roles in maintaining buildings and grounds.
I also raised an amazing and talented son who graduated in 2018 with honors from the University of San Francisco. I witnessed the real estate market crash and recovery and was able to help people from losing their homes, helped renters become homeowners, helped people relocate to more affordable places, and welcomed new-comers to the beautiful Santa Cruz area.
– I spent the “first third” of my live in Michigan where I began my real estate career in 1983. Interest rates were approaching 18% and the introduction of the Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) became the norm. It was definitely a challenge, but I managed to do well in helping others figure out creative ways to make their dreams become a reality. During that time I invested in and managed a multi-family property, I ran my own property maintenance business for eleven years, and I assisted in the property management of my family’s residential investment properties.
l was extremely fortunate to have worked along side my father, who owned his own real estate agency in Michigan. Not only did I learn the ropes of the real estate and property management business, but more importantly he taught me that true success is measured by how well you serve your clients and your community.
What’s Next?
If you’ve gotten this far, you may have already figured out that my approach to the real estate business may be a little different than others, and that’s okay by me.
Whether you are new to the beautiful Portland area or have lived here a lifetime, I am truly dedicated to making sure that your next real estate transaction is much more than just that.
I truly love working with people from all walks of life, providing strong negotiations and solving problems… and I definitely love having a little fun along the way!
But please, don’t simply take my word for it, check out what others have had to say about me on my testimonials page.
I’m looking forward to meeting you and being the first to say… “Welcome Home!”
p.s. When I’m not busy working, you might spot me out exploring the city (sun, rain and snow), hiking, biking, gardening, home improvement projects, taking photos, or out for a stroll with hubby and the dog…
…or saving the world!
** Know anyone thinking of buying or selling in California?
I would be happy to refer them to one of the many great agents I am associated with there.
I am a licensed referral agent in California, DRE#01943519
Paul's Testimonials
. Dear Paul, Thank you for your generosity on our family’s behalf. We all would whole heartedly recommend you as a realtor. Your honesty, integrity and expertise as well as your tremendous kindness and thoughtfulness made the emotional and intense process of selling mom’s house manageable and very successful. Anyone buying or selling their home would be very wise and fortunate to have you as their realtor! Thank you for everything
Wendy T (Seller)
.
Paul Fortino was endlessly patient in helping us find and purchase our first home, a search that began roughly 11 months earlier. It was a tougher-than-usual search in an already tough market, because we had specific needs that we wanted in a house that were hard to meet within our price range.
We were deeply grateful for Paul's reassuring guidance and strategic thinking throughout this long process, from accompanying us to many open houses through the bidding and negotiating stages. He's sharp, diligent and a font of experience on home maintenance and repair issues, but what I appreciate most about him is his steadfast honesty.
I felt Paul truly looked out for our best interests in our interactions with sellers and their agents. He also has a zany sense of humor that helped get us through many anxious moments! Anyone buying or selling a home would be lucky to have him as their realtor.
Happy Client 12 (Buyer)
.
Paul Fortino did an excellent job in supporting our buying of our new home.
He worked tirelessly on our behalf, often going above and beyond to do research that helped us find the best house possible. The house we bought was an atypical real estate venture, and Paul went way out of his way to find learn everything he could about it and help us find the best value. This was the second house we had bid on with Paul - the first took endless hours.
Even though we didn't get the first house, he continued on with the second bid with equal optimism, patience and dedication to our family. I highly recommend him!
Sarah Young (Seller & Buyer)
.
Dear Paul,
Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for us.
Amazingly, we did not seek out your services, but rather you found us through that ad we placed seeking a house to rent. Wow! We had no idea that we could actually afford to buy a home until you called us. Because of you, we went from being renters to very happy homeowners.
We are so happy with our new home and your forethought and eagerness to help us find it! When we’re ready to buy our next home, you’re definitely going to be our Realtor!
Dane & Kim Westfield (Buyer)
.
Paul sold me my first house, and later a rental property. He was professional, patient, creative, knowledgeable, and somehow made a complicated process seem fun. I could not be more pleased with his services.
Mark Miller (Buyer)
.
If you are looking for a realtor who is intelligent, respectful, knowledgeable, and insightful, Paul Fortino is your man. Despite the long list of requirements we had for the "perfect" house, Paul was consistently hopeful during this roller coaster of a house-hunting ride.
He has an unusually strong work ethic and he is extremely resourceful regarding both DIY and professional house work. Most importantly, he is one of the most honest people I know...you can be sure that he will look out for both the buyer and seller.
Indeed, I don't think you can find a better person than Paul for your house buying/selling needs!
zuser2014 (Buyer)
.
Select Paul Fortino as your realtor, and you will not be disappointed! Of the various realtors I've worked with in the past (all very good), Paul's efforts were a level or two above. He's professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and his work ethic is remarkable. He generated great interest in showing our home, and sold it quickly at well above asking price. It is hard to imagine better service.
M.Asire (Seller)
.
Paul Fortino helped my husband and I navigate the purchase of some investment property in the crazy Santa Cruz real estate market. He is a true pro with personal and professional experience deep in the real estate weeds. He made several brilliant suggestions that resulted in considerable tax savings for us and made the entire process from start to finish free of bumps, jolts and surprises. Paul's keen eye for construction issues was an added bonus.
After the purchase closed, he went the extra mile and helped us navigate the rental process, finding us all of the forms we needed to contract with our new tenants. Not only is he an experienced and highly skilled Realtor, he's a warm and charming guy who really cares about his clients. Paul is a true community builder: he makes an ongoing and genuine effort to connect with his friends and neighbors, clients and otherwise, to help improve the quality of everyone's lives. He has a wide-ranging network of contacts in the Santa Cruz area and was always ready with a suggestion when we needed one. Thanks to Paul, we had an effortless transaction and are now the happy owners of a beautiful property.
Tai M (Buyer & Seller)
.
Paul was amazing helping us sell our home -- every time there was a glitch with our own ability or a problem with a contractor he stepped up immediately with every kind of help you can imagine.
In an overpriced market like Santa Cruz it's amazing to think of an agent earning all their fee, but he did that and more.
dsmithorew (Seller)
.
I Chose Paul Fortino to sell my mobile home after it sat for three months after another realtor had listed it and showed no enthusiasm. I called Paul and asked him if I could re-list it with him.
From day one he took the bull by the horns and opened the doors for showing as much as possible. He's professional and personable and he gives you the confidence that he will sell your home in do time. Paul sold my home in two months and three others in the park in six months time.
jnwarner8 (Seller)
.
I have had several opportunities to hear Paul speak in public, and to exchange referrals in the community (santa cruz county area). As a local attorney who frequently works with couples selling or buying houses, and has interfaced with realtors for over 20 years, I come here today to say Paul Fortino is an amazing individual, highly (and truly) dedicated to his work.
In today's world it is difficult to find "old style" dedication and even pride in one's work. Paul lives up to that standard, truly dedicated to you (his client), constantly working to build his connections, always watching out for ways to both save you money AND to accomplish what you need.
You may already know, Paul has a slogan, "bringing the real back to real estate." I can tell you, he lives up to that standard. Paul is a joy to work with, you will feel taken care of, you will have that sense of "knowing" you made the right choice, and that things are going well."
If for any reason you wish to write me about this review, feel free to do so, Sincerely,
Aaron Lodge (Colleague)
.
Paul,
Thank you!! You are a legend and it was great working with you. All your hard work and attention to detail facilitated our successful transaction. Look forward to doing more business with you in the future.
Will (Colleague)
.
Yes there are many real estate agents in Santa Cruz. However, for many of them, it is about the hustle. Not so with Paul Fortino. He is sincere in his efforts to help you sell or buy a home. He is also very knowledgable about the area, so please give him a call.
Lia Barrad (Colleague)
.
“I worked with Paul at UCSC for about 5 years. Not only was he a great co-worker, he was very detail oriented, completed projects, and provided follow-up to be sure all objectives were accomplished. I always knew I could count on Paul for every request.”
Marie Henley (Colleague)