Alan Marks

Alan, with his wife Ellie and their children, relocated to Northern California from their hometown of Chicago 28 years ago. Alan holds a Master’s Degree in Business from the University of Illinois.  Prior to his residential real estate brokerage career he held corporate real estate executive positions with companies such as Balcor/American Express and Castle & Cooke. Alan has been involved in all areas of the real estate industry – land, apartment and home development, construction, renovation, asset management and residential and commercial sales with a volume in excess of $900 million.  With all three of their children now grown, Alan and Ellie reside in Lafayette with their two Golden Retrievers Indy and Zito. They are both active in various community projects. Having lived in Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga, Alan is an expert in each area (public and private schools, churches and synagogues, doctors, commutes, etc.) which is beneficial to his clients.

Alan founded the Alain Pinel Orinda office 14 years ago and consistently maintains his status as a top producing agent in the office, the county and the state. He currently ranks in the top one percent of all agents nationwide. In addition to his Brokers license, he is a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE), Quality Service Certified (QSC) and a certified relocation specialist. To meet client demands and provide all services integral to a Real Estate transaction Alan has assembled the following team:

·        Escrow, Administration & Marketing

Stephenie Ratke is responsible for all marketing and administrative functions.  With an extensive collection of online and printed marketing materials and close attention to detail, Stephenie navigates homes into and through escrow.  Many agents charge for this administration.  The Marks Team includes the service at no additional cost.    

·        Short Sales, Foreclosures, Deed in Lieu

There are a growing number of distressed property transactions in the current market.   To meet this demand, Alan has created a team to analyze, process, and negotiate with lenders on the client’s behalf for short sale, foreclosure, or deed in lieu transactions.  This includes title and escrow processing at no cost to his Seller’s.

·        Staging

Ellie Marks, a licensed Realtor, founded, owns, and operates “Ready, Set, Sell!” a staging and remodeling business. Through her company, Ellie is instrumental in the preparation of homes prior to being introduced to the market. Ellie offers her staging services to The Marks Team’s clients at reduced fees, along with a free initial consultation.

·        Financing

Bruce Beasley, a licensed Real Estate agent, is the financial advisor. He is a Senior Loan Consultant at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage where he offers The Marks Team’s clients honest and competitive loan pricing.

·        Escrow and Title

Melanie Jones provides all escrow and title functions to keep transactions running smoothly through the closing. Title insurance is underwritten through Old Republic Title Company, a premier service Northern California company. Melanie provides clients the best in service and rates.

All of the above together allows Alan to provide uncompromising attention and service to each client. Whatever your real estate needs, you need The Marks Team on your side!