Hi. I’m Wendy. I love helping clients in the East Bay and enjoy all aspects of a transaction, from the search and negotiations to advising on a renovation project. No two houses are the same, and no two transactions are the same. There is always a puzzle to be solved. First-time buyers are my favorites; I love the thrill and satisfaction of handing over those keys. For all clients, I employ carefully considered strategy to make a winning offer… or choose one. Whether you’re buying or selling I offer tactical thinking and act as an advisor, helping you to discern what’s important.
As a first-time buyer I saved for a decade and bought a bank-owned “fixer” property in Oakland. It had great bones, but required heaps of TLC. And by TLC I mean earthquake retrofitting, decent plumbing, safer electrical, a new kitchen floor, laundry room, a sewer lateral, and a new roof! This project has extended over years of course, and has given me a knowledge of real estate issues that is both extensive and practical. Very practical. Helping people connect with resources for their improvements is a commitment that goes well beyond the closing date. Do you need affordable contractors? Do you want to be hands-off and demand perfection? I have resources to help for virtually any budget.
In my spare time, I love cooking and entertaining. I enjoy preparing seasonal specialties with focus on sustainability. I host wine pairing dinners with friends, and my passion for local craft beer has broadened my connection to our local community. You’ll run into me at festivals and events from California to Denmark! I grew up in Hawaii, so much of my cuisine has an Asian/Pacific Island influence. Gardening is a favorite retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life; my yard is alive with ornamental and edible plants and fruit trees. Being able to step outside and pick my own limes, Meyer lemons, or mandarins in winter, and fresh vegetables and cooking herbs all year around – these are some of the most satisfying things about Bay Area homeownership. When not out in the yard or walking my two rescue dogs, our live music scene energizes me; I visit small local venues that make the East Bay such a lively place to live.
One of my core philosophies is that money is good for the good that it can do. Therefore, I give to causes that matter to me: Friends of the Oakland Animal Shelter, Southern Poverty Law Center, Planned Parenthood, Environmental Defense Fund, and Audubon (I’m a sucker for those beautiful birds). I support Bay Area museums (the De Young, the Asian Art Museum, SFMOMA) and the work of the Alameda County Food Bank, as well as Project Open Hand, which delivers food to those with chronic illness. My life experience has taught me that far too much in life is determined by luck and the fortunate have a duty to give when they can.
I know it sounds cliché, but we really are like a family here at Winkler Real Estate Group. We have a client-focused culture and a really fun group of agents that populate the office. I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Call me. I look forward to meeting you, hearing about your goals, and getting to work toward making those aspirations a reality!