Professional Philosophy
“I work hard to handle all the details of my clients’ sales. My clients appreciate my extensive knowledge of the San Francisco real estate market, as well as my expertise in complex transactions and construction issues. My team and I look forward to helping you with your sale. We are dedicated to providing you with the highest levels of service.“
Professional Experience
Extensive experience in the purchase, sale, and marketing of Condos, Single Family Homes, Luxury Residences, Multi-Unit Properties, Commercial Properties, Investment Properties, Probate and Trust Sales, 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges, Fixers, Tenancy-In-Common (TICs), and Buyer representation at ALL price levels.
Education
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St. Marys College, Moraga 1971 – Business & Economics
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Masters Program for Marketing & Staging – Coldwell Banker University
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The Art of Negotiation – Nierenberg
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Previews Specialist Certification – Coldwell Banker University
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Seniors Real Estate Services Certified
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Licensed General Contractor
Professional Affiliations
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International President’s Premier-Top 1% of Agents Nationwide
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San Francisco Apartment Association-Board of Directors
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California Apartment Association- Former State Director
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Women’s Council of REALTORS®
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Council of Residential Specialists
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San Francisco Board of REALTORS®
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Society of Wine Educators, former member
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American Society of Viticulture and Enology, former member
Personal Background
Jim has a family tradition with real estate- his great uncle, Walter Laufenberg, was President of the San Francisco Board of REALTORS® in 1932 during the Great Depression. Jim is a native of Berkeley, California, and graduated from St. Mary’s College in Moraga with a degree in Business and Economics. While a member of the Christian Brothers religious order, “Brother James” taught high school prior to being assigned to the Christian Brothers Winery in Napa Valley where he earned his General Contractor’s License.
In 1990 “Brother James” returned to “civilian life” in San Francisco, and in early 1993 was licensed. By the end of 1998, he was the top agent in his office. Since that time Jim has consistently ranked in the top three agents with Coldwell Banker in San Francisco and within the Top 5 for Northern California. He has served on the Boards of Directors for the San Francisco Apartment Association, California State Apartment Association, Golden Gate Business Association, and the Guerneville Education Foundation.
With a background rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area, Jim brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the real estate industry. He proudly serves San Francisco, embodying a genuine commitment to his clients' best interests and objectives.
With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, Jim has amassed a remarkable array of accomplishments in the real estate industry. Beginning in 1990, Jim's journey into real estate started with property investments, leading to a comprehensive understanding of the market dynamics in San Francisco and surrounding areas. His tenure as a Tenant Improvement (Construction) manager at Embarcadero Center provided invaluable insights into building regulations and processes, laying the foundation for his insight into property development and management.
With a general contractor license, Jim brings a unique perspective to the table, offering clients invaluable knowledge of construction and renovation projects. He was ranked in the top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents in Northern California for multiple years, a testament to his exceptional performance. Additionally, Jim holds a BA in Business and Economics from St. Mary's College and has pursued specialized training in Senior Real Estate Services (SRES), further enhancing his ability to cater to client needs. Clients consistently praise Jim's warmth, reliability, and technical knowledge, describing him as a person of integrity and highly reliable. Jim's commitment to listening to his clients' needs, coupled with his creative negotiation skills and extensive industry network, ensures a seamless and rewarding real estate journey.
Jim's dedication extends beyond real estate, reflecting his passion for philanthropy and community engagement. Whether volunteering at his parish or supporting local charities like Food For Thought and River to Coast Child Care, Jim's altruistic spirit shines through. His love for cooking and wine, cultivated during his time as Brother James at the Christian Brothers Winery, enriches his interactions with friends and clients, fostering warmth and camaraderie.