ExpertiseIn addition to high level professionalism and street smarts, Michael and his team have brought compassion and empathy to over 400 probate and trust sales.

Approaching each transaction with a genuine understanding of human nature, real estate, probate, contracts, as well as courts’ processes, Michael is worth his weight in gold. Whether a short sale in probate, home preparation, remodel, home clean out, working closely with fiduciaries or the eviction of recalcitrant heirs, Michael has a “can do” approach to his work. But let’s not call it work. It’s his passion. Michael and his team will work for you and get the job done!

With a stellar reputation, Michael’s personal and professional code of ethics have served him well and are void of impropriety. His extensive knowledge in probate and estate sales is well supported by 19 years in the trenches working with conservators, administrators, attorneys, other fiduciaries and heirs. His goal is to guide his clients through what can be a very stressful and complicated process.

His support staff includes marketing, administrative, legal and short sale professionals.

Prior to becoming a licensed realtor in 1994, Michael was responsible for the national sales and marketing of major food distributors and DH Assembly and Packaging in Tecate, Mexico. Some of his other experience is as an owner/builder working with the planning, design review, engineering and inspection departments of the City of Oakland.

Bay Area Roots

Michael was raised in Berkeley and attended local schools — John Muir Elementary school class of ’67 and Berkeley High class of ’73! His family has always been active in local politics and issues of the day. Instilled at an early age was a strong sense of one’s fiduciary duty and obligation to family. Michael has a loving attorney father and the greatest mom ever who was skilled in antiquarian books to thank.

Michael has called the Elmwood and Thousand Oaks neighborhoods of Berkeley home, and lived the past 25 years in Adams Point, Glenview and Montclair. This has given Michael an intimate understanding of Berkeley and Oakland neighborhoods. The focus of his practice is the East Bay from Richmond to Fremont. If your property is out of the core area, Michael can recommend the finest Realtors covering the entire Bay Area from San Jose to Marin County.

Community Supporter

Michael has long known the rewards of giving back to the community that has given him so much. Some of Michael’s community activities include:

  • John Muir Elementary May Fair Sponsor – 5 years
  • Oakland Feather River Camp
  • Red Cross Apherisis
  • West Point Inn
  • South End Rowing Club
  • Oral Lee Brown Foundation contributor

Experienced

100%

Stellar Reputation

100%

Skilled Property Preparation

100%

Local Knowledge

100%

Local Relationships

100%

Local Court Rules

100%

Client Focused

100%

TESTIMONIALS

“

I’ve worked with Michael for years. He has represented personal friends and clients in my probate law practice. His hard work and “get it done” attitude have been invaluable. I have been very satisfied with the work he has done for my clients and my friends all give him rave reviews. In addition, his experience as a home builder and his contacts in the real estate trade specialties such as flooring, painting, yard work, roofers, etc., make him especially valuable if you are buying or selling a property that needs some work. He is a real asset to my law practice, and I recommend him highly.

Charles TriayAttorney at Law, 510.832.8700
“

Yes, thanks so much. I'm thrilled on behalf of the heirs!

Sherrie Kibler-Sanchez
Administrator

I think I speak for Sherrie as well, when I say, WOW! Thank you for the great work.

Peter Shelton, Attorney at law, 510.394.5483

“

We really did appreciate all you did for us, to get as much as we could for her mom and the estate! The help you gave us to sell both her houses, was amazing and if we ever have the need to use you again, we will. Believe me, we have told many people about all you did, and hopefully, it will continue to ensure your success!

Debra HighsmithAdministrator
“

Working tirelessly to facilitate a potentially difficult sale, Michael Stephens’ people skills and potential acumen netted results. Our sale closed quickly and cleanly at a slow time of year. With Michael Stephens at the helm, our family was able to garner an excellent finish at an emotional time.

Daryll PerkinsCo-successor trustee
“

Thank you for all that you have done for the Robert A Roehl, Estate. I, as well as the others involved in the Estate, appreciate your work, diligence & detailed effort. You set the mark & achieved the goal in seeing that the sale of these properties would be sold for the greatest amount possible under your guidance & direction. You certainly went above & beyond in making these sales a success. Again, thank you very much.

Diana ScallinTrustee
“

YEA! Michael S, a thank you seems inadequate for all you have done and for the many times you went “above and beyond” to take care of things on our behalf. Despite our being out of state and various complications with readying the property for listing, you still managed to take us through the whole process with a minimum of stress. You have been consistently helpful, responsive and professional. We are so grateful that we had the benefit of your expertise and work ethic! We would highly recommend you to any seller. If you ever need additional references we would be delighted to let anyone know how pleased we are with having you as our listing agent.

Kate and Tom Sayers
“

I have been an attorney for just over 20 years. I recently had the pleasure of working with Michael Stephens on the most stressful, complicated estate I have had to deal with as an attorney and trust administrator. After the first Realtor in his office resigned from the sale, due to its difficulty, Michael took over and had to personally manage the care and clean up through three separate escrows. I know that Michael went beyond the call of duty to make the sale — three separate occasions! If anyone would like to contact me as a further reference of Michael’s abilities, please do so through my email or office number (925)283-1552.

Bruce BernsteinAttorney at Law
“

I want to take this time to thank you for all of your actions in the sale of my home. In life we are all busy. You made the time to give me superior service. I would refer you to anyone who is looking to buy or sell their property. I cannot thank you enough for your professionalism, responsiveness and enthusiasm. I wish you much success and greatness in the future.

Tari Dean
“

As recent first time investment property buyers, we would like to acknowledge our appreciation for the work of Michael Stephens for his assistance in helping us achieve our income property purchasing goals. We would recommend him highly.

Michael BowlerInvestor
“

Your flowers were the centerpiece of our dinners for several days. It's a pity we are not raising a glass together.. but nonetheless we are thinking of you and your great service (and your yellow car too 😎)

George and Kristel Wilkinson
“

Michael,

Just wanted to convey our thanks for your amazing work in overseeing the sale of the condo. We were off to a rocky start in trying to find the right person to help us, and we are so grateful we finally connected with you! Your help with the improvements when we didn’t have easy access to funds, your expertise in handling probate situations, and your ability to handle the last minute wrinkles are all very much appreciated….along with everything else you did. We don’t know where we would have landed without your help.

Mary was called out of town due to the unexpected passing of her mother-in-law this week but she is also very pleased and relieved that this is behind us.

Thank you again from the Acquanita/Blain families! We are so pleased.

Laurie
REFERENCES
400
Trust, Estate and Probate Sales of Real Property
20
Years Experience
66
Years in the Bay Area