Gwen Banta

GWEN BANTA - L.A.'S "SHERLOCK OF HOMES"

I love my job, and I work hard for every client, whether they are buying or selling a small condo or a large apartment building. Everyone is equally important and greatly valued. I learned the necessity of exceptional service early in my business career as owner of a speakers' bureau for corporate executives. When a client gave a seminar on property acquisition, I became hooked on real estate and "the art of the deal." After entering the business as an investor, I relocated to L.A. and became an affiliate of Re/Max, where I was an award winning agent and Top Producer. In January 2009, I joined Sotheby's International Realty and am now a member of their renowned Sunset Strip team. My business includes sales and estates, serving clients in West L.A., Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills and Studio City.

I am also an award-winning actor and author, holding B.A. & M.S. degrees, as well as a Certificate from the Defense Language Institute. I have written written several novels & screenplays and was given Honorable Mention in the Opus Magnum Awards for New Literature. As a member of many professional organizations and Honoraries, I try to stay very involved in the community. One of my client's dubbed me L.A.'s "Sherlock of Homes," and the moniker has followed me for years. The best reason for working with me is that I work hard, I never let a deal die, and I am very funny. And believe me, some escrows require a healthy dose of laughter. It would be my pleasure to serve you. Please visit me at http://www.lahomesite.com/ or visit my blog at http://sherlockofhomes.blogspot.com/, or my Friday featured blog on Agent Genius. I'll look forward to meeting you!

A LITLE BIT ABOUT MY BUSINESS:

My business includes sales and estates, serving clients in West L.A., Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, Laurel Canyon and Studio City. I love first time buyers as much as seasoned investors, and I am particularly knowledgable about the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills. I live there, so the the Hills, canyons and boulevards are in my blood. I love to share the lore of places like Laurel Canyon or take my buyers on a tour of Beverly Hills' points of interest. With new buyers, I take the time to educate them about all aspects of the deal - from understanding contracts to mortgage options. And with my more seasoned clients, I enjoy doing extensive property analysis. My years of experience have convinced me that educating the client creates an attitude of trust, confidence and enjoyment. I am a skilled negotiator who believes that ethics - honesty and integrity - should be the guidelines for every deal. My clients tell me I am fierce and fearless, but I never lose my smile. Over the years, I have learned that selling or buying should be a fun experience - full of laughter, support and the ever-important SNACKS. Feed a stomach - feed a deal!

KIND WORDS FROM MY GREAT CLIENTS:

"Gwen, thank you so much on behalf of Lindsey and myself. Everyone did such an amazing job. We still can't believe the house is ours! We can't wait to get out there when the dust and the touring settles, and then let's all go out to dinner. Seriously amazed! Lots of love, Gerard and Lindsey."

- Gerard Way, "My Chemical Romance"

"We spent almost a year looking for our perfect house, and as anyone who is looking knows, it can be very discouraging. Gwen was an angel throughout the whole process - always finding new and interesting places, constantly reminding us of our options, full of ideas for each property and above all, always there to give us an objective opinion when we were in danger of making a hasty decision. When I think about what we might have settled on instead of waiting for the perfect place, I am so grateful to her for never pushing us into something less than ideal. And man, can she negotiate!!! She's the best, and one day in the future we will be fortunate to work with her again."

- A & K, Laurel Canyon, CA

"Gwen Banta is a dedicated professional who has worked tirelessly on my behalf. Her integrity, insight, and brilliant sense of humor are qualities I seldom find in others, sometimes not even in myself. She is the real deal. It's an honor and privilege to know her... p.s. I mean every word..."

- Addison

"We thoroughly enjoyed working with Gwen on our purchase of two properties, both in downtown Los Angeles. We first met Gwen during an open house and soon after that asked if she'd represent us as our buyers agent. We could not be more pleased with both the outcome of our two real estate purchases and the relationship that we've developed with Gwen. Her excellence in customer service is what sets her apart from her colleagues, and couple that with her vast knowledge of real estate, meticulous attention to detail, and overall fun and pleasant demeanor and, well, you just cannot go wrong with Gwen. We only wish we had more financial resources at the ready to that we could buy more real estate Downtown - with Gwen representing us of course!"

- Brian Blake and Roger Gendron - Happy Downtowners

"I have been in the business of buying and selling homes for many years, and Gwen has been instrumental in building what has become our "mini-empire." Her depth of knowledge in all facets of the industry - from market analysis to deal negotiations, and from financing information to spotting a diamond in the rough - have allowed us to develop a successful investment portfolio. She has such integrity & intelligence, as well as a keen eye for detail and a clockwork system of follow-up. It is also wonderful to work with an agent who brings kindness, personal attention and a great sense of humor to the table. I look forward to many years of business with Gwen...so she better never plan on leaving California or I'm coming after her!"

- Los Angeles Investor

"Gwen made me feel utterly special in my scary search for my first home. I know she has many other clients but her attention to my needs made it seem as if I were the only one."

- Jill H.

"Gwen is the consummate professional and went above and beyond to meet our needs - I've never worked with a better realtor."

- James LaMarr

"In a world of real estate uncertainty.....At a time of economic hodgepodge....A hero will rise and treat you like a human being with respect and integrity....."Gwen Banta - in neighborhoods everywhere this Fall!"

- Eric Towler

"I totally recommend Gwen as a real estate agent- her selections of properties were excellent, and she guided me through every step of the process. As a first-time homebuyer, I can't thank her enough for pointing out all potential pitfalls. And when it came time to make the deal on my home, her professionalism, tenacity, and organized follow-through made a major impact on the seller and her agent. There were other offers - including one for more money - but our presentation impressed them enough to sell it to me. Thanks to Gwen, I now own a beautiful house in a neighborhood that I love."

- Aeolan Kelly

"Once in a lifetime there is a special place that, at first sight, you know it is home. However, just before the dream of owning that special place is the stress of scheduling, financing, inspections, and paperwork. The person who made this process a successful, comfortable convenience was Gwen Banta. Not only was she there for me during the day-to-day stress, but the friendship remains six months later. Gwen helped me achieve my goal. The gift she brings to me and to others has enriched my life. I thank her silently every night when I arrive home."

- Denise Vukojevich

"Buying my first place was a scary endeavor, but with Gwen's efficient and thorough decision making, purchasing my home became a pleasure."

- Travis Yohnke

"During escrow I was a mess. Gwen assured me to relax and that she would let me know when it was time to worry. When we closed I realized she never got to use that statement! She was my realtor and therapist all in one!"

- Brendon Mendoza

"Beauty and brains may seem like a cliche but that extraordinary combination is embodied in Gwen, a realtor who works diligently to provide her clients with the best deal. Gwen's care and concern ease the stress of buying or selling. Thanks to Gwen for helping me buy an investment property. The mystery is solved - LA's "Sherlock of Homes" is the best realtor in town."

- Angela Randazzo

"I am always impressed by your professionalism and your knowledge of the market. I have dealt with many real estate agents from all areas, and some are great and some, well, I wonder how they got their license. I wish every agent treated their clients the way you treat your clients: with patience, professionalism and genuine concern for their well being ahead of your own."

- Jin Hann

"Gwen has kept an eye on our target market for the last year as we've been preparing to make our first real estate investment. She consistently goes above and beyond. I can't wait for her to hand us the keys to our first home!"

- Sarah Colombo

"There are few agents as knowledgable and dedicated as Gwen Banta. Having worked with other agents in the past, I would never consider working with anyone else after my incredible experience with her. She opened my mind to possibilities that I never knew could be options to me. Her understanding of the market across the board is incomparable. She told me about financing and mortgage options, and she did a thorough market analysis in order to help us really understand home values. She has a keen knowledge of communities within Los Angeles, including the still undiscovered areas perfect for new investors. Without her I never would have found the fantastic home I did. She turned what was formerly just a dream of owning a beautiful home into a reality. And she even helped me find a vacation home in Lake Arrowhead!"

- Leigh and A.R. - Studio City

If you want to work with a wonderful person who has great energy and terrific knowledge of Southern California real estate, call Gwen Banta. I'm glad I did!"

- Marc S.

Gwen, THANK YOU!!!!! You're amazing...and your snacks rock!

- R.P.L.

Gwen, I could not have been happier if my own mom had been there to hold my hand. I love you!

- The Beckster

CHECK ME OUT AT http://www.lahomesite.com/, ZILLOW, YAHOO, FACEBOOK, LINKEDIN, ACTIVE RAIN,AGENT GENIUS, http://sherlockofhomes.blogspot.com/, HTTP://WWW.SOTHEBYSHOMES.COM and IMDB.