I couldn't recommend David Otero more highly! He came to us vastly praised by our mortgage broker, and he far exceeded our expectations throughout the process of searching for and closing on our new home. His extraordinary attention to detail and passionate approach combined to give us exactly the sense of security we needed as we plunged into the competitive & daunting Oakland buyer's market. He was so skilled at defending our best interest every step of the way, genuinely invested in our finding exactly what we needed by offering us total transparency with his expert investigative strategy on each new home we considered. He clearly wanted us to find the home that would be perfect for us and he went far and beyond to ensure that we did! David is such a delight to work with -- committed, enthusiastic, diligent, personable, responsive, resourceful and savvy! He had our backs the whole way and we cannot thank him enough! read more

David exceeded all of our expectations in representing us on the sale of our home in Millbrae. His advice on pricing and preparing the home for sale were spot on!! His over 30 years of experience as a realtor gives him perspective and knowledge of the home selling process. Linda N. read more

Maybe you should read your Zillow reviews that pretty much says how unprofessional you are before commenting. Learn from your mistakes and treat people with respect. We literally asked you twice that we had questions and you completely ignored us based on our race. We were standing right next to the white couple and told you we had questions. As a result, we didn't want to submit any offers and benefit a terrible realtor like you. read more

David handled the sale of our Oakland home this past spring. He was completely knowledgeable about market conditions, and advised us the best way of getting the best offer. He even helped us fix up a couple things with his tool kit. The sale went fast and smooth, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. read more

David is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced Realtors I've come across. As a Realtor myself, I've had the pleasure of working with David on the other side of a transaction. He was always respectful, kind, and responsive. Reputation means so much in our industry and David carries a great one! I would gladly work with him again! read more

I met David when I was renting a flat in Oakland. He was representing the owner and came and spoke with me and my roommate about the matter. He was exceptionally straight forward and said he wanted the transaction to work as smoothly as possible for everyone. He impressed me sufficiently and I used him as my realtor when I left the flat and purchased my first home. There was then, as there is now, multiple bids on homes. If not for David's advice I would not be still sitting in my home 20 years later. I write this now because 20 years ago I did not have a computer, nor did I know about the infamous Yelp reviews. This man knows the business, and I would recommend him. read more

We recently sold our Oakland, CA home and had the absolute pleasure of working with David Otero. Not only did he lead us 100% in the right direction with the steps that we needed to take in order to sell in this very competitive market, but his knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail are unsurmountable. He is an upstanding and honest broker. We highly recommend David Otero and if we ever sell again David will be our go-to guy! read more

Mr. David Otero, a real estate agent with Corcoran Global Living was highly recommended by my lawyer when I was assigned to be the executor of my deceased friend's probate estate. I had no idea what I was doing so he went through each step explaining before, during, and after the sale of the home; he actually got over $115,000 more then the courts had appraised the house for. Mr. Otero went way and beyond- remaining professional, kind patient and thorough as he was on top of everything giving me updates on the status of the property. I would personally and highly recommend him and in the future with any real estate investments for myself, family and friends. The results are beyond phenomenal. read more

BEST TRANSACTION YET! I recently had the pleasure of working with David Otero on a transaction for a home in the East Bay. I have to say I have yet to experience someone with a confluence of excellent qualities quite like those that David has. He was super organized, extremely knowledgable, obviously has lots of experience and was probably the most friendly person I've worked with in the industry. He has the gift of gab and a knack for winning people over and I have to say I'm excited about the next opportunity to work with him. Great guy. Great Broker. Thanks for your help David. Can't wait to do it again. Greg D. read more

I wish there was a Zero Stars Option. This guy is a menace. He is manipulative and has serious anger issues. I could not warn you in any stronger terms, do not do business with this guy. He is a con man and will insult and berate you if he is not given his way. And an added feature he will never shut up, never! I was close to using him as my agent until I got an anger-saturated late-night phone call from him when he found out I had been approached with an off-market offer. He was insulting and obnoxious. I dumped him and did far better working with a real professional. When he found out I sold through a different agent he sent me and my wife insulting late-night texts, and sarcastically ridiculed a health issue I have. This guy is really bad news! Consider yourself warned. read more

David Otero truly earns the highest rating. He was recommended to me by a coworker and was relentless with helping me find my first house in 1993. The sale was complicated by dynamics of family financing, but David was patient, professional, and never wavered at keeping us all informed and on track. He was so kind. I recall one day I came home from work to find him chopping wood for my fireplace (back when wood burning fireplaces were still more or less acceptable) - and this was after the sale! We recently needed to sell our home and were extremely fortunate David Otero was available to represent the property. He remembered an amazing amount of detail about our home, and just like before worked hard to get us the best deal. We were on a tight timeframe, and there wasn't time to wrap up all the details of vacating. David not only oversaw all the prep involved in getting the house ready for market, but took on helping clear out the interior, kept us on track with bills, and even fielded mail not yet caught up to our new address. Every touch-up, repair, or upgrade suggested was appropriate for the property's location and our budget, and everyone he contracted with did outstanding work. He treated our house as if it were his own, giving great care to honor its modest provenance while raising the market value to a new level. He negotiated an amazing cash price which allowed us to purchase more in our new location than we thought possible. David is organized, enthusiastic, personable, and passionate about real estate. He works tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for his clients and seems to genuinely enjoy every minute leading up to the celebratory transaction. He is gifted at educating clients at every point of entry and is a very kind and thoughtful individual. You'll find if you work with David Otero to buy or sell a property there will be no doubt you have contracted with the best person for the job. He is such a pleasure to work with. My only regret is that he couldn't represent our recent purchase in our new location. Thank you so much, David, we couldn't be where we are today without you! read more

David made this by far the best real estate transaction ever! He was professional, attentive, ethical and responsive throughout. We asked him to take on the difficult job of selling my late father-in-law's home. The home had not been well maintained and presented challenges that narrowed the field of potential buyers considerably. David accepted the challenge and was so effective that despite the potential buyer pool being small, he quickly got us over a dozen very competitive offers. After just a few weeks on the market, we sold for significantly more than asking price with a 7 day close of escrow. We could not have been more satisfied and more grateful to David for all of his efforts on our behalf. read more

WOW.. David's expertise, commitment, attention to detail and follow through were unsurpassed! I have never seen anyone so conscientious and skilled - SERIOUSLY! I am somewhat of an "old hat" when it comes to real estate transactions so I say with confidence no one will work harder or give you better advice than David Otero. We never imagined we could do so well with our transaction. What a pro! 5 stars all the way! read more

David helped us sell a property in Oakland recently and the experience could not have been better. He made it almost effortless for us and his attention to detail in every aspect of the process was phenomenal. His expertise in just about everything under the sun and the lengths he went to to ensure that every step was taken with care of to protect us as well as the buyers was so reassuring. I cannot believe that there is another real estate broker in the entire Bay Are who takes as much care in providing exemplary service for his clients as David does. Thank you so much for everything.. Roscoe Skipper and Wendy Brucker read more

Words cannot describe how fortunate I was to work with David Otero. When my father passed I needed to sell my dad's house. While dealing with the trust and the reverse mortgage, I knew David Otero was the man to call. He kept me informed, educated me on the process, and continually followed up with me. What I appreciated the most was David's sense of integrity. He was detail- oriented with the paperwork, and gracious throughout the process. I highly recommend him and hope to work with him in the future. read more

We couldn't recommend David more strongly. His skill set made all the difference for us. Had we not worked with David, my family would still be in a tiny town home. We're now in a great home and neighborhood that is perfect for us. Most importantly, David is savvy, smart, responsive, strategic, and personable. He acts quickly and thoroughly for his clients. He has extensive knowledge and experience to share, in terms of building codes, building materials, plumbing, wiring, neighborhood trends and insider information (neighborhood flooding issues, crime rates), etc. I can no longer imagine working with someone without his vast building knowledge. David would actually discourage us from purchasing a home not worth purchasing. He wants his clients happy, satisfied, and financially viable for the long-term. When it came to signing purchase papers, David was very attentive to detail. He was tireless in tending to every single detail that could possibly enhance our future selling profits, starting with purchase price but also extending to home permit accuracy and completion, loan and title details, etc. It's incredibly reassuring to have that sort of expertise in your corner, to know that you've done the smartest thing in absolutely every facet of your home purchase. If you let David do this thing, you will pay no more than the market dictates for a home. If a scam is ensuing, he will sniff it out. He's also incredibly ethical, with a strong sense of justice, and has no intention of allowing himself or his clients to be taken advantage of. He takes tremendous initiative, even in cases where it causes him much more work. It's almost like he can't help himself. If he knows it's right to do something, he has to do it. His hustle and follow-through blow my mind. David continued to provide his support to us after we closed, providing top-knotch referrals and ensuring all was going well for us. His combined skill set is hard to come by and we appreciate all he has done for us. We recommend him highly! read more

I don't think it is possible to find a more knowledgeable or conscientious broker than David Otero. We have had the good fortune to work with him in both selling a residence and looking for/buying a residence, and he is really the ideal standard for a professional, ethical broker. He went way above and beyond what was necessary to make sure we had smooth transactions for some fairly complex properties. He has particular expertise in larger properties and anything like a ranch or estate which involves some land, outbuildings, etc., but also has handled more routine property transactions for some of our friends and neighbors. Really the best in my opinion, I'd give more than 5 stars if that were possible. read more

David is quite simply the most effective realtor you will ever meet [period]. Very quick mover; very effective/quick communicator; above and beyond the call always; happy to go beyond customary realtor scope as needed to help Clients understand issues; absolute MASTERY of his domain and NO GREATER ADVOCATE on the face of the earth. David is all about leveraging his experience/expertise for the benefit of his clients. He helped my wife and me understand many properties before finally helping us through a 2-week close that started Dec 16 and ended Jan 2 (yes, right through the Holiday Season), and happily orchestrated the efforts of many to ensure tight coordination through a very aggressive close process. He gave us insight we never would have had with another realtor and much-needed comfort in making decisions along the way. He's all about making sure his clients are informed and properly represented vs. simply closing a deal and moving on to the next one. You can not be in better hands than with David. Evan L read more

Simply put, this guy will not let you buy or sell something if he doesn't think it will work for you. His knowledge of the market and the rules of the game is encyclopedic. His manner is gracious bordering on the endearing and his attention to detail is mind-numbing (yours, not his). All this, coupled with a world of experience, an army of resourceful contacts and an expertise in taxation has led my wife and I to his door time and time again. One thing I can't figure out about this guy: given his schedule, how does he manage to make you feel as if you are his only client. read more

I can't say enough great things about David Otero, so I'll just mention some highlights about him: 1. The House Whisperer - David knows EVERYTHING about houses. Walk into a house with him and he immediately starts pointing out details of construction, layout, design, style, geographical challenges, market, etc. He knows the various building codes and when they were changed and can tell just by looking at a house what's been modified or updated or needs to be updated and can give you a good idea of what that work would involve. He would continually astonish us with obscure information about everything from trees and their potential for hazard to the challenges of replacing different kinds of vintage windows. And if he doesn't know himself, he knows the best resources for further information. 2. Excellent Customer Service - you won't be David's only client, but you'll feel like you are. He is always prompt in returning calls and works tirelessly to get you any and all information he can to help you make a decision. If you decide to bid on a house, David will go all out to help you put together the most attractive offer possible. And he doesn't stop once you are in contract. He facilitates the entire process through, and after, the close. He has a large pool of reputable and competitive contractors he can refer you to for any work you want to have done, and he follows up with you and them to make sure the work was done to your satisfaction. 3. Awesome Person - David is genuinely interested in helping you find the right house for you. He won't pressure you to look at or bid on houses that are outside your comfort zone, and in fact will counsel you against anything he doesn't think is right. We looked at many, many houses with David and only three got the official nod of approval from him. There was one additional house that we liked and decided to bid on, even after listening to his clearly stated reservations, and he still went all out to help us get the deal. Fortunately we did not (we were offered a backup position) and ultimately we ended up in a house that we love so much more and is so much more appropriate for us. David has the highest standards of integrity (which I can't say for all the realtors we came into contact with) and is just a great guy to work with. We always looked forward to seeing him and always knew he was looking out for our best interests. In closing, I'll say the proof is in the pudding. The house we ended up buying had an astonishing number of offers, and we owe our success in getting it entirely to him. In this hyper-competitive market, you need every edge you can get - and working with David will definitely give you a huge advantage. Most importantly, David makes sure you know everything you need to know and gives you the highest level of comfort possible in what is probably the largest financial decision you will ever make. read more

David worked both as our broker to purchase a new house and to sell our old house, and we cannot imagine either transaction going any better than they did. On the buying end, David is patient, curious and definitely looking out for your best interests, ensuring that no question goes unasked of the seller. He won't encourage you to buy something that he knows doesn't suit you. On the selling end, his eye for detail and years of experience in what sellers want make David the broker you want to prep, negotiate and close your house sale. He is willing to put in time and physical work to make your house shine. And in the end, the buyer will have all of the paperwork, fully organized with nothing left out- a rare find in the world of real estate sales. With all of his knowledge of how stuff works, David continues to help us settle into our new place. He's the best and you'd be lucky to have him on your side. read more

I was referred to David Otero when I was checking on a reference for a real estate agent who had sold the house next door. My former neighbor said her selling agent was fine but she really liked the service by the selling agent of the house she purchased in a different neighborhood in Oakland. Her recommendation was that I contact David Otero rather than the one who had sold her home. After interviewing 3 agents, I was already in the reference checking phase but she was so positive about David that I added him into the mix. In addition to my former neighbor, I called several of his references who were all very positive about his hands on service and attention to their sale. In my opinion, David demonstrated two exceptional strengths - his knowledge of the current sales climate AND his referral group of skilled cost effective engineers/contractors/pest control/staging experts. He was very realistic with me about where he saw the real estate market in the time I was selling (May 2011 - a buyers market). He advised me accurately on what upgrades were realistic in the price range I could expect to receive. He monitored the progress with each engineer, contractor, pest control or stager that was involved in getting my house ready to sell. His knowledge of home rehabilitation and construction proved very helpful when a structural issue surfaced. I had lived in the house 39 years and without David's assistance, I would have been overwhelmed on how to proceed. The sale of my house occurred within 13 days of going on the market at slightly above the asking price during a time when many homes were staying on the market closer to 30 days and selling after price reductions. It is my opinion that if you choose David Otero to represent you, you will be well served by a conscientious, ethical and hard working real estate professional. read more

You really need to call our Realtor it you want to sell your home! We interviewed 3 sets of Realtors before deciding on David Otero to sell our family (mother's) home for us. I was the trustee and wanted to do my due diligence, so I went online and found out he has been a Realtor for over 20 years with no complaints against him. Most people who sell homes are "Sales Associates", however David went the extra mile to get his Broker's license! He grew up in the East Bay so knows the area extremely well. I called 7 former clients of his and ALL of them gave very positive reviews and recommended him highly. He was enthusiastic from day one and he was easily accessible by phone or e-mail. He always answered my calls or returned my calls promptly, one of my most important criteria. He knew we were working with a tight budget and made suggestions and helped us find a painter, tree specialist, sewer person, house cleaners, stager, appraiser, pest inspector, etc. He knows most of the service people in the area and can recommend who to use and can get them to show up when they're supposed to. We were able to spruce up the house & yard (which were in dire need) for a minimal amount of money. His extensive knowledge of construction came in very handy. He knows as much or more about houses as the inspectors. We had a few issues with the house, such as the number bathrooms did not match with the tax records, & he handled that for us, as well as a sewer lateral certificate of compliance. He took all of the worry out of our hands. David did an absolutely beautiful website and virtual tour displaying all of the assets of our home, inside & out, and the view, with a large number of photos. His house advertisement brochure was well-done also. He priced the house properly and we received multiple offers, and ended up selling the house promptly for well more than the asking price. It closed 12 days later! David is a real people person, and relates well to people from all walks of life, which I really appreciated. You could not find a better, more competent, more conscientious, or more honest Realtor (who is now also a friend). I highly recommend him. read more

I've been a professional real estate investor for 30 years and have bought literally hundreds of properties from brokers all over the US and Hawaii . When we decided to start a family and move from San Francisco to Berkeley I didn't really expect whichever agent we ended up working with to bring much more than writing up the contract . With David O , I couldn't have been more wrong . We showed up an open house he held and immediately felt his warmth with zero pushy agenda vibe. The house was an amazing 3 story Victorian that was beyond our wildest dreams and out of our price range . With David's encouragement we made an offer that was right at our limit but not over . Amazingly he made the deal work , not once trying to push us to do more than we were comfortable with . Following contract acceptance, David introduced us to a stellar lender who made the whole loan process really simple and straight forward . He was in contact with us about every detail and even spent a morning with me at the city to determine if I could build an inlaw unit . After we closed , David made sure that seller touched up all the paint and resealed the floors , I was shocked by this level of care . He checked in on us a week after closing, personally bringing by copies of our documents and all the contractor information . When we mentioned that there were some paint cans and wood left in the basement, he showed up with his pick up a few hours a later and hauled them away . David is one of a kind , the real deal , with a heart of gold . read more

Full disclosure....... David is my husbands relative although I wouldn't write anything if it weren't what I truly stand behind. So in the interest of keeping your attention I will keep this as brief as possible We had the pleasure of working with David both as a buyer and seller. Buyer: We bought our home on the Peninsula in a very competitive market and David guided us thru the process and stood by us thru multiple offers that were looked over for well over asking cash offers etc. it was very difficult for us but David kept the faith and we ultimately found the home that was perfect for us. Seller: My husband was a Trust Administrator for a family trust and had multiple properties to liquidate on the peninsula. Although David is based across the bay he was our rock during the last year in prepping the homes for sale, guiding us thru various inspections, assisting us with finding superb service providers. I thought David was going above and beyond but soon realized that he is invested in his work and prides himself on follow thru, crossing t's and dotting i's etc. As mentioned there were several homes to liquidate and I was privy to much communication between David and other Brokers/realtors. It was nice to see that people in his own industry found David to be so knowledgeable and impeccable in there shared profession. All properties sold, with Davids help, we got top dollar and all transactions were smooth. Due to Davids diligence there were no surprises and everything closed on schedule. David's Integrity is top notch, he is impeccable, trustworthy and knowledgeable but always open to learning .I said I would keep this brief but I could go on and on. Bottom line is..... David is a hell of a broker but more over he is a likable, genuine, ethical man. read more

I have been in and around real estate for 30 years and, for my money, David Otero is the best real estate agent out there. His knowledge of real estate and specific market areas will help you get the best price and minimize risk of litigation. I am a real estate broker myself and still use David Otero to sell my property. read more

I'm not a big Yelp poster but I felt the need to write a fantastic review about my experience using David Otero as a broker to sell my house in El Cerrito. I have to say from the beginning to the end of the house selling process I felt like I was being guided by an expert in every sense of the word. His genuine commitment, honesty and hard work went way beyond anything my husband and I could have ever imagined. He had fabulous suggestions, had amazing resources and made what could have been a very stressful process pretty easy to make it through! His years of experience and expertise were invaluable to us and I would highly recommend him to anybody looking to buy or sell a home in the Bay Area. He knows everybody in the business and truly cares about his clients. I can tell his has a wonderful reputation in the real estate world here in the East Bay by watching him interact with all of the different agents and brokers that came to see our house and chat with him. David went way beyond the normal duties of a broker and actually took me on many an errand to the county, city, etc. to make sure all of my paperwork was accurate since there were documents that needed to be filed regarding the house we are living in now. On another note, he is just an amazing, caring human being and I can't stress how much fun we had working together through the process. read more