My family home in St. Francis Wood was ours for 56 years, and we abided by our mother's wish to age…read morein place there. After she passed away in late 2025, we made the difficult decision to sell. We vetted several realtors, and after the process, we were confident that Dale Boutiette and Alla Gershberg were the best choice as brilliant strategists, innovative marketers, and all-around excellent human beings.
From day one, Dale and Alla attended to our project with professionalism and efficiency. They led two groups of creative designers and stagers on tours of the property to recommend and bid on smart, targeted upgrades which would appeal to the widest range of San Francisco buyers. We received comprehensive quotes, and their Director of Operations, Gabrielle, supervised the construction crew as they transformed our home. The dark hardwood floors were refinished to the original white oak, instantly creating a more expansive, light-filled interior. New kitchen counters, fresh paint inside and out, and the stager's furniture, lighting, artwork, and plants pulled the space together.
We had meticulously maintained this house for six decades, but this evolution -- aimed squarely at today's buyers--generated market excitement and delight, resulting in dozens of private tours and bustling open houses helmed by Greg and Jasmine. Gabrielle crafted the social media campaign and real estate network marketing while providing oversight and executing every detail.
Dale and Alla's strategy was brilliant down to the timing: listing in late February to catch the enthusiastic early market. The house went live on MLS, and in just 15 days we received 14 solid offers. The offer we accepted, and ultimately the sale to the next steward of 214 Santa Clara Avenue, was more than $1 million over the listing price. Because the home is situated in a national historic neighborhood and belongs to an HOA, escrow required extra paperwork, and Katia shepherded every document -- including the CC&Rs. The escrow team worked seamlessly with the sellers and buyers.
This was, without exaggeration, a flawless experience -- and it came at a difficult time, while we were grieving our mother, packing up her life, and saying goodbye to a house full of family memories. Dale and Alla guided us with empathy and ingenuity through a smooth and successful sales process. We are beyond appreciative and highly recommend the dynamic DA Team!
--Andrea Alban and family