If renting twice from the same company doesn't say enough, let me spell it out: Cerda-Zein Real…read moreEstate is top-tier. Professional, organized, and genuinely kind across the board. Maintenance was always timely, respectful, and easy to work with. CZRE has been my second home in more ways than one, and I couldn't recommend them more.

I viewed one of their properties earlier today and was very disappointed in how the unit was…read morepresented in the images on both their site and Zillow. I wanted to share them with you. In the attached images, you'll notice the really nice and colorful one (enhanced with AI), and then you'll see the reality of it. Take special attention to the tree's. There's a beautiful backyard with a tree on the left hand side as you go into the backyard. It isn't there. But there is a tree in the middle of the backyard, it just doesn't exist in the AI enhanced photo. Oh, and obviously everything else in the AI enhanced image that looks so enticing for any prospective renter doesn't exist. They called it a "private oasis," I'm not kidding. I attached that screenshot as well. I can kind of understand real estate companies using AI to slightly enhance a property's photos. I also understand that not everyone is a photographer and good photographers cost money. But this is just outright lying. This is such a waste of time for so many of us. On top of that, and this is one you'll want to pay special attention to, they're passing off a 30% fee to their tenants that's based off the rent. This should be paid by the owner of the property. With some deep dives it seems like it's an Alameda issue, but it's still so much money to put down for a rental that you'll never get back. This is outside of your deposit mind you. And what's crazy is, I would have considered this fee had I not been completely misled. And to add to being misled, the place was NOT in good shape. Vincent (the agent) told me it had already been "cleaned" but it very clearly had not. The kitchen specifically stood out. All I ask is for real estate companies to just be transparent with their listings. This involves everyone's time and money. This was a very icky first impression and now I know to avoid Cerda Zein. There's so many good, honest renters out there just trying to find a good roof over their heads. I'm one of them. Please consider this as you deal with this particular company. I've been looking for a few months and I've now come across 2 really shady real estate companies, which led me to being a Karen posting about it. One owns the majority of Berkeley (Premium Properties) and this one (Cerda Zein) owns a lot of Alameda. If you decide to rent with them, please don't eat that 30% fee. That's NOT normal. I know people can be desperate but this is a racket. And if you do decide to rent with them, please do some research on them before forking over that lost money. It's all online. I say this as someone who's been renting in the Bay Area for a few decades. UPDATE: I can't respond to Jose C's messages he sent me so here ya go. You're in for a wild ride. Hi G R. Jose C : Thank you for the feedback and for giving us the heads up. * I really appreciate your understanding. Jose C : We do have one correction: the property absolutely includes the private yard shown in the listing. * It does Jose, but it is NOT like the photos. This is the point of contention. Jose C : Calling it a "private oasis" simply refers to having your own secluded outdoor space. * Fair, but why the manipulated photos (old or new) it doesn't matter. New tenants are led to believe that's the current state of the unit, as advertised in the listing on your website here. - https://cerda-zein.com/property/rentals/1105-park-ave-b Jose C : As for the "AI-generated backyard", AI usually makes yards look better, not greener with weeds. * That's such an interesting take. Did you see the photos I posted from 5 hours ago compared to the listing photos? There's no way you're arguing that the photo on your listing was worse than what I posted. Weeds? Oh man. Your images are gorgeous. When I saw it, it had ZERO grass or plant life. The backyard looked like garbage. The photos I posted are backing that up. Jose C : The photo wasn't AI-generated, it was an older photo from a previous marketing period that inadvertently cycled back into the listing. * Jose, look at the photos you guys posted on your site and alternate rental sites. There's tree's misplaced. Jose C : Judging by the bare trees in the background, it was likely taken during the winter. The green ground you see appears to be seasonal weeds, not artificial landscaping. * Holy moly, so the photo was taken during winter? It had a tree on the left hand side back then and a lot of additional plants and grass? Again, please review the photos I posted. Jose C : Again, thank you for bringing it to our attention. * This doesn't feel sincere at all, you fought me on the obvious facts I provided. (Picture evidence) Jose C : We have updated the listing photos to better reflect the property's current condition. * I would certainly hope so, that was the point of my Karen post. But you're still asking for an $800 fee from a new tenant. That's insane. But good luck.

An excellent company to work with. Yvonne Elkins and her associate Nancy are the nicest ladies to…read morework with when looking for a place to live in Alameda, which is not the easiest thing to do. I have worked with two other property management companies, who will remain nameless, but working with Dragonfly completely changed my view of property managers and owners in Alameda. Yvonne and Nancy are professional, on top of it, and easy to work with. It is such a local, cozy feel compared to the larger companies. I recommend Dragonfly to anyone for renting or buying.

Yvonne is amazing. She responds quickly and keeps your interests at heart. If you need any of the…read moreservices she offers, I would highly recommend her. You will be taken good care of.

I wanted to write about a recent experience I had with Drysdale and its management of the property…read moreI've been living in since 2005. We had a flowering tree that hung across our driveway but appeared to have collapsed and made it impossible to get out. I contacted their maintenance department, and within a day they had scheduled in a team that came in and completely removed the blockage as well as cut the tree back to a point that we know longer have to worry about it. I was very impressed with how quickly they responded. Five star is easy! Additional update. Couple of weeks ago I requested that a DIRECTV dish mounted on the side of our building be removed as the wires were hanging from it.

Warning to future renters:…read more Don't bank on your appointment actually happening. I showed up for my scheduled viewing and was completely stood up. No communication beforehand or after and no one answered the office line. They send 4 automated texts to confirm you will show up just for them to no-show. Beyond disappointing.

I just recently signed a lease with Oak Tree Property Group. From the very simple application…read moreprocess, the apartment tour, to the timely correspondence in between, I cannot recommend Oak Tree Property Group enough. I was recommended by a friend who also found her rental through Oak tree. I'm so glad I listened to her...I have adhd and an ESA animal, applications for apartments always feel daunting. I worked with Nay from start to finish. He made everything very simple, communicated expectations very clearly, and helped me find the most perfect apartment for me and my pup Molly. Thank you so much Nay and everyone at Oak Tree Property Group!

Oak Tree took over the property management of the apartment complex I was living at in El Cerrito…read moreand, bless their hearts, made a feeble attempt at trying to improve the disaster that the previous property management company, BG Asset Management, left behind. For the love of all that is holy, please steer clear of renting any units on Central Avenue in El Cerrito!!! Between the mold in the walls, an active and years old cockroach infestation, three out of four broken washing machines at any given time and the rats that like to just hang out in the courtyard and the parking garage, it is just not worth it! After a repair job on the roof was performed by Oak Tree's maintenance crew when they took over earlier this year, the cockroach problems managed to get worse. Don't let the fancy paint jobs or $500.00 off the first month's rent fool you about Oak Tree's Central Avenue available units. All the paint and deals can't fix a property in need of a full building fumigation and mold remediation. Skip on by Oak Tree...

Jeanne did a wonderful job helping me find my forever home. She was responsive, patient, and easy…read moreto get along with. The process was easy to navigate and I cannot be happier with my purchase. Highly recommend!

If you're looking for a seamless and professional experience selling your home the Kate McCaffrey…read moreGroup is the way to go. Her team is masterful! They are experts in the Alameda marketplace, attentive & responsive, and gave me exactly the experience I was looking for. I would definitely use them again for East Bay deals.

Michell was incredibly insightful, realistic and straight forward as needed…read more Very knowledgeable in all areas of the Bay Area, including deeper areas of the North, South and East Bay. Her price points are incredibly accurate for rental and purchase. Very accommodating with regards to schedule flexibility especially during COVID times she arranged appointments and was available most times. Her wide ranging knowledge in cost, market trends and ability to manage expectations was crucial to us purchasing a home. She also has a lot of connections within the banking and loan industry which allowed us to secure funding for down payment, get pre-approved to make an offer and also to receive a mortgage loan after purchase at the best rates and incredibly fast. It was a full service! Her background as attorney was very insightful as we also received advice with regards to risk. Later, we used Michell to help us rent our house, preparing disclosures with us and establish the appropriate price point there as well!! As a result of preparing for making an offer with Michell (looking at trend data, comps, surveying homes and all of the banking and loan preparations); we were able to zero in on a price point, a neighborhood and the first home we submitted an offer on, was accepted! We then closed and moved in within 2 weeks during the most aggressive and competitive market in history! We couldn't believe it! She wears many hats and wears them well. We are so fortunate to have met Michell.

Michell and her business partner Dan are simply amazing. They have helped us find the perfect home…read more Becuase of their expert knowledge of the Bay Area real estate market we were not only able to find a place that feels like home, but also buy it an affordable price. In addition to her professional acumen, Michell took the time to understand our particular situation and was able to suggest homes that were a good fit. As well as being empathetic, Michele also provided no nonsense advice when we needed it. Michelle fought hard for our interests and was able to get us an amazing price by expertly negotiating the offer. Michele has assembled a team of impressive people that worked as a single powerhouse when it came time to close the transaction. She recommended a loan officer and escrow agent that were able to close our transaction in 10 days! We couldn't have asked for a better partner in finding our home and we hope that we will get an opportunity to work with Michell and her business partner Dan again.

Sophia has been my realtor for 11 years. She has helped me to buy two houses, and also helped many…read moreof my friends buy and sell homes over the years. Sophia is great at understanding your needs, finding a house that works for you, and helping to strategize how to get the home you want in a way that feels like true partnership. Both times that I have used Sophia, the transaction was incredibly smooth. She's a great communicator, moves quickly, and is extremely knowledgable and transparent. I cannot give a higher endorsement. If you are looking for a realtor in Alameda, choose Sophia.

Our family has had the pleasure of working with Sophia Niu twice, and we honestly couldn't…read morerecommend her more. She helped us buy our first home in Alameda, which came with plenty of complications given our unique situation. Years later, when it was time to find our family's forever home, we knew right away we wanted to work with her again. Sophia patiently spent months touring homes with us, always offering honest opinions and thoughtful advice. She brings such a warm, kind energy that makes the whole process feel enjoyable and low-stress (as can be). Both times, Sophia impressed us with her professionalism, transparency, and realistic approach--always keeping our priorities, concerns, and budget in mind. On top of being an amazing realtor, she's incredibly well-connected and has been a huge help with everything home-related. Her reputation truly speaks for itself, and we wouldn't hesitate to work with her again in a heartbeat.

My partner and I were approved for a unit after viewing three properties by this management! While…read more2 Lofts was shown in terrible condition (with bugs, old food, and stains still in place), we proceeded with applying for the cleanest unit which was even more of a red flag because for this unit they said someone was already suppose to pick up the key but she ghosted them! A week later Franny called with an approval and we also received an email confirmation. I mentioned I would be applying for Homeless Assistance through Contra Costa County, and they were obviously depending on it more than myself. This was my first time navigating permanent assistance, so I had questions. I asked if it was possible to separate the lease, I was informed the next day by Franny after checking with her broker they can't proceed with that & I was ok with that, as they still proceeded to go through with everything relying on the permanent assistance! Eventually, I found out the county was able to proceed with both of us on the lease, which was even better! Unfortunately, due to delays with my caseworker which I made a complaint on while trying to reach her for a week which I feel she was ignoring me on purpose because my case was switching to Alameda County July 1st which I just think she didn't want to do any paperwork for my assistance! After finding out I was denied assistance due to accepting a new job with the City of Oakland, my offer letter wasn't good enough & they wanted paystubs even though my worker told me I can. I told them it takes at least 3 weeks for the process & was waiting for my employee Id number Proof wasn't enough, unfortunately they wont pay more than 80% of your income. The moment Franny found out the county couldn't pay, she ghosted me. I emailed Franny the same day I was denied no response so I called the next day. Still, I offered to pay the entire deposit and rent out of pocket for the unit to the property management and even let them know I could bring the full payment the same or next day & move in on the 7th no later than the 15th! My partner makes 3.5-4x the rent, and I have additional self-employment income. Eventually, I was told they weren't moving forward with my application I was ultimately told the owner didn't want to deal with it I truly didn't understand and the reasons kept changing First, it was because originally planned to move in on the first Then, it was the "inconveniences with the county" (even though I was pushing the process myself) Then it was allegedly "fraud" because I asked about separating leases, which was an honest question, not a demand although after they still proceeded to ask and move forward with me! She said it seemed as if I was unreliable! Like huh? Then after I mentioned a fair housing complaint Franny stated the county thinks something is up with you too" A completely inappropriate comment that made me wonder if my confidential information was being shared improperly or if I was being retaliated against. I never received a written notice explaining why we were denied, even after asking twice. This experience delayed my family by two critical weeks, and based on how it unfolded, I strongly suspect source of income discrimination. We were transparent, financially qualified, ready to pay, and had solid rental history but none of it mattered at this point after they realized the county wouldn't be footing the bill. Which makes me realize I don't think they even did any job/ or rental history verifications! If you're a working person trying to get stable housing or using assistance in any way, be cautious. Based on my research, this is not a unique experience. It's common for people using public assistance to be treated as less-than even when they're offering to pay everything themselves. I'm filing a formal complaint with Fair Housing, and I'll continue to speak up not just for myself but for anyone who's ever been quietly discriminated against and made to feel like they are the problem. We deserve better.

I worked with Olivia for a few months and was disappointed when I received a note that the owners…read moreof my rental switch Property Management companies. While I worked with Olivia, she was very attentive in showing properties to us that fit what we were looking for. She made it very easy to make a decision and was accommodating to our schedules and needs. After move in, she was easy to get a hold of in regards to issues on the property that needed to be resolved. She always responded within a few hours (if not within that hour that I reached out to her) which is not the experience that I am having with the new company, unfortunately. I recommend working with Olivia to anyone looking for a rental in the Oakland/East Bay area.

Nicholas is straightforward, knowledgeable, and truly understands the property management industry…read morefrom the inside out. He has a great way of cutting through the noise and explaining what really matters, especially for homeowners who are trying to figure out whether renting out their property makes sense. He's clear about the realities, patient with questions, and honest about the pros and cons -- which is rare and incredibly valuable in this industry. What stands out most is his professionalism and steady, no-nonsense approach. Nicholas is someone you can rely on to give accurate guidance and follow through. I trust him, and I would confidently refer clients to him knowing they'll get thoughtful, competent support from start to finish.

Management was very responsive. I enjoyed my stay in my apartment. If I didn't leave the city, I…read morewould plan to stay longterm

This has been the most community felt experience in Oakland. Michelle - property manager and Kevin…read more- manager were a delight to work with. They are responsive, supportive and have hugely made the opening on @Made2gather - our new cooking school and social entrepreneurs hub a successful transition. We are thrilled to be living in this complex and can't wait for the next chapter. Thank you to both of you we literally could not have done it without you.

DON'T LIVE HERE for following reasons:…read more (Someone recently got shot in the head 2 blocks down) 1. Horrible terrible management (onsite property manager lives 2 blocks down at 401 Derby ave who will ignore your concern with attitudes) 2. lots of break-ins 3. New appliances are breaking all the time 4. 2 murder cases recently and robbery all the time in the neighborhood https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.eastbaytimes.com/2018/02/16/man-fatally-shot-in-east-oakland-last-week-identified/amp/ 5. Way too expensive for services they don't provide