home (hōm): a residence, dwelling, abode; a place where one can rest and be safe.

O u r P h i l o s o p h y

Please enjoy reading our Business Portfolio which highlights our backgrounds, personalities, and experiences. Working as a team, our different strengths and talents compliment each other… resulting in a stronger, more diverse skill set for our clients. We bring a deep level of commitment and passion to our real estate business and understand the sacredness of family and home. We tap into our intuitive and creative abilities to enhance our technological and negotiation skills.

With our real estate experience dating back to 1988, we are passionate about listening and communicating with you to help you achieve your goals and to tailor the home purchasing or selling process to meet your particular needs.

We look forward to working with you. Sincerely,

Linda & Frank Cookson

Linda’s Work History:• Founding Partner and Broker Associate, Empire Realty

Associates, since 2002; Board of Directors, Empire Realty, 2004;1992joinedPacificUnionRealEstateasapartner;1988started career with Coldwell Banker in Danville

• Licensed Landscape Architect, David Gates & Associates, Danville, CA 1979-1988

Education:• Universityof California,Berkeley,BSinLandscape

Architecture, graduated with honors• Saint Rose Academy College Preparatory High School, San

Francisco

Experience in:Real estate sales, negotiating, merchandising and staging properties, interior and landscape design, remodeling houses, event planning, and construction drawings

Residences: Tampa, San Francisco, Daly City, Santa Barbara, Concord, Danville and currently resides in Alamo

Little known facts:• Has a highly developed tasting palette for discerning wine

characteristics• Married her high school sweetheart • Tookaccordionlessonsinthefifthgrade• Loves to create new recipes from items at hand

Interests:Gourmet cooking, reading, gardening, art, theater, remodeling houses, spending time in nature, and quantum physics

Passions:Personalgrowth,spirituality,physicalfitness,ballroomdancing,travel to exotic places, Zinfandel, music, family, and spending time with her granddaughter

Would like to:• Visit the Galapagos Islands and hike Machu Pichu• Write a children’s book• Take painting classes• Visit Antarctica• Spend the night in a Bedouin camp in Petra• Learn more about herbal plants• Improve her Tango• Take ballet lessons

Their family:Parents of two grown children, Scott and Lisa, who are both married and living in Southern California …one granddaughter, SofiaGrace,whoisadored!

Linda & Frank have visited:Tanzania, Egypt, Jordan (including Petra), Greece and the Greek Islands, Turkey, China, Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Mexico, Sweden, Denmark, various Caribbean islands, Spain, France, Sicily, Italy, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Belize;alsovariousscenicandhistoricalplacesintheUSincludingclimbing Half Dome and rafting through the Grand Canyon

P r o f e s s i o n a l H i s t o r y Pe r s o n a l H i s t o r y

Frank’s Work History:• Founding Partner and Broker Associate Empire Realty Associates, since

2002• Directorof Finance,USPostalService(1992-2002)Territory

encompassed thirteen western states; assorted Executive and Managerial positions commencing in 1973; worked his way through college as a letter carrier in San Francisco

• Flower and laundry delivery boy navigating San Francisco’s challenging terrain

Education:• GoldenGateUniversitySanFrancisco,MBA• UniversitySanFrancisco(USF),BSinBusinessAdministrationwith

minor in Philosophy • Lowell High School, San Francisco

Residences: • San Francisco (he is a fourth generation San Franciscan and sixth

generation Californian), Daly City, Flagstaff (Arizona), Concord, Danville and currently resides in Alamo

Little known facts:• Has a remarkable ability to remember numbers• Has a prominent position on Pete’s Brass Rail “Beer Hall of Fame”• LovestodriveinItaly,especiallyalongtheAmalfiCoast• Makes home made Italian sausage and pasta

Interests: • Su Doku puzzles, following assorted sports, ballroom dancing, physical fitness,keepingcurrentwiththenews,findinganewgreatwineatagreat price

Passions:• Family, wine, chocolate, Italian food, thin crust pizza, and spending time

with his granddaughter

Would like to:• KeepLindahappy!

P r o f e s s i o n a l H i s t o r y

Pe r s o n a l H i s t o r y

P r o f e s s i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n s /D e s i g n a t i o n s

• NationalAssociationof Realtors

• CaliforniaAssociationof Realtors,BrokerAssociates

• ContraCostaAssociationof Realtors

• CertifiedLuxuryHomeMarketingSpecialists

• Membersof theInstituteforLuxuryHomeMarketing

• “MasterNegotiator”Certification(Linda)fromtheUniversity

of SanFrancisco

• CertifiedRelocationCounselor(Linda)

• ABRCertification(AccreditedBuyerRepresentative-Linda)

• e-PROCertification(InternetMarketing-Frank)

• FoundingMember,ArtisanGroup(Astrategicallianceof Bay

AreaRealEstatefirms)&currentmoderator(Linda)

• Members“LeadingRealEstateCompaniesof theWorld”

(aRelocationNetwork)

• MembersLuxuryHomes&EstatesGroup

• ResidenceMagazineExclusiveAffiliates

• LicensedLandscapeArchitect(Linda)

W h a t O u r C l i e n t sS a y Abo u t U s

...negotiating, expertise and knowledge...

“From the moment we met Linda and Frank -- from their presentation all the way through the pricing, the marketing and,finally, thenegotiating -- we knew we were in good hands. After the house was listed, you were constantly analyzing the market – what was selling, what wasn’t, what was new on the market and possibly competing with our house… Frank’s technical expertise and knowledge of internet sites added tremendously to the marketing exposure – something I now realize is very, very necessary in this day and age, and having a website with our very own address was beyond anything I would have expected…Regarding the internet, I must say it was astonishing how quickly you and/or Frank would respond to my emails, and the very same was true of phone messages.

Linda, your suggestions for “staging” the home were so right-on – and your hand-holding and pep talks while the house was transformed were appreciated… Linda you are a perfectionist, and it shows in everything you do. As a matter of fact, Frank is as well – you two know what turns buyers on and off, the little things that make a difference… I can not thank them enough for handling every single detail – and for always being available, for listening, and for anticipating our angst.

Selling a home is certainly not a science, but, as much as it can be, they have made is so, with their understanding of all the facets and nuances of the process. Add to that your work ethic, your kindness, your tactfulness, the respect thatyouobviouslyhavefromyourcolleaguesinthefield,and frankly, we believe you set the standard for what a homeowner should expect from his broker. Thanks for workingsohardforus!!”

Sherry & Peter StephensAlamo

…knows this market!...

“I had my home listed with another agent for over 6 months. In that time period he showed it less than a dozen times and did not demonstrate that he was all that interested in “getting the job done”. I took the house off the market and decided to seek the service of another Realtor, I chose Linda because:

She’s has seen the market come and go, and knows this market!!!!

• She promptly visited my property and put together a realistic professional marketing plan

• We followed that plan, which included, staging the home and renovation of the kitchen

• She conducted private Realtor showings prior to the home going onto the market

• Moreimportantly,itsoldonthefirstday

Aside from that success, she and her team followed the sale thru closing and provided knowledge and understanding beyond what I had become accustomed to from real estate professionals. She made it look easy. I have, and will continue to recommend Linda to my family and friends. As an added bonus, she and her husband Frank are extremely pleasant, professional and result oriented “folks”.

Jim and Rachele MillerAlamo

…persistence and diligence…

“Moving our family from Dallas to Danville was quite a culture and economic shock. Linda coached and nurtured us throughout the buying/rationalization stages of the move. The market was low in inventory and we had seen all the available homes meeting our needs. Linda was on top of things - she knew exactly what we wanted. When the “perfect home” for us became available, after having sold to someone else, Linda’s persistence and diligence resulted in it miraculously becoming ours. After 5 relocations and several Realtors, Linda is #1 by a long shot.”

The Murphy FamilyDanville

…great follow up and kindness…

We have purchased and sold 3 homes with Linda in 2 ½ years. We chose Linda because of her professionalism, knowledge, and warm personality. Besides her great follow up and kindness, Linda was sensitive to our busy work schedules and managed to control the buying/selling process to minimize disruptions. Linda’s follow through after close of escrow is remarkable and she is always willing to discuss and comment on our remodeling ideas. Linda has become a friend.”

The FitzgeraldsDanville

Proven Results

• Average number of “Days on Market” is 33 compared to 61 for the MLS

• Listings sell at an average of 99% of List Price versus the MLS average of 96%

• Eighty-fivepercentof theirbusinessisreferral-based

• Roughly half of their business annually is split between buyers and sellers

• Closed over $100 million dollars in residential real estate

Market Knowledge

• Locally raised and educated

• Lived in Contra Costa County since 1976

• Knowledgeable about schools, transportation, cultural activities,

shopping and recreation

• Know property values and neighborhoods

• Experts in home merchandising and staging

Technical Skills

• Committed to furthering their education and skills - over 1000 hours of course work

• Artistic eye and strong sense of design

• Customer-focused, result-oriented business approach

• Technological expertise

• Extensive Internet strategies

• Strong negotiation skills

• A team with diverse skills

W h a t S e t s L i n d a & F r a n k A p a r t

Alamo

Camino Monte Sol $3,350,000

Camino Monte Sol $3,100,000

Camino Monte Sol $2,910,000

Alamo Glen Drive $2,150,000

Alamo Glen Drive $1,810,000

Anderson Ranch Court $1,675,000

Via Copla $1,625,000

Emmons Canyon Drive $1,560,000

Anderson Ranch Court $1,505,000

Southview Drive $1,260,000

Tracy Court $1,168,000

David Drive $1,139,000

Via Robles $1,060,000

Danville

Diablo Ranch Place $2,300,000

Kingswood Drive (Blackhawk) $2,000,000

Savona Court $1,635,000

Hope Lane $1,600,000

Diablo Road $1,600,000

Stevens Court $1,562,500

Hap Terrace $1,408,000

Montair Court $1,435,000

Deer Meadow Terrace (Blackhawk) $1,300,000

Panorama Court $1,200,000

Briar Place $1,150,000

Jasmine Way $ 995,000

Pleasanton, San Ramon, Walnut Creek

Galanti Court $2,200,000

Piemonte Drive $1,688,450

Morgan Drive $ 981,000

Morgan Drive $ 850,000

Antigua Court $ 799,000

Chatswood Court $ 785,000

McNutt Avenue $ 685,000

Briza Loop $ 545,000

Amberwood $ 410,000

North Villa Way $ 395,000

A Re p r e s e n t a t i v e L i s t o f L i n d a & F r a n k ’s S a l e s

For Buyers & Sellers, we will:• Listen attentively to your concerns, requirements and life style objectives • Communicate several times per week or more as warranted• Educate you about current market conditions• ProvideUtilitiesPhoneListandChangeof Addressformspriortocloseof escrow• Be present at escrow signing appointment at the title company• ProvideacompletefileonCDaftercloseof escrow• Offer continued service beyond close of escrow

For Buyers, we will:• Educate you about current market conditions and the buying process• Provide a Buyer’s Handbook and a Buyer’s Relocation Package for you• Conduct a daily search for appropriate properties• Schedule immediate showings of selected properties• Pointoutanynegativeaspectsof thepropertyand“redflags”basedonourexpertise• Provide you with a list of reputable lenders• Provide experienced counsel when writing a competitive offer• Provideyouwithalistof qualifiedandlicensedinspectioncompanies• Help you visualize cosmetic updating and provide recommendations for subcontractors and

vendors• Furnish a DMV Driver’s Handbook and Voter Registration Card as necessary

For Sellers, we will:• Discussyourprospectivebuyerprofile• Prepare a professional Comparable Market Analysis and Pricing Strategy• Recommend which “pre-sale” inspections are appropriate for your property• Merchandise your home including recommending staging professionals who specialize in your

home’s architectural style• Provide recommendations for subcontractors and coordinate their work• Implement an aggressive Marketing Campaign custom tailored to your home• Email you a weekly report summarizing the marketing activity and showings• Educate you about hearing offers including a multiple offer situation• Negotiate strongly on your behalf, at the presentation of an offer and at removal of inspection

contingency

S e r v i c e E x c e l l e n c e P r o g r a mf o r B u y e r s & S e l l e r s

M e r c h a n d i s i n g :P r o p e r t y P r e s e n t a t i o n a n d Re n o v a t i o n C o n s u l t a t i o n S e r v i c e s

Linda & Frank create value for exquisite properties through distinctive

and innovative marketing. Their personalized approach and skills

position their listings in the marketplace to maximize the selling price

for their clients. Linda’s prior education and experience as a design

professional give her the unique ability to critically assess each property

with a keen eye to determine what adjustments should be made to

position the property to create the greatest emotional appeal and value

to sophisticated, discriminating buyers. Their select, talented team of

designers, stagers, and contractors are geared to working expeditiously,

efficientlyandeconomicallytopreparetheirclient’shomeformarket.

Whatever the home requires, whether it be as simple as carpet or window

cleaning to a complete overhaul, Linda & Frank can facilitate the entire

process. They know which improvements will add value and how to

update the look of a home with minimal effort and cost.

S o m e G u i d e l i n e sf o r C r e a t i n g C o m f o r t a n d E m o t i o n a l A p p e a l i ny o u r H o m e

• Enhanceyourcurbappealasfirstimpressionsarevital…fromcurb

to back fence

• Create a feeling of intimacy with sensitivity to scale and

proportion

• Accessorize with rich accent colors

• Adjust lighting to create a layering of ambient, task, and mood

lighting

• Express yourself by mixing different periods and compatible styles

with an eye for color and form

• Combine textures and natural materials to create warmth and

comfort

• Groupobjects incollectionsof threeorfivewhenaccessorizing

• Maintain a consistency throughout the home with coordinating

colors, materials and architectural styles

• De-clutter,simplifyandsparkle!

W h y H i r e L i n d a & F r a n k Because their commitment to you is to…

• Represent your interests above all others

• Always respond to you within 2 hours

• Resonate quality, integrity, and professionalism in all facets of their work

• Exhibit a constant expression of quiet competence

• Demonstrate outstanding communication skills and listen “between” the lines

• Tell you the truth at all times, even when you may not like to hear what they

have to say

• Be very enthusiastic and focused on the results

• Network with local, successful agents who represent qualified buyers or

sellers

• Be resourceful and creative problem solvers

• Utilizetheirintuitivenegotiatingskills

• Comply with all the appropriate disclosure laws and local ordinances to manage

the transaction and protect your interests

• Usetheirexpertknowledgetomerchandisepropertiesforsaleandtohelpyou

visualize a property’s potential

• Buildlongtermclientrelationshipsbasedonloyalty,trust,andconfidentiality

Knowledge, Service, Trust, Results… the Discernable Difference!

Linda Cookson | Partner | Broker Associate925-217-5028 | DRE # 00978802

Linda@LindaCookson.com

Frank Cookson | Partner | Broker Associate925-217-5029 | DRE #01330087

FCookson@EmpireRA.com

www.LindaCookson.com

Empire Realty Associates | 380 Diablo Road, Danville, CA 94526 | www.empirerealty.com