Complete Guide for CA Home Buyers | Kristie Martinelli Team

THE KRISTIE MARTINELLI TEAM

Thinking About Buying? We Can Help

The Kristie Martinelli Team has 50 combined years of real estate, property management and mortgage experience, along with expertise in marketing, design and social media.

We are experienced and knowledgeable agents who are passionate about helping individuals and families with their real estate needs. We understand that buying a home can seem daunting, which is why we are committed to guiding our clients through every step of the process to make it easy.

What sets us apart is our commitment to staying up to date on the latest market trends, technologies and strategies. We understand that the real estate industry is constantly evolving, and we strive to provide our sellers with the most innovative and effective solutions. We blend today's cutting-edge marketing tools with good old-fashioned customer service to be a one-stop shop for buyers. Our overarching goal is to contribute to our vibrant community through an ever-growing roster of happy clients.

Awards/Stats

#1 Coldwell Banker team in Marin & Sonoma 2023-25
35% of total transactions are off-market sales
Ranked #43 Coldwell Banker team nationally
Top 0.1% worldwide, Coldwell Banker International Society of Excellence 2025
Top Agent Network membership
Best of Marin 2025

YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS

Did you know our entire team was born and raised locally?

We take the time to get to know you, discussing your preferred lifestyle, amenities and budget. We combine it with our expert knowledge of the area and work tirelessly to ensure you achieve your real estate goals.

Also, we belong to the Top Agent Network (TAN), an invitation-only network of top-performing agents who share real-time market insight and upcoming opportunities within their professional community. Additionally, we have received the Coldwell Banker® International Society of Excellence award, given to less than 1% of Coldwell Banker Realty Teams worldwide. In 2023, we ranked as the #1 Coldwell Banker Realty team in the North Bay region and the #9 Coldwell Banker Realty Team in Northern California.

With decades of combined experience and a proven track record, we deliver a seamless, result-driven experience designed to help you achieve your real estate goals with confidence.

ROOTED IN OUR COMMUNITY

Supporting the people, places, and moments that make our community home.

As champions of our local community, we are committed to making a meaningful impact by actively participating in local events, supporting small businesses, and giving back through sponsorships and fundraisers.

From neighborhood gatherings to youth sports and charitable initiatives, we take pride in building lasting relationships and contributing to the vibrant lifestyle that makes this area so special. Our passion for real estate is matched by our dedication to the people who call this area home.

Meet the Team

Kristie

Martinelli

Founder | Team Lead

Courtney

Pittman

REALTOR®

Angela

Maroevich

REALTOR®

Amy

Burkel

REALTOR®

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Our Team Difference

We leave no stone unturned when finding our buyers the perfect property. We aim to help you connect with the right lifestyle while feeling confident at every step of the journey.

Sourcing Homes

We scout for anything off-market and coming soon for you and set up a personalized search that alerts you anytime a property within your criteria hits the market.

Market Leader Relationships

We have access to the Top Agent Network (TAN) where all the top agents in our area post about exclusive, off-market opportunities. Our team members also attend local buy/sell meetings, participate in agent-only groups and have access to Coldwell Banker Realty's Exclusive Look platform all of which go a long way in uncovering the perfect home for you.

Professional Connections

We pride ourselves on our positive relationships with other agents, and, as women of integrity, we maintain a strong reputation among our peers. Agents take our offers seriously, and we take pride in being organized and solution-oriented.

Resources

Our team proactively builds a database of verified vendors who are ready to go when you need them. It's our job to help get your questions answered by experts during crunch time, and we're prepared with recommendations for reputable lenders, inspectors, contractors, designers, handymen, insurance brokers and whatever you may need.

Community Minded

Born and raised here, we have decades of local knowledge. When we talk to you about the neighborhoods, the schools and the best places to eat and shop, we're speaking to you with first-hand experience. We love supporting our community, and you'll see us out at the street festivals, the coffee shops, strolling the farmers market and enjoying lots of live music and local sports.

After Closing

When you close on your new home, you can trust that we are still just a call away for anything you may need. You are now part of our community, and whenever you need a referral or a recommendation, we are here for you – from plumbers to the best restaurants. Plus, we consistently host team events and coordinate giveaways – which we'd love to see you at!

The Extra Mile

We door-knock, handwrite letters, preview homes on and off the market and get on the phone to grow our referral network – all in the name of being a better resource to you. We go above and beyond every single day, so that we can offer you the very best.

See What Our Clients Say

Testimonials

Kristie was amazing. She helped us navigate the process, found properties that we would be interested in, was quick and efficient in setting up houses to view, and answered all our questions that helped us find the house that was meant for us. Thank you, Kristie!

Sue A.

Kristie was outstanding to work with. Her attention to detail and expertise in the whole process made such a huge difference in our purchase. Honestly, it was much less stressful than I was expecting because she was so on top of it. She followed up many times on an issue that needed to be resolved, which took a lot of stress off of us. I really felt like she was taking care of us through the whole process. Highly recommend!

Meg

Kristie and her team worked tirelessly to help negotiate my purchase. I am beyond grateful for Kristie’s diligence, kindness and support throughout the entire process. She understood how important this particular house was for me, and I would not have been able to get into it without Team Martinelli. They truly went above and beyond. Thanks to them, I now have a beautiful home that exceeds all my original expectations.

Sarah L.

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First Steps & Agreements

THE FIRST STEPS IN WORKING WITH US

We are committed to representing your best interests and providing professional guidance and advice throughout your home-buying process. We work diligently to ensure documents are completed and submitted properly and that your transaction closes with ease.

Buyer Representation Agreement

A Buyer Representation Agreement is a contract between our team and you that outlines the services we will provide and affirms our commitment to helping you find and purchase a home. It is required to start showing you homes, initiate our working partnership and allow us to work on your behalf. It ensures that we represent your best interests throughout the buying process, from searching for properties to negotiating offers to closing the deal. This agreement also defines the responsibilities and expectations for both you and us, fostering a clear and professional working relationship.

Broker Compensation

When you buy a home, both the seller's broker and the buyer's broker earn commission. There are several ways compensation can be offered or negotiated. In our market, it is typical for brokers' fees to be paid from the seller's proceeds. An agent's compensation is distributed through their respective brokerages after legal and administrative expenses are taken out. Please note that agents of either party do not get paid until a sale is finalized and the transaction closes.

Looking Ahead

Sign the Buyer Representation Agreement
Fill Out the Buyer Questionnaire
Review the Home-Buying Processes
Get Your Home Search Set Up
Attend Client Appreciation Events

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Many times, these terms are used interchangeably in different areas. Being pre-qualified or pre-approved shows the seller that you're serious and that you most likely have the funds to purchase the home should you choose to place an offer. Pre-approval can also help to determine a budget. It does not guarantee a loan will be offered, so you still want to be careful with your spending, including avoiding large purchases, changing jobs or applying for new credit cards, during this time.

It is important to have a credit check done, as it is a factor in determining your mortgage approval and interest rates. While sometimes a score in the 500s can get you a loan, ideally, you want to aim for 620 or above. The higher the score, the lower the interest rate.

While a 20% down payment is ideal, it isn't necessary. There are many ways to put down much less, and with certain types of loans, you may need as little as 3.5%. We're happy to recommend trusted mortgage brokers to give you more details!

Contingencies are conditions that must be met before a contract is binding, providing protection for both parties in a contract. They protect buyers from unforeseen circumstances that may affect their ability to purchase the property, such as obtaining financing and a satisfactory appraisal or completing a home inspection. Contingencies allow buyers to back out of the contract without penalty if certain conditions are not met. They are crucial in contract negotiations to ensure both parties are satisfied with the agreement terms.

Congratulations! Make sure you set up the transfer of utilities for closing day or on the day you take possession of your new home. Consider re-keying all the locks and changing the garage door opener code when the property is officially yours. If you have enjoyed working with us, don't forget to write a review and refer a friend!

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Buyers

Thinking About Buying? We Can Help

YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS

ROOTED IN OUR COMMUNITY