Testimonials | Dorothy Apple

Dear Ms. Duran, I write to express my deep satisfaction with the way my purchase was handled by Dorothy Apple of your office. She turned what could have been a nightmare of dealing with an inexperienced Realtor for the sellers into a pleasant experience. Dorothy was quick to answer my every question, no matter how small, and made things go smoothly. Dorothy also put me in contact with some exceptionally efficient inspectors and trades people to make the inspections and after sale work on the house come off without a hitch. I have used Dorothy for a number of earlier transactions and would never even consider using anyone else. You should be proud of the wonderful face she puts on Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Very truly yours, Kim Colwell

John and I can’t even begin to properly thank you for your A+ service as a Realtor professional. Right from the start you, John and I were on the same wavelength: the unique to-the-area Pennsylvania Dutch style (everyone except you kept saying “colonial”), the price – we instantly agreed on that and despite the fact the home needed work, keeping the original authenticity of the house, with original blue slate, and maple wood.
You didn’t back down, or try to get us to list to sell at a lower price, or push us into doing any staging, or anything more than, “putting stuff away” and persisted to the end with us.
You also were kindly there for every single call, text and e-mail – there were many – I know and at all god forsaken hours – but never NEVER did you turn us over to an assistant, or ignore us, and always made us feel that we most important client you had ever had.
John and I were very clear with you right from the start that we did not want anyone looking at the home or in the house without you present- and right up to the final inspection, you were there…thank you!

Dory Dutton

Dear Ms. Duran, I am writing to let you know about the outstanding service provided to my family by Dorothy Apple in connection with our purchase of a four unit apartment building in North Hollywood. Dorothy facilitated the transaction in every possible way, which was all the more helpful since I am located in Northern California. She was extremely available whenever we needed to reach her. Without her, the purchase certainly would have been kept on track. I have owned numerous pieces of real estate over the years, both personal residential and rental. As a result, I am familiar with real estate transactions and real estate professionals. Dorothy is a knowledgeable and skilled professional. She was more than helpful. Dorothy was a pleasure to work with. Coldwell Banker is lucky to have her as part of their team.

Sincerely yours, Ronald Roth

Dorothy Apple was our first agent, and should we ever decide to sell our house and buy another, she will be our only agent. Her special attention to our requests and desires made the house-buying experience extremely smooth and stress-free. She was very patient and continued to search for the house that was perfect for us. We have lived in our lovely home now for over four years, and we are even happier today with our find than we were on the day we learned our offer had been accepted. Additionally, Dorothy has continued to be a friend and endless resource for all kinds of referrals for the various jobs we need taken care of. Thank you Dorothy – you have changed our lives!

Philip & Jenny Lester

As a first time buyer, I could not have asked for a better real estate agent. She was efficient, realistic and patient. Dorothy made the entire process incredibly easy. She handled every detail, had excellent suggestions and advice and above all she was always pleasant to work with. I am thrilled with my new home and I have Dorothy to thank for it.

Amy Reisenbach

As first time buyers, Dorothy was invaluable. She calmly and expertly guided us through every step of the process, from selection to inspections and closing. She always gave her honest opinion about a property, made herself available whenever we had a question and put our nerves at ease during the more stressful moments. The best thing we can say about her is, everything was in our best interest. All of her guidance was focused on what was best for us. By the end of the process, we gained a beautiful forever home and a friend. We cannot recommend her enough.

Drew & Andrea Talbert

Can’t say a few words of praise – because we need many more than a few! We knew Dorothy was an integral part of Valley Village as homeowners; we were pleasantly surprised
to see that neighborliness work in our favour when we needed to sell our house. In the midst of a chaotic time (she found a buyer lickety split, AND my husband had shoulder surgery) she was a voice of reason, a calming influence and a helping hand.

Roxanne Hoge

Mr. Scott Hillenbrand – Coldwell Banker Realty Manager,
I want to let you know what a pleasure it was to work with Dorothy Apple on the selling of our home in Valley Village. Dorothy went above and beyond on every aspect of the selling process. From guiding us through staging the house to pricing it for sale in a very competitive market to walking us through the bidding process and making sure the Escrow closing was seamless. Everything was explained in great, and totally understandable detail.
It also didn’t hurt to have all those great baked goods at the showings.
Seriously, we can’t say enough about our dealings with Dorothy during what could be a very stressful process. We will highly recommend her to anyone who asks.

Thank you, Chris & Sheryl Conte

In November 2022, a good friend passed away leaving an estate with no money and a home with an underwater reverse mortgage financed through HUD. As successor trustee, it was my responsibility to sell the house. Having never been a homeowner myself, I contacted Dorothy Apple to advise me and handle the sale of the property. It is a huge understatement to say that dealing with both the lender and HUD was difficult and challenging. Frequently, it took weeks for them to respond to questions from Dorothy, even after a buyer was interested. On more than one occasion, HUD agreed to the sale and then rescinded that agreement. Finally, after more than seven months, escrow closed on the house. Because of Dorothy’s diligence and hard work, foreclosure was avoided, and a short sale was approved. Throughout the process, Dorothy assured me that everything would work out even if it took some time. I am so glad I asked Dorothy to handle the sale, and I would highly recommend her to anyone for their real estate needs.

Dianne Lahti

I recommend Dorothy to anyone I meet who is searching for a local Realtor. Knowing our considerations, Dorothy found the right property for my husband and me, guided us through the purchase process and sold our old home. Dorothy also helped our daughter find a home. She is respectful, kind and uses a common-sense approach. We didn’t have to move out and have our home staged and that made our lives so much easier!

Sincerely, Ellen Wilheim

As a first-time seller of a Trust Estate, Dorothy was exactly what I needed. She was a wealth of knowledge and had answers for all my (many) questions. I never felt rushed or pushed to make a decision, even when things moved much faster than I anticipated, and Dorothy was always there with a calm demeanor whenever I felt overwhelmed or when I was being overly concerned about the small details.

When an unexpected complication cropped up Dorothy and the Coldwell Banker team were there to keep things moving forward.

If you’re looking for a realtor who is honest, reliable, knowledgeable and professional, I would not hesitate to recommend Dorothy Apple.

Kinds regards, A. Duncan

Dear Dorothy:

Jen and I want to thank you for the great work you did selling our house in Valley Village. When I think back on the work you did for us the following descriptions of your efforts come to mind: tireless, smart, always available, over-and-above the call of duty, patient, calm when I got a little agitated. You certainly know your stuft, and you know the Valley Viilage market like the back of your hand. ln short, we couldn’t have had a better realtor on our side, and I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend you to anybody else selling or buying a house. Thanks again.

Brent Costello
Managing Director – Focus Investment Banking

Dorothy was a dream to work with. She brought a sense of assurance, positivity and affirmation to the intimidating process of buying a home, especially as first time home buyers. She took the time to explain everything to us in digestible ways, and was sure that we felt fully confident before taking any next step. Where other agents will try to sell you on a home just for the sale, Dorothy truly listened to our needs and desires and understood the conditions of our circumstance. In this ultra fast-moving market, Dorothy had her ear to the ground and showed us our house before it was on the market. Even after we closed, Dorothy referred us to a host of specialists – from our electrician, to our pest control technician, to our plumber – that helped get us on our feet. Dorothy understands that home buying is way more than a massive transaction and undertaking; it’s also about becoming a part of a greater community and sewing strong bonds and lasting friendships with your neighbors. It’s truly difficult to imagine a better, kinder, more comprehensive real estate agent than Dorothy Apple.

Thank you, Rachel & Roberto Patino

John and I can’t even begin to properly thank you for your A+ service as a Realtor professional.

Right from the start you, John and I were on the same wavelength:
the unique to-the-area Pennsylvania Dutch style (everyone except you kept saying “colonial”), the price – we instantly agreed on that and despite the fact the home needed work, keeping the original authenticity of the house, with original blue slate, and maple wood.
You didn’t back down, or try to get us to list to sell at a lower price, or push us into doing any staging, or anything more than, “putting stuff away” and persisted to the end with us.
You also were kindly there for every single call, text and e-mail – there were many – I know and at all god forsaken hours – but never NEVER did you turn us over to an assistant, or ignore us, and always made us feel that we most important client you had ever had.
John and I were very clear with you right from the start that we did not want anyone looking at the home or in the house without you present- and right up to the final inspection, you were there…thank you!

Dory Dutton

Dorothy came highly recommended to us and I quickly learned why. She is very knowledgeable about the Valley neighborhoods that she serves, and has extensive experience as a realtor. But most importantly, she is a realtor who has integrity and does her work with the clients’ best interests in mind. For example, we looked at several potential investment properties that I was initially enthusiastic about, but Dorothy pointed out negative issues about the properties that I did not recognize. She did not hesitate to point these issues out, even though in doing so she would not make a “quick sale” and would have to do further work to find the right property for me. She kept up a positive attitude throughout the search, never wavering from the idea that the right property would eventually come up. And she was right! We got a great property in a really good neighborhood that I am certain will be a solid investment. Thanks so much Dorothy!

Sincerey, Lisa Grobar

Dorothy is the best!

She found us our dream house in Valley Village and showed it to us before it was even on the market. The house has everything we were looking for and then some. The process was so quick and easy–we had no idea buying house could be that way. She always gave smart advice and has the best recommendations. If you’re very lucky–she’ll also make you one of her famous cakes–truly the best cake we’ve ever had! A+ service across the board!

Susie and Adam

Dorothy, Thank you for all of your help and support in making this escrow work! It would not have happened without you and all of your hard work. I hope we can work together again soon.

Thanks again, Alexandra Kelly
Cavanaugh Realtors

Philip & Jenny Lester

Sincerely yours, Ronald Roth

Very truly yours, Kim Colwell

Amy Reisenbach

Dorothy Apple is a true professional in every sense of the word. She made selling our two apartment complexes easier then it could have been if we didn’t have her helping us along the way. She was knowledgeable and cool headed, in charge of every situation that came along. She just instilled confidence in herself with us, and we would not hesitate to in list her help again if ever need be.

Sincerely, Connie Mora and Kay Niles

Can’t say a few words of praise – because we need many more than a few! We knew Dorothy was an integral part of Valley Village as homeowners; we were pleasantly surprised to see that neighborliness work in our favour when we needed to sell our house. In the midst of a chaotic time (she found a buyer lickety split, AND my husband had shoulder surgery) she was a voice of reason, a calming influence and a helping hand.

Roxanne Hoge

When we purchased our home we were so thankful to have Dorothy Apple as our Realtor. Her integrity is unquestionable, she was available 24/7 for showings, she remained remarkably calm when the going got rough; she always had a reassuring word and positive attitude steering us through the entire process. I have so much confidence in her abilities that I have recommended her to several close friends (one purchased a house through a very difficult negotiation a year ago). We couldn’t have been in more competent hands. A+++

Ilene & Daniel Graves

We have known Dorothy Apple for over 12 years. She successfully sold our Studio City property quickly and smoothly with no complications. Dorothy then helped us buy a house in Toluca Lake. Again, problem free, straight forward, and fun! 12 years later we decided to sell the house and of course we called Dorothy as we had such fond memories of smooth real estate transactions. This time we ran into a few snags with buyers, nothing to do with Dorothy or our house but the tough market had made things a bit more complicated. Dorothy guided us through some rough waters and kept us informed about everything all along the way. She soothed our fears with information from her many years of experience and her warm and up lifting personality made us comfortable throughout the negotiations. Even when the going got a bit tough, I always felt we were in the best hands and in fact all worked out beautifully and to our advantage always. Dorothy is an outstanding Realtor and a lovely person. She is trustworthy and super informed. I cannot speak highly enough of our 3 experiences as Dorothy’s clients. We will work with and refer Dorothy any time we can.

Lisa Shaw, Commercial Producer

Dorothy, You were invaluable! I owe you one. Thanks for your professional handling of this escrow and I hope we do business in the future.

Best regards, Mo Mulligan
Realty Source Inc.

Dear Dorothy, we can’t thank you enough for all you have done for us these past few months! You handled the multiple offers (6) on our property with extreme efficiency, helped us pick the correct offer and had a buyer in back-up position, just in case. Your kindness, patience and support have been unmatched. We just want you to know how appreciated you are and look forward to working with you in the near future to purchase our new home. Thanks again!

Your friends with peace and gratitude, Regina & Alex Ignon

Dorothy Apple worked with our family last year on a lengthy escrow complicated by widely differing viewpoints by the people involved. She tirelessly strived to be fair and professional during the process. Her diplomacy and honesty were very much appreciated. Her resourcefulness brought a satisfactory conclusion to the negotiations. I highly recommend Dorothy for your real estate needs.

Respectfully,
Anita LaMont
Phoenix, AZ

Dorothy did a fantastic job as both our listing agent and purchase agent!

Her professionalism and attention to detail through both the buying and selling process was exceptional. Dorothy not only was able to sell our house within a week of listing it, she found our dream house in our neighborhood of choice. We couldn’t be happier with the work Dorothy did for our family.

Best, Aimee & Steve Schwimmer

My husband and I were very overwhelmed with buying a new home in this housing environment. Dorothy was highly recommended by a friend of mine since I finally figured out I wasn’t very happy with our other broker (after 2 years of searching). We sat with Dorothy and she listened to what we wanted… we put an offer in on the first home she showed us! She completely knew what we were looking for and didn’t take us to places we would never buy (like our previous broker). Unfortunately, we didn’t get our finances together quickly enough to get the house but… she told us not to worry because she was convinced we would find an even better home… and she was right! We felt very safe and comfortable with her. She was our advocate, adviser, real estate agent, therapist (at times), babysitter— when I had to leave my baby in the car to ‘jump in’ and see the house, she would sit with the baby, and all-in-all a great person. She navigated us very nicely through the complicated process. If it wasn’t for her we would never have been able to get our house…LITERALLY… the only reason we were able to get our house is because of her reputation and the fact that she’s so easy to work with. Our home had multiple offers but, because the selling agent knew Dorothy and liked her business style… the selling broker wanted to do the deal with Dorothy. We could have chosen a lot of different brokers that “know” the area… but, we luckily found a broker that other brokers want to work with! We highly recommend her!

Sincerely,
Gordon Kernes and Sophia Rumanes

Dorothy helped us with the sale of our home while simultaneously managing the issues relating to the purchase of our new home. She made the process as simple as possible, working around our busy schedules and yet keeping us on track to close. The next time we buy or sell, Dorothy will be our first call.

Wade and Amy Clayton

I met Dorothy Apple and purchased my first home in 1996. She walked me through every step of the home buying experience, first finding me the perfect home, then explaining all of the paperwork, inspections, mortgage process, etc. Since that first transaction, I met my husband and as our family has grown we have bought and sold three homes all through Dorothy. When my father-in-law passed away, we contacted Dorothy to sell his home in Pasadena. She was there for us every step of the way; arranging an movers, cleaning crew, etc. through this very difficult time. We are in our dream home now, so our professional dealings with Dorothy are minimal, but we recommended her to all of our friends and family with the same fantastic result, painless, joyful home buying!

Peri & Greg O’Connor

Dear Mr. Pelton, I am writing this letter to you to bring to your attention the superb work of Dorothy Apple. My husband and I were referred to Dorothy by my brother and his wife who purchased a home from her. We too are very happy with the service which we received from Dorothy, and will be referring her to our family and friends.

Even though there were not very many homes in our price range and desired area available, Dorothy continued to look, and keep us apprised of any homes that she felt we would like. From the time that we began looking for a home to the close of our house, Dorothy was always available, professional, helpful, etc.. She was there to help us facilitate all aspects of escrow, and was even available after the close of our house to help us with a problem that were having concerning the removal of the lock-box from our house.
Not only were we impressed by Dorothy, but the seller, Scott Harvey, expressed his respect for Dorothy in the enclosed letter. It is evident by his letter that Dorothy is the reason that our offer was accepted. He had six offers on the house, five of which he countered. He enjoyed working with her as much as we did, which made our first home buying experience a very pleasant one.
I wanted you to know how grateful my husband and I are to Dorothy for not only finding us such a lovely home to live in, but for helping to make what can be an unpleasant process (so I am told) into a very enjoyable one.

Sincerely, Mimi Robinson

Dear Mimi, I wanted to let you know that Dorothy was instrumental in your getting of this house. In accepting your offer, we were choosing to work with Dorothy as your offer did not necessarily contain the best terms – it was the only ten percent loan submitted. Dorothy, however, wrote a strong offer and counter, was fair and effectively communicated your desire to get this house. More, importantly, she is extremely professional and she inspired in us confidence in her ability to close. I knew she would be a joy to work with and I am very pleased with our decision to work with her and you.

Best of luck and welcome to the neighborhood, Scott Harvey

Dear Mr. Pelton,

Having finally settled into our new home, I wanted to let you know what a positive experience we had with one of your associates, Dorothy Apple. We met Dorothy at an open house and worked with her for over six months to find the right house for our needs. Dorothy was amazingly dedicated to our search, always making herself available for showings, and really going out of her way at every turn.
Dorothy took us through two disappointing multiple offer situations, offering sound advice and guidance, before she found our house on a Friday night and got us in the very next morning, making it possible to avoid a third multiple offer situation. She diligently stayed on top of the seller’s agent and worked closely with my mortgage broker and the escrow company to insure all the paperwork was completed in a timely manner. Additionally, Dorothy helped coordinate with West Coast Escrow who was handling the sale of my old home.
I have recommended Dorothy to my friends looking to buy and/or sell a home and I will continue to recommend her. I believe you are lucky to have such a terrific agent in your office and I wanted you to be aware of my high level of satisfaction.

Sincerely, Tammy Billik