Reviews for the Team

“Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.” –Andrew Carnegie

See how well our clients have been living the Landlord Life!

“I did not have to think about the big storm that was happening back home in California and whether the tenants might call me to say the roof was leaking…I did not have to think about whether or not the toilet was overflowing or the gutters needed to be cleaned out…I now have more time to enjoy the important things in life….celebrating life.” 

Cynthia Greenberg

San Anselmo

“Since we rented our home, we have been in our Sprinter van conversion traveling around the Western U.S. [One] hike included chest high freezing water crossings and repelling down 30 foot cliffs…Much of our trip was spent in nature and disconnected in a way that never could have happened without Foundation.  Thank you for helping to manage our house!” 

Stacy King

Mill Valley

“[We] didn’t have to think about anything but the beauty of where we were!”

Allison & Bryan

Sausalito

“At the end of the day, [Foundation Homes] makes being a landlord easy and that’s the goal when hiring property management company.”

G.U.

Landlord in Kentfield

“I really didn’t know what it would be like [to be a landlord]. I had never really wanted to be a landlord but it was necessary because I didn’t want to sell my property on short notice and I needed the rental income. I knew that I would not be available to respond to emergency calls and that I did not know enough about contracts to assume the liability of handling tenant agreements. It has been worth the money to have a property manager, though it took a while for me to trust the manager’s decisions. 5 stars.”

Alison

Landlord in Marin

“We had had a bad experience trying to manage the property remotely by ourselves. We did an internet search, and found [Foundation Homes] easily….we were a little nervous about getting in touch with your company. However, we had so many great experiences with your company, that it changed our opinion about property managers in general. We [loved that we] could live in a different state and travel abroad without worrying about rental disasters! Our property manager and realtor Michael Kass took excellent care of us; thanks!”

Mark Hoemmen

Landlord in San Rafael

“I found Foundation after having a horrible experience using [a well-known property management company in Marin] for our rental property. The whole reason to hire a managing agency is to take all the work out of owning a rental property and that’s exactly what Foundation did for me.

Michael Kass managed our property like it was his own. He is extremely detail oriented, client focused, and responsive. He made it so I didn’t have to THINK or WORRY about our property because I knew he could handle anything that came up and he would only reach out to me when necessary. Plus I didn’t have to do any work when an issue did come up (unlike my experience with [the other property management company]). Michael took care of everything and always provided me with options of how to handle the situation and then followed up with how things turned out.

I have nothing but positive things to say about Michael and the company and would highly recommend them to anyone.”

P. U.

Landlord in Corte Madera

“I managed the property myself for a few years, it was horrible, I had to evict my first tenants and had rent payment problems with the next, who left the house a wreck. That is when I searched for a management firm, after talking to Michael Kass, I was sold on using Foundation, and it has been one of my all time best business decisions.

Kathy Kane

Fairfax

“Since we live quite a distance away, we were concerned about finding someone who would manage the property with the eyes of an owner….Our property had a host of maintenance and repair issues…[Foundation Homes] took a personal interest in making sure the work was done quickly, correctly (and to a high standard) and in the most cost effective manner possible.”

Rose J.

Landlord in Tiburon

“My only regret is not choosing Foundation in the first place!…I was extremely dissatisfied with [my other] management service and very happy with Foundation. The big difference is [Foundation Homes] a) will talk by phone…faster response time for problems b) will visit properties so able to address big problems on the ground. C) nice to deal with. You guys are explanatory without condescension. Thank you Foundation, you guys rock!”

Property Management Client

Landlord in Mill Valley

“They keep me updated on what needs to be done to maintain the property in the best working order….They always have the best [vendor] referrals to get the projects done quickly and expertly. That’s a huge burden taken out of my life knowing that my home is being well maintained and cared for.”

Marie Zanoni-Begg

Landlord in San Rafel

“I had an excellent experience with Foundation Homes. As an out of state landlord during the Pandemic, I needed help with my rental property. Shawn Walker was my agent. He was amazing, always quick to respond, always well-informed and always super helpful. I highly recommend Shawn Walker and Foundation Homes.”

Cheryl Wong

Landlord in Marin

“I am grateful for the webinars you’ve provided! Also appreciated your service on processing the documentation on the Rent Control exclusion.”

Marian Hudacek

Landlord in Marin

“Michael was very helpful educating me on the rental market and what our expectations should be. He put together a marketing plan, had photos taken, videoed the space and our home was rented within 2 weeks with a great tenant.”

Jill Anderson

Landlord in Marin

“I really learn so much from your [investor education] videos. Thank you for making and sharing them with the real estate community.”

Dorinne Low

Real Estate Agent

“As a first time landlord, I found comfort in Chris and Darcy being “locals” in the Marin marketplace and they came highly recommended by a few close friends.

Heidi, who was the actual leasing agent, kept me informed on a regular basis and was always responsive to my questions and/or requests. Looking forward to long relationship.”

Frank Rollins

Landlord in Marin

“Foundation was an ideal broker who represented the owner of our next apartment. The whole process was seamless. Heidi was incredibly responsive and flexible, wrapping everything up in just a few days from start to finish. She even went above and beyond to complete our application review on a Sunday. I will definitely check them out when renting or buying in the future.”

Robert Anstey

Landlord in Marin

“I loved the detail on the tips [from your landlord training webinars]. Charts gave me enough time to write everything down. [I learned to] check two landlord references and use the Ca. Apt. Assoc for single family homes. [This made me feel] more knowledgeable.”

John W Hanson

Landlord in Marin and Lake Tahoe

“Christopher and the agents I have worked with from Foundation Rentals all share the same high level of professionalism and easy going nature that make the difficult project of relocating a more enjoyable process. Their excellent grasp of the Marin market and access to rentals not listed elsewhere made Foundation and invaluable resource. Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity.”

Paul Foxx

Client Since 2009

“I was introduced to Darcy and Christopher through a colleague whose family they’d placed in a great rental in Mill Valley. They’ve rented three out of my four income properties since then. The one I rented myself is the only one I have any problems with! Never again will I bother to deal with my properties myself.”

Aaron

Client Since 2009, Kentfield

“I spent almost two years remodeling and upgrading my family home on Belvedere Island after inheriting it. I had never intended to sell it because it serves me better as an asset with great revenue (and I inherited my folks Prop. 13 tax status). I listed it with Christopher after noting that their company was the most prominent for high-end rentals in Marin via search engine on both Google and Craigslist.
Although I’ve owned income property (units) for the last 30 years, finding and handling tenants at this level was daunting to me. Christopher has found me two exceptional families, so far; one who took the house furnished and the other needed it unfurnished. The contracts he provided had much more extensive liability coverage for me similar to a sellers contract, full of disclosures and detailed assignments of responsibility. The degree of thoroughness in the background check, the negotiation of the lease stipulations and the professionalism with which Christopher finalized the deals was exceptional. I have just recommended Foundations to a close friend whose situation is similar to mine, except that her [mother’s] home has staled in the current real estate market, driving the price down to an unacceptable level. It is a great alternative to selling, especially when you have Christopher and his team watching your back.”

Nancy Niche

Indian Valley

“We recently used Foundation Realty to rent our Kentfield home and could not be more pleased with the guidance, support, and results we received from Michael Kass and the Foundation folks. Prior to listing our property, Michael was of great service with respect to identifying worthwhile and irrelevant upgrades to our house. His advice on timing and price, his effective marketing and screening of potential clients, combined with his impressive availability, served to identify a great tenant within a couple of weeks. And his knowledge, along with Foundation’s resources, made the legal aspect of the lease transaction effortless.”

Ken C

Kentfield

“Michael Kass has been a terrific rental broker for us, and I can only say good things about his professionalism, responsiveness and competency. Michael presents himself in the most professional way, and you have the immediate sense that he knows what he’s doing. Experience with him once he’s underway confirms that first impression — Michael is reliable, respectful, knowledgeable and very patient. I always look forward to hearing from him and he never hesitates or delays in his follow-through. We were impressed enough with his work on our first rental project that we hired his company to manage our second project, a small apartment building that we recently purchased. We have voted with our pocketbook. Thanks again.”

Carole

Mill Valley and San Anselmo

“Thank you! Actually, we don’t really know how to thank you enough for all your work in helping us to lease our home so quickly and at the right price. It is a big home so finding the right tenants was important and you were able to do it fast and with minimal disturbance to us. We really appreciated the way you respected our privacy while still meeting with the large number of people you brought over in the short time you did.

Once it the lease was signed, I also appreciate you talking with the movers…and with me. Your helping me to explain the simple things (of even my own home) to them means so much to me and Pierre. Whist we’re still in the process of moving and the party isn’t over…I just wanted to say thanks from the bottom of my heart! I have a lot of boxes to pack (or oversee the packing of) and I might not be as smiley at the end of the month!”

Cecilia & Pierre Vacherand

Sausalito

“Wow, I was nervous to rent a property with a property manager….[but]…the house never was vacant….the place rented with just a street sign in the neighborhood. The referrals for carpet laying and pest control were excellent as well. The lease was signed via email and the tenants move in pronto. I highly recommend the professionalism of this company.”

Kathi E.

Mountainville, NY

“My partner and I recently moved to Sausalito. We found our place through Foundation Rentals listings. Michael Kass is the agent helped and worked with us throughout the process. He was professional, patient, very accommodating to our needs, and able to make the transition very pleasant for us. Thank you Michael!”

Rosie

Sausalito

“If you are considering an agent to help you place your home under your time and rent requirements, I would strongly recommend Darcy Alkus…Darcy and her partner have helped myself and some friends find homes to rent in Kentfield and Ross at rates from $7000 to $12000 per month. Darcy’s number is 637-8917. She is very professional and appears to have become the leading agent for rental properties in the Kentfield and Ross markets.”

Philip Hoon

Larkspur

“I worked with Michael Kass on a new apartment rental in Sausalito. Michael represented the owners and he did a great job in facilitating the transaction between me and the owners.

Here is what stood out…

– prompt responses to emails and phone calls at all hours of the day
– being very clear that he could not make commitments unless having spoken to the owners
– willingness to work on solution and offer reasonable ideas and suggestions
– setting expectations and timeline clearly

I also appreciated the ability to review and digitally sign all the documents. It made everything much faster and easier.

Overall, it couldn’t have been more smooth.”

Donna

Sausalito

“If I have a property that is languishing on the market, or a situation where the seller is “under water” on their home and therefore that property actually cannot be sold, I enthusiastically and confidently refer that client to Darcy Alkus. In ALL cases she has performed magnificently. I consider Darcy to be a part of my team; just as I am the sales expert, she is the rental expert, and my clients benefit greatly from her expertise.”

Marlys Hooper

Alan Pinel/Broker Associate

“I’ve worked with Christopher and his current and former company and highly recommend he and his company for any Marin County rental needs. He and Darcy are informed, knowledgeable and great to work with!”

Joan Kermath

Sotheby's International

“Darcy and her team have represented our property in Ross twice so far in the past four years and my husband and I couldn’t be more pleased with their service. We had some bumps along the way but everytime their rental team came back with professionalism and true dedication to their craft. Darcy, we want to thank you so much for your hard work (and want you to know that any “bumps” in the road we may have had were one hundred percent my fault!). We are extremely happy with our current tenants, and I just want you to know that we think that you are awesome and we will continue to use you as our agent ALWAYS!”

The Ryans

Ross

“Rone-iff, You really went out of your way to send me the email listings of quality homes for us to rent. I will certainly remember you as a contact should we move again in the future. Also, if I may, I would enjoy referring people to you and your services!”

Julie

Novato

“Hi Michael,

Thanks for all your help. I sincerely appreciate your professional attitude and deduction during this exercise. These type of customer service makes a company find more clients with only word of mouth. Thanks again.”

Victoria and Moh

Greenbrae

“It was a pleasure working with you. The new tenants seem to be very happy and appreciative of the work we both did putting this together. Thanks for the attentive effort showing this house many, many times. The particular things I thought were special about your process were the frank discussions on your opinion on clients suited for this property and your strong actions to cover financial concerns with the six month advance payments.”

Mike & Shane

San Rafael

“We hired Christopher and his very professional team to rent our home in Kentfield. We found his knowledge of the market to be accurate. He is very trustworthy and punctual. Our home was rented in just a few weeks after he listed the property. I will use his service again and recommend his team to friends.”

Susan Picetti-Pierce

Kentfield

“Thanks Darcy…I’m very happy with the tenants. They seem very solid, easy going and down to earth. Thank you for your hard work and perserverance. I know this was harder than anticipated and I’ve enjoyed working with you.”

Diane Kaufman

Larkspur

“Christopher is a thoughtful and caring company leader, who’s built a company that is focused on customer service and empowering people. He does a great job with rentals for his clients, whether they are property owners or tenants.”

Cliff Perotti

Founder Cliff Perotti Seminars

“Darcy is a top notch professional in the Relocation industry. I would not hesitate in recommending her to any individual or corporation. She has extremely good communication skills and is highly personable. Darcy will get the job done for you!”

Liza Garfield

Mill Valley

“Michael possesses the high level of social confidence and poise which would allow him to thrive in any socially demanding position. He was also a pleasure to work with and I would definitely recommend him…”

Kevin Burlinson

Performance Media Industries

“Thanks for your excellent letter. Thanks to you [the Spyglass condo] has been a welcome source of income these last three years…Thanks for being such a great property manager.”

Kathy Magnuson

Mill Valley

“It has been my pleasure over the last few weeks to work with your agent, Joscelyne Alkus….Jocelyne handled every detail with such ease. So charming, capable and competent. She found the perfect tenant for us between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Working with Joscelyne makes being a landlord seem so simple. I might have to start looking for other properties just to keep in touch with her! Congratulations to you for having someone like Joscelyne represent your company.”

Majorie C.

Mill Valley

“When my family sold our home and decided to rent in Mill Valley we thankfully found Darcy Alkus who took the time to show us around the entire area and was able to put up with a very picky wife. It was very tedious to do on our own and by putting a local expert on our side we found a home that was perfect. She negotiated and answered all questions we had and her and Christopher Barrow were very professional. I have since referred several of my friends and collegues in SF and Marin with confidence and they have thanked me for doing so. Five stars to this agency.”

Todd Blevins

Mill Valley

“I used Chris to help rent my condo in Emeryville, he was actually referred to me by another unit owner in the building so he already had a proven track record. I didn’t expect my unit to be rented as soon as it was, but Chris did a good job and found me a well qualified tenant, not only once..but a total of three times. I would totally use him again.”

Juan Francisco III

San Francisco

“Mike (Kass) is a very knowledgeable and trustworthy individual…Superior service with honest insight. Highly recommended!”

Titan Davis via Linked

“Darcy is young, energetic and effective, and is giving us what the testimonials of her spoke of!”

Diane Grinsell

Mill Valley

“Christopher Barrow…in Marin was a HUGE help for my husband and I in locating a rental home. He was friendly, flexible and easy going during a stressful time. Just the kind of person you want to show you homes you might be living in for several years. If you want great friendly service call Christopher Barrow.”

Alice S.

San Anselmo

“We were introduced to Christopher Barrow by a close friend who leased out their home in Marin when they moved overseas. He helped us determine the rental value of our home, and when we made the decision to lease it out, he was the first person we called. He was thoroughly professional and delightful, and since this was our first time becoming landlords, he guided us through the entire process. His marketing efforts included professional photography and a dedicated website for the property, as well as blog posts and he placed an article in the San Francisco Chronicle real estate section. His strategy to hold our property as a “pocket listing” waiting for the appropriate renters while we readied the property was brilliant. Once he listed us on MLS, we had multiple offers from well-qualified tenants and a signed lease with within 19 days. We would definitely recommend him to handle upscale property rentals”.

Linda Russo

Mill Valley

“Jocelyne Alkus was always available and patient with me. Finding a house in Marin can be tricky – she was very pleasant to deal with & very easy going.”

Amir B.

Sausalito

“We’ve had a great experience with Christopher Barrow…renting our home in Mill Valley. We’ve worked with him two times, and have had only professional treatment, honorable conduct and most important – results. Christopher brought in qualified candidates, worked through all the tenant issues with us, and was always available when a question or problem arose. It’s clear he’s in the business of building long term realtionships with his clients, based on providing real service and value. I have recommended Christopher to my friends and family in the Bay Area, and will continue to do so. If you want to find a quality broker in Marin, you really should give him a call.”

Michael

Mill Valley

“Dear Christopher, You are a true pleasure to work with and you make a stressful situation much easier to tackle. Thank you for all of the work you did in helping us with our second move….I will happily serve as a reference!”

Whitney Bardwick

Tiburon

“Dear Joscelyne — Liza is just the loveliest neighbor for us! Thanks for making it happen.”

Marjorie & Larry

Mill Valley

“Darcy, this is one of those better late than never emails. I never thanked you for the bamboo plant ( which is loving the sunlight in the kitchen window). The tenants are excellent, and greatly appreciate old Arch. I see your signs, so I imagine rentals are still strong….Again thanks.”

Dave H.

Larkpsur

“Micheal Kass, our agent, found the perfect tenant for our unusual home in the San Anselmo hills. All through the process he was communicative, thorough, on time and completely professional. He is trustworthy and does what he says he going to do. He knows his market, the intricacies of his business and his clients. I can’t wait to refer him to my friends and acquaintances!”

Alice and Annie Bachelder

San Anselmo

“My name is Craig and I run a leasing and relocation firm in San Francisco. I have been working with Darcy, Jocelyn and Christopher on and off for years since they have been agents. They always make sure residents and owners alike are kept happy. I will continue to send them tenants looking for properties and landlords looking to rent their properties in Marin County. Keep up the great work guys.”

Craig Berendt

Berendt Properties, San Francisco

“Thank you again for all your hard work and patience with us over the past two years! You all have been amazing to work with and I will always refer people to you that are in the market for a rental.” 

Marlowe Family

Tiburon

“Hi Dan, Thanks…The tour was excellent — I learned a great deal about the area. Thanks again ” 

Joe H

Gold Package Client

“Jocelyne, Thanks for all your help. You are great and dealt very professionally and efficiently in renting the property. Thanks again.”

Rao & Lakshmi

Mill Valley

“Darcy at Foundation Rentals was fantastic at helping us find a great place in Greenbrae. We were relocating to San Fran from the UK and she helped managed finding the right place quickly and easily and then handled the paperwork and just made it simple for us.”

Adrian

UK

“We have now worked with Christopher twice- in 2007 and again in 2012, to lease our Marin home. Both times he leased it quickly, to great families and for extended leases. He has excellent connections and an extensive network to tap into in order to quickly meet the needs of both those looking for a nice home in Marin to lease, and those looking to rent their homes. We highly recommend working with him. Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity.” 

Melissa Gebhardt

Mill Valley

“Hello, I just wanted to thank Foundation Rentals and staff for excellent client and management services, from finding outstanding tenants and providing clear financials and record keeping, to managing efficient close out of rental. Placing our Sausalito rental property into the hands Foundation gave me peace of mind while we lived on the East Coast. An eligible tenant was found within two weeks of listing at premium price; the property was cleaned and prepared for tenant comfort and safety; interim tenant needs were addressed in consultation with us throughout the year; and at close out the house was made pristine for our own move back, very much appreciated! Foundation Rentals and staff provide the highest level of service and professionalism — an unqualified outstanding! Thank you very much.”

MF

Sausalito

“Always prompt and helpful, [Sharon at Foundation Homes] sent me the info I needed right away. Sharon is fantastic!”

Property Management Client

Marin

“I have been working with Michael [at Foundation Homes] for approx eight years. He has rented various properties for me in Novato and Corte Madera. He has done an amazing job. I have been in the rental business for over thirty years. Over the years I have rented the properties myself because it has been difficult to find an agent who completes the transaction with 100 per cent efficiently. Michael has done a fantastic job and given me good advice.He seems really interested in his work.” 

Margaret Simpson

Corte Madera and Novato

“Mike has provided me with excellent representation. He has been very prompt in notifying me when issues arose and has always followed up with how problems were resolved. I couldn’t ask for better service as a property owner.”

B. Reiff

San Rafael

“Michael was great! Very personable and quick to get back to me both by phone and email. Michael was very professional and a pleasure to work with!”

Katherine Hill

Tiburon

“I really appreciated Dee’s time and patience in showing me [the San Francisco property], my clients are still in North Carolina and the situation was unique and Dee was upfront and honest about not make any guarantees of a site unseen lease but she was patient, thorough, gave me quite bit of her time (I had lengthy ipad video problems when I met Dee at the property). Her follow up etc. was fantastic. I appreciated her time and professionalism.”

Relocation Agent

San Francisco

“Michael went above and beyond today to meet me at my hair salon!!! He gave me a lot of necessary information that I needed to get the cottage in order. He was very timely with that information.”

C. Meyers

Marin

“Michael did a wonderful effort to show this beautiful property . He expertly answered all our pestering questions, arrived on time to several visits, was kind and warm, and was meticulous in the protection of the cleanliness of the carpets and adherence to all requirements and protocols. Seth and Julie have been nicely represented indeed.”

John Liviakis

Tiburon

“Dee [at Foundation Homes] is not only professional and experienced re: the real estate market, and the listings, but she also, and at the same time, brings a true caring and kindness to her clients (i.e., me). Her follow-up is sincere/excellent. We are still in the process of trying to secure me a new home. Dee Marotta has been loyal and wise, as I navigate the challenges of finding and securing the perfect new residence. A prospective tenant can trust Dee to have their best interests at heart at all times.”

Tenant

Sausalito

 “It was a total pleasure working with Mike Kass on leasing out our Tiburon home. In every interaction, Mike was professional, genuine, kind, thoughtful, patient and respectful. Mike was creative as we worked together to solve any challenges which arose. He exceeded our expectations in every respect. When we are ready to lease our home again, we will call on Mike. We will also recommend him, without hesitation, to friends looking for a leasing agent.”

Julie and Seth Jacobs

Tiburon

“Michael is responsive, professional, and a real partner for me. I get objective, clear feedback from him and proactive information. He handles the little things and reaches out to me when he either just wants to keep me informed or need authorization for a decision. I really enjoy working with him!”

Joan Levison

Marin

“Dee [at Foundation Homes] is terrific. She was very accommodating seeing the property. I appreciate that she went out of her way so my friend could also see the property.. Can’t wait to get thru all the stuff and move in.”

Paula Sanford

Marin County

“Wonderful. Sharon [at Foundation Homes] helped me through some processes and protocols just perfectly.”

Property Management Client

Marin

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Performance Built Management for Results-Driven Investors.

 With over $1 Billion in homes served since 2010, our experienced team understands the seasonal markets, up and down economies, the price points, the tenant pool, as well as the local vendors and contractors needed to help your investment thrive.  How can we help protect your property today?

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ADDRESS

Marin Office:
925 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Suite A, Kentfield, CA 94904

CONTACT US

Marin Office: (415) 507-9600
Book a Showing: (415) 484-1940
Fax: (415) 520-0805
Email: Contact@FoundationHomes.com

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