Doing what's best for the customer

When long time Santa Barbara friends Kevin Goodwin and John Thyne got together to help home buyers and sellers, they had a great idea: Do what is best for the customer! In January 2004, they opened Goodwin & Thyne Properties and offered their most popular service: selling homes for one-and-a-half percent. Customers in Santa Barbara County, San Diego, Ventura and San Luis Obispo have saved tens of thousands with this bold, new company. Kevin is a computer engineer turned real estate investor and Thyne is an attorney, real estate broker and professor of law.

More for Less

It's simple: do more, charge less. Goodwin & Thyne Properties is a member of the Multiple Listing Services (MLS). Signs, lockboxes, caravans, open houses, print and online advertising and television are part of the organized marketing plan covered by the one-and-a-half percent commission. Customers offer commissions to agents bringing buyers, but if the buyer is unrepresented, the total commission is one-and-a-half percent.

"Getting a contract is half the battle," says Kevin Goodwin. "Keeping a deal together and getting it closed is where we prove our worth." Contract negotiations, disclosures, arranging inspections, repairs and other work are all provided.

"'What's the catch?' is the first question people ask," says Thyne. "We say: they have to be smart enough to hire us." The company succeeds by putting clients' interests ahead of its own. "It's legal to represent both the buyer and seller in the same transaction, but we will not do it," explains Goodwin. "We feel you cannot fully represent both sides and provide a valuable service." Customers agree.

Put to the Test

When Terry and Gail Tyler decided to sell their Montecito condominium, they put it on the market themselves. Terry is a successful C.P.A. and Gail is the executive director of Job Smart, an amazing nonprofit program helping the homeless work. Disappointed with the hassles of "For Sale By Owner," they hired Goodwin & Thyne, and received three offers in one week. "They handled the contract negotiations, the extensive disclosure requirements, the inspection process and all the other details right through the close of escrow. We saved a bundle with their Sellers' Advantage Program," said the Tylers. "We have purchased and sold many properties and we've never had a more pleasant experience than we had with Kevin and John."

The Buyers' Benefit Program

While Goodwin & Thyne Properties is known for its fair commission for sellers, their exclusive agency helps buyers too. Buyers buying directly from Goodwin & Thyne save sellers money. This gives the buyer a better chance over other offers. When representing buyers, Goodwin & Thyne find the best home for the best price and terms. Goodwin & Thyne Properties pays up to $1500 toward closing costs and provides a home warranty on houses bought by their clients.

Final Advice

Bernice James, another satisfied client concludes, "If you are interested in selling your home, I recommend you contact Goodwin & Thyne Properties. Give them a call if you want to learn more." You can follow Bernice's advice and contact Goodwin & Thyne Properties at (805) 899-1100.