We were outgrowing our old place in Vallejo, and it was becoming clear that it was time to move. In September, we decided that we were ready to start house hunting. I remembered I had heard of Meraki Real Estate via a childhood friend on social media. I had been following their content and track record and I appreciated how down-to-earth and family-friendly they seemed to be. Their services included assisting senior moves and educating the community about preparing for major life transitions. They served Contra Costa County, our target area where we see our son attending school in the future. One informative meeting after another, they generously laid out all the possibilities for us, patiently waited and met us at each potential house. Meraki Real Estate prepared us well for our first home purchase. In general, I was aware that it takes at least a year of house hunting for first- time homebuyers. Yet we found our home sweet home in less than six months! With our busy schedule, I did not know how, what or when we were going to be able to find time to house hunt, let alone make it through the stress of house-hunting and working full-time. We had our ups and downs and doubts about whether we were going to find our dream home, move-in ready, during the schoolyear. However, we stayed proactive. Took careful baby steps. Watched the market. Watched the insurance rates fluctuate. From answering every single question that we had to preparing to work with a broker that we were comfortable with once our offer got approved. From September through the end of January, the market was not looking good for us. We saw several houses in between my homework assignments and our family mealtimes. We made a few offers, got outbid twice, expecting this emotional roller coaster to last a good year, but before we knew it, a house we thought we got outbid on, was ours. We moved in not yet two months ago. The timing of everything was incredible. We had such a positive experience with Meraki Real Estate that we will be referring them to every single friend, family or neighbor we know who is ready to buy or sell. Our process was so smooth. We will forever be grateful for Team Meraki. Thank you, Rob, and Rica! Meraki Real Estate has integrity and demonstrate loyalty to your client’s needs. We are enjoying our beautiful, cozy new home! Our son is so happy here. We hosted Easter celebrations for a long-awaited family reunion. It has been one blessing after another because of your positive spirits and exceptional work.

I didn't think it was possible. The area we wanted to be near was already expensive (Bay Area), but then also the inventory of homes on the market were low, and the interest rates were high, a recession was starting. I didn’t think it was possible to buy our first home… and then the Meraki team helped us figure out a way. From the beginning Rob and Rica put our trepidations at ease, kindly but honestly addressing our concerns. They educated us on what the process would be like and on how to navigate all the legal language and nuances. Helped us shape our priorities and set realistic expectations, find lenders to work with, and then joined us as we looked at what felt like countless places. We were never pressured to bid on a home that wasn’t right for us, didn’t seem to matter how long our search dragged on. And when we finally found the one, they sprung into even more action, guiding us through the mountains of paperwork, made sure nothing was missed or overlooked, and kept us from getting overwhelmed before the finish line. And they still continue to check in on us months after we closed! Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a massive undertaking. I didn't think it was possible. With the Meraki team, it was possible for us, and I'm confident they could help make it possible for you as well.

Exceptional customer service! All members of this team are extremely knowledgeable, well versed and helpful with all aspects of the real estate market. Their attention to detail and responsiveness ensured our sale was completed despite multiple potential obstacles. Meraki Real Estate definitely exceeded our expectations!

I have nothing but the highest praise for Rica Ruiz and the Meraki team. I met her several years ago and she was the first (and only) realtor I called to sell my home of many years. Throughout what was a long, difficult and emotional process for me, Rica always was responsive, caring and honest with me. She never pushed me to speed up the sale, suggested vendors to assist me for various needs to get my home ready, and always had my back. One week after my home was listed, a low ball offer was received and we both agreed to reject the offer. One week later, another offer came in just a bit over the list price. Rica cautioned me to not accept it right away, take some time to think about it, and she was right. The very next day, 2 more offers came in, one was low ball and the other was 20k over list. Despite the fact that she was on a retreat with her family, she masterfully negotiated with the 3 buyer’s agents and the 20k offer was the final buyer—and the same one with the low ball offer the week before! I could not have survived an emotional roller coaster ride—deciding what to do to get my home ready to sell, and the final process of selling it so I could move forward with an eventual move to Southern California--without the expertise and support of Rica Ruiz and her Meraki team. Everyone I dealt with had the same vision and support for me, and a special shout-out to Jeannette Rodriguez for guiding me through the endless forms to sign and process. I am truly grateful to them. Renee Leff

I reached out to Rica to get a realtors point of view on what would make my home more desirable if I were to sell it in a few years. When I met her she was so nice, professional, resourceful, and was a positive thinker. I felt very comfortable with her, she was listening to my needs even though I wasn’t ready to sell. About a year later I was thinking of renting out my home, I emailed Rica and asked if she knew anyone who did rental management, and she gave me a few people who were in that line of business. So there was no question as to who I called when I wanted to sell my home, of course it was Rica! It was perfect, Rica came over and let me know everything that had to be done to sell my home quickly and was always on top of everything, as was her Assistant, Autumn , who is also a great part of Rica’s team. I don’t know what I would’ve done without their help. Thank you so much for making this a wonderful experience! Much Appreciation Ludette

Not only is Rica an amazing person and friend she is also an amazing realtor. We first worked with her 3 years ago when she helped us with purchasing our Condo. When we were ready to sell our Condo, she was the first person that came to mind. We recently closed on a home in January and without Rica's help and guidance the process would have been even more stressful. She has helped my husband and I achieve our dream of owning a home in this tough market. She is knowledgeable, communicative, stays on top things and gets it done. Working with her and her team has been a pleasure. The home buying process can be quite stressful. Rica was amazing, understanding and knowledgeable. She was there if we had any questions or concerns. I'm glad we had her working with us to buy our first home.