To whom it may concern:
I recently presented Donna Manella of Century 21 Ambassador with the extreme challenge of searching for a property in Chicago for me, an out-of-town buyer of modest means. Donna, however, treated me as if I were seeking a mega-million dollar home. She went many extra miles on my behalf; sometimes quite literally by driving me to and from the airport and all over Chicago and its far suburbs. Donna did these extra miles with grace and good cheer and not once did she show impatience with the often difficult and frustrating task at hand.
I have never known someone like Donna who has the ability to organize complicated documentation at lightening speed to secure her client's needs.
Donna has exceeded my expectations--and then some!
It has been an amazing experience to work with Donna and I am unable to speak highly enough of her professionalism, poise under pressure, and willingness to go to any lengths to do her absolute best for her client.
Donna has me as a client for life and I truly look forward to working with her in the future.
Very truly yours,
Gillian E. MacQueen
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Donna was wonderfully professional. She went the extra mile (or, in our case, many miles) into the Chicago suburbs to find something that wasn't just a house for us to buy, but a home for us to live in. She made sure we were aware of traffic and the communities surrounding each location and even made time for us outside of regular business hours, when necessary.
Heather R.
Northwestern Chicagoland
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To whom it may concern:
I am now the proud owner of a home I only used to just dream about thanks to the help of an awesome realtor named Donna Manella. Donna’s advice & encouragement from the very start to the last minute of the closing was of tremendous value. With just a few conversations and by asking the right questions, she was able to put a dream into reality and found the perfect place for me.
This was my second purchase of a home, but it seemed more monumental than the first time. But Donna was there coaching me every step of the way, patiently guiding me through the sometimes confusing realm of decisions that had to be made and the checklist of things that had to get done immediately & those that could wait til later. She would always find time to make a quick call or do a little something first so that my next step in the process would go easier.
She insisted that our meetings were always to be at my convenience and it always seemed to be that the right time for me was just the perfect time for her. I couldn’t help but be swept up by all the energy & enthusiasm she showed in what she was doing for me. I knew I was not Donna’s only client, but the attention given to me made it seem like I was and that my quest was her priority, too. It’s like she becomes your guardian angel during this major time in your life.
She is great at paying close attention to details, giving you timely advice and making sure you complete all the required steps on a timely basis. I remember her telling me that if all goes well and things are in good order, one could close as soon as 45 days after the purchase contract is signed.
So there I was the evening of the 45th day, celebrating and sipping champagne on the balcony of my new home! Thanks so much, Donna.
Gratefully,
Christine Tamani (Chicago)
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To Whom It May Concern:
It is my thrill to write to you about the fine qualities of Ms. Donna Manella, Broker Associate.
My adventures as a first time home buyer began about three years ago. When I first started this process, I asked several of my friends about their positive experiences in real estate with the intent of finding the right agent for me. I was told about several people but I was very curious to meet Donna as she was referred to me by a colleague who first met Donna when she was the selling agent in my friend’s real estate purchase.
I interviewed several people and Donna quickly made the cut. I knew she would be helpful and informative with me during my search. I also saw Donna as guarding me and my interest but ready to advocate for my needs and guard my best interests.
Throughout the process, Donna kept a keen eye, learned what I liked, or didn’t like and educated me about things I didn’t know. She supported me during an intense disappointment when a deal fell through due to unforeseen circumstances having nothing to do with either of us.
Donna was remarkably hard-working, perseverant and patient. When I first met her, she was a few months pregnant. In the time we working together, we trekked across the city. All the time, I knew she was guiding me towards making the best decision for my needs.
We worked with each other, on and off, and when we finally closed, her daughter was a year and half old.
On the day that we closed, it was a thrill to have Donna-not just my agent, but now my friend-hand me the keys to my new home. Please feel free to contact me if you have and questions regarding my positive experiences with Donna at the phone number or address above.
Thank you,
Edmond Yomtoob (Chicago)
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Hi Donna,
I had to write and let you know how happy and fortunate I am to have met you.
You made the biggest decision I will ever make a whole lot easier. With the difficult seller I had to deal with and the market being what it is I was often stressed out, so It was good to have you there to hold my hand and walk me through the process (and the mine field) of buying my first home.
You were there from finding the property right up to the day of the closing. I could not have ask for a better protector, adviser and friend. I really appreciated that you had a short list of reputable home inspectors, lawyers, and mortgage brokers for me to choose from.
It was wonderful not to have to worry about finding honest people to work with. You are honest and thankfully you surround yourself with honest, trustworthy professionals.
I will highly recommend you to anybody who is even thinking about entering the real estate market. Please keep up the good work and don't every change your calm dependability, your professionalism and your wonderful cheerful disposition. You are the warmest, kindest person I will ever meet, and again I am awfully glad I met you.
Thank you again,
Lisa (Chicago)
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I started working with Donna when I had to make a job-related move from Portland, OR to Chicago.
I found Donna on the web and contacted her to help me find a house to rent. There were several things that impressed about Donna right off the bat: her knowledge of the Chicagoland market, her thoroughness in finding a wide range of choices for me to consider, her friendliness and great attitude, and her willingness to go the extra mile.
Thanks to her organization and planning, I was able to view all of the potential listings, make a choice and sign a lease in less than two days!
I also looked to Donna's assistance when it came time for me to buy a home of my own here. Donna's patience, persistence, experience and "can do" attitude made my home buying process much easier.
She made sure that I was aware of everything I needed to think about with respect to my purchase. She impressed me again when, due to an error in the wiring of funds for closing, she waited with me until the funds came through and the sale closed successfully.
There are thousands of agents who will say that they can help you find a home in Chicagoland, but as far as I am concerned there is only one who genuinely loves what she does and dedicates herself to you as a client - that's Donna Manella!
I highly recommend that you give her a try in any real estate transaction.
Nelson Koga (Aurora)
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We recently had the pleasure of working with a realtor from your office, Donna Manella.
With her assistance we set out to buy a property in the Loop area. She proved to be an invaluable asset in our quest. Donna worked tirelessly on our behalf.
Her dedication to our needs and respect for our views and limitations was beyond what any customer could expect.
She educated and protected our interests while making our purchase. Her experience and diligence made our dream become a reality.
With associates such as Donna Manella your organization will certainly remain one of Chicago's more succesful realty companies. She made the experience both a success and a pleasure.
Donna and Dan O'Neill (Loop)
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Donna deserves the highest accolades--she really earned them with us!
She kept in constant contact with us, & kept us informed of any changes. She listened carefully and anticipated our needs! She was tireless, even walking through snow and up narrow stairways while she was very pregnant.
After we selected a house, my wife's financial position (& tastes, and desires, and goals) changed overnight. Donna found us a great condo on the lake, and taught us how to make an effective offer. Donna is great, tireless, savvy, hardworking, wise, patient--and extremely nice!
Tom Durkin (Chicago)
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Looking for an affordable home can be a stressful experience. That was not our experience, however, largely because Donna smoothed out the rough patches before we hit them.
She is very knowledgeable about each stage of the process and does the research to prevent her clients from making avoidable mistakes.
My husband and I are thrilled with our lakefront condo. While the end result is great, the process of searching for our dream home was actually a lot of fun!
Even our real estate closing was like a party!
Maryjane Osa (Chicago)
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Dear Donna: Thank you for helping me find the perfect place! Your professional, helpful and friendly attitude made purchasing my first home a snap.
As opposed to other real estate agents I toured Condos with, you didn't pressure me and give me false stories about how hot the property was and I needed to purchase immediately!
You helped me find exactly what I needed. Another aspect that makes you a great realtor is that you kept in touch and looked out for my well being, even after the sale.
Please keep this letter as a reference!
Thanks again, Joe Sus (Loop)
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It was a pleasure working with you on the sale of our loft in downtown Chicago. Your expertise and knowledge of today's real estate market was definitely an advantage.
You sold our unit at a high price in record time. We will definitely contact you for any future real estate transactions. Your hard work is really appreciated.
Very truly yours,
Kas and Anita Kober (Glenview)
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We first met Ms. Donna Manella when we went to see our home.
She was the seller's listing agent and we had seen an advertisement for the sale of a 3Bedroom/3Bath condonminium in Lakeview that had piqued our interest. Ms. Manella told us over the phone that it was in disrepair and needed to be completely rehabbed. We were a little surprised by her honesty but we became even more curious about the condo.
We made an appointment for the next day. When we met Ms. Manella we found her to be likable and honest ie: she told us that it was in great need of repair but also pointed out it's potential. She answered all of our questions and she was always available to us.
We found her to be professional and helpful with a wonderful personality. We also found her to have a very calm and relaxed style. We ended up buying the condo 2 days later. We have never regretted this purchase. We love our new home and we have Ms. Manella to thank.
If we ever buy or sell property in the future we will ask Ms. Manella to represent us as our real estate agent. We trust her expertise and we value her knowlege.
It was a pleasure working with her and we look forward to working with her in the future.
Best regards,
Ana Gil & Steve Epner (Chicago)
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Dear Donna, I want you to know what a pleasure it was working with you. When I was looking for a condo in north Chicago, I called you about a property that turned out to be pending, but you asked if I'd like you to let me know about other properties that met my needs.
Your willingness to help was expressed in a friendly low-key way that immediately put me at ease. You began to let me know about suitable properties, and always answered my many questions in an extremely prompt manner. You made me feel as though I was your only client, although I was not.
You were always available to me, day and night, with sound professional opinions and expertise. It was not long before we located the ideal place for me.I have already recommended you to my friends and acquaintances. Be assured that if I ever want to sell or buy another home in the Chicago area, I will call on you again. Thank you for everything!
Regards and best wishes,
Claire Etaugh (Chicago)
