I seldom write reviews, so this one is an exception, and that is because Ilan Penson at Red Oak Realty was exceptional as my real estate agent when I recently purchased a house in Montclair, Oakland. I have bought and sold a number of houses over the past 40 years, so I have had many interactions with real estate agents, and it is clear to me what are the essential qualities of an excellent agent. Many agents are knowledgable about the local market, inventory, accurate pricing, etc., and Ilan, not surprisingly, knows the local market perfectly. She is immersed in the Oakland community on many levels and understands it. She also has great relationships with other local agents which is important in this real estate community on both the buying and selling side. Equally important to me is an agent who is really responsive. Over our hundreds and hundreds of emails and texts, whenever I sent one out to Ilan, she would respond immediately. It became so routine that I knew that I would get answers I needed promptly. This was not usually the case with my prior agents. These essential qualities in an excellent agent aside, for me the personal relationship with my agent is most vital. I need an agent that I can trust, with whom I can have genuine conversations as if talking to a long-valued friend. I don't want any nonsense. Ilan was the perfect sounding boarding for my ever-evolving housing plans. So together, with Ilan's superb assistance, I bought a beautiful home in a market that I wasn't sure I could tackle. Ilan managed all the inspections effortlessly with her trusted contacts, and since escrow closed, Ilan has not ditched and moved on. She continues to provide key contacts with tradespeople that I have needed to make my home the way that I want. If you are looking to buy a home in Oakland or Berkeley, I would contact Ilan Penson--my best real estate experience.