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Saffron Realty Group
Categories: Home Services Real Estate Real Estate Agents Home Services Real Estate Real Estate Services Real Estate Agents, Real Estate Services [Edit]
2538 W Chicago Ave(between Maplewood Ave & Rockwell St)
Chicago, IL 60622
Serving Chicago and surrounding area
Neighborhood: Humboldt Park
(773) 496-4111
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 9 am - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
21 reviews for Saffron Realty Group
21 reviews in English
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Review from Eric K.
Chicago, IL
12/19/2011
Buying a home can be a daunting task, especially for a first timer in a down market. Enlisting Bob Safranski was the best choice we made in the entire process. It was clear from the beginning that Bob listened carefully to our needs and put our satisfaction as the highest priority. If you are looking to get a long time real estate pro in your corner and fight for your best interests, look no further.
Also, in case Yelp decides to actually post this review publicly, I would like to point out the scores of positive reviews that have been incorrectly filtered out (there are currently around 100):
http://www.yelp.com/fi... -
Review from Charles A.
Chicago, IL
7/8/2011
There is definitely not much to add about Ron and Co. that has not been mentioned in the previous zillion laudatory reviews - and the positive yelp review count is obviously high enough to indicate that Saffron is the clear realtor winner in the city. To try to summarize quickly why you should go with Ron:
1. Unparalleled patience. I have friends who were working with other realtors envious of our relationship with Ron as he talked us out of pricey places and stayed consistently attentive and detail-oriented through a dozen-plus viewings. In fact, our friends switched realtors and asserted that working with Ron was a world of difference. Though anecdotal, it's direct evidence of a sort that, in immediate comparison to other realtors out there, Saffron's stronger.
2. The beginning-to-end expertise and care. From helping us set smart parameters to restrict what was initially a wide open search, to exercising caution in the middle stage, to streamlining the paper-based nightmare that could have been our closing, Ron made sure our experience was a breeze from start-to-finish.
3. Responsiveness. Ron always got back to us by phone or e-mail - per our preferred contact method - within 24 hours.
4. Personability. Ron got to know us and was friendly throughout. This led to a trust relationship that was sincere, making us more forthcoming of what we really needed in our new place, and making everyone committed to a good result in the end.
Look at the other positive reviews. Go with Ron and Saffron.Comment from Ron K. of Saffron Realty Group 1/8/2012
Congrats again Charles and Annalise on the purchase of your… More » -
Review from becky m.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 8/3/2010
As an update to the response I've received from Saffron, I would like to say just a few things. I can certainly understand Saffron's desire to protect their 5 star ratings, but Yelp is a venue where I am able to give an honest review, which is exactly what I did.
We were never difficult, never negative, never unreasonable, never once disrespectful -- we were merely asking how and where our property was being marketed and if we could sit down for 10 minutes to discuss it, neither of which are unheard of or ridiculous requests. If I am being difficult about something, I'm always the first to admit it but we were not. I don't even know how we could have been since we were with Saffron for less than 2 weeks anyway. We let them do their thing and we did everything they asked us to do. It was completely inappropriate for Bob to start yelling at my husband out of nowhere regardless of whomever may have severed the relationship first.
I am certainly not interested in an argument or a he said/she said thing here as I would much prefer to forget the whole matter -- I am using Yelp as it is intended which is to express our opinion, our disappointment, share our experience and provide information so others have the chance to make educated decisions for themselves. I stand by my review.Listed in: 'da hood, No! No! Don't make me!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/2/2010
Things started off well with Bob over there at Saffron. The goal was to sell our property and… Read more »
Comment from Ron K. of Saffron Realty Group 8/3/2010
The relationship with these former clients was more… More » -
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Review from Meredith S.
Chicago, IL
4/25/2010
Ron Ron Ron Ron Ron!!!!!!
I cannot say better things about Saffron Realty, and Ron Knoll. Ron is one two owners of Saffron Realty.
My boyfriend and I were first time home buyers. Neither one of had a CLUE what happens, what to do, who to call, and what any of these terms meant: escrow, easement, PMI, good faith estimate. This was definitely a learning experience.
We were ready to go and needed a real estate agent. We started off with an agent that had been in contact with my BF for at least a year. After trying to set up a time with him to meet, he was out town the first weekend we started. Not a good start. So my BF looked on Yelp and found Saffron Realty due to their 5 star raving reviews. (There is a reason for this rating, they are that good.) He then forwarded the review to me and I randomly chose Ron to call to see if he was available.
In 2 days notice, he was able to pull several listings for us to go to - and our "criteria" wasn't easy. We needed certain space and sound requirements that made it not so easy to just pick a condo. And even if he can't make it on a certain day, he will send one of his other agents to take you around, which is great when you don't have a lot of time to find a place!! He was accessible via email/PDA, so if you had a question for him, he would answer very promptly.
A short time after we started, we ended up calling off the search and having to cancel our upcoming showings because we had gotten engaged and were planning the wedding in a 6 month time frame. Ron was more than understanding. A couple weeks later, our situation changed and we now had to move out of our place and decided we needed to buy our first condo in less than 2 months and didn't know if this was even possible. This didn't faze Ron. He knew we could do it. After locking down a building, and then a unit, then dealing with a difficult developer's agent, Ron kept his cool. He even got us a lesser price when the developer said "it is non-negotiable."
As I said before, we were completely new at this. Ron was with us for the inspection to bring up anything we didn't know to bring up or ask about. He was there every step of the way.
We closed yesterday and Ron was right by our side. (Ron has never missed a closing in 13 years.) The closing itself was anything but smooth but it's all over and we have a wonderful place! If you think you can't find a place and close in 2 months, go to Ron, seriously, he will make it happen. -
Review from Rebecca S.
Chicago, IL
10/22/2009
Ron Knoll = Amazing.
Ron is one of the co-owners of this real estate firm (the Ron in Saffron) and despite the extra paperwork that must come with the title, he was there for us every step of the way.
My then-boyfriend (got engaged during the house-hunt and not even my mom was as excited as Ron!) and I were first time buyers and went to Saffron directly because of their Yelp rating. Ron called me back right away and talked with me about our needs. We *thought* we wanted a foreclosure property. We *thought* we wanted a fixer-upper. After seeing exactly what that means in this economy, we hastily revised our wants/needs/desires and opened up our search range and Ron just rolled with it, never pushed or pulled at us.
We took a home buying class before starting our search which probably made us a dangerous combination - both with too much and too little knowledge of the home buying process. Ron had great suggestions for us and never balked at our requests - even when one of them included moving our close date up by a month. Never a doubt that it would happen - and it did!
We did take him up on his suggestion of lawyers (Michelle Laiss - fabulous!) and his mortgage guy (Jeff came to our small, hot apartment to fill out the paperwork!) and couldn't be happier with their work as well.
All in all, Ron was amazing. He was there with us despite the fact his first child was born just a few hours after one of our outings (sorry Mrs!) We took longer than the average buyer and saw probably 50+ houses, but couldn't be happier 8 weeks after closing the deal. -
Review from Crystal K.
Chicago, IL
9/12/2009
Ron Knoll = awesome
The hubs and I were first time home buyers. We had our stuff in order (for the most part) before we began the search, but as all newbies eventually realize, there's so much more that we don't know. Ron was always there...either by email, text or phone... to answer our questions.
I honestly don't think the process could have gone any smoother. Right from the get-go, Ron had us out looking at houses that were exactly what we were looking for. And he was NOT pushy - never once did he show us a house that was out of our range (which was very thoughtful considering we were operating on a tight budget). Within 2 weeks of beginning our search, we had put an offer in and successfully signed a contract! Ron was EXTREMELY helpful in the negotiating portion (the part we felt most unsure about) and helped us get a great deal on a fabulous "diamond in the rough" (with an amazing frisbee yard ;o).
Another great service that Ron (and Saffron) offered was their list of attorneys, inspectors, contractors, etc. We've only been in the city for 2 years, so finding quality people to help us through the process was important. We went with Ron's recommendations on attorney (Michelle Laiss) and inspector (Michelle Teague) and both were super.
Something we also want to make note of is that over the course of the two months we worked with Ron there was a family death and the birth of his first child. No matter what, he was there for us. He made sure that our contract was sent through, that we had someone there with us during the inspection...and he made sure he was there for our final walk through and closing. That's more than we had expected given the tumultuous times...but he did it anyways!
In closing...as I mentioned earlier (and I can't reiterate it enough)...this process was smoother than we had ever expected. And I can guarantee it was all because of Ron!
Ron Knoll = awesome -
Review from Jenn S.
Chicago, IL
8/1/2010
I think the best way to start this review for Saffron realty (and especially Bob and Becca) is to say that if you are looking for AMAZING, experienced, thoughtful realtors - you've found them and you need to give them a call right now.
After nearly 11 months of looking for our perfect single family home in Chicago, Bob and Becca were totally unflappable, always available for advice and weathered my emotional freak-outs about the entire experience as if it was all part of the process. They both really worked with us as a team and got to know us and our tastes so that it was rare that an outing to look at yet more properties was a waste of time. They always made us feel like we were their only clients and we were absolutely convinced that they had our best interests at heart.
It can be so stressful and hard to find a home (especially when like us, our expectations were kind of up there) and the thing that we valued most about working with Bob and Becca was the immense trust that we built with them. We knew that Bob was not going to let us get swindled, or buy some lemon of a house. And Becca was so intuitive and could pick up on when we just weren't feeling it - no matter how great the property was on paper.
I really honestly can not recommend Bob and Becca and Saffron Realty enough. They are patient, kind, so smart and really go above and beyond to make sure their clients are happy and end up in homes that they love.
I don't know if we would have made it without them! -
Review from Naomi L.
Chicago, IL
1/21/2009
The folks here are very good realtors. The office is inviting too!
I reccomend anyone that works in this office they do justice to Humboldt Park -
Review from Yahilin L.
Chicago, IL
11/1/2010
Bob and Becca, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! You made our first buying experience a bliss.!
If you're looking for reliable, trust-worthy realtors, you've found them! When my husband and I started our house-hunting adventure, I was 2 months pregnant and hoping that we would find the perfect home within a few months.
Since our very first outing we realized that Bob was not just a "salesman", trying to get us to buy something just so he could cash in on his commission. He was genuinely interested in getting us a place that we could call HOME. As first-time buyers, my husband and I had no idea what to expect or what we really wanted. Bob did an amazing job at helping us pinpoint exactly what we wanted (and needed). He helped my husband and I reconcile our expectations so we could both be on the same page.
As the clock was ticking, I got more and more anxious to have a place and got to the point where I loved every single place we saw, as long as we found something before the baby came. SOOOO glad Bob used his "realtor veto power" and kept my emotions in check!
He kept reassuring us that we'd find that perfect place we were hoping for and we sure did! It was a complicated short sale that took over six months to close! Bob was incredibly supportive. He fought for us, negotiated like the pro he is and got us our home at an incredible price!
I know I'm not doing them justice with this review... I could seriously write for hours if I was to detail our experience with them from beginning to end. Just know that buying a property is a huge decision and a process that could be really enjoyable or very painful. If you want no regrets with the outcome of your purchase and want to feel you're in the good hands at all times, you have to call Saffron Realty Group.
Bob, you're absolutely the best! -
Review from Tom L.
Denver, CO
1/16/2008
I strongly recommend using Saffron Realty to sell your home. Bob's a smart guy that knows how to read both the market and the potential buyer. I did not think I stood a chance to sell my condo before my upcoming move and was about to put it on the rental market. At Bob's suggestion I kept it on the market for a few more weeks. He and Becca gave up their weekends and scheduled several open houses.
I know he had other properties and clients he was dealing with but I felt like I was the only one. Believe me that my condo was a tough sell. I think there were some 500 other 2 BR 2 BA within a 1 mile radius on the market at the time.
Thanks for the great treatment, Bob, and our move went great! -
Review from Scout S.
San Francisco, CA
1/13/2010
Highly recommend Saffron, and specifically Ron Knoll. We're currently trying to decide between buying in Brooklyn and Chicago, and on our recent trip to Chicago Ron spent an afternoon showing us several properties. He's friendly, professional and really listens. We felt completely comfortable with him.
Although we've decided to stay in Brooklyn for now, we will go back to Ron if/when we move to Chicago. He's just a really nice guy. -
Review from Gaige G.
Chicago, IL
8/9/2010
It's funny, the older I get, the harder it seems for me to find excellent and trustworthy service providers. I have owned a house before and and have had 2 separate Realtors in the past -- a buyers agent when I bought my house and then a different sellers agent when I sold my house. Neither of those agents lived up to my expectations basically because I was just another client to them.
Bob and Becca Safranski exceeded my expectations. They are very friendly, personable and professional. They KNOW the business and Chicagoland extremely well and I found them to be very realistic about market conditions. They get to know you and they really hone in on your wants and needs, ask the right questions (to you and other Realtors), offer sound advice, use the right technology, know how to negotiate...the list goes on and on. They just know what to do and how to get it done. They're awesome, really. We're in our new house and love it! -
Review from Karli N.
Chicago, IL
7/13/2010
Bob is the man!
Over a year ago we noticed a 2 flat in our area was listed at $99k. After crunching some numbers we realized...shit!...in this market we can actually afford to buy a house. A real house in Chicago! (giggle like a schoolgirl) I contacted Saffron Realty after reading other Yelp reviews and couldn't have asked for a better agent.
We didn't have much money so our options were pretty much limited to foreclosures and short sales. Bob knew the Humboldt Park area well and tried to show us the properties that had potential. As first time buyers, we needed an agent to help us through the process and Bob was more than willing to answer any question we had. Bob kind of gives me this older brother, I'm looking out for you kind of vibe, which is exactly what we needed.
Well, over a year and god knows how many viewings later, we finally moved into our new home last week. Bob stuck with us every step of the way, even through the long and tedious short sale process. Any agent who sticks through that gets 5 stars and then some!
I would HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Bob, especially if you are a first time buyer. You're the man Bob!!!!! -
Review from Ross N.
Chicago, IL
3/9/2010
As a home inspector I have the priviledge of listening to agents discuss everything under the sun during an inspection, oftentimes gritting my teeth not to vomit or politely walk over and ask them to allow ME to do MY job.
I, and our firm, have had numerous inspections with Bob and am always comforted by the fact that he is a career agent who cares quite little about the 'deal' but very much about his clients. He has a keen sense of of the marketplace and is adept at moving his clients patiently through the process keeping their interests first and foremost. -
Review from Naomi M.
Chicago, IL
1/28/2010
After being first completely blown off by big local firm, I came to Yelp, who sent me to Saffron. And Saffron sent me to Jennifer, who is the most awesome real estate agent a first-time home buyer can ever hope to meet.
I keep rewriting this part, hoping I can succinctly put down just how damn lucky you're going to be if Jennifer is your agent. Jennifer is a first-time home buyer's savior. She took all of my neurotic questions, anxiety-ridden emails, endless rehashing of information we'd already gone over in stride and never made me feel like I was an idiot or a pain.
After an informational meeting at a coffee shop in our neighborhood (to accomodate our schedules with a baby -- at her suggestion) we embarked on the Search. I think we looked at about 25 houses, if not more. It might be closer to 40. It's all a blur. And from the word Go, Jennifer had me pegged. Looking at the houses, I knew she knew what I wanted to find, and that was great.
It seemed like our process on the house we actually ended up buying ran into a few snags, but then they always do. Here Jennifer really went out of her way, procuring vendors and doing whatever necessary to help us out.
So, I hope you've gathered that Jennifer is awesome. And you will not go wrong with Saffron Realty. -
Review from Jon F.
Chicago, IL
5/5/2008
I have been working with Bob at Saffron for the past 3 months--and I have to tell ya. The Company, and Bob in particular, are AMAZING. I have worked in the RE biz my whole life, and I can honestly say that I've never experienced service of this kind.
I contacted Bob to help me do my first personal investment property, and the entire time we worked together, I literally felt like I was his only client. Rather than just send me the MLS link to ALL of the 600 or so properties that fit my criteria--Bob sorted through all the listings, and screened the best ones for us to visit. Whether weekends, late nights, emails, phone calls--you name it. Bob is there, and he is the man. He is seasoned, knows the business, and will tell it to you straight. No sales BS, just honesty, good advice, and hard work.
If you are looking for help finding a property in Chicago, for the love of God, call Bob at Saffron.
---UPDATE---1/29/09
Yesterday, I closed on the best multifamily deal ON EARTH, all thanks to Bob. When he first showed me the listing, I said "Nah lets pass on this one." Bob said, "Trust me, lets just have a look." Turns out it was a foreclosure (read: tough but AMAZING deal), and by far the BEST DEAL I have ever looked at--the best that Bob and I have seen in our (ehem) one year of working together, and not doing a deal. And now, I OWN A BUILDING! Bob is incredible. Cmon, a real estate broker with undisputed FIVE STARS on Yelp?! Call Bob. He is the King. -
Review from Christopher M.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 12/3/2008
11/24/08 Update....
Saffron Realty SOLD MY CONDO!!!!!!
Better yet- I didn't lose any money!
Bob and Becca worked their butts off in a very cooperative manner. The teamwork was great. In this crazy market, they helped us pull off a miracle by working really hard to get the deal done.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/12/2008 First to Review
Saffranski has been my agent for six years. He put up with my bullshit, worked with me through… Read more »
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Review from Shelley N.
San Francisco, CA
3/10/2010
Wish I needed more houses :)
Want realtors that don't act like salesmen, know their sh$t and respect your time? Look no further. I contacted Saffron based on Yelp reviews and I'll admit, until now, I have been a Yelp leech. But Bob and Becca from Saffron have earned my FIRST yelp review. I was 90% sure I wanted to sell my condo in late 2009 even though the market was not on my side. The team didn't rush me and gave me amazingly simple tips for staging my house to sell. Which happened MUCH faster than expected :) If you're in or interested in some of the coolest Chicago neighborhoods (like ukrainian village) you need an agent who knows those hoods well... Don't assume the big realty names do, you'll be disappointed. Plus these people are actually fun to be around and you're with your agent a lot! Call Bob at Saffron, you will be here writing a five star review soon too! -
Review from Lauren L.
IL
6/3/2009
Jennifer is by far the best thing that could have happened to us when we started looking around to buy our first place. We were super green and had no idea what to expect, and we ran into just about every hurdle you could imagine. Luckily, Jennifer helped us navigate through all of it; she not only found incredible solutions to our problems but also kept us from pulling our hair out. Even better, she is super quick with her responses and made us feel like we were always her top priority.
We couldn't be more happy with our new home, and there is no way we would have been able to make it work without Jennifer's help. I will definitely be recommending her overzealously to anyone who even thinks they might start looking for a place. -
Review from Ruby M.
Chicago, IL
6/30/2008
Chuck Woodring. Seriously, don't bother with any other Realtor. He's super helpful, flexible, and low-maintenance/patient. He did what all Realtor's should do: advise. He always advised and educated us on what to do, but never once forced us into a decision. He made the whole experience very fun and exciting....not terrible and stressful like I was expecting it to be for a first-time home buyer :)
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Review from Jen W.
Chicago, IL
8/14/2009
My fiancee and I just bought a condo, with the assistance of Erin Duncan of Saffron Realty. We were very happy with her services, and she made herself available to us on evenings and weekends many times throughout the process. She was laidback and very pleasant. Saffron Realty seems to have a great knowledge of properties in the West Town and Logan Square areas. For first-time home buyers, it was a real asset to have the assistance of Saffron Realty and Erin Duncan.
