Education

• Bachelor's Degree in English/Creative Writing, San Francisco State University;
• Juris doctorate, Georgetown University Law Center.

"Law school, lawyering and teaching law school provided a great segue into the practice of real estate. Having plumbed the depths of administrative law in the academic settings, having drafted real estate contracts and assisted corporate clients with due diligence leading to initial public offerings, and having years of experience interacting with, learning from as I taught adults how to use the law, I'm ready. I know why the process works the way it does, and I know how to get through the process of buying and selling real estate. I like what I do, or I would be doing something else, I promise my clients that.

"There is more to education than can be found in the formal university setting. One of the beauties of working with Coldwell Banker is the access to continuing education. The seminars and cyberclasses offered allow me to stay abreast of risk management issues that arise in the changing real estate landscape, stay abreast of technology, to learn how to use social media. And publications from the various experts Coldwell Banker engages keep the latest trends in real estate at my fingertips."

Real Estate Training

• Licensed to practice real estate in 1999
• Associated with Coldwell Banker in 2001
• Coldwell Banker certified Relocation Specialist since 2003
• Certified Preview Properties Specialist since 2007

"Coldwell Banker's extensive continuing education and certification programs allow me to keep my tools sharp. Having moved across country myself a fair number of times, I could see the value of having a real estate professional who knew the local market as well as the community, and whose main focus would be helping make a multi-layered transition less overwhelming. I'm happy to provide insights into the process where I can, to bring order to the real estate transaction aspect of the larger deal.

"I'm proud to represent the Previews brand. The level of service and attention to detail is nothing short of amazing. The national and international connectivity that the Coldwell Banker name brings to the table benefits buyers, sellers and the marketplace of high-end real estate sales."

Intelligent Focus

In a challenging real estate climate, the best value I bring to the table is intelligent focus. There are multiple moving parts to getting a listing prepared for market and sold, or getting buyers into homes they love. While clients consider the multiple levels of change involved in buying or selling a home, a real estate professional has to shepherd them through the process, to make sure everything aspect of the transaction goes as smoothly a possible. As the navigator of the process, I have to be clear and helpful, professional and calm, and ready to find the answers to questions that may never have come up before. My resilience results in the best possible outcome for my my clients.Oakland Association of Realtors' REALTOR OF THE YEAR!

What does it mean to be named REALTOR OF THE YEAR? It means the Association appreciates Lydia's service as chair of the Professional Standards Committee. It means the Association values Lydia's efforts as chair of the ORAL LEE BROWN Foundation's annual walk for scholarships and education, which trebled in contributions and participation in 2012.

"I'm a member of the community of real estate professionals; any way that I can serve that community, I'm willing to do. Chairing the Professional Standards committee allows me to use my training as an attorney and my experience as a law school teacher to the betterment of the practice of real estate in Oakland. The work of the Pro Standards committee makes all of us better at our jobs.

"The Oral Lee Brown walk-a-thon stewardhsip is a natural fit for me. I'm an amateur endurance runner, with 19 half-marathons under my belt since 2007. Encouraging real estate professionals and other community members to do a lap around Lake Merritt to raise money for scholarships for underserved youth? A no-brainer! "

Clients Weigh In

"You were a pleasure to work with. Thank you for your time, knowledge & patience thru the home buying process."
Carolyn Belloni & David Warmouth
"You are great at hand holding. It has been great having you as a friend, neighbor and Realtor."
Jan and Warren Karzen
"It was a pleasure working with you."
Gail & Steven Picard
"Thank you so much for helping us find such a terrific home & for all of your support along the way."
Dina Accai & Frank Basile (buyers)
"Thank you for all of your work, assistance and commitment in obtaining our new home."
Mona Williams & Scott Sillers (buyers and sellers)
"You are truly an amazing woman, resourceful & strong. Thank you so much for all of your efforts with helping us find our dream house."
Rachel Connelly & Greg Wang (first time buyers)

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