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About

Born into a career Air Force family, Curtis Van Carter spent only a few months at his birthplace, Mitchell Field, Long Island, New York. By the time he was 17 years old, he had moved with his parents 21 times and resided in many different places including all across the United States, Bermuda and seven years in Germany.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Ohio State University and continued his physics career as a research technician at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. While working under the tutelage of two brilliant Cal Tech physicists attempting to develop a “heavy ion accelerator,” he realized physics wasn’t for him and returned to school attending California State University, Hayward where he took graduate classes in Geography.

From 1972-83 he pursued a number of careers until 1984 when he realized a dream of taking a year off to discover his Greek roots and the spirit of Alexander the Great.
Vintner's Golf Course, Yountville

Vintner's Golf Course, Yountville

Upon his return to the Napa Valley, he began selling real estate, developing projects and making deals. He affectionately refers to his profession as “peddling dirt, finding rainbows and the pot of gold.” He spent 13 successful years in association with Davidson & Bennett Realtors and The Prudential California Realty, opening Yountville Properties in 1993. In 1997 he formed a new alliance with Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley and continues to live and work in Yountville, truly enjoying life and the thought of what the next phase of his life will reveal.

During his 25 year real estate career, he has closed more than 350 residential real estate transactions totaling over $80 million, in addition to 50 commercial/land transactions valued at $60 million. Among he other professional accomplishments, Curtis holds designations as both a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI), and Short Sales & Foreclosure Resource Specialist (SFR).

His inscrutable ethics, attention to detail and unparallel customer service practices have earned him the moniker “broker extraordinaire” by his clients. Here are just two examples. “Curtis knew more about the property I was buying than the seller’s agent. He was thorough, pulled permits, carefully reviewed title reports AND the exceptions. I’ve never met a more hard-working agent.” “Curtis made home buying an exhilarating experience. We would recommend him without hesitation and will never consider using anyone else.”

Finally, his education and training at Cal Tech introduced him to technology at an early age, where he continues to differentiate his skills as a real estate broker maximizing marketing opportunities on the Internet for his clients.

My latest client appreciation letter:

“It is with my greatest pleasure that I write this letter regarding your agent, Curtis Van Carter. The purpose of this letter is to convey my tremendous gratitude for his outstanding, exemplary and extraordinary service. Curtis Van Carter went completely above and beyond the call of duty to help me to find the perfect home.

It is from this beautiful new home that I now write. My new home is located only a few minutes from my favorite park; and is perfectly located between my job and the countryside I love. I have more amenities, comforts and conveniences than I ever imagined. I got a wonderful price and excellent financing, all thanks to Curtis.

Curtis Van Carter was referred to me by a friend. I thought she made him sound “too good to be true”. In fact, it was all true. He cared more about helping me find the correct property than in making a sale. I was far from an ideal client and he treated my situation with the utmost care, attention and hours of extra time — well beyond what most brokers would provide.

Furthermore, the housing market was also far from ideal. In the midst of unprecedented turmoil and unpredictability, Curtis Van Carter was honest and straight-forward about the challenges of today’s market. His years of experience and expertise navigated me through numerous unusual situations. Curtis interceded with selling agents, loan officers and banks on my behalf until the desired result was achieved. He would go to whatever length was necessary to make sure I had accurate and timely information at my fingertips. He made sure I understood every single step in the process so I was always clear about what was happening; he educated me along, with unwavering patience.

The one quality that really sets Curtis apart from other brokers is that he really listens to the client, always. He knows exactly when and how to ask the right questions. He is gifted in his ability to find the little things that are important in each client’s search. He plants a seed, knowing that finding a home is a process and it takes time. Then, he nourishes the seed with his ability to see and communicate what is right or wrong for his client with a particular property. His professionalism regarding research and presentation is unparalleled. Curtis Van Carter truly sets the gold standard in the Real Estate field.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Curtis Van Carter to anyone looking for a Real Estate Broker. When I have any Real Estate question or need, I will go exclusively to Curtis Van Carter.”

Thanks Curtis Van Carter