For some people, buying a house is one step taken in the normal course of life. For others, it's a complete life change. I was born and raised in Minnesota. I owned a beautiful duplex that I remodeled to care for my parents in thier last years. When they passed, I decided to pull up those deep roots and move to California to be near my daughter, who lives in San Francisco.SF was far too "spendy" for me. The immediate-area home markets were also far too competitive. Stockton seemed to fit.I searched for two years with different realtors, making several trips to CA, and finally found Al Zielske at Better Homes and Gardens Realty.I explained to him what I was looking for. On the first trip, he had seven properties for me to look at, their details compiled and printed out so I could easily take notes and refer back. Three of the seven were close to what I needed, and one was perfect. We put in a bid but lost out.The silver lining was that Al had been paying attention -- he knew what I wanted and kept looking. He found a home in a great location at a price that worked. He went on his own to investigate and texted me with photos, as I couldn't take another trip out. I bought this house pretty much on his word, and I love it! Al helped me with online forms. He sent timely reminders as we navigated complex financing obstacles and setbacks. Al went above and beyond to work through difficulties with my realtor in Minnesota and contingencies of the sale there. I now live in my forever home with the fireplace, native trees, and big back yard I dreamed of. Al helped to change my life.
Mary Jo McNutt

Superb realtor in a difficult market
Positive and professional are good words to describe Al Zielske. We first met Al when he handled the sale of our neighbor’s home. When it came time to list our home with an agent, Al was our first choice. He arranged for photography and staging and helped us establish a reasonable asking price. As it happened, California’s shelter-in-place order came down the day before our house was scheduled to go on the market. The realtors’ walk-through and our open house weekend were cancelled. The public was warned to stay home, so few ventured out to see our house. Through our fears and uncertainties, Al kept a positive attitude and spoke with us regularly about leads he was following with agents and buyers. He posted a beautiful video tour of our home and reassured us that our house was sound and would sell. And he was right. We received an offer and were able to successfully close despite a market that was all but standing still, thanks to Al’s persistence, optimism, and resourcefulness as an experienced professional.
F
Review submitted by Frank And Judy Ingram (seller) on 22 May 2020

Al was very easy to work with. We were able to describe our needs in a house and in a very fast
manner was able to show us a large number of houses. Together we toured 3 houses and made our
decision later that week. Al was able to let us know about the area we were moving to and find a
place well within our budget . We are very thankful for him.
Joel

Talk about a "trooper"......it is the perfect definition for Al. We met each other through my childhood friends, Sheila and John Sanches, who met Al at church. That was the beginning, August-September, 2022. The recommendation was valuable. I live in Southern California; I was muddling through the emotional decision of when, how and what to do about selling the home my parents owned for fifty plus years. It was not, however, the family home. My parents had several marvelous homes over their 60 plus year marriage. So never setting eyes on me, Al and I worked through the emailing and phone calling. Not easy and not what any realtor really deserves.So Al had to endure my emotions, my fears and most of all, share my mother's emotional journey. Though "old", she has a memory that is sharp and slick. I was finally given permission to sell the/her Pleasanton house. The trials and tribulations began in February, 2023. What a mess! The house was still in tact with my mother's stuff. NOT personal stuff, like clothing and pictures. We moved her here last April, finally, with her permission. I will remind you that she is "old", 108 years old. The house was in shocking disrepair, understandably. Al can explain ALL the inspections, the meeting of people at the house with keys and garage door openers in hidden tins. Then the BOND calamity was the final blow! Al handled it; handled my frustration, and especially my dismay that even such a problem could occur! Dad, a CPA, who tracked every dollar and nickel....to have a cloud on the Title. It was a journey; I am so glad it is over. I know Al is glad it is over. And what an amazing finish: a perfect deal and new happy owners. What more could I ask or expect of my realtor? I salute you as well for having him as one of your colleagues.
Jennifer Yelland

"Al is very knowledgeable of the area in which we were looking at in purchasing a home. He was very patient and was available to answer all of our questions every step of the way. We were very satisfied with Mr. Zielske's expertise and would recommend him and Tri-Valley Realty in the future."
Dennis & Emily

Al Zielski’s is the best agent Very trustworthy honest and direct and to the point . He did exactly as I wanted in selling my home and gave no pressure I felt very confident and secure with Al. Through my experience he is the agent you would want to sell your home
Sai & Meena

I must commend you and your agency for having such people as AL. His service was excellent and he is a real pleasure to work with.
John & Sally

We give him a 10+ for client service, honest and trustworthy
Malcolm & Maria

Excellent communication skills and real estate knowledge. Never pushy.
Scott & Brenda

Always consulted with us, very patient, good in negotiations.
Kevin & Suzie

Al is great, a real asset to your company. Very professional and great communication skills. I plan to refer him to my family and friends.
Chris & Nick

Al was very patient and helpful; he responded to all our calls and emails; we made 11 offers before we finally got one accepted.
Lynn & Tami

I will always be so appreciative of how quickly you put in the offer for my condo and were successful in getting the offer accepted. You were totally supportive, professional, and pleasant to me throughout
Pam