CLIENT REVIEWS

ABOUT LISA ELLIS

Are you looking for a good realtor to sell your home? No! you are looking for the Best Realtor available to walk you through the various stages of marketing your home for the highest and fairest sales price. To do that, you need someone with knowledge of the current market conditions, an understanding of what your home will sell for in a competitive environment, what upgrades, if any, you may want to consider to get top dollar, how to stage your home to be most attractive to willing buyers and how to promote and advertise your home place. You want the entire package and that is what you will get when hire Lisa Ellis as your Realtor. Lisa and Jodi Villers, her administrative assistant or girl Friday, as I refer to her, are a team made in heaven. Both are extremely knowledgeable of the real estate market and all the legal requirements and proper forms that are needed to make the sale a reality and have the sales proceeds sent to your bank account. They handle everything in a quick and efficient manner. Jodi has even come to my home on several occasions to review documents and get my signature. How convenient is that? In the process of selling my home, I have developed a strong and trusting relationship with Lisa and Jodi and have total trust in their guidance and suggestions. In addition to the legal and procedure process in marketing and selling my home, Lisa has given me a referral to people who have helped me downsize, move and get organized in my new home. I continue to use them as I settle in. Lisa Ellis & Co. is the real deal. Lisa was referred to me by a friend and I highly recommend her with 100% confidence, that she will market your home to get the best price possible, handle all the paperwork and make your move as easy and trouble-free as possible. I am glad I worked with Lisa as my agent and believe you will be as happy as I am.

- Regis L.

It was an absolute pleasure to work with Lisa Ellis and her firm in the sale of our two homes, one in Durham (Croasdaile) and the other in Chapel Hill. Lisa not only demonstrated her knowledge of the market conditions but provided all of the important detailed suggestions that made our homes more appealing to prospective buyers. She was extremely helpful in assisting us empty our homes before placement on the market by having a variety of people to attend to the needs of both homes in a most efficient way. We were amazed at how we were able to vacate our homes so quickly due to her contacts and assistance. She constantly communicated with us both personally and electronically, giving us updates on the progress of the potential sales as well as continual suggestions to improve the sale possibilities. She also had expert photography and staging personnel that were spectacular in their abilities to maximize the “sell-ability” of our homes. Once our homes actually went on the market, my home in Croasdaile sold almost immediately and well above the asking price. The Chapel Hill home sold quickly even though that home’s sales market was not as favorable. My wife and I were amazed that within 2 ½ months we 1. bought a new home (with the help of one of Lisa’s realtor friends in Mebane), 2. emptied our two homes, and 3. had both of our homes sold. We never could have done that without Lisa’s guidance and help. I recommend Lisa Ellis and Real Estate by Design with my highest recommendation possible.

- Ted R.

Lisa has helped me with the sale of two of my homes, and the purchase of my current home. Lisa is amazing to work with! She is on the ball at ALL times, responds to any issues right away. I was traveling when I put my rental home on the market, and Lisa went to the house to make sure all my utilities were turned back on after the tenants had left so the house could be shown right away. She made the entire process seamless and super easy! House was sold within a week of being on the market! I didn't even have to be at the closing, she handled everything for me! Lisa will always be my go-to girl with all my real estate needs.

- Kerstin D.

This is the second house that Lisa helped us sell and we are more than satisfied for both times. She has a great understanding about local real estate market and she is very honest and realistic (in the world where too many people tell you only what you want to hear). Our house had been rented to 4 different families with kids and dogs in the past 10 years so it needed a lot of work before it was put on the market for sale. The first 2 offers we had failed to go through and we felt depressed and thought we were never able to sell our house... Lisa was there for us every step of the way, helping us make repair and improvement decisions, negotiating prices and terms, and offering emotional support. Her patience and perseverance finally paid off and our house was sold after the 3rd offer! If you need to buy or have a house to sell, I highly recommend you hire Lisa to be your agent -- you will be in good hands.

- Lanting D.

Lisa and her team are great. Very professional and timely. Lisa really knows the market well, and she even helped me stage my home. I wish I could hire her as an interior designer! I would strongly recommend Lisa if you are looking for an agent in the Durham/RTP area.

- Amanda S.

Lisa made the home selling experience as painless as possible. She took care of everything from start to finish. She hired all the contractors to get our home into shape: painters, landscape, junk removers, etc. We were so grateful that she kept up with everything since we moved out of state. Our AC fuse blew, and she had to get that fixed. She made sure our dishwasher worked after the inspection was inconclusive. She helped us address repairs with the buyers and assess our options. She even sent us our leftover mail. When I say she did everything, I do mean she did everything !! A lot of things come up when selling a house. You want someone like Lisa when it does.

- Lidiya S.

I highly recommend Lisa Ellis and Company for your real estate needs. Lisa and her staff are efficient, have a great sense for the market, are knowledgeable and personable. They are everything you could want in a real estate team. They even make the process of selling, buying, closing, easy to manage.

- Ann S.

Lisa Ellis and her staff were outstanding to work with! She listened to our views as we tried to determine the optimum list price, she ensured we had top notch photos for our listing, and she was always available, either by phone or in person, to discuss strategy or answer questions. We highly recommend Lisa if you are looking for excellent, personalized service!

- John & Susan B.

Lisa and her team gave us excellent service from listing to closing! We live out of the area and she went above and beyond to handle any thing that we needed or any problem that arose. She was always available to us and kept us informed every step of the way. We highly recommend Lisa and her team!

- Janet A.

Lisa Ellis and Company are hands down the best you could ever hope for in a home buying, or selling experience anywhere. They are fantastic. The level of professionalism is amazing. From the initial listing, to the day of closing, they take care of everything. I wish I could add an additional 10 stars to this review. You will not be disappointed. If you are looking to sell, or buy...call Lisa Ellis and Company.

- Justin S.

I can't say enough good things about Lisa and her team! My wife and I worked with her when buying a house 5 years ago and recently to sell a house. She's very knowledgeable of the area and fantastic when it comes time to negotiate. We sold our house quickly and above asking. I have recommended her many times to colleagues and will continue to do so!

- Drew K.

We've sold two houses with Lisa and she's been great! She arranged all the work that needed to be done on the houses in a timely manner. In both experiences, the houses sold quickly with very little stress on our end.

- Patrick & Kaitlyn

Lisa was my listing agent for my house in Durham, NC. I had great experience working with Lisa. She struck me as a real estate specialist who delivers her promises. Before hiring her, she promised the house would sell at a price I would accept, and she delivered. She promised my house would sell within one week, and she achieved that. She also promised she would keep me timely informed on each step of the process because I lived remotely, and she accomplished! I trust all of these stem from her confidence, professionalism, and superb experience with the market and the work. She is highly recommended!

- James Rong

If you want a successful sale of your home you have to go with someone who knows the area. Lisa was referred to us by a neighbor as well as a close friend. She was everything they said she would be and more. Her knowledge of the area neighborhoods as well as her network of business associates made for a quick and painless sale of our home. I highly recommend her and her team and look forward to their involvement in the purchase of my next home. A true professional.

- Victor Serrano

Lisa and her very attentive staff kept us informed and up to date during the process of selling our home. She was extremely helpful in negotiating a very difficult inspection report. She is a very experienced, competent, and professional realtor.

- Bruce & Nora

Lisa treats her clients like family, she worries about them, fights for them, and does everything she can to make sure they're treated with love and respect. Hands down the best.

- Mike T

Thank you Lisa & company for assisting us in the sale of our home! I knew we were in good hands from your first visit to the last! If anyone knows the area & all of south Durham has to offer ... I highly recommend Lisa & her team!

- Kathy S

Lisa worked with my mother in law during what was a very difficult transition time after my father in law's extended illness and death. She went above and beyond in helping her with all aspects of her home sale, from staging to the actual sale--assisting her with document signing when her home internet wasn't functional, recommending resources to help her with repairs, and most of all supporting her through the process. Lisa's team also was extremely professional in assisting my mother in law--she just couldn't have been more pleased with the service she got from Lisa.

- Lesley

Many thanks to Lisa and her team for selling our house so quickly. They are a wonderful, friendly, professional team who knows the real estate business. She was recommended to us by a real estate friend who lives outside of our market. Lisa and her company ranked high in our area. Thanks to Lisa, Erin and Sharon for doing a great job of marketing and selling our home.

- Joanne and Joe

Lisa and her team were absolutely great to work with. She helped us not only buy our dream home but also sell the one we were living in. Both transactions occurred seamlessly and in record time. She was very responsive to our calls and always able to answer our questions. She demonstrated a solid knowledge of the local housing market and gave us great advice along the way. We would definitely use Lisa again and would highly recommend her to others.

- Tracy Roberts and Zeynep Savas

Lisa Ellis and Company made our home buying experiencing an easy one. Throughout the entire process I felt like I had Lisa by my side helping me ask for what I wanted and getting the work done in a very timely fashion. When I would communicate with her or her team I didn't have to wait for a response back. Someone was always there to guide me along the way. I would not hesitate to pass along Lisa Ellis and Company to any friend of family member in buying or selling a home.

- Melissa & Greg

My husband and I decided to downsize from our home in Croasdaile Farms, Durham, NC. After that decision , we had to decide on a realtor. We interviewed 3 realtors. Immediately we felt a connection to Lisa Ellis , Lisa Ellis Real Estate By Design. She came prepared to the meeting with information about our area and the other houses for sale in close proximity. She listened to what we said. She suggested a couple of things we should do before putting on the market. She and her design team member came over and made suggestions for staging, and actually physically rearranged some furniture. She sent over a professional photographer who took some great pictures. Our house pictures went online and we had nine showings in 4 days and sold in 4 days well over our asking price. I highly recommend Lisa Ellis and her team . She represented us very well!!

- Jo Anne and Elmo Yancey

Lisa and her team were amazing to work with - we outlined a plan, which was effective and our home had two offers OVER asking price and went under contract in just 3 days! Lisa's team followed through and communicated every minor detail, making this an easy, seamless and pleasant process. Everyone was beyond just professional, but also personable, and treated us like family. Look no further, Lisa Ellis and her team are your source for home selling and buying!

- Lily Van Dillen

Lisa and her team were great to work with both in selling our house and with buying our new house. We made things a little more complicated than usual, but they adapted and helped us get into a house that really makes us happy. Lisa really does want what's best for her clients.

- Jason Block

Lisa helped us buy our house and acreage in Hillsborough 17 years ago. Now that we are older and our needs have changed, she helped us sell our 7 acres with house. She helped get the house ready and staged so that it sold in a few weeks with several full price offers on the table. Her buyers agent Sharon Carter helped us look for a new house and was extremely patient with finding the right house. Thanks Lisa!

- Ted and Linda Fowler

We are seniors and Lisa first showed us houses 3 years ago when we came to this area from Idaho. We decided to rent for awhile and this summer, while out of state for 2 mos our daughter found a house she said we should consider. We called Lisa who looked at it with our daughter and the short story is Lisa helped us buy it from Wyoming! Scary thought, but with her expertise and our daughter onboard we closed on it Aug 15. Nothing is too hard for Lisa to do!!! We were doubly nervous trying to make decisions long distance but Lisa never made us feel we were being too picky and reassured us all our concerns were legitimate. Hire her!!

- Mark and Pat Mengering

Lisa Ells was the broker for selling my home in Old North Durham in July of this year, and I am very happy to highly recommend her for her knowledge of the Durham real estate market, the efficient way she handled my property, and the overall professionalism of her office personnel. During the contract period, she ensured that all issues were amicably resolved, and I believe the buyer was happy with their purchase experience, too. I certainly was pleased with the result, which ended up in having my house sold at an above-asking price!

- Jim Ellenson

Lisa was quite competent in all respects. She was very reliable, and was always available to answer phone calls and texts. She had complete command of the paperwork required for the listing and sale as did her office staff.. LIsa had very helpful ideas for how to prepare the house for sale (painting, staging). Her painters were surprisingly economical. In short, she met or exceeded my expectations. I recommend her unconditionally.

- Monadnock Ridge Rd, Efland, NC

Choosing Lisa Ellis and Company to help me sell my house was the best choice I could ever made. The Company helped me to break financial barriers in my life. It was an liberating experience! I most definitely recommend Lisa Ellis and Company to assist you with Real estate planning and investing.

- Laverne B.

Lisa Ellis and team were with us every step of selling our home in Durham. My family moved out of town, and they saw the entire process through for us - from painting the home, making minor repairs, setting up professional cleaners, and more to make sure that our house was ready for showing. We were so fortunate to have been connected with Lisa from the start! It gave us a peace of mind that I'm not sure we would have had otherwise. If we could give more stars for this review, we certainly would. For an easy, stress-free experience, I highly recommend that you check out this great team - I promise you will not regret it.

- Zac G.

Lisa Ellis and her team of experts, Real Estate by Design – simply put-AMAZING! My husband and I had never spent time in the Triangle area but thought that it might be a wonderful place to retire; midway between MA and FL, where we could escape the snow and many months of cold. After having spent many hours researching the various over-55 communities in the RTP area, we thought that a trip was in order. Before coming down, however, we understood that a top-notch realtor would be needed. We interviewed one realtor only, Lisa Ellis, Real Estate by Design, via a zoom call, and knew immediately that we wanted her to represent us, and she agreed. For a number of months, following our return trip to MA, the housing market was quiet. Once it picked up, however, Lisa looked at many of the available properties, becoming our eyes on the ground. She instinctively knew, what we would and would not like. Fast forward eight months later; we bought a home virtually, without having seen it in person, all with the help of Lisa and her transaction team. We saw pictures of the property on Zillow, a video made by the seller’s realtor, and Face Time tours. All this time, Lisa represented our best interests. Her transaction team made certain all paperwork and contracts up to, and after, the closing went smoothly. Lisa held our hands when needed and no questions were left unanswered. After the closing, we drove down to see “our home,” and Lisa noticed that we needed to have some work completed. She was able to recommend competent individuals, with whom she had worked previously, and everything was completed in a satisfactory manner. We highly recommend “Real Estate by Design.” Trust Lisa Ellis and her team and you will never regret your decision!

- Debbie G.

Lisa Ellis is a premiere professional with an outstanding team. I had an occupied single-family rental property that I needed to sell and I connected with Lisa Ellis. I let Lisa know I wanted to allow the existing renter to have opportunity to buy. The renter's personal furnishings filled the house to the brink. Even so, Lisa recognized the good shape the property was in, and she was able to quickly make an accurate value assessment of the property. She then recommended to me three different selling and pricing options: (1) sell-as-is to to renter-lowest, (2) sell-as-is open market-higher, (3) invest in cosmetic repairs and sell on open market-highest. Lisa candidly advised that I give the renter a six-week deadline to purchase. This was excellent advice, because after nearly 4 months the renter did not secure financing and was unable to buy. I then gave the renter notice to vacant, assisted the move-out, and clean swept the property. Then seeing the property unfettered, Lisa saw need to increase her value estimate and that property was ready as-is for move-in. So Lisa immediately listed the property as-is at a competitive market price. Lisa's outstanding team made the paperwork processing burden less and seamless. The listing information and the virtual tour pictures were true and very representative of the property. Scheduled showings occurred almost immediate after listing, and within two weeks the offers started to come in. Lisa fully understood our personal needs and goals, and she negotiated fiercely on our behalf with potential buyers. One buyer fell in love with the property and offered move than the asking price. Lisa contracted with this buyer and required of them a hefty due diligence fee for us. Wow! The financials she secured for us were comforting through the few stalls and starts that occurred as the buyer was securing their financing. It was amazing to see Lisa at work for us. Throughout she and her team were personable and detailed. She sold our property with a price higher than originally listed. We are so very pleased with having been served by Lisa Ellis & Company, Real Estate by Design and for the results she achieved for us. Lisa Ellis & Company, Real Estate by Design is a 5-STAR, period.

- C Jackson

Working with Lisa was a dream! She was professional, prompt, and so knowledgeable - she and her team took care of everything and helped us sell our house for an amazing price. She was always easy to contact and helped ensure the entire process was seamless. Could not recommend her more!!

- Brittany M.

Our experience working with Lisa was amazing! I remember when I interviewed her, and she was very well prepared about our property. She asked me questions, and she made a perfect plan to sell our home. After following her recommendations and working with her extraordinary team. We were ready to go to the market and we received a really good offer on the first day on the market. Lisa helped us during the whole selling process and I was delighted with the way she handled everything with professionalism and in a very smooth way. I highly recommend her!! Lisa, thank you so much for your hard work!

- Deeily B.

I'll start by saying Lisa Ellis was the only one our most favorite agent, now retired, was willing to recommend. Lisa Ellis and her team were flawlessly fantastic through three different transactions. We bought a new house, sold our old one and then bought a lot next to the new house. All three transactions in the span of about 6 weeks. Lisa was very patient for the almost one year and countless showings and remained very hopeful while we were getting discouraged we would not find the perfect house. In the end, we found our perfect house, sold ours for much more than expected and all the transactions were smooth and efficiently handled. Lisa capped it off with some lovely housewarming gifts. So now we love our house and we have a new very favorite agent and team behind her. I highly recommend Lisa Ellis and her team if you need any kind of real estate services.

- Gary B.

Lisa has sold our past two homes for us, and we've successfully referred her to friends, too. She did an incredible job seeing the potential in our homes, staging them for high-impact showings, and doing all the heavy lifting for organization getting our home ready to sell. And, not to brag, but she helped us get incredibly good offers both times.

- Timothy M.

Lisa is excellent! She is always available by phone and text if needed. We were first time home buyers, and she made the process easy and simple. She has a great team that is highly skilled and responsive. If we buy or sell in the triangle area in the future, we will work with her. No questions asked.

- Tyler V.

There are not enough words to describe how wonderful Lisa and her team are! This was our first house and selling it was a daunting process. From the moment we met Lisa we were super impressed with her professionalism and knowledge. She did everything she said she would do exactly when she said she would do it....nothing like the other realtors we met with. She answered texts in minutes and never grew tired of our million questions. Lisa gave us great advice when the offer came in and we sold for full price in less than a week. Her guidance through the process was invaluable and we are so thankful. She is the sweetest and truly cares for her clients. Every member of her team was helpful and professional. She is just the BEST.

- Elizabeth J.

Lisa was amazing and helped me every step of the way of my first home purchase in Durham, NC! Any question or issue I needed to get addressed/resolved was done very quickly! She attended the new build meetings with me and would stop by my home site and send me picture updates while I was out of town! She was very fast to respond via text and email! You won't go wrong going with Lisa as your realtor!

- Drew K.

Lisa and team are the ones to use in the Triangle area. Lisa sold our home in Orange County while we moved out of the area. Lisa's experience clearly aids her in appropriate pricing to ensure maximum value and a timely sale. Lisa is also willing to go beyond the typical agent's duties to ensure homes are nicely prepped and staged.

- Jesse B.

Lisa Ellis and her team did a great job at selling our house! She gave great advice, and took care of all the paperwork quickly and effectively. It was a very smooth experience. My wife and I highly recommend her.

- Basil