Social Media
Awards
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"Kara was a phenomenal realtor. This market is one of the toughest we have ever seen, and she was so patient, kind, and encouraging. She dealt with the ups and downs with grace and extensive knowledge. Her advice was golden and never led us wrong. We were able to sell our house and get everything we could have asked for, and we were able to buy a fantastic home. She is the best realtor we have ever had the pleasure of dealing with and will never go to anyone else (although we hope to not buy for a LONG time)."
- Kristen J.
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"Rick and Kara strike again! My husband & I had the pleasure of working with this dynamic duo on the sale of an investment property earlier this year and it was an obvious choice to work with them again now on the buy side. In todayās market and an ever evolving industry, having a team you can trust is the secret to finding your dream home. We knew we had smart & savvy agents representing us, but buying real estate is notably different than the experience of selling, and fortunately these two are pros at both. It was really the way they showed up for us and for each other that made all the difference. We had to strategize, partner, pivot, tag team, and communicate round the clock throughout a very fast paced process that was no doubt stressful for everyone in the face of lifeās endless curveballs. Unflinching, Kara & Rick both kept clear heads, coached us with sound advice, and maintained positive outlooks that ultimately got us across the finish line and into our new home. We are so grateful for these two who went above and beyond to make it all happen in a relatively short time frame. From arranging private showings to rearranging personal schedules to be by our side, these two know what it takes to make it happen. Anyone would be lucky to go thru this process with someone as compassionate as Kara and as charming as Rick, together they make the home buying process approachable, understandable, and fun!"
- Val and Justin C.
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"Kara and Rick were so incredibly helpful throughout the process of purchasing our new home. They are outstanding and we highly recommend working with them to anyone! They made the process of buying a house seamless, smooth, and stress-free for us as first-time home buyers in a situation with multiple offers. They took time to clearly educate us on the process and explain all the details. They are very detail-oriented and excellent communicators. They were available to answer our questions at almost any time of the day/week and helped coach us through the process, ensuring documents were properly filed on time. They were flexible on times to meet. They also have very warm personalities and were a pleasure to work with. Thank you so much Kara and Rick for making this process a breeze and being wonderful professionals and human beings!
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- Gabrielle R.
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"My experience with the sale of my condo was a comfortable, exciting event in my life, thanks to Kara Birkenstock. Like a coach helping his team do the right things to win the championship game, that was Kara. She pointed out things that would upgrade the value of the property to get the highest dollar value. Her artistic talent was evident in everything she did, from staging the property, to making a beautiful brochure showcasing the condo and even providing a neatly arranged assortment of refreshments that made buyers feel welcome when they arrived . She walked me through all the challenges and talked me through all the concerns and answered me directly about any questions so I felt totally at ease and confident about what I was doing. I can not say enough about how intelligent and knowledgeable she is as well as being a wonderfully sensitive caring person. From the time the condo was ready to be on the market, it opened and closed in such a short time; just a month.
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- Bruce G.
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"I could not be more thrilled with the experience I had selling my condominium unit with Kara! I was having a few troubles of my own and she absolutely came in to save the day. Kara is attentive, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and communicative with every step and aspect of the process of helping sell your home. I would 100% recommend her to anyone looking for a Real Estate Agent in the Los Angeles area!
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- Paige B.
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"Kara and Rick were absolutely amazing to work with. Being a first-time homebuyer in a competitive market was a bit overwhelming. But they were incredible, walking us through every step of the process. They guided us in negotiations and helped us craft an offer that was accepted. They made the home buying process easy. They are kind and intelligent communicators and we knew we were supported through it all. We are now happily living in our dream location, thanks to Kara and Rick!
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- Amanda P.
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Specialties
Education
Kara Birkenstock is more than a real estate professionalāsheās a discerning advisor who curates tailored experiences for each client, guiding them to a residence that aligns seamlessly with their lifestyle and aspirations. Whether itās a first home, a forever retreat, or a strategic investment, Kara specializes in connecting individuals with distinctive spaces that reflect who they are and where theyāre headed.
With a keen eye for quality and value, Kara specializes in everything from charming starter homes to breathtaking luxury estates. She takes pride in helping clients navigate the real estate journey with confidence, offering expert advice, sharp negotiation skills, and a commitment to ensuring every detail is handled seamlessly. Her approach is built on integrity, precision, and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional results.
Beyond transactions, Kara is committed to building lasting relationships based on trust and transparency. She understands that buying or selling a property is more than just a business decisionāitās about creating new beginnings, building wealth, and finding a place to truly belong. With a client-first mindset, she makes the process smooth, rewarding, and tailored to each individualās needs.
Before entering real estate, Kara cultivated a diverse career as a television host, writer, and producer, working on global media projects. She also ran a public relations and marketing business, collaborating with top brands in fashion and hospitality. This unique background gives her a creative edge in marketing properties, strategic thinking in negotiations, and a natural ability to connect with people.
Born in Santa Monica and raised in Marin County, Kara has a deep appreciation for Californiaās diverse communities. She earned a degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Loyola Marymount University, giving her a strong foundation in market trends, consumer insights, and branding strategies. As a lifelong Californian, she has an insiderās knowledge of Southern Californiaās most sought-after neighborhoods, hidden gems, and luxury markets.
When sheās not helping clients find their ideal living space, Kara is off exploring new destinations, immersing herself in different cultures, and indulging her passion for international cuisine. Honoring her familyās Thai restaurant legacy, she enjoys cooking authentic dishes and sharing the flavors of her heritage with friends and loved ones.
No matter where you are in your real estate journey, Kara is ready to be your advocate, strategist, and partner every step of the way. With her, youāre not just working with an agentāyouāre gaining a trusted ally dedicated to turning your real estate goals into reality.