Co-Founder and Broker
Licensed Real Estate Broker Since 1976
License #00640652
- 30+ years dedicated to providing exceptional real estate service at fair prices.
- Master of all aspects of residential real estate transactions and residential income transactions, with a long history of resolving complex problems for his clients' benefit.
- Success in both buyers' and sellers' markets.
- Native to Berkeley and thoroughly versed in the unique history and culture of East Bay neighborhoods.
- Deeply involved in community activities and volunteer service.
Hal began his real estate career in San Francisco, first with Golden Gate Realty and then with Adams and Burke Realtors — which was the first company to offer lower commissions to home sellers, as well as other affordable real estate services. The company later opened offices in Alameda and Marin counties, and Hal managed the Oakland office.
Hal became intrigued with the potential for creating affordable housing and co-founded the Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation (T.N.D.C.), now one of the largest and most successful non-profit affordable housing developers in San Francisco. Continuing his quest to provide affordable housing to Bay Area residents, Hal helped to develop co-housing, tenant in common arrangements (TICs), Limited Equity Cooperatives and other innovative models that enable more people to purchase a home.
When he returned to residential real estate brokerage a few years later, he broke the mold of traditional real estate agencies and co-founded Realty Advocates with Brett Weinstein to make real estate transactions more affordable. More than 23 years later, he and his partner have proven that outstanding real estate service does not have to come with a premium price tag. In fact, Realty Advocates has saved their clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in commissions.
In addition to his residential brokerage activities, Hal has utilized his real estate expertise by locating and brokering the purchase of buildings for two temples with which he has deep ties: Chochmat Halev and Kehilla Community Synagogue, Jewish Renewal Temples in the East Bay. Hal remains very active with these organizations, serving as president and on the Boards of both for many years. He continues to consult with both of them in real estate and finance matters as well as the care and maintenance for the buildings.
Hal is inspired by Albert Einstein, who wrote, "Striving for social justice is the most valuable thing to do in life," and "Use for yourself little but give of yourself much!" He brings this ethic to everything he undertakes, including real estate and community service.
Currently living in the upper Lakeshore neighborhood of Oakland, Hal and his family are very active in other social and community organizations. His other favorite pastimes include reading, films, theatre, museums, tennis, biking and skiing.
Contact Hal at hal@realtyadvocates.com
or 510-428-0757.
Co-Founder and Managing Broker
Licensed Real Estate Broker Since 1986
License# 00923266
- Over 23 successful years in East Bay real estate
- Savvy negotiator with a long track record of winning the best terms for his clients.
- Expert guide to help buyers make cost-effective upgrades to prepare homes for sale — and to help buyers incorporate repairs and improvement costs into their bid price.
- Tireless manager of complex transactions and escalating details.
- 30-year Berkeley resident who knows the best neighborhoods throughout the East Bay.
- Member of the Green Resource Council and holder of the National Association of Realtors Sustainable Property Designation.
Brett started his real estate career in 1983, buying, renovating and renting/selling houses in the East Bay. Working closely with the Realtors who were part of his team, he saw the possibility of creating a real estate agency that delivered maximum value to the client at the same time as lower commissions. In 1986, he co-founded Realty Advocates to bring a new ethos to residential real estate: providing premier service and greater bottom-line value.
Brett enthusiastically takes the role of a true advocate for his clients. With refreshing candor, he demystifies the real estate world and makes the whole process feel effortless. He taps his background in architecture and his extensive knowledge of current construction costs to help sellers make smart upgrades to their home before selling and to help buyers budget for repairs and improvements as they prepare to make an offer.
Brett's environmental ethic and Green building knowledge runs deep. He earned his B.S. from U.C. Berkeley's College of Natural Resources, and continued into grad school at U.C.'s College of Environmental Design, under the direct mentorship of ecological design visionary Sim Van der Ryn. All of Brett's design projects centered on sustainable building principles and technologies, such as passive solar principles, energy efficiency, roof gardens, wind energy, greywater irrigation and waste recycling.
Brett took this academic knowledge to the streets. He partnered with the City of Berkeley and the Community Energy Coalition, which sourced and distributed energy- and water-saving resources to local residents and businesses. The work of this group led to the creation of the city-wide real estate point-of-sale ordinance known as R.E.C.O, the Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance, which remains in effect today.
When hybrid cars hit the U.S. market in 2000, Brett stepped forward as one of the first people in the U.S. to buy a Prius — inspiring many of his colleagues and neighbors to make the switch. Day to day, he helps buyers identify energy problems in prospective houses and cost-effective solutions, and helps sellers upgrade their homes to meet the expectations of today's eco-conscious buyers.
A devotee of life's simple pleasures, Brett puts a high premium on "walkability." Thus, he lives in the "Gourmet Ghetto" neighborhood of North Berkeley with his wife and two teenage boys. He and his family enjoy walking for their groceries, to the Cheese Board and to favorite restaurants like Cesar's, Saul's Deli, Cha-Am and Taste of the Himalayas. His kids walk or skateboard to their high school.
or 510-428-0757.