By Clyde Noel

When desirable office space became available in Rancho Shopping Center, Kaman Properties moved in. Run by the Kamanger family, the Los Altos residents have been deeply rooted in local real estate since 1980 and now their office is closer to their clients.

Kaman Properties satisfies client’s real estate needs from acquisition to remodeling and construction, or selling. A quaint type of boutique firm, they act as realtor, contractor and attorney.

Mike Kamanger is a civil engineer and general contractor who has built more than 40 homes on the Peninsula from Atherton to Los Gatos including many in Los Altos.

His son Robert is an attorney who represents clients negotiating for land or tear downs and establishing real estate limited partnerships and 1031 exchanges.

Mike’s wife Monir is a realtor, and Robert’s wife Katja, a civil engineer, director of Land Development at Greenbriar Homes and a planning commissioner for the city of Los Altos.

“If a client is looking to sell their property, but wishes to fix it up to make it more desirable to buyers before listing, we can cost-effectively accomplish this,” Robert said. “If a client is looking to build their dream home, we can investigate the possibility and represent them in negotiating the best price possible for the land.”

“People today are looking for value and exceptional service.” Mike said. “Our research approach results in our clients having all the facts before making a decision whether it is buying, selling or development.”

As an attorney, Robert has established numerous real estate limited partnerships.

“We have returned double and even triple digit returns to investors. Because of our in-depth knowledge of the real estate market on the Peninsula, we have been able to achieve high rates of return,” Robert said.

Robert also can assist clients to reduce their property taxes through the County Assessment Appeals Board.

“After the year 2000 when prices of homes were high, values of homes started to decrease. We can take steps to start the procedure of appeal-filing to the assessor,” Robert said. “It is surprising the amount of money saved on taxes each year if the appeal is approved.”

“It has been an unusual couple of years considering the economic climate in the Bay Area. We still have a lot of people moving in and expect a modest increase in homes because there isn’t enough of a supply,” Mike said. “People also demand more things in a home. Every room has a specific activity and that will account for more remodeling and tear downs in Los Altos.”

Kaman properties are located at 636 Los Altos Rancho, Los Altos. For more information, call 605-6600 or e-mail bob@kamanproperties.com.