Phillipa Criswell

Knowledgeable, understanding and people-oriented, it is not surprising that Phillipa Criswell has achieved great success in the real estate industry. She received her license in 2003, but her love for the business started much earlier. While working as an emergency room nurse, she and her husband purchased a property in Belvedere in 1975, where they began building a home. “I loved it, the entire process from designing to the architecture, to the smell of the wood,” Phillipa explains. It ignited her passion, and she wanted to do more. She began purchasing, selling and leasing homes in the 80s and 90s, working with various real estate agents. Phillipa realized she could utilize her skills and knowledge by becoming an agent herself. Today, she is with Decker Bullock Sotheby's International Realty in Tiburon, serving Marin County and surrounding areas.

With extensive experience renovating homes, part of what makes Phillipa unique is her ability to provide expert advice about the process. “I’m pretty good at determining what it is going to cost, and I know a lot about permits and everything involved in a home renovation,” she says. With her prior career being in the health care field, Phillipa is also naturally caring and attentive to the needs of others. “I respond quickly, whether it’s by phone, text or email. I care about people and listen to what they’re saying, so I can figure out what they want.” Her focus is always on the client and what is best for them. She aims to build strong, long-lasting relationships with those that she works with, including other agents.

Phillipa also offers superior negotiation skills, and takes time to explain the process to both buyers and sellers. “giving them time lines so they know what to expect.”

After years in the business, Phillipa can’t imagine doing anything else, and feels this is her true passion and dream. She loves everything about it, and finds it rewarding in many ways.