Client Reviews
These are real reviews from real clients of Ratowsky Group at Compass, in their own words. We organized them by what people tell us matters most, not by date. Across a career of 900+ homes sold and 58 years of combined experience, the same themes keep coming up: protection, teaching, results, and relationships that last decades.
Protection & Advocacy
Clients don't just feel served. They feel protected. Over and over, the word they reach for on their own is advocate.
“The Ratowsky group is the best, bar none. I have used Craig and Justin to buy and sell a few different houses and they are always overly prepared with information to help you get the best deal. My first experience with Craig was my first time buying a house. He actually picked me up in his car and drove me to visit 6 houses that he had lined up for us. He had all the information on each house put together in a bound presentation format. They won't just be your agent, they will be your advocate to make sure you make a wise decision and get the best deal possible.”
Jacob Hastert
Buyer & seller
“Need an excellent realtor? Look no further than Ratowsky Real Estate Group. They sold my house a few years ago and were absolutely amazing. Very professional in every way, never pressured me in any way, were always there for me and were like a dream to work with. I will be forever thankful for everything they did for me.”
Rose Krejci
Seller
“Craig Ratowsky was wonderful to work with in both the sale of our previous home, and the purchase of our current home. He was skilled in knowing what to expect on the sale, had fantastic people for brochures, small repairs and arrangements for showing the home. He listened to what we were looking for in our next purchase. A very professional approach, without any pressure.”
Lisa Burford
Seller & buyer
Education & Guidance
One client wrote that Craig and Justin have the hearts of teachers. The pattern shows up again and again, especially with first-time buyers.
“I'm writing this review from my comfy couch in my amazing new home thinking about how I wouldn't even be here without Craig and Justin Ratowsky. They coached us through the offer process and eventually the stressful counter offers and final offers. They truly have the hearts of teachers and wanted us to feel comfortable and confident in all the micro decisions that need to be made in the buying process. It's been almost 6 months now and I just got another follow up. There's nothing in it for them anymore, the deal is long done, but they seriously care about us.”
Aaron Potter
First-time buyer, Old Town Orange
“Words cannot describe how appreciative we were to have had Justin and Craig Ratowsky as our Real Estate Agents. For those who are currently going through the process of buying a home know the experience is a learning curve. Justin and Craig could not have been more knowledgeable and helped navigate each step of the process. From helping us find a loan officer to recommending different inspectors, they treated us like family.”
Ashley Manor
First-time buyers
“From day one Craig and Justin went above and beyond to thoroughly research, evaluate, and secure the best property for me. As a first time home buyer, the process can be a bit intimidating, but I quickly felt relieved that Craig and Justin had my best interest in mind and made the experience extremely smooth. Their attention to detail, hustle, and determination is what made the process of buying a home enjoyable.”
Andrew Yaz
First-time buyer
Long-Term Relationships
Some clients have been with Craig since the late 1970s. Many now work with Justin too. This is a relationship business, and the relationships last decades.
“I purchased my first home with Craig in 1988 and from the inception, Craig has been the consummate professional. Since then, I have been fortunate to have worked with Craig on additional home purchases and sales. In every instance, Craig always came through with professionalism, consistent follow-up and served as my advocate. Craig's son, Justin, has quickly become knowledgeable and just as professional as Craig. Moving forward, I will continue to be in good hands with either Craig or Justin.”
William Reardon
Buyer & seller, client since 1988
“The Ratowsky Group at Compass has unsurpassed excellence in knowledge, expertise and work ethic, whether you're buying or selling a house. Craig & Justin have been the only realtors we have used for 35+ years. We've also recommended them to friends & family who have gone to them for their real estate needs and been very pleased. They are simply the best!”
Brenda Ellis
Buyer & seller, client 35+ years
“We have used Mr. Ratowsky for over 35 years and are very pleased with his knowledge and experience. He has been our agent on several transactions as a seller and a buyer. We look forward to using him in the future as we transition additional assets.”
Bill Ellis
Buyer & seller, client 35+ years
“I cannot say enough about the Ratowsky Real Estate Group. We consider them our family realtors as they have helped us with several properties. They are ever so professional, they look for our best interest, they are honest and reliable. We have also referred them to so many of our friends. The bottom line, they are simply the BEST!”
Samar McGregor
Repeat client & referrer
Above & Beyond
Painters, carpet layers, estate sales, plumbing, staging, bound presentation packets. The work other agents skip is where Craig and Justin show up.
“Craig and Justin... what a Dream Team! I told them I was going to need someone to hold my hand through the process of selling my home of 25 years, and they did exactly that. They even came to the house to be present when painters, carpet layers, and estate sale people came to give estimates. They held an amazing open house one weekend which garnered multiple offers. Four days later, I had accepted an offer for $100,000 over asking.”
Cathy
Seller, 25-year homeowner
“Craig and Justin Ratowsky are a powerhouse team. From the first contact, they had a great plan, brought in a perfect stager, had excellent and constant communications and helped with everything from dealing with inspection repairs, plumbing issues and guiding me through the process of getting the best deal on my home sale. They sold my home in less than a week. Truly exceptional realtors.”
Steven
Seller, Huntington Harbour
“Craig and Justin did a superb job selling our Irvine property. Their attention to detail and skill in handling the open house, dealing with buyer's agents and smooth handling of all documents was exemplary. They made a complex matter simple and personable for us.”
Lee Graham
Seller, Irvine
“The best Real Estate experience one could have. I feel like I not only got everything I wanted quickly, but I also came out of the situation with a great friend. I can't wait until I can do it all over again!”
Russell Long
Buyer
Negotiation & Results
Seven offers. Multiple offers. Sold in less than a week. First day, far above asking. Preparation and negotiation, turned into outcomes.
“Craig was recommended to me by a good friend. I was living in Sherman Oaks and he drove up there to see my house and what I was looking for in a home. This home came on the market and Craig and I went to the open house which had so many people there. I wanted that house and Craig used all of his experience and skills to negotiate with the sellers. There were seven offers and I ended up getting the home and still living here today.”
Michelle Munz
Buyer, multiple-offer win
“When my husband and I stumbled upon our dream home we knew we needed him on our team. Despite multiple offers on the home Craig was able to negotiate on our behalf and ultimately secure the home for us. As first time home buyers Craig and Justin helped us every step of the way to make the process as smooth as possible.”
Jessica Hoffmann
First-time buyers, multiple-offer win
“We used Craig over 30 years ago when he sold our condo in less than a week above asking price. We again used him this past October to sell our house. He coordinated getting renovations done, had an open house and the house sold on the first day far above the asking price we listed. He's great to work with and I highly recommend him. He knows his stuff!”
Dione Oliver
Seller, client 30+ years
Out-of-State & Complex Situations
Family trusts, 1031 exchanges, out-of-state sellers eight hours away. When it gets complicated, this is the team that persists.
“Craig and Justin were efficient and considerate from beginning to end when I needed to sell two houses in a rather tense family trust situation. I do not believe many Huntington Beach Realtors would have persisted through the difficulties that came up, but this team did. They went over and above by offering to do things I could not because I lived 8 hours away, such as arranging repairs, upgrades, and furniture storage. I would contract with them again without hesitation. What's the highest rating here? I give them higher.”
Dr. Debra Brown Schneider
Seller, family trust, out of state
“When it came to buy our dream home in Huntington Beach there was only one choice and one team. Craig Ratowsky and his son Justin Ratowsky. Buying a house when you are out of state is extremely stressful. Craig and Justin always looked for the best interest of our family and what our 'wants' were and not their 'needs.' Both Justin and Craig were on top of every appointment, transaction, and made sure our family did not just find a house but a home. In Craig and Justin we trust!”
Debbie and Josiah Huelle
Out-of-state buyers
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Reviews of Ratowsky Group at Compass, Craig Ratowsky DRE #00608046 and Justin Ratowsky DRE #02026158. Individual results vary and are not a guarantee of future performance.
