Bret Polk

Esq.

Bret Polk of the Hortenstine Ranch Company is a remarkable real estate broker. If you value conscientiousness, effectiveness, and integrity, you should seriously consider working with Bret Polk. In my decades of experience working with real estate professionals, Bret is among the very best. My wife’s grandparents owned and operated a farm in Clifton, Texas which consisted of just over 1,000 acres in Bosque County. After they passed, the farm was owned by 5 related people who each lived in a different state and the property was being farmed by a tenant farmer. Bret is an honorable man who knows his business. After going out to the farm and seeing it with his own eyes, he provided us with accurate information about the property and the market, so that we could establish a realistic price for the property. His knowledge of farm properties is far beyond that of the ordinary agent. Bret dealt very well with the tenant farmer, getting him to cooperate with showing and selling the farm. He pointed out areas where the property could be improved at a reasonable price, to make the farm more attractive to Buyers. Then, he helped find local people who could do that work for the Sellers. Throughout this transaction, Bret kept his word, which in my experience is not always the case. He was reasonable in the requested repairs, and the cost of these repairs was recovered at the close of escrow. Bret’s marketing materials very clearly described the farm which helped to raise the interest of potential Buyers. His wise counsel and knowledge of the market kept the process moving. Each time offers came in, Bret clearly explained the terms to all 5 sellers. He was extremely patient and rational with each of the Sellers, answering their questions and helping them to understand the process. Bret is a Master of Communication, keeping all parties informed of all developments as well as explaining the implications of their decisions. Bret was always quick to call, text or email all parties whenever there were issues to be discussed and when necessary he called us back promptly. We also observed that Bret dealt with all potential Buyers and their representatives in a very professional manner. Disagreement between the five owners unfolded as one faction changed their minds about selling. Bret’s knowledgeable and calming approach kept the parties on track. Ultimately, it was decided that the farm needed to be partitioned into two approximately equal pieces, and one-half of the property was sold by those who wanted to sell. The family differences could have been the end of the transaction if it were not for Bret’s fair and even-handed approach. As it turned out, Bret generated several solid offers and guided us to a better deal than we had been expected. Everyone involved was ultimately satisfied with the outcome. Bret successfully led this herd of cats through a maze of many obstacles. He was the hero in our transaction. Without his help, this escrow would never have closed! To provide credibility to this letter, you should know that I have been a real estate broker since 1983 and a real estate lawyer since 1991. My experience includes personal involvement in literally thousands of real estate transactions with brokers from across the country, as well as teaching real estate broker courses at a community college. Prior to this transaction, I had never met Bret. Bret is one of the very best agents I have ever encountered. He has earned this praise many times over! There are hundreds of agents who would love to list your property or help you find one to buy, but there are very few who have the expertise, the understanding of the process, and the temperament to get the job done for your benefit. This is an honorable man who is very capable of helping you with your most difficult real estate transaction. After seeing Bret in action, I have no reservations in strongly recommending Bret Polk as your real estate agent in any land/farm transaction. If you wish to discuss our experience dealing with Bret, please feel free to give me a call. I would be happy to discuss how grateful we are that we selected Bret Polk to represent our interests in the sale of the family farm. He is among the very best agents I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Do yourself a favor; give Bret a chance to help you with your real estate needs! You’ll be glad you did!

Ranch Buyer

I have always dreamed of owning a ranch in Texas and Hortenstine Ranch Company helped that dream come true. They were very patient with us as my wife and I looked at different parts of Texas until we finally settled on a ranch in Bosque County. We had an unusual circumstance with the Seller and Bret was a great resource and there with us through the whole process. We highly recommend the Hortenstine Ranch Company as you look for your dream property.

Ranch Buyer

Bret Polk and Blake Hortenstine worked diligently to find us the perfect ranch. Our expectations were high and the list of requirements was long. After a few short months, Bret found us the perfect property; we knew the moment we went through the gate that we were “home.” Bret continues to be our first phone call when we have questions and his guidance on ways we can improve our property is priceless. The friendship we have developed along the way makes it easy to say Hortenstine Ranch Company will be the only ranch real estate brokers we will use and recommend to our friends and acquaintances.