Testimonials

Karen Speck was a treasure when I needed a new home in the tight Orcas rental market. As a long-term renter on Orcas, I have great appreciation of her professional skills and knowledge of the marketplace. She proves herself responsive to a renter’s concerns and follows up to make sure any situation has been handled. Karen is dedicated to being a great property manager!

— Mary S.

As an Orcas Island renter, I deeply appreciate Karen Speck and her services as a landlord. She has been an amazing landlord to work with starting at the application process. She made the process easy to understand and complete. The lease and rules are also easy to understand and follow. Any time that I have had an issue in my rental Karen has been quick to respond and get help lined up. She always checks in and follows up to see how the repair process is going. She also inspects the rental annually to make sure that it is in good, working condition. I’m truly grateful that my rental on Orcas is supported by Karen Speck and Cherie Lindholm Real Estate. 

— Jennifer S.

Karen is the best.
We couldn’t be any happier with our choice to have had her represent and help us with our home purchase. Karen knows what her job is, and does it well. Always professional, no-nonsense, and straightforward. She is very communicative and keeps in touch every step of the way. She always had our best interests in mind.
Her experience and gentle counsel were invaluable.

— Kevin B. and Sheila B.

It’s difficult to sell a tourist-related business during a pandemic but Ken Speck did it. Through lots of nibbles and a few false starts we never had to wonder what was going on. We were always in the loop with e-mails, phone calls and occasional face to face conversations, socially distanced of course. Ken kept it all pointed in the right direction with his expertise and a touch of humor. Thanks Ken.

— Wayne & Jaimie R.

 

Thanks Karen for taking such great care of our home over the years. It means a lot to me and Fred that you do such a great job.

— Pam R.

 

As a 10+ year customer, I have trusted my yearly vacation in the Islands to Lindholm Real Estate and Karen Speck.  I know I can count on Karen to get things right.  She has worked with me over the years to get the type of property I desire in the time-frame that works with my schedule.  She is a great communicator and has quickly and satisfactorily resolved any issues that have arisen during my stay.  I look forward to continuing to work with her for years to come.

— Tony Y.

 

24 Years of Satisfaction!

Who would stay that long with Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate if not satisfied with the exceptional care for our property and for us?

They are/have been most helpful in managing our property for long term rental and then for short term rental; also for purchase information on other properties. Karen and Ken made pertinent helpful suggestions for making our house more user friendly for short term rental. They are reliable, take extra care in dealing with the house and our needs as well as the renter’s needs, respond quickly to emails, immediately respond to an unforeseen sudden problem and check the house after storms or heavy snowfalls. So if you have property to sell or rent, please do call them. 360-376-2204

— M.W. & M.W.

 

So glad you’re there to help. I couldn’t do this half way across the country.

— Shelly K.

 

Ten years ago I walked off the street into the Cherie Lindholm offices and have had a fantastic relationship with them ever since. We purchased a property with the able assistance of John Erly who has helped us numerous times over the years. Karen Speck has efficiently managed our rental property, always keeping communication open, managing routine maintenance, arranging for repairs when needed and filling our home with renters throughout the season. Cherie Lindholm Realty should be your first stop when looking for property on Orcas Island. Doug & Marleta M.

— Doug & Marleeta M.

 

As an experienced attorney with a background in real estate transactions, I have entrusted the team at Cherie Lindholm Real Estate over the past 20 years to manage the sale and purchase of several properties my family has owned on Orcas, and on each occasion, they were able to quickly find quality buyers and sellers that other realtors on the island could not. More importantly, Cherie Lindholm Real Estate handled each of those transactions with a level of professionalism, efficiency and competency that in each case exceeded my already high (and rather demanding) expectations. I fully intend to continue using Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate for all my real estate transactions, and I do not hesitate recommending them to others.

— Jack C.

 

We have had a cabin rental through Cherie Lindholm for the last 3 years and have been very satisfied with Karen Speck. She has been very helpful to us, and been easy to work with. We have been very satisfied with the tenants that she has put in there for us. Good job well done. Thanks.

— Dorothy L.

 

Ken and Karen Speck have been our rental mangers on Orcas Island for 28 years. I think that says it all as far as how we feel about their services. Over the years, they have managed our long term rentals and most recently vacation rentals. Their knowledge of market rental values, detail to renter’s application and instruction, is excellent. Finding the right renter is a owner’s peace of mind. Ken and Karen’s one on one personalized attention to us and our rental home is what we looked for in a rental manager. We wanted a company on Orcas which would allow quick service should renters have a complaint. We have to say over these many years, our family got all that from the Speck’s detailed services, hands down. Many thanks to the Specks!

— Carol H.

 

Living in Mexico all winter I have counted on Karen to oversee my rental. It has been the best experience. I do not worry as I know all will be taken care of in my absence, always very professional and cheerful. Karen makes my life so easy.

— Michele D.

 

My family and I have been vacation renters through Cherie L. Lindholm for almost twenty years. Karen and Ken Speck have been consistently friendly, helpful and efficient in helping us with our Orcas Island vacation planning. We enjoy doing business with them and will continue to do so.

— Michael and Karen K.

Karen is a fantastic Realtor who takes pride in doing the right thing. She guided us through the selling process and made sure that things that needed to be done were done while we were away from home. I can’t thank her enough for all she did. Thanks, Karen!

— Lynn G.

Thanks to Karen I’m living in my dream cottage. It’s in excellent shape and she’s been very responsive the few times I’ve had maintenance or utility issues. I feel like she’s working not just for the owner but for me as well, including some occasional fancy footwork – much appreciated!

— RC

Living on an island is challenging, especially if you’re a long-term renter. We’re grateful that we found Karen and our long-term rental home back in 2019.

We really appreciate Karen’s professionalism and commitment to both her owners and tenants.

— S & L

If you’re looking for a Real Estate Agent, a Real Estate Broker, or Property Manager, look no further than Karen Speck (at Cherie L Lindholm Real Estate and Property Management)! I cannot say enough about Karen, or recommend her more highly for any of your property needs.

 

Karen’s has represented us as our Real Estate Agent in two separate transactions. A purchase in 2022 and a sale in 2023. We wouldn’t have picked anyone else. She’s also been our Property Manager from 2015 – 2023. I believe she is the most professional person I’ve ever worked with. As your personal representative, you won’t find a more knowledgeable agent on the island, or harder working professional. She knows the properties, she’s done her research, and treats every transaction as if it were her own purchase, sale, or rental. I’ve yet to have a question for her that she’s doesn’t have an answer for me. She reads every single document thoroughly and reviews them multiple times. If there is any type of hiccup, Karen jumps right in and it’s taken care of immediately. Nothing phases her and she treats everyone, tenant, landlord, buyer or seller with dignity and respect. Her communication skills are excellent. If you want professionalism, paired with competency, negotiating skills, fairness, compassion, and an advocate for your needs, Karen if the agent for you.

— Cindy and Tim C.

Karen, with much thanks for your great help and professionalism in dealing with me and property on Orcas.

— Elizabeth S.

 

We have been working with Karen Speck for about five years. She has always been reachable, responsive, and extremely professional. We highly recommend Karen for your property management needs.

— Patrick S. & Kathy G.

 

My family has worked with Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate for 20 years. We started as visitors at a vacation rental. John Erly helped us find a house, and we moved to Orcas. John made several subsequent real estate transactions smooth and easy for us. Ken and Karen Speck have managed our commercial properties with professionalism, humor, and sensitivity. They took care of one of the busiest buildings in town, handling everything from a major flood to wind damaged doors, and they kept our tenants happy. Karen recently sold a commercial property for me. She priced it right,
fielded multiple offers, gave me excellent guidance, and concluded the deal much faster than I had predicted. Most importantly, Karen, Ken, and John quickly became my family’s good friends.

— MK

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help with the sale of my condo on Orcas. You have been the ultimate professional with a very personal touch. As property manager, your care of my rental property and tenant and now the sale of the property has been stress-free. At all times any matters arising received your immediate attention and your attention to detail is top-notch. All this at ‘long distance’ and across time zones. A big thank you to you and your team.

— Elizabeth S.

 

For the past 15 years, Karen has helped us find the perfect vacation rental for our extended family escapes to Orcas Island. She has always been able to accommodate our requests and we have yet to be disappointed with the vacation rentals she has found for us.

— Dave and Ann S.

 

I have rented a home from Cherie Lindholm RE for many years and have had nothing but great interaction. When it came time for me to sell property of my own, I knew I would be going through Ken and Karen Speck. They are honest, knowledgeable, compassionate and professional. I would without a doubt work with them again and again.

— Darby S.

 

Dear Karen, I am writing to tell you that, once again, you and your colleagues provided such excellent service to us on this summer’s rental.  Thank you so much.  That you brought a tree trimmer out to enable us to watch World Cup (to improve satellite reception) was so far and beyond, and we appreciate it so much.  We are still thinking through buying on the island and will contact you when we are ready to move forward.  We are still very much in the information gathering stage, trying to figure out retirement, vacation rental possibilities, whether we are suited for island life, etc., but will go directly to you when we are ready to take the plunge.  With much gratitude for another wonderful family vacation.

— Inge B.

 

When it comes to Cherie Lindholm Real Estate they know how to get your home rented. They have enabled me to feel comfortable renting my summer home because of their professionalism and knowledge and attention to details. I’ve been with them for 30 years now and I can’t speak highly enough of them personally and professionally.

— Jon and Darlene

 

We first met Karen Speck in 1994 when we stayed at one of their vacation rentals. We were impressed with the contract we were presented. Covered all the elements of the rules and regulations of the property. The cleanliness of the home was impeccable. After we moved to Orcas and bought a rental property we knew Karen was the one we wanted to represent us. She is on top of the maintenance both inside and out. Has a terrific team of people who repair and keep things running smooth. Karen a hands on manager and treats our investment as if it were her own. We also really appreciate her vetting of tenants. We highly recommend Cherie L Lindholm and Karen to anyone who want to rent a property or has one that needs management.

— Terry and Ginger

 

Based on our four decades of real estate transactions across multiple states, Cherie Lindholm sets the highest standards for integrity and service we have ever encountered in the industry. Ken Speck provided sound guidance and comprehensive evaluations of properties and the entire staff facilitated the purchase of our Orcas Island home. Based on our excellent experience, we have referred numerous friends and relatives to Cherie Lindholm Real Estate – and they have all shared our esteem for Ken and Karen Speck. For many summers prior to buying our property, we used Karen Speck’s efficient rental operation to evaluate various locations on the island and to enjoy the pleasures of Orcas Island.

— A. and J. W.

 

We have had our beach house rented by Karen for the past several years. She is the sole reason we were able to get it rented. With her advice, help, and help from her team of experts we fixed it up a little and started renting during the summer. With the income from the rentals we have been able to invest more into our house. If anything happens to the house she is there to take care of it, and treats it as if it was her own house. The best part is I don’t have to worry about the house. Karen seems to know how to only get “good” renters. We have never had an issue with any of the guests, and many return year after year. I can’t thank Karen enough.

— The Telfers

 

We have been professional real estate investors for over 30 years. We find that in smaller, more remote communities like the Islands, it is often difficult to find professional property managers who can provide the level of service we require. In Lindholm Real Estate, we have a manager that is every bit as competent and professional as any we find on the mainland. I’d recommend them to anyone seeking a quality partner in their real estate businesses.

— Pearl Island Properties

Karen was a great property manager during our years-long lease on Orcas Island. We moved here from several states away having never seen the home, but she facilitated not only a viewing by an on-island colleague but also all of the remote-signing of the lease paperwork and other logistics. Upon move-in she became a reliable property manager who was responsive when maintenance was needed and friendly and informative in our interactions around the house and life on Orcas Island. And she always remembered our pets’ names. Thanks Karen! 

— Justin C. 

I have been on the beautiful Orcas Island since 2020. In 2021 I hit the Orcas Island housing jackpot/lottery when I met Karen Speck. From the time I talked with her I was looking, signing and living in a gorgeous place all within 6 days. Karen has been an amazing manager for the property I live in. She is prompt and very efficient. Thank you Karen for all that you have done for the community!

— D.M.J.

 

Karen managed the long term rental of our home while we were temporarily off-island. Her responsiveness and attention to detail provided the peace of mind I wanted in having someone local manage our property. Karen attended quickly to both our needs and those of our tenant. Her communications were clear, timely and direct. Karen provided very professional service, and I would engage her again without reservation should the need arise.

— Tom E.

 

We cannot recommend Karen and Ken strongly enough! For 2 years they managed our property while we lived overseas. When we decided to sell, Karen and Ken took care of all of the considerable details that we couldn’t handle ourselves due to COVID-19 restrictions. They went far above and beyond on countless occasions. Their professional care made the sale of our Orcas house the best (and easiest) real estate transaction we’ve ever had.

— Matt J.

 

We moved to the island back in 2012 and had the pleasure of staying in one of the long-term rentals managed by Karen at Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate for a couple of years. She was clear, honest, thorough and responsive to our needs as renters, and the home was well maintained. We recently had the opportunity to purchase a property and I was happy to work with Karen and Ken (who represented the seller). The same professionalism that we came to expect as renters with Karen was carried seamlessly into the real estate transaction as well. We’d use Cherie Lindholm for our future real estate needs without hesitation. Thanks again!

— Joshua J.

 

For the past 8 years, Cherie L. Lindholm has handled everything real estate for us. As vacationers, then we owned 2 rentals on the island that were handled by Karen. She never missed a beat on getting it rented and insuring that the rentals were always ready for the next guest. As we sought to become island residents, it was Ken and John who handled selling our houses and finding a new one for us. Again, handled in a professional and friendly way. They are locals and show it!

— Dave and Jane E.

 

We have been using Cherie Lindholm Real Estate for property management of our Eastsound home for the past ten years and couldn’t be happier! Karen Speck is always on top of any issues that may occur with great communication and quick resolution of any problems. I have always found her to be very helpful and reliable. I can highly recommend this company and Karen, in particular, with the utmost confidence.

— Susan F.

 

We choose Karen Speck with Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate to manage our home on Orcas Island for 2 seasons. Karen excels at communication and efficiency. She kept our home rented and took care of any cares & concerns that always pop up. After the season, when we arrived back, our home was left exactly the way we left it. Our house has recently sold and we have already recommended Mrs. Speck to the new owners. Karen Speck will be our first call for any future dealings on a vacation rental.

— Gary and Cher

 

Karen and her team at Lindholm Real Estate have done a wonderful job managing our Orcas rental property! In addition to being able to efficiently perform all the ongoing rental management issues – monitoring and performing routine maintenance, lining up contractors, handling rental payments, etc. – she also has been great in the front-end work as well, such as getting the house ready to rent and finding tenants. The fact that she is in tune with the local community, along with her knowledge of the local rental market and her connections with the local service community, have all been invaluable to us. We have a hard time imagining managing a rental property without her, and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone else is need of a property manager on Orcas. Thank you Karen for doing such a wonderful job!

— Ken and Barbara N.

 

We have worked with the good folks at Lindholm Realty over the past 8 years; first working with John Erly when we purchased our home on Orcas, and later having the pleasure of having Karen Speck manage the property for us as a rental. In every instance they have been helpful, knowledgeable and professional. Being off-Island property owners, it was greatly reassuring to have Karen representing our interests, working with tenants and managing repairs quickly and efficiently. They are a wonderful, caring group of professionals!

— John M. and Michaela F.

 

We have been clients of Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate for almost 30 years and recommend them for vacation/rental property management and also for buying/selling of Orcas Island real estate. They are extremely knowledgeable. The owners are also deeply involved in our local island community, tirelessly giving of their time, talents and resources. Orcas is blessed to have such an involved and giving real estate company. We salute them and recommend their efficient and professional services!

— John & Rita O.

 

Our long and valued association with our friend John Erly began when he was our buyer’s agent for the Orcas home we purchased in 1999. He was also our agent for a rental that we purchased in 2007 and sold in 2014. Cherie Lindholm successfully managed the rental and helped us navigate those waters with minimal stress and expense. We would never recommend anyone else to help you find, sell, or manage your property, as John will do it with professionalism, persistence, integrity, intelligence, humor, and kindness–while being down-to-earth and accessible. He is the best–you will see. John and Jo Ann P.

— John and Jo Ann P.

 

As a 10+ year customer, I have trusted my yearly vacation in the Islands to Lindholm Real Estate and Karen Speck.  I know I can count on Karen to get things right.  She has worked with me over the years to get the type of property I desire in the time-frame that works with my schedule.  She is a great communicator and has quickly and satisfactorily resolved any issues that have arisen during my stay.  I look forward to continuing to work with her for years to come.

— Tony Y.

As an Orcas Island renter, I deeply appreciate Karen Speck and her services as a landlord. She has been an amazing landlord to work with starting at the application process. She made the process easy to understand and complete. The lease and rules are also easy to understand and follow. Any time that I have had an issue in my rental Karen has been quick to respond and get help lined up. She always checks in and follows up to see how the repair process is going. She also inspects the rental annually to make sure that it is in good, working condition. I’m truly grateful that my rental on Orcas is supported by Karen Speck and Cherie Lindholm Real Estate. 

— Jennifer S.

Karen is the best.
We couldn’t be any happier with our choice to have had her represent and help us with our home purchase. Karen knows what her job is, and does it well. Always professional, no-nonsense, and straightforward. She is very communicative and keeps in touch every step of the way. She always had our best interests in mind.
Her experience and gentle counsel were invaluable.

— Kevin B. and Sheila B.

It’s difficult to sell a tourist-related business during a pandemic but Ken Speck did it. Through lots of nibbles and a few false starts we never had to wonder what was going on. We were always in the loop with e-mails, phone calls and occasional face to face conversations, socially distanced of course. Ken kept it all pointed in the right direction with his expertise and a touch of humor. Thanks Ken.

— Wayne & Jaimie R.

 

Thanks Karen for taking such great care of our home over the years. It means a lot to me and Fred that you do such a great job.

— Pam R.

 

As a 10+ year customer, I have trusted my yearly vacation in the Islands to Lindholm Real Estate and Karen Speck.  I know I can count on Karen to get things right.  She has worked with me over the years to get the type of property I desire in the time-frame that works with my schedule.  She is a great communicator and has quickly and satisfactorily resolved any issues that have arisen during my stay.  I look forward to continuing to work with her for years to come.

— Tony Y.

 

24 Years of Satisfaction!

Who would stay that long with Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate if not satisfied with the exceptional care for our property and for us?

They are/have been most helpful in managing our property for long term rental and then for short term rental; also for purchase information on other properties. Karen and Ken made pertinent helpful suggestions for making our house more user friendly for short term rental. They are reliable, take extra care in dealing with the house and our needs as well as the renter’s needs, respond quickly to emails, immediately respond to an unforeseen sudden problem and check the house after storms or heavy snowfalls. So if you have property to sell or rent, please do call them. 360-376-2204

— M.W. & M.W.

 

So glad you’re there to help. I couldn’t do this half way across the country.

— Shelly K.

 

Ten years ago I walked off the street into the Cherie Lindholm offices and have had a fantastic relationship with them ever since. We purchased a property with the able assistance of John Erly who has helped us numerous times over the years. Karen Speck has efficiently managed our rental property, always keeping communication open, managing routine maintenance, arranging for repairs when needed and filling our home with renters throughout the season. Cherie Lindholm Realty should be your first stop when looking for property on Orcas Island. Doug & Marleta M.

— Doug & Marleeta M.

 

As an experienced attorney with a background in real estate transactions, I have entrusted the team at Cherie Lindholm Real Estate over the past 20 years to manage the sale and purchase of several properties my family has owned on Orcas, and on each occasion, they were able to quickly find quality buyers and sellers that other realtors on the island could not. More importantly, Cherie Lindholm Real Estate handled each of those transactions with a level of professionalism, efficiency and competency that in each case exceeded my already high (and rather demanding) expectations. I fully intend to continue using Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate for all my real estate transactions, and I do not hesitate recommending them to others.

— Jack C.

 

We have had a cabin rental through Cherie Lindholm for the last 3 years and have been very satisfied with Karen Speck. She has been very helpful to us, and been easy to work with. We have been very satisfied with the tenants that she has put in there for us. Good job well done. Thanks.

— Dorothy L.

 

Ken and Karen Speck have been our rental mangers on Orcas Island for 28 years. I think that says it all as far as how we feel about their services. Over the years, they have managed our long term rentals and most recently vacation rentals. Their knowledge of market rental values, detail to renter’s application and instruction, is excellent. Finding the right renter is a owner’s peace of mind. Ken and Karen’s one on one personalized attention to us and our rental home is what we looked for in a rental manager. We wanted a company on Orcas which would allow quick service should renters have a complaint. We have to say over these many years, our family got all that from the Speck’s detailed services, hands down. Many thanks to the Specks!

— Carol H.

 

Living in Mexico all winter I have counted on Karen to oversee my rental. It has been the best experience. I do not worry as I know all will be taken care of in my absence, always very professional and cheerful. Karen makes my life so easy.

— Michele D.

 

My family and I have been vacation renters through Cherie L. Lindholm for almost twenty years. Karen and Ken Speck have been consistently friendly, helpful and efficient in helping us with our Orcas Island vacation planning. We enjoy doing business with them and will continue to do so.

— Michael and Karen K.

Karen is a fantastic Realtor who takes pride in doing the right thing. She guided us through the selling process and made sure that things that needed to be done were done while we were away from home. I can’t thank her enough for all she did. Thanks, Karen!

— Lynn G.

If you’re looking for a Real Estate Agent, a Real Estate Broker, or Property Manager, look no further than Karen Speck (at Cherie L Lindholm Real Estate and Property Management)! I cannot say enough about Karen, or recommend her more highly for any of your property needs.

 

Karen’s has represented us as our Real Estate Agent in two separate transactions. A purchase in 2022 and a sale in 2023. We wouldn’t have picked anyone else. She’s also been our Property Manager from 2015 – 2023. I believe she is the most professional person I’ve ever worked with. As your personal representative, you won’t find a more knowledgeable agent on the island, or harder working professional. She knows the properties, she’s done her research, and treats every transaction as if it were her own purchase, sale, or rental. I’ve yet to have a question for her that she’s doesn’t have an answer for me. She reads every single document thoroughly and reviews them multiple times. If there is any type of hiccup, Karen jumps right in and it’s taken care of immediately. Nothing phases her and she treats everyone, tenant, landlord, buyer or seller with dignity and respect. Her communication skills are excellent. If you want professionalism, paired with competency, negotiating skills, fairness, compassion, and an advocate for your needs, Karen if the agent for you.

— Cindy and Tim C.

Karen, with much thanks for your great help and professionalism in dealing with me and property on Orcas.

— Elizabeth S.

 

We have been working with Karen Speck for about five years. She has always been reachable, responsive, and extremely professional. We highly recommend Karen for your property management needs.

— Patrick S. & Kathy G.

 

My family has worked with Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate for 20 years. We started as visitors at a vacation rental. John Erly helped us find a house, and we moved to Orcas. John made several subsequent real estate transactions smooth and easy for us. Ken and Karen Speck have managed our commercial properties with professionalism, humor, and sensitivity. They took care of one of the busiest buildings in town, handling everything from a major flood to wind damaged doors, and they kept our tenants happy. Karen recently sold a commercial property for me. She priced it right,
fielded multiple offers, gave me excellent guidance, and concluded the deal much faster than I had predicted. Most importantly, Karen, Ken, and John quickly became my family’s good friends.

— MK

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help with the sale of my condo on Orcas. You have been the ultimate professional with a very personal touch. As property manager, your care of my rental property and tenant and now the sale of the property has been stress-free. At all times any matters arising received your immediate attention and your attention to detail is top-notch. All this at ‘long distance’ and across time zones. A big thank you to you and your team.

— Elizabeth S.

 

For the past 15 years, Karen has helped us find the perfect vacation rental for our extended family escapes to Orcas Island. She has always been able to accommodate our requests and we have yet to be disappointed with the vacation rentals she has found for us.

— Dave and Ann S.

 

I have rented a home from Cherie Lindholm RE for many years and have had nothing but great interaction. When it came time for me to sell property of my own, I knew I would be going through Ken and Karen Speck. They are honest, knowledgeable, compassionate and professional. I would without a doubt work with them again and again.

— Darby S.

 

Dear Karen, I am writing to tell you that, once again, you and your colleagues provided such excellent service to us on this summer’s rental.  Thank you so much.  That you brought a tree trimmer out to enable us to watch World Cup (to improve satellite reception) was so far and beyond, and we appreciate it so much.  We are still thinking through buying on the island and will contact you when we are ready to move forward.  We are still very much in the information gathering stage, trying to figure out retirement, vacation rental possibilities, whether we are suited for island life, etc., but will go directly to you when we are ready to take the plunge.  With much gratitude for another wonderful family vacation.

— Inge B.

 

When it comes to Cherie Lindholm Real Estate they know how to get your home rented. They have enabled me to feel comfortable renting my summer home because of their professionalism and knowledge and attention to details. I’ve been with them for 30 years now and I can’t speak highly enough of them personally and professionally.

— Jon and Darlene

 

We first met Karen Speck in 1994 when we stayed at one of their vacation rentals. We were impressed with the contract we were presented. Covered all the elements of the rules and regulations of the property. The cleanliness of the home was impeccable. After we moved to Orcas and bought a rental property we knew Karen was the one we wanted to represent us. She is on top of the maintenance both inside and out. Has a terrific team of people who repair and keep things running smooth. Karen a hands on manager and treats our investment as if it were her own. We also really appreciate her vetting of tenants. We highly recommend Cherie L Lindholm and Karen to anyone who want to rent a property or has one that needs management.

— Terry and Ginger

 

Based on our four decades of real estate transactions across multiple states, Cherie Lindholm sets the highest standards for integrity and service we have ever encountered in the industry. Ken Speck provided sound guidance and comprehensive evaluations of properties and the entire staff facilitated the purchase of our Orcas Island home. Based on our excellent experience, we have referred numerous friends and relatives to Cherie Lindholm Real Estate – and they have all shared our esteem for Ken and Karen Speck. For many summers prior to buying our property, we used Karen Speck’s efficient rental operation to evaluate various locations on the island and to enjoy the pleasures of Orcas Island.

— A. and J. W.

 

We have had our beach house rented by Karen for the past several years. She is the sole reason we were able to get it rented. With her advice, help, and help from her team of experts we fixed it up a little and started renting during the summer. With the income from the rentals we have been able to invest more into our house. If anything happens to the house she is there to take care of it, and treats it as if it was her own house. The best part is I don’t have to worry about the house. Karen seems to know how to only get “good” renters. We have never had an issue with any of the guests, and many return year after year. I can’t thank Karen enough.

— The Telfers

 

We have been professional real estate investors for over 30 years. We find that in smaller, more remote communities like the Islands, it is often difficult to find professional property managers who can provide the level of service we require. In Lindholm Real Estate, we have a manager that is every bit as competent and professional as any we find on the mainland. I’d recommend them to anyone seeking a quality partner in their real estate businesses.

— Pearl Island Properties

 

Karen managed the long term rental of our home while we were temporarily off-island. Her responsiveness and attention to detail provided the peace of mind I wanted in having someone local manage our property. Karen attended quickly to both our needs and those of our tenant. Her communications were clear, timely and direct. Karen provided very professional service, and I would engage her again without reservation should the need arise.

— Tom E.

 

We cannot recommend Karen and Ken strongly enough! For 2 years they managed our property while we lived overseas. When we decided to sell, Karen and Ken took care of all of the considerable details that we couldn’t handle ourselves due to COVID-19 restrictions. They went far above and beyond on countless occasions. Their professional care made the sale of our Orcas house the best (and easiest) real estate transaction we’ve ever had.

— Matt J.

 

We moved to the island back in 2012 and had the pleasure of staying in one of the long-term rentals managed by Karen at Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate for a couple of years. She was clear, honest, thorough and responsive to our needs as renters, and the home was well maintained. We recently had the opportunity to purchase a property and I was happy to work with Karen and Ken (who represented the seller). The same professionalism that we came to expect as renters with Karen was carried seamlessly into the real estate transaction as well. We’d use Cherie Lindholm for our future real estate needs without hesitation. Thanks again!

— Joshua J.

 

For the past 8 years, Cherie L. Lindholm has handled everything real estate for us. As vacationers, then we owned 2 rentals on the island that were handled by Karen. She never missed a beat on getting it rented and insuring that the rentals were always ready for the next guest. As we sought to become island residents, it was Ken and John who handled selling our houses and finding a new one for us. Again, handled in a professional and friendly way. They are locals and show it!

— Dave and Jane E.

 

We have been using Cherie Lindholm Real Estate for property management of our Eastsound home for the past ten years and couldn’t be happier! Karen Speck is always on top of any issues that may occur with great communication and quick resolution of any problems. I have always found her to be very helpful and reliable. I can highly recommend this company and Karen, in particular, with the utmost confidence.

— Susan F.

 

We choose Karen Speck with Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate to manage our home on Orcas Island for 2 seasons. Karen excels at communication and efficiency. She kept our home rented and took care of any cares & concerns that always pop up. After the season, when we arrived back, our home was left exactly the way we left it. Our house has recently sold and we have already recommended Mrs. Speck to the new owners. Karen Speck will be our first call for any future dealings on a vacation rental.

— Gary and Cher

 

Karen and her team at Lindholm Real Estate have done a wonderful job managing our Orcas rental property! In addition to being able to efficiently perform all the ongoing rental management issues – monitoring and performing routine maintenance, lining up contractors, handling rental payments, etc. – she also has been great in the front-end work as well, such as getting the house ready to rent and finding tenants. The fact that she is in tune with the local community, along with her knowledge of the local rental market and her connections with the local service community, have all been invaluable to us. We have a hard time imagining managing a rental property without her, and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone else is need of a property manager on Orcas. Thank you Karen for doing such a wonderful job!

— Ken and Barbara N.

 

We have worked with the good folks at Lindholm Realty over the past 8 years; first working with John Erly when we purchased our home on Orcas, and later having the pleasure of having Karen Speck manage the property for us as a rental. In every instance they have been helpful, knowledgeable and professional. Being off-Island property owners, it was greatly reassuring to have Karen representing our interests, working with tenants and managing repairs quickly and efficiently. They are a wonderful, caring group of professionals!

— John M. and Michaela F.

 

We have been clients of Cherie L. Lindholm Real Estate for almost 30 years and recommend them for vacation/rental property management and also for buying/selling of Orcas Island real estate. They are extremely knowledgeable. The owners are also deeply involved in our local island community, tirelessly giving of their time, talents and resources. Orcas is blessed to have such an involved and giving real estate company. We salute them and recommend their efficient and professional services!

— John & Rita O.

 

Our long and valued association with our friend John Erly began when he was our buyer’s agent for the Orcas home we purchased in 1999. He was also our agent for a rental that we purchased in 2007 and sold in 2014. Cherie Lindholm successfully managed the rental and helped us navigate those waters with minimal stress and expense. We would never recommend anyone else to help you find, sell, or manage your property, as John will do it with professionalism, persistence, integrity, intelligence, humor, and kindness–while being down-to-earth and accessible. He is the best–you will see. John and Jo Ann P.

— John and Jo Ann P.

 

As a 10+ year customer, I have trusted my yearly vacation in the Islands to Lindholm Real Estate and Karen Speck.  I know I can count on Karen to get things right.  She has worked with me over the years to get the type of property I desire in the time-frame that works with my schedule.  She is a great communicator and has quickly and satisfactorily resolved any issues that have arisen during my stay.  I look forward to continuing to work with her for years to come.

— Tony Y.