Steve's Referral Page

I prefer to do business with people or companies that others have referred to me (as opposed to blindly picking someone out of the phone book). In addition, I like to refer my friends to businesses that are reputable -- it's good for the business and it helps my friends. If you feel the same way, then please support the businesses on the list below. I get nothing out of it, except the satisfaction of knowing that you'll be happy and won't get ripped off, and that the business will be positively rewarded with your patronage.

My friends and I like to say that if we want to screw something up, we can do it ourselves for free. If we want to pay someone else to do something, then we expect them to do a stellar job.

Car Repair:

Foreign Affair is the only place I've ever taken any of my cars for service (except one or two visits I had to make to a dealer). Foreign Affair is located at 490 Perry Court in Santa Clara (near Trimble and 101), telephone 408-727-4884. They only work on Honda and Acura automobiles (which is all I've ever owned: a 1990 Acura Integra GS, a 1987 Acura Integra LS, and a 1997 Honda CRV). I trust these guys completely and can't say enough positive things about them here. If you have a Honda or Acura, this is the only place you should go. If you're considering purchasing a used Honda or Acura, have them check it out before you buy. (Update: They now work on Toyota and Lexus cars too!)
Yarnell's is similar to Foreign Affair, but for Toyota and Nissan service. They're at 81 Pioneer Way (off of Evelyn between 237 and 85) in Sunnyvale, telephone 650-969-9018. When Audra had a Toyota Corolla, we usedto take it to these guys. I don't have as much experience with them as with Foreign Affair, but they seem to be a decent shop for Toyota and Nissan service.

Furniture:

California Stools, Bars, & Dinettes sells casual dining tables and chairs of all shapes and sizes. Since this is all they do they have an incredible selection -- better than most larger furniture stores. If you're looking for a kitchen table and chairs, go straight to these guys. When we bought our house, we asked the sellers where they got their kitchen table and that's how we found out about them. We then bought our own kitchen table and chairs from them. They're nice people, they're especially honest (even if it means referring you to another store), and they deserve your business. They're located at 1272 S. Bascom in San Jose (near Highways 17 and 280), and also have stores in Pleasant Hill and San Carlos.

Home Repair:

Conway Plumbing repiped our previous house and did an excellent job. I would definitely call them again if I had any plumbing needs. Telephone: 408-279-8824 in San Jose, but they actually cover most of Silicon Valley, Penninsula, and East Bay. Tim Huthes is the guy who did the job for us but I don't think he's with them any more.
Paz Electric did the wiring in our patio room and did an excellent (and meticulous) job. If you need any electrical work, call Stephen Rafala at 408-842-1272.
Melody Painting has done several painting jobs for us. They are fast and professional. Call Charlie Kim at 408-248-4955.

Real Estate/Taxes/Financial:

Patty De Luca of Hampton Real Estate Services has financed all of my recent home mortgages. Patty will get you the best rate available, and has on more than one occasion gone beyond the call of duty when getting us a loan. You can call Patty at 408-979-8550.
Hailey Chaing of Contempo Realty has helped us and other friends with several real estate transactions. She's a great person to work with. If you're looking for an agent, give Hailey a call at 408-445-5151.
Valerie Galey of Stellar Financial Services is our tax person. You'll find people who charge less, but you get what you pay for. Valerie is a pro and is worth every penny she charges. You can call Valerie at 408-280-7224.

More to come...

If there's a person or business you'd like to contribute to my referrals page, please help us all out: let me know, and I'll add them!

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Last update: 11/7/2006. Created: 4/27/2002.