Castle helps people find homes and builds communities. That’s our business. But it’s also a responsibility.

That’s why we’re proud to support Habitat for Humanity and Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa County. Because everyone is stronger when our neighbors have good homes and good meals.

It’s our mission to honor the worth and dignity of our clients, residents, and vendors every day. That’s a good plan for life, too, and these wonderful charities make it happen.

Property managers need to know real estate and business law. Contracts and washing machines. Marketing and maintenance.

The list goes on. But an essential ingredient often gets ignored: people skills.

They come naturally to some, of course. But even the world's biggest extrovert could use pointers on things like management and negotiation, when to trust and when to walk away.

The law requires a lot of continuing education in our business, and naturally we know the latest letters and numbers. But Castle goes beyond book-smarts. Our team actively trains in how to manage people; that is, how to respect their worth and dignity while protecting our interests.

When we accomplish this, relationships are formed. Homes are created. Money is made.

That's our business.

Castle isn't in the hotel business, of course; we create long-term homes for our residents and profit for our clients. But we've learned something from hotels.

They like say that 'your rate is set in your lobby.' It means you're as good as your first impression.

We live by this rule in every building we manage. Even in the smallest apartment communities, we always set up a professional leasing office. And we do mean professional. It's distinct, first of all — we never work from the property manager's home. There's a desk and matching visitor chairs. It's well-lit, with framed floor plans on the walls and no extraneous clutter.

Outside, a clear vinyl sign on the door marks the office and lists business hours. It all makes for a place to think, write, and share ideas — a place that inspires confidence.

Castle is a team of professionals. When you rent with us or trust us with your business, that's obvious. But it begins with the room where we sit down together.