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ADVOCATE - Residential Construction Advisors

ADVOCATE - Residential Construction Advisors

Reviews Summary

Advocate Residential Construction Advisors receives consistently glowing reviews for their expert guidance in custom home building and remodeling. Clients praise their ability to simplify complex projects, provide transparent cost breakdowns, and navigate contractor disputes with professionalism. Their real estate expertise helps homeowners select ideal properties, while their collaborative approach refines designs and mitigates stress. Many highlight Advocate’s calming presence during challenges, saving time, money, and ensuring peace of mind throughout construction. First-time renovators and experienced investors alike commend their tailored solutions and unwavering support.

About This Listing

Business Consulting
Tax Planning
Budgeting
Financial Advisory
Forensic Accounting
Project-Based Engagements
Real Estate
Construction
Contractors
Risk Management

Who Can Work with a CPA?

Individuals seeking tax prep, retirement planning, or financial advice
Small business owners needing bookkeeping, payroll, or tax compliance
Freelancers and contractors with 1099 income or complex returns
Couples planning finances together or managing joint returns
Investors with capital gains or rental property income
Anyone looking for year-round financial guidance and peace of mind

*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*

First-Time Clients

If this is your first time working with a CPA, don’t worry — most professionals offer a free consultation and will walk you through what to expect. You may be asked to complete an intake form, share financial documents, or set clear goals for your session.

What to Know Upfront:

Documentation Bring your most recent tax returns, income details, and any financial concerns
Availability Appointments fill up quickly during tax season — book early if possible

*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*

What to Bring

Government-issued ID for verification
Tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, investment summaries, etc.)
Receipts or logs for deductible expenses, donations, or mileage

*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*

Preparing for Your Appointment

Write down any financial goals or questions in advance
Check if your CPA offers virtual sessions or document uploads
Bring a notebook or use a notes app for key takeaways
Know your deadlines for filing, payments, or compliance

*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*

How to Get Started

Use our directory to find highly reviewed CPAs near you. Reach out directly to schedule your consultation.

Other Helpful Info

Many CPAs offer both in-person and remote consultations
Fees may be flat-rate, hourly, or based on service complexity
Some CPAs specialize in industries like healthcare, real estate, or tech
Check for client reviews and credentials (CPA license, EA, etc.)

*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*

Features

Business Consulting
Tax Planning
Budgeting
Financial Advisory
Forensic Accounting
Project-Based Engagements
Real Estate
Construction
Contractors
Risk Management

Contact Information

Address

520 Broadway #200

Santa Monica, California 90401

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 8:30AM-5:30PM
Tuesday 8:30AM-5:30PM
Wednesday 8:30AM-5:30PM
Thursday 8:30AM-5:30PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

Partnering with Advocate Residential Construction Advisors for a year to design our custom home has been extraordinary, and I can't recommend them enough. The collaborative process has refined and improved our home?s design every step of the way! Advocate?s team kicked things off by helping us find the perfect property. Their expertise in real estate and understanding of custom home requirements ensured we selected a site that aligns with our vision and offers long-term value. Their guidance turned a daunt

I am so grateful to Advocate for their exceptional advice and support during our home renovation project. My family was dealing with some challenges with our general contractor, and the team at Advocate stepped in with clear, professional, and thorough guidance. They took the time to explain our rights, options, and helped us navigate the situation with confidence. The peace of mind they provided was invaluable. They made a stressful situation much easier to manage, and we truly felt they had our best inter

Working with Advocate Residential Construction Advisors for the past year on our custom home design has been an incredible experience, and I highly recommend them to anyone building their dream home. The process has made our home?s design better and better with each step! Real Estate Selection Advocate?s expertise shone from the start, guiding us to select a property that perfectly suited our vision. Their deep knowledge of real estate and construction needs helped us choose land that's not only ideal for

I cannot say enough great things about working with Advocate. When we purchased our house we knew it needed an extensive remodel (down to the studs), but were daunted by the process. The house is our single biggest investment, but the whole construction process is opaque because you don't know what you don't know. Fortunately, we were smart enough to engage Advocate from the beginning?their process enabled us to select an architect matching our design aesthetic and opened our eyes to the power of a transpar

I reached out to Advocate after experiencing an incredibly stressful situation with a general contractor. After I approved the GC's estimate, the GC greatly raised its bid right after demo and created a situation where my family and me felt trapped. Advocate was so responsive, calming, and talked through tailored solutions to help us navigate and reach solutions to mitigate our harm. We are so appreciative of their professionalism, kindness, and support, and would highly recommend their services to anyone g

Working with Advocate Residential Construction Advisors has been an exceptional experience, and I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to build their dream home. Real Estate Selection From the very beginning, the team at Advocate demonstrated their expertise in helping us find the perfect property to bring our vision to life. Their in-depth knowledge of real estate and understanding of what makes a property ideal for custom home construction were invaluable. They guided us through every detail

Our dream home became a reality because of the invaluable help from the Advocate Team. They were with us at every phase of our project providing guidance when there were challenges and cheerleading when they assisted in overcoming them. If you are considering building a new luxury home for the first or fifth time, I highly recommend hiring Advocate to save yourself time, money and stress. (I attached a picture of our home showing the blue Ketra lighting on a blue moon night) ?? ??

My husband and I have been in real estate for over 20 years, but we had never taken on a major remodeling project before?especially one that required taking everything down to the walls and studs. This was uncharted territory for us, and we knew we needed expert guidance. That's where ADVOCATE came in. ADVOCATE provided us with a clear blueprint of what the house could become, how to achieve it, and a realistic breakdown of potential costs. Their vision helped us see the incredible potential of this home,

As a Realtor for the past 15 years, I can confidently say that the services provided by ADVOCATE are a game-changer for the custom home building and remodeling industry. Over the years, I've encountered many frustrated homeowners who believed they could manage the construction of a home or undertake a major remodeling project on their own. Unfortunately, it's rarely as simple as it seems. Deadlines are often missed, unexpected cost overruns become the norm, and disputes between homeowners and contractors ca

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should I look for in a CPA?

Look for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, which ensures they’ve passed rigorous exams and meet state requirements. Check for relevant experience in your industry, additional certifications like CFA or CMA, and membership in professional organizations like the AICPA. Verify their credentials through state licensing boards.

How do I find a CPA in my area?

Use online directories like the AICPA, CPAverify, or state CPA societies. Search platforms like Yelp or Google for local CPAs with reviews. Ask for referrals from business associates, friends, or financial advisors. Local chambers of commerce can also provide recommendations.

What’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

A CPA is a licensed professional who has passed the CPA exam and met state requirements for education and experience. An accountant may lack this certification and could have varying levels of expertise. For complex tasks like tax audits or financial reporting, a CPA is typically more qualified.

How do I know if a CPA specializes in my needs?

Ask about their experience with your specific financial needs, such as tax preparation, small business accounting, or estate planning. Review their website or LinkedIn for case studies or client testimonials. Inquire about their client base to ensure they handle similar financial situations.

Should I check a CPA’s reviews before hiring?

Yes, reviews provide insight into a CPA’s reliability, communication, and performance. Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau for client feedback. Look for patterns in reviews, but verify their authenticity, as some may be biased or outdated.

How can I verify a CPA’s license?

Visit your state’s Board of Accountancy website or use CPAverify.org to check a CPA’s license status. Confirm their license is active and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints. This ensures they’re in good standing and meet professional standards.

What questions should I ask during a CPA consultation?

Ask about their experience with your financial needs, fee structure, availability, and communication style. Inquire how they handle tax filings, audits, or financial planning. Ask for references or examples of similar work to assess their expertise and fit.

How much should I expect to pay for a CPA’s services?

Fees vary based on location, services, and complexity. Basic tax preparation may cost $150-$500, while business accounting or audits can range from $1,000 to $10,000+. Request a detailed fee structure upfront and compare quotes from multiple CPAs.

Can I work with a CPA remotely?

Yes, many CPAs offer remote services through secure online platforms for document sharing and virtual consultations. Ensure they use encrypted tools for data security. Remote CPAs can be effective if they understand your local tax laws or business regulations.

How do I assess a CPA’s communication skills?

During consultations, evaluate their ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly. Ask sample questions about taxes or financial strategies and note their responsiveness and clarity. Good communication ensures you understand their advice and fosters a productive relationship.

What red flags should I watch for when screening a CPA?

Beware of CPAs who guarantee specific tax refunds, lack a valid license, or have disciplinary actions on record. Avoid those with poor communication, vague fee structures, or negative reviews highlighting unethical behavior. Always verify their credentials independently.

Should I choose a CPA from a large firm or a solo practitioner?

Large firms offer more resources and specialized teams but may charge higher fees. Solo practitioners often provide personalized service and lower costs but may have limited availability. Choose based on your needs, budget, and preference for personalized attention.

How often should I meet with my CPA?

For individuals, annual meetings for tax preparation may suffice. Businesses may need quarterly or monthly check-ins for bookkeeping, tax planning, or financial reporting. Discuss your needs upfront to establish a meeting schedule that aligns with your financial goals.

Can a CPA help with both personal and business finances?

Yes, many CPAs handle both, but confirm their expertise in both areas. Ask about their experience managing personal taxes and business accounting simultaneously. Ensure they can balance both without compromising attention to your specific financial needs.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with my CPA?

Discuss concerns directly with your CPA to resolve issues. If unresolved, check your contract for termination terms. Seek a new CPA by researching reviews, credentials, and referrals. Request your financial records to ensure a smooth transition to a new professional.

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