*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*
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.
*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*
*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*
*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*
*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*
708 College Ave
Santa Rosa, California 95404
Elsa was absolutely great in a very hard transaction! She spent extra time on the phone with our client to go well above and beyond her job description to make sure our deal closed on time. I would highly recommend Elsa to anyone looking to purchase a home!
There are people who do their jobs. And there are people who change lives doing their jobs. To Empower Capital Group, Bodhi and Elsa - I don't even know where to begin. This wasn't easy. We spend months navigating what felt like an impossible road. Three Appraisals. A denial from the first lender. Countless hoops to jump through. So man moments where it would've been easier to just walk away. But you NEVER did. Bodhi and Elsa - you stood by me and my dad every single step of the way. You didn't just p
Jennifer helped us through one of the most challenging experiences of our lives?selling our primary residence of 20 years after it sustained significant storm damage in early 2024. Forced to move out, we decided to sell the property as-is, leaving the buyers to take on the reconstruction and some necessary upgrades. What felt like a daunting and complicated situation to us was handled with absolute professionalism and expertise by Jennifer. She carefully navigated the complexities of the sale, addressing ou
Marcy is always a pleasure to work with. She is very knowledgeable and always has the answers or knows where to find them. I would definitely recommend her every time.
Jennifer and Bodhi did an amazing job helping us sell our house and sort out a complicated family issue with a trust and another property. She is extremely professional, easy to work with, and has many creative ways of solving problems. I highly recommend Jennifer and her team for any of your real estate needs. They will get you the results you are looking for quickly!
Jennifer is a seasoned real estate professional who has an impeccable understanding of the current market and real estate trends. Selling a house for a divorcing couple is not easy. Jennifer was polite, tactful, and maintained a fiduciary relationship with each party. If you intend to buy or sell contact Jennifer...you will not be disappointed
I had the pleasure of working with Jennifer Peschken during a particularly challenging time in my life following the passing of my mother. I was faced with the daunting task of purchasing a home from an estate with multiple beneficiaries, alongside maintaining the property tax base through the parent-child exclusion. Jennifers expertise and guidance through this process were nothing short of exceptional. Not only did Jennifer assist me in purchasing the home, but they also skillfully sold another property
Jennifer was recommended to us by a friend, who she also represented as a Buyer recently. We were so happy with our experience with Jennifer! She was knowledgeable, communicative, and straight-forward. She was quick to communicate and keep the ball rolling in this crazy competitive market. We really appreciated her transparency and honesty in answering all our questions. Buying a house can be a confusing and daunting process, and Jennifer made sure we were comfortable and at ease the whole way through. Jenn
Jennifer and her team made buying our first home a reality. My husband and I have our first home thanks to them. Jennifer went above and beyond answering our endless questions. She was always available to reassure us throughout the process about how we where feeling and checked in with us to erase any doubts or uncertainties that came up. We definitely recommend Jennifer and her team, Bodhi and Elsa,for any future property purchases you may have now or in the future.
Bodhi and Elsa are very efficient and knowledgeable. Their rates and fees are extremely competitive, and they have an ample amount of loan programs to choose from. Empower Capital Group has helped several of my family members obtain financing for purchasing and refinancing their homes. They have always been able to perform and provide a product that beats competitors.
Scaling Everest in Flip-Flops: How Empower Capital Group Made Our Dream Home a Reality Selling and buying during a market downturn felt like scaling Everest in flip-flops ? exhilarating, terrifying, and frankly, a little crazy. But with Bodhi Kraus, Jennifer Peschken, and Elsa Campos of Empower Capital Group as our Sherpas, the climb wasn't just manageable; it was downright triumphant. Bodhi was our calm compass, always pointing us toward the best decisions with a steady hand and a reassuring smile. When a
Jennifer & Bohdi helped me sell both my primary residence and a rental property. In both cases, their professionalism and insight were invaluable. They were engaged, responsive and communicative from start to finish which made what could have been a difficult undertaking, a comfortable (and profitable) process. I highly recommend them to anyone considering buying or selling real estate.
Jennifer is a great real estate agent. She knows Sonoma County well. Responds fast, moves quick. Jennifer's knowledge and experience helps make anything from buying a house in Santa Rosa to selling a lot in Sebastopol simple. I'd recommend having Jennifer and her assistant Kat on your team for your next home purchase.
When my wife and I first started looking at buying a home, we were completely offput by the status of the market and thought we would never be able to own. Bodhi and his team helped us plan, execute, and purchase on multiple occasions since. We were able to sell a home through Empower that we surely thought we would be stuck in for years due to the market, but his team came through with the perfect buyer in a matter of a couple of months, where other homes in that area have been sitting on the market for y
I had needed to perform a refinance that involved dropping one of the previous co-owners of the original home mortgage. I was referred to Bodhi, who was very polite and personable. He and Elsa answered all of my questions and - during the holiday season amid COVID - quickly secured a refinance that was more competitive than other offers I had procured. Specifically, Bodhi and Elsa removed my original mortgage insurance, reduced my original mortgage payment by about 25%, and walked me through the process of
This review is long overdue. A huge thank you to Bodhi and Elsa for making my refinance experience quick and painless. My questions were always answered promptly, and I felt my best interest was their top priority. I would not hesitate to refer friends and family to Empower Capital Group! You rock!
I love the team at Empower! They are real experts and very knowledgeable in all that they do. They go an extra mile for their clients, and that's why they have been my go-to for all my mortgage/real estate needs. I've sent family and friends their way, and they all tell me how happy they were with their experience. Highly recommend Empower to anyone looking for a home and/or mortgage!
Imagine being in your mid 20?s buying your first house in this competitive market in California, sounds impossible right? But Bodhi, Jennifer and their team made it possible for me and my family. We can't take them enough for helping us and guiding us throughout the process. We were like lost kids looking for a Home and they made it happened. It was a blessing working with their team. Making impossible POSSIBLE is just one of their goals. Thank you Jennifer and Bodhi for all your help to make the home that
To get a refinance loan at this time during Covid is a feat unto itself. Elsa and Bodhi made this task easy. Everything but the notarizing was done electronically. When we were confused, Elsa was there to walk us through the challenges . We got a good loan and are saving $400 each month. You can not go wrong with using Empower Capital Group. Judith W & Joseph D
Somehow the folks at empower capital continue to be the best in the business. They helped me purchase my house, refinance it, sell it and now buy a new house all while getting me the best rates available and top dollar for our home sale. Always grateful to the team.
My experience with Jennifer was wonderful. Her real estate knowledge was absolutely amazing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.