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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.*
2284 San Pablo Ave
Pinole, California 94564
We recently had the pleasure of working with Janice Carroll at Barrett Financial during our home buying journey, and I cannot recommend her and her team highly enough! From the very start, she provided exceptional service that made the entire process smooth and stress-free. One of the standout qualities of Janice was her responsiveness. Whenever we had questions or needed clarification, she responded promptly, often coordinating directly with our real estate agent and escrow company to ensure everyone was
With deep knowledge of mortgage products and financial regulations, Janice excels at navigating the complexities of the mortgage process while providing clear guidance to her clients. Her ability to analyze financial scenarios and tailor solutions to meet clients' individual needs is remarkable. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a talent for fostering trust and ease through transparent communication and an unwavering commitment to excellence. What truly sets Janice apart is her genuine care for he
Janice is incredibly personable and hardworking! I was facing a particularly challenging situation, but Janice went above and beyond?working tirelessly day in and day out to help me with a refinance, even when the odds seemed stacked against me. She made me feel like I was her only client, offering personalized, one-on-one support with genuine care and attention! If you?re looking to successfully secure a loan or refinance, Janice is the one who will make it happen! Thank you Janice!
Janice Carroll and her awesome team at Barrett Financial were recommended to me by a good friend! She told me that she has recommended Janice to several family members and friends and they have all had received exceptional service. It?s hard to put into words how amazing and easy she made our home buying experience!! Her attentiveness and attention to detail and responsiveness cannot be matched! From the very start, she provided us with exceptional service and took the time to explain the process and
I had the pleasure of meeting Janice Carroll through another real estate agent when she served as the lender for the buyer purchasing our home in Hayward. From our first interaction, she made a great impression. She took the initiative to introduce herself and address any questions we had before we accepted her client?s offer, which gave us confidence in moving forward. Throughout the process, Janice was highly responsive, providing timely updates on the buyer?s loan without unnecessary delays or complicat
Janice has been an absolute asset in my first home- buying experience. She has been absolutely amazing at keeping us informed throughout the process and it?s always available to answer any questions. She?s upbeat and positive which has helped to ease our nerves through the offer- making stages and through escrow. Janice is great at what she does and everyone involved has benefited from her expertise and support!
I recently had the pleasure of working with Janice for my mortgage, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. From the very beginning, she was professional, knowledgeable, and responsive. The mortgage application process can often feel overwhelming, but Janice made it seamless. She walked me through each step, explaining all the terms and options available to me. She is always available to answer my questions, whether it was via email or phone. She took the time to ensure that I fully understood ever
Janice Carroll is an absolute rockstar! She came in at the last hour and rescued our buyer?s loan, getting it closed in under 25 days?which is no small feat. Her communication is clear, consistent, and always on point. Janice stays on top of every detail and brings a no-nonsense, get-it-done attitude that we truly appreciate. Her efficiency, grit, and professionalism made all the difference. If you want someone who delivers under pressure and keeps it real, Janice is the one you want on your team. Thank yo
We are first time home buyers and Janice made the whole process easier for us. We?ve been in contact with her since November 2024, and she would consistently keep us in the loop and would inform us on the best way to go about things. She?s very good at explaining things in detail, and I would ask about every little thing about the loan and interest rates too ??. I definitely recommend her for anyone that may be worried or unsure on buying a home, she will make you feel more confident!
Janice and her team are highly skilled and experienced. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with them on multiple occasions, and their assistance has been invaluable. Janice, in particular, brings a wealth of knowledge from her years of owning a successful home loans and mortgage business. She comes highly praised by numerous individuals. It is always wise to invest in top talent, as you will never be let down. Rest assured, this company will expertly address all of your needs. I wholeheartedly endorse
I am a first time homebuyer and I feel lost sometimes doing all the requirements and paper works but with the help of Janice and her team, I felt less pressure throughout the process. She is knowledgeable and responsive when you needed an answers. I strongly recommend her and her team if you're in need for mortgage assistance.
Janice has been an amazing lender to work with over the years. We have done multiple loans together, her communication, professionalism and amazing customer service has always been next level! I would highly recommend Janice for all your loan needs!!
The process was fast. If you have your paperwork together it?s goes even faster. I received the money in two weeks after I completed the application. Janice was the one who helped me through it every step of the way and if I had any questions she was always ready to help. I am very satisfied with the outcome and I would do it again.
Janice is amazing! She helped us out when buying a home and when we refinanced. She is super knowledgeable and breaks everything down in detail so that you understand the process and numbers! She even sent us videos with helpful graphics when I had questions and couldn't hop on a call immediately. I highly recommend Janice!!!
Janice and her team are the best! We have used their Lender services for many years, and they always go beyond our expectations. Janice will look for the loan that will best suit your needs and will go out of her way to make sure that everything goes smoothly during the process. If you need a trustable and efficient Morgage Lender, please reach out to Janice and her team!
First time homebuyer ?? and I am so pleased with Janice and her team?s assistance during my home buying process. Janice was attentive and easy to work with. No matter the time of day, if I had questions she would make herself available to answer them (although I may have asked the same questions again and again and again lol) she remained patient and willing to help me understand the process every step of the way. The team was also friendly, prompt and closed my deal in less than the time we were originally
Janice and her Team (Victor) are experts managing Mortgage loans. Our experience was really awesome, all the communication during the process was verry clear and made it easy to understand. There are so many things that we did not know, and she explained in a way that we understood and were able to gather all the documents needed. I strongly recommended. Thak you so much, you made possible to by our home :)
Being a realtor, you have to understand the wants the needs and the abilities of your clients a good loan Agent needs to have the same abilities to identify this in each client I?ve sent Janice a couple of my clients some transactions being easier than the others. Janice has held her composure had a soft ear and was able to bend as needed to accomplish our ultimate goal of getting our client into their home. I would definitely use her again. Thank you again Janice for working so hard. I truly appreciate i
Janice was referred to me by others and I?m glad she was! It was a pleasure working with her, start to finish. She?s transparent and communicates well. I never felt lost in the process and made my experience straightforward. Her expertise and efficiency expedited are closing process, moving us ahead of schedule. I suggest her if you?re looking for a reliable and trustworthy partner for your loan needs.
Simply put, Janice Carroll is an outstanding mortgage loan officer! I know firsthand. Just in the last couple of months, I was able to close two transactions because of her expertise. She helped me with a buyer client and then she was able to help a buyer purchasing my seller client's property. Janice is an outstanding team player, a great communicator, and willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. I highly recommend Janice Carroll! Carl Schober, Broker/Owner, Old Time Realtors, Pinole, CA
Just a little bit about janice I been knowing janice already for about 10 years she helped me with my first home purchase back in 2014, purchase went great in a short term everything was really clear the way she explained is so clear and helpful, easy to find through email, text or phone call anytime I needed her help, through this 10 years we already purchased 2 more homes for family members and myself, I really suggest working with janice because she will make everything so easy and will give you good adv
Janice is amazing! She provided answers to all my questions in a timely manner and assisted me every step of the way. Throughout the transaction, she provided updates and we were able to close early! Excellent work, Janice! Thank you for your service. ??
If you?re purchasing a home and want a seamless transaction then I suggest you go to Janice. If you want someone who takes time explaining the process and answering all of your questions no matter what time of the day then go to Janice. If you?re looking for someone who is an exemplary example of what a loan officer should be then go to Janice. She has help me with two home purchases and I cannot thank her enough.
Seamless application process. Janice listened to our needs and recommended the right product and lender.
I referred a dear client friend to Janice. They could not have been happier. She cared for them at the level that I provide my clients and generally do not see from others. Caring and professional. I am a fan and will continue to work with her. Thank you Janice!!
Janice made the process of getting our loan, easy, with her thoroughness, attention to details, quick and open communication, which ultimately made us feel relax and confident with what we needed to do and how we need to proceed. We look forward to continue to work with her in the future in any endeavors we may partake in.
I have closed two transactions with Janice and she was communicative, responsive and full of knowledge. I highly recommend working with her and her team.
Janice is amazing and worth trusting, been working with her for about 7 years.
Janice was a pressure to work with. She answered every question we had and with great knowledge. Highly recommend.
Best experience ever working with Janice B Carroll she made everything easy and simple easy to understand she is very hard-working very noticeable of her job look forward to working with her in the future and wouldn?t work with anybody else
I was very satisfied with all there help and support from the team and most especially Janice carroll
Janice was great, she got us the refinance we needed in the time frame we needed it.
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.