“Diane Burkhardt Valek and Stateside Right of Way Services, LLC wins my highest approval. I would hire her in a second if I needed someone who is knowledgeable, personable, fair, consistent, hardworking, and gives excellent service.

I was surprised and anxious when I was initially contacted about a property I owned being condemned by eminent domain through the Transportation Authority of Fort Worth. When I called and spoke to Mrs. Valek, she answered all my questions honestly and thoroughly. And even though I did not like the answers she was giving me, because I really liked that rental property and the property made very good money for me, I trusted that what Mrs. Valek said was true because she was graceful, calm, and sincere under situations that were pressured and intense.

During the time I was waiting for my appraisal, Mrs. Valek answered every one of my emails and every one of my calls expeditiously. She almost picked up the phone every time I called and if not, l received a prompt return message. Again, she answered every one of my questions.

Even though I was truly sad to see a property taken from me after I had spent so much time and money fixing it up, I did receive a very fair appraisal. Not only that, Mrs. Valek understood my feelings of not wanting to have to sell the property. She ended up finding a way to let me keep all of materials from the property and even arranged for me to move my house should I have decided to do so.

Truly, Mrs. Valek made an uncomfortable and even possibly contentious situation into a graceful transaction and transition. Frankly, I am a big fan of Diane Burkhardt Valek. As an attorney and business owner, I know what it takes to make good things happen

Mrs. Valek has got what it takes; she is fabulous.”

“The Stateside team is very professional, courteous, and sincerely answered my questions of concern. We would recommend their services to anyone who needs to make decisions on the sale of property. The agent was self-motivated and will treat your home with respect as well as your time. The agent did do what was promised. We appreciated their prompt attention to detail.”

“Diane Burkhardt Valek and I worked very closely together on the METRO Solutions - Light Rail Project for the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO). I am the project director for the federally funded North Line Corridor, and Diane was assigned as my lead real estate agent to assist in all aspects of the project, as needed. She was responsible for leading an ever-growing team of acquisition, relocation, title, and support staff for a design build rail project while complying with FTA guidelines.

Initially, Diane and her team were responsible for preparing cost estimates for several route alternatives for the North Line Corridor that included: land costs, improvement costs, cost to cure, damages to the remainder, demolition costs, survey costs, legal fees, and other costs. These cost estimates were presented to engineering, planning and construction, then to the CEO and board members to determine the most cost-effective route for the North Line Corridor. After the budget was presented and approved, Diane and her team were responsible for tracking costs and preparing FTA budgeting and cost reports.

Diane and her team supported the Community Outreach Program and the planning department with the FEIS by attending FTA related meetings, supplying information from the field and writing responses to FTA. Diane represented the real estate team at public hearings, neighborhood association meetings, and other public meetings by giving presentations to educate the attendees of the real estate acquisition and relocation process, per the FTA guidelines, answering questions, and providing contact information for future concerns.

Diane and her team were responsible for supporting the survey team by checking, correcting, and verifying that the commitments were for the entire property, all owners were identified, and all structures were correctly indicated on the final surveys. Diane and her team attended weekly survey status meetings and tracked all steps from design to survey to final product. The North Line Corridor was always ahead of schedule and led the other corridors in product delivery.

Diane and her team worked closely with environmental engineers and remediation consultant teams in identifying, assessing, and completing cost estimates for contaminated sites. Diane and her team worked with environmental consultants by reviewing documents, providing title and other project information to receive TCEQ clearance for construction.

Prior to negotiations for acquisitions, Diane and her team set up budgeting and ownership for all property owners along the proposed rail line. They researched and contacted every owner for survey and environmental rights of entry. They established positive communication between property owners and the agency by working cooperatively with all community organizations and the METRO Community Outreach team. The North Line Corridor was targeted by numerous protest groups; protesters held rallies outside of the METRO building and hostile meetings were held in an attempt to stop the North Line Corridor project. Diane and her team were able to address the many concerns and complete the project with a 7% condemnation rate.

I enjoyed working with Diane and her team. Her professionalism and leadership has enabled the real estate acquisition process for the North Line Corridor to be a success, and I would embrace the opportunity to work with them again on another project.”

"Stateside demonstrates a high level of professionalism and commitment to their work. As a team, their work ethic, communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to build relationships with landowners has been instrumental in the success of the Southeast Connector. Their contributions and dedication to this project is greatly appreciated. I look forward to working with Stateside on future projects."

“Just HAD to take a second to THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for the extra-special care and concern that you showed during our recent transaction on the sale of the Neyland property. I have never experienced the level of professionalism that you showed, going out of your way at every turn to make sure that my family and I were well represented during the negotiations. We could not have been more pleased with you, and with the outcome of the transaction."

"Stephanie Hawkins and Brent Patterson have done a great job in efforts to negotiate with the USPS and with Dollar General. After all the work Brent Patterson put in to get the Real Estate Team from Dollar General to agree to an amount, their legal team requested to proceed to E.D.; Both of these parcels will close because of the hard work and consistent communication from Stephanie Hawkins with USPS and with Brent Patterson working with Dollar General."

“I am writing to commend Stateside Right of Way services for the good job they did helping me get relocated. I have a disability and was treated with dignity and respect throughout the process. I was involved and communicated with often and in a timely fashion. I felt as though Stateside Right of Way Services were interested in me and my satisfaction.”

"Stateside Right of Way did an outstanding job getting everyone relocated in a short period of time. They also went above and beyond helping out the displacees on voucher programs. This apartment complex was not safe for anyone to be in and they just handled it very well."

"Stateside Right of Way Services has continued to show how committed they are. Mallory Kesterson has continued to manage this project superbly. I never worry about invoices or updates, and if something does go array, she makes sure I am aware, and to me, this is top tier. Oscar Rodriquez has been the person applying the much-needed pressure when necessary to keep the project moving. I continue to applaud the team as changes and challenges arise. No matter what, the team keeps going and pushing, and I appreciate their dedication to the success of the project."

"Mallory [Kesterson] was assigned to me by Smith County to help me relocate from the loft apartment I was renting in a building that will be torn down in preparation for building the new court house.

She eased me into the process and helped me in every way possible. She answered my questions I had -- not once did she ever let me go without a total understanding of each step. She kept in touch with me continually. I would definitely refer others to her or would be quick to give her name to someone who needed her services.

Throughout the process, from beginning to end, I definitely felt like Mallory went above and beyond for me."