Facts

Atherton Trust’s ground – breaking services are changing way people think about wealth management.

Atherton Trust’s comprehensive services represent a breakthrough in wealth management. We meld experts in estate and financial planning, tax strategy and accounting, investments in real estate, securities and insurance, portfolio managers, researchers and educators into a cohesive team that serves the unique needs of those whose wealth is based upon real estate, or real estate in combination with stocks/bonds, etc.

Most of our experts are members of industry associations that invite only the elite of their professions to become members, after an extensive peer review process. Their expertise is combined with proprietary tools and systems that enable Atherton Trust to provide superior results for its clients.

Who leads Atherton Trust?

Atherton Trust is led by Kraig Kast and experienced executives who average over 15 years of senior management experience each.

How did Atherton Trust get started?

The company began in 1991 as a Sub Chapter S Corporation providing advisory and money management services. Most wealth management firms were providing wealth management services based on securities, these firms treated real estate as an “alternative asset class”.  However, Atherton Trust realized that there are millions of people who owned investment-grade real estate, who needed the same kinds of services provided to securities investors, but were tailored to the needs of real estate investors. Atherton Trust proceeded to create the “first of its kind” financial services company, built to serve the needs real estate investors. Atherton Trust combined the integrity and money management capabilities of a trust company, with the services of a major real estate consulting and brokerage company to create comprehensive services, designed to serve the unique needs of real estate investors. In 2005, it reorganized into a Trust company.

What is Atherton Trust’s service?

Atherton Trust combines, for the first time, the essential expert services needed to manage real estate-based wealth including: estate and financial planning; tax strategy and accounting; financial analysis; a choice of investments in real estate, securities and collectibles; debt and equity lending; portfolio management including asset and property management; brokerage services; research and education. Atherton Trust provides these services by:  (1) identifying and prioritizing current facts and reviews investment opportunities with our client; (2) doing a trust and estate plan review; analyzing tax, property, portfolio, securities and insurance (4) modeling various scenarios which are incorporated into the wealth management plan; (5) implementing the plan using asset/property, facilities and project management; brokerage services and a proprietary asset allocation methodology;  (6) reviewing the results of our efforts to drive quantifiable, measurable results with our clients.  Our services are best utilized by individuals and families who are either tired of managing their own investment properties or by the descendants of the person(s) who created the wealth, or wishes to utilize the services of team of experts who understand real estate ownership and management.

How does Atherton Trust compare to traditional wealth managers?

Atherton Trust serves the tangible investor who prefers to invest in investment-grade real estate. The company takes a balanced approach to wealth management.  Each client is different and requires a solution tailored to their needs.  We recommend diversification and value the contribution that securities and insurance make to the real estate weighted portfolio.  Many wealth managers encourage their clients to sell their real estate and collectibles and put the proceeds into securities (if they are a securities broker or securities focused financial planner) or insurance (if they are an insurance broker or an insurance-compensated financial planner). Atherton Trust believes that all financial services products should be considered without bias, and if appropriate, integrated into our client’s financial plan.

How does Atherton Trust compare to Real Estate Brokers?

Commercial and Residential real estate brokers are transaction managers. They lack the comprehensive knowledge about estate and financial planning, taxes, lending, financial analysis, investments in other asset categories and using asset allocation to achieve portfolio returns based on risk tolerance. They provide little or no portfolio management skills outside of property management. Atherton Trust provides a comprehensive bundle of services and can also function as a Trustee.

What is a typical use for Atherton Trust’s services?

1) Atherton Trust’s services are best utilized by high net worth individuals and families who want to grow the value of their real estate assets while spending less time managing their assets.  Individuals usually are 45 years of age or older (although recent 20 & 30 year old high tech millionaires have recently become clients), have a net worth of $10 million or more and live within 50 miles of one of the 25 largest population centers.  The exception to locality are large tract farmers who may be located farther than 50 miles from the large population centers, but still meet the rest of the profile.

2) The other typical Atherton Trust client is an institution that manages the assets of individuals, families or foundations that recognize Atherton Trust’s services strengthen their client relationships by adding expertise in an asset category in which they have little expertise. They are driven to do what is best for their client. They recognize that securities-weighted portfolios should have a real estate component and seek the services of a company that can deliver the needed services with the highest integrity.

How do I arrange for Atherton Trust’s services?

Simply call Atherton Trust at 650-341-4480 x 888 or go to their website and click on ‘contact us’, a representative will contact you within 24 hours.

Where are Atherton Trust’s services available?

Atherton Trust’s services are available in the United States and selected other countries.

Will the company’s services be expanding?

Atherton Trust is responsive to its clients needs. Our services are customized to each client. If we do not currently provide a service, we will find the best possible source for that service or product and secure their services or products for our clients. If the demand for that service or product is large enough we will consider adding that service to our own service offering.

Do you provide services outside of the major metropolitan areas in the US?

Yes, from our office in one of the 25 largest metropolitan areas, we will travel to less populated areas to serve our clients.

What does it cost to use Atherton Trust’s services?

Atherton Trust’s services are competitively priced for the level of expertise that it is provided. We price our services individually or on a retainer basis. Fees and/or commissions range from a few thousand dollars and up.