About Us

As the Chief Financial Officer for the Symphony Homes Family of Companies, Steve Berges was directly responsible for all accounting, finance, and tax related functions, as well as the managment of an annual budget totaling in excess of $15 to $20 million.  He furthermore conducted all buy/sell activities for the companies totaling in excess of $100 million in real estate transactions.

Mr. Berges' expertise in a broad range of real estate activities including residential, commercial, land development, and multifamily properties is second to none.  Additional experience includes site selection and site development, construction management,  condominium conversions, feasibility studies, due diligence, contract negotiation, loan document review, construction draws, preparation of sworn statements, collection and review of lien waivers, site inspections, and the coordination of these activities with title companies, lenders, and other third party verndors such as appraisers and city officials.

As the author of The Complete Guide to Real Estate Finance for Investment Properties, Steve Berges has extensive knowledge and direct experience with cash flow analysis and the valuation of income producing properties, the creation of value-added measures to enhance N.O.I., as well as all facets of finance and accounting as it relates to commercial, multifamily, and residential real estate. 

Mr. Berges, who holds an MBA degree in finance and marketing from Rice University (Houston, TX), is a distinguished author who has written and contributed to over fifteen books.  He has been featured in numerous nationally syndicated newspaper columns including the Wall Street Journal, NY Times, Chicago Tribune, Albany Union, Detroit Free Press, Houston Chronicle, and many more.  He also has been featured in other leading publications such as the Readers' Digest and Money Magazine.  Mr. Berges was also co-host of the popular weekly real estate radio program, It’s a New Day in Real Estate, which was broadcast to tens of thousands of listeners.

 Mr. Berges has furthermore conducted dozens of seminars in which he was featured as the keynote speaker. He is the developer of The Value Play Real Estate Analyzer programs, a collection of proprietary real estate software models used for the valuation and analysis of income producing properties such as single family rent houses, rehab properties, multifamily apartment complexes, and commercial buildings.

Mr. Berges, an accomplished martial artist in the Korean style karate known as Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do, is a 2nd degree black belt.  In addition to his self-defense expertise, Mr. Berges is proficient in the use of martial arts weapons including the bo staff, kamas, and nunchakus.  As an active instructor in the American Martial Arts Academy, Mr. Berges has taught hundreds of students values and skills including respect for others, confidence in themselves, courage and integrity, and self-defense techniques.

In his spare time, Mr. Berges spends time with his family enjoying activites such as camping, swimming, and biking.  He also is active in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts where he enjoys having the opportunity to help shape the values and moral character of boys and young men, thereby helping to prepare them to become responsible and productive members of society.  Mr. Berges serves as District Chair on the board of the Great Lakes Council of the Boys Scouts of America, as well as Cub Master of Pack 297 and Asst. Scout Master of Troop 297.