Real estate is competitive and if you watch TV in the evening or scroll through Facebook, you’ll likely see ads from Zillow, Open Door, ReMax, or a number of other companies. It can be really confusing when you see slogans that say “we have a cash offer for your home” or when you hear about how Zillow’s home estimates commonly miss the mark. So what should you do? You hire a local real estate specialist! Here are the 7 top reasons to hire a real estate agent in Richmond, CA for your next real estate transaction.
Know the Local Market – Real estate is known for being temperamental.
It seems to have high highs and low lows much like a roller coaster ride. Add COVID-19 into the mix and it seems like this ride has accelerated; in 2021 for sale homes were in high demand and many received offers around $100,000 over asking. Next came skyrocketing mortgage rates which brought the market to a slow crawl much like the roller coaster car pulling into the station. Clearly, knowing and predicting the market is by no means easy. This is why you need to hire a real estate agent in Richmond, CA when you’re buying or selling a home in the area. They know the micro market!
Real estate has been on the news A LOT lately but for the most part, we’re seeing national averages and stories. For instance, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the median home sales price is $428,700. Do you want to guess the average price of a home in Richmond, CA in January 2023? $674,000 for a three bedroom home. If you’ve lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for any length of time, you know that our real estate market is not like markets in other states. Actually, you know that even in the Bay Area, our markets vary greatly by region! The San Jose market is crazy compared to the Brentwood market which is much cheaper than the Oakland market which is a more expensive market than what you’ll find in Richmond. Phew! Now let’s talk neighborhoods… when you break Richmond down, you’ll also find micro markets that are completely different. A local real estate agent will be able to assess the different neighborhoods, estimated pricing and days on market, and so on. The more educated you are, the better you know how to adjust your expectations for a positive outcome.
Professional Partnerships
When you hire a real estate agent in Richmond, CA, many times you also get the benefit of their connections: lenders, title companies, home inspectors, home warranty specialists, painters, landscapers, contractors, and more! This is a big deal! An agent with a reputable lender can work with you to find the best option for you. Real estate transactions additionally have some pretty quick and strict timelines. If you work with a professional that doesn’t get back to you quickly or puts you off, then your deal could be at risk. Painters, landscapers, and contractors can also be valuable in a competitive buyers market when you want to stand out from the competition. Conversely, these services can help your newly purchased house feel like home. If you’ve ever had a contractor who started a project and didn’t finish or a painter who did a poor job, then you know how important hiring the right people is! Knowing who to trust can’t be underestimated and the right Realtor® will be able to connect you to companies that will create a smooth transaction.
Insider Advice
Hiring a real estate agent in Richmond, CA is critical so you know how to prep or buy your home. For example, if you want to sell your home, a local Realtor® will be able to help you to stage your home with the local buyer in mind. The more people you can appeal to, the better chance you have at getting a full – or over asking – offer. Do local buyers prefer clean, modern design or traditional styling? Should you replace your carpet with hardwood floors or luxury vinyl? Are white kitchens or dark wood cabinets what buyers are looking for in your neighborhood? A local agent can tell you if, or how, you should update your home for mass appeal. On the flip side, you should hire a real estate agent in Richmond, CA if you’re buying a home to ensure that the home you want to put an offer on doesn’t have any unexpected surprises. Maybe older neighborhoods have asbestos in the homes or perhaps homes that are on a hill are prone to water damage in the foundations. What are you willing to fix and what issues should you avoid? While a home inspector will probably notice many faults, it helps to know what you’re getting into before you fall in love with a property.
Financial Future
It may seem like once you buy or sell a home, your relationship with your real estate agent is complete. Not so! The National Association of Realtors® estimates that the average homeowner lives in their home 13 years. When you hire a real estate agent in Richmond, CA, if you found a great one, your relationship could continue in the future. Maybe you’ll want to sell your home, you’ll have friends or family members looking for a real estate agent, you might want to rent your current home, or maybe you want to update your kitchen or redo your landscaping. A real estate agent can help with referring you to reputable professionals like we mentioned in point #3. You may also want to refinance your home or purchase an ADU for the backyard. Their relationship with lenders can be incredibly helpful. Having a local agent provides resources you didn’t even know you needed!
Are you looking to hire a real estate agent in Richmond, CA? Look no further than the Rick Fuller Team! We know the local market, have amazing partnerships with the best lenders and professionals in the area, and we always put you first. We’re excited to give you an experience you’d be excited to tell a friend about! Call us today! (888) 950-RICK
