All real estate agents are not created equal. But that’s something you already knew, right? Just like all CPAs aren’t the same. All lawyers aren’t the same. All teachers aren’t the same… When you’re dealing with something as important as buying and selling a home, you need the best of the best and that goes beyond being able to negotiate a great deal (and that is VERY important). You need an EXPERT who knows the local market, has had recent transactions, has partnerships with lenders and other professionals in the industry, and who listens to you and puts you first. You may have a wonderful aunt or friend of a friend’s cousin who is a real estate agent an hour away, but unless they are a real estate EXPERT in RICHMOND, there’s too much on the line to base your decision solely on family ties or friendship. Here’s why you need a real estate agent in the Richmond Market:
- Knows the Area
If an agent isn’t from Richmond, then they may have no idea that the neighborhoods in Richmond are about as diverse as the people who live there. From townhomes to the many classic World War II homes to million dollar new build communities, Richmond seems to have something for everyone. A real estate agent in the Richmond market knows the neighborhoods, price points, and types of homes offered and can find you exactly what you’re looking for. There are also schools, shopping locations, and views that make Richmond’s neighborhoods unique from one another. - Sets Realistic Expectations
The market is constantly changing and even from one month to the next it can be vastly different. For example, the first week in January 2023 there were 70 active listings in Richmond. By the week of March 6, there were only 52. Comparatively, in January there were only 3 homes sold but in March there were 17! A real estate agent in the Richmond market can tell you what this means about supply and demand and how the shifting market will affect your journey. You’ll be able to get a clear picture of the average number of days a home is on the market, if homes are going at, above, or below asking, and if you can expect contingencies. - Presents Wider Options
Let’s say that you want a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Richmond and you want to pay $700,000. For argument’s sake, let’s use February 2023 numbers that were published by the California Association of Realtors®. In Richmond, there were 24 homes that were 3bed/2bath and the median price was $653k. As a resident of the East Bay Area, you probably know that at this price point, there are a lot of different options. Do you want an older single family home? If you’re single or don’t have kids, a new condo in El Cerrito might be more appealing and modern for your lifestyle. Or maybe you have aging parents and you want a multi family home. A real estate agent in the Richmond market will discuss your wants versus needs and give you a clear picture of your options. An older home might be great but updating it could break your budget. You may want a home closer to the Bay, but location means you’ll probably have to sacrifice square footage. - For Sellers
If you’re selling your home, working with a real estate agent in the Richmond market means that you’ll have a better chance of selling your home at top dollar and in a decent time frame. When a real estate agent does their homework thoroughly, the right price means that you’ll get in a nice pool of buyers. Too high and you’ll turn away buyers, too low and you’ll leave money on the table. Too high also means that it could sit on the market for weeks – or even months – which will cost you time and could cause you to miss out on purchasing your next home.
The right agent will also help you to maximize the appeal of your home for sale. In a seller’s market, you may just have to declutter and invest a little into new paint or fresh mulch for the yard. In a buyer’s market, you might have to upgrade your flooring, roof, kitchen, and/or bathrooms to get the best price. Your agent will help you to balance costs depending on the market. You don’t want to spend too much and not get that money back in the sale but you don’t want to spend too little and miss out on a great profit.
- Professional Partnerships
A real estate agent in the Richmond market will have many professional relationships to help you move as smoothly as possible in your transaction. Let’s say that you’re selling your house. A local agent should know painters, landscapers, and junk haulers to help you clean up your property with little time or effort. If you’re buying a home, your agent should know reputable contractors to update your home or movers to help you pack up and settle in. The right partnerships also include lenders, title companies, home inspectors, and more. There are A LOT of players when it comes to buying and selling a home and the more people your agent knows and has worked with, the better chance you have of working with excellent professionals who know what they’re doing to get you the best outcome.
Are you looking for a real estate agent in the Richmond market? Look no further than the Rick Fuller Team! Our agents know the local market and study the fluctuations on a weekly basis. We also have some of the best lenders and professional partners in the business to help you every step of the way. Are you ready for an experience you’d be excited to tell a friend about? Give the Rick Fuller Team a call today! We’re here to serve you! (888) 950-RICK.
