So you’re thinking about buying a home in Richmond, CA? Congratulations! This is one of the most important financial decisions that you can make. That being said, it’s critical that you choose the right real estate agent in Richmond to guide you on this important journey. Here’s why – and how – to find the right real estate specialist to help you make the best choice for you and your family.
Finding the Right Real Estate Agents in Richmond
Type in “Real Estate Agent Richmond, CA” in the Google search engine and a lot of names are going to pop up and it gets pretty confusing really quick. The first thing I like to do is see if the top ones say “Ad” to the left. That means they’re paying to be at the top of the list. Next, I like to see how many 5-star reviews they have. The more they have, the more experience they have and clients took the time to write the review. That’s a really good sign.
Secondly, I like to check the Google map. A lot of agents say they serve Richmond but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they know the local market or the neighborhoods. The Google map shows where their office is located and if it’s in Richmond, then that means they truly are local and probably know more about the area than just an East Bay Area agent.
Another easy way to find an agent is to skip to Zillow. I appreciate that they have a column that says, “Specialties.” Since you’re looking for a home, click “Buyer’s Agent.” Something that most people don’t know when shopping around for a real estate agent in Richmond is that it helps to have a professional who does specialize in a particular area. After all, there is a LOT to know about real estate and when you consider that there are buyers, sellers, commercial real estate, residential real estate, and countless other moving parts, a specialist can better focus on your specific needs. Instead of knowing a little about a lot, it just makes sense to focus a lot on one type of transaction. For example, if you had a toothache, you would go to a dentist, not a general practitioner. Or if your muffler was shot, you’d go to a mechanic specializing in this vital car part. The same theory works for real estate. Find a Buyer Specialist who knows where you want to move to and knows the area. They’re probably better at writing offers and focusing on buyer’s needs than a general agent who does everything.
The Interview Process
Next, contact the top agents on your interview list. Do they answer the phone or call you back right away? If they don’t contact you within a short period of time now, chances are you’ll have problems down the road. Do they set clear expectations of what the current buyer’s market looks like or do they tell you what you want to hear to get you as a client? Truth now is going to make the journey a whole lot easier when the rubber meets the road. Are they really listening to your wants and needs or do they just want to sell you something? Your needs have to come first. What connections do they have with other professionals like lenders, title companies, landscapers, painters, etc.? This could also help your transaction go a lot smoother and it shows that others in the industry respect working with them. Did they do their homework? Are they guessing what the market is like or do they have graphs and statistics to show you exactly what’s happening in the market? As the market fluctuates, you need someone who is educated, updated, and informed about your current, local market. And most importantly, trust your gut. If you have any hesitations, keep looking.
How a Real Estate Agent in Richmond Can Help You Find Your Perfect Home
Once you hire your agent, the excitement begins! A good agent is going to have you connect with a lender so that you can be pre-approved first so you’ll know your budget. Few things are as heartbreaking as falling in love with a home you can’t afford. Your budget is also a great jumping off point to narrow down your wants from your needs. Maybe you need four bedrooms for your growing family but you don’t need a 10,000 square foot lot that’s out of your price range. Or maybe you need an in-law unit to take care of your aging parents but you’re willing to commute to work an hour to get more bang for your buck. The right agent will help you to discuss your options and calibrate your expectations.
Finally, real estate agents in Richmond will guide you through the process of putting an offer in for your perfect home. If your offer is too low, you might lose the house. Too high and you may be overpaying and you’ll run into complications with the appraisal. If it’s a hot market, you may have to come in over asking. If it’s a cool market, you may be able to ask for updates or a lower price. A great Realtor® will also point out if the roof needs to be replaced, if the location is near railroad tracks, or if the property is overpriced which could be warning signs. Or if you’re looking at a newer home, they should bring up things that you didn’t realize such as HOA fees, how renting or owning solar works, or if the home has Mello-Roos taxes.
What’s the easiest way to find real estate agents in Richmond who will help you find the perfect home? Call the Rick Fuller Team at (888) 950 – RICK! We have over 1,300 5-star reviews and we know the Richmond area. Make an appointment with one of our amazing Buyer Specialists and we’ll discuss mortgage rates, your wishlist, where you want to live, and what you can expect in this current market. We can’t wait to give you an experience you’d be excited to tell a friend about!
