What Is the Secret to Locating the very best Real Estate Agent Near Me?

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What Is the Secret to Locating the very best Real Estate Agent Near Me?

Understanding Your Requirements and Goals


Discovering one of the most efficient real estate agent near you is akin to starting a trip where the location is your desire property or the effective sale of your current one. What Is the Secret to Discovering the most effective Real Estate Agent Near Me? . This procedure calls for more than simply a superficial search or depending on a well-placed advertisement. It demands a profound understanding of your own requirements and goals, along with a systematic strategy to vetting potential agents. The secret to success in this endeavor hinges on the intersection of self-awareness, research study, and personal link.


To start with, understanding your demands and objectives is critical. Are you buying a brand-new home, marketing your existing one, or both? Each scenario calls for different experience and approaches. If you're buying, consider what kind of property you have an interest in-- be it a family members home, an apartment, or an investment property-- and the functions that are non-negotiable for you. If you're marketing, consider your timeline, the price you intend to achieve, and any kind of certain problems you could have. Plainly defining these criteria allows you to connect successfully with possible representatives, guaranteeing they are well-equipped to satisfy your assumptions.


As soon as you have a clear understanding of your demands, the following step is detailed research. Begin by requesting for referrals from buddies, household, or associates who have had positive experiences with real estate agents in your location. Individual references are frequently one of the most reputable method to discover an agent who is respectable and effective. In addition, use on-line resources to check out evaluations and contrast agents. Internet sites, social media, and real estate systems can provide useful understandings into a representative's record, specialties, and client contentment.


After limiting your alternatives, meeting with possible representatives is necessary. This is where the personal link comes into play. An efficient real estate agent must be somebody you really feel comfortable with, that listens to your demands, and communicates plainly. During your conferences, ask about their experience, techniques, and how they intend to aid you achieve your objectives. Pay attention to just how well they comprehend the neighborhood market and their capability to supply tailored advice based on your specific situation.


Ultimately, the trick to finding one of the most effective real estate agent near you is a mix of introspection, diligent study, and establishing a meaningful connection with a specialist that recognizes and values your unique demands and objectives. This approach not only ensures a smoother transaction but likewise raises the probability of a successful and rewarding real estate experience. Keep in mind, the best representative is not just a facilitator of an offer however a companion in among one of the most substantial transactions of your life.

Investigating Regional Real Estate Markets


Discovering the most efficient real estate agent in your location belongs to uncovering a clean key that can dramatically affect your home buying or offering experience. As you start this trip, looking into regional real estate markets comes to be an important part of the procedure, offering you with the insights required to make a notified choice.


Primarily, understanding the characteristics of your regional real estate market is vital. Every community and neighborhood has its very own unique characteristics, fads, and cost points. By familiarizing on your own with these elements, you can evaluate the degree of proficiency and specialization you require from a real estate agent. Hayward top-rated realtor For instance, if you are looking to purchase a home in a rapidly establishing area, you'll want an agent that is well-informed concerning new growths, future facilities plans, and possible investment possibilities. On the other hand, if you are selling a historic home in a well-established neighborhood, you'll want somebody experienced in marketing heritage residential properties.


When you have a clear understanding of the regional market, the following action is to seek suggestions and perform extensive study on potential agents. Word of mouth remains a powerful tool in discovering an effective real estate agent. Speak to close friends, family, and associates who have actually recently taken part in real estate transactions. Their firsthand experiences can supply important insights into a representative's professionalism, negotiation abilities, and commitment to client satisfaction.


Along with personal referrals, use on the internet sources to further vet potential representatives. Websites such as Zillow, Realtor.com, and neighborhood real estate boards usually supply reviews and rankings of agents in your area. Focus on the consistency of positive comments, along with any recurring problems stated by previous clients.

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A representative with a strong on the internet presence and favorable evaluations is typically an excellent indication of their devotion and effectiveness.


Additionally, when researching neighborhood real estate markets, think about participating in open homes and neighborhood occasions where you can satisfy representatives face to face. This enables you to observe their interpersonal skills, market knowledge, and how they communicate with prospective clients. An efficient representative needs to be friendly, communicative, and willing to answer any type of concerns you might have.


Ultimately, the secret to discovering one of the most reliable real estate agent depends on integrating comprehensive market research with individual communications and suggestions. By understanding the subtleties of your local market and meticulously examining potential agents, you furnish yourself with the tools required to decide that straightens with your real estate goals. An appropriate agent not just facilitates a smoother deal yet likewise provides invaluable understandings and assistance, making sure a gratifying experience in the vibrant globe of real estate.

Assessing Representative Credentials and Experience


Finding one of the most effective real estate agent in your location can be a complicated job, specifically provided the substantial financial and psychological investment associated with getting or offering property. Among the most crucial facets of this process is examining the representative's qualifications and experience. Understanding how to assess these elements can aid you make an informed decision and eventually result in a successful real estate transaction.


Primarily, qualifications are a clear indication of an agent's official training and understanding in the field. Real estate agents should be certified in the state where they run, which needs passing a thorough exam. Nonetheless, yet basic demand, several agents pursue added accreditations to enhance their knowledge. For example, a Certified Residential Expert (CRS) classification is a mark of sophisticated training and experience in residential property sales. Likewise, an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) accreditation reveals that a representative has actually concentrated on dealing with home purchasers. When assessing prospective representatives, it is advantageous to ask about their accreditations and what they represent, as these can offer understanding right into their locations of experience and commitment to specialist advancement.


Along with credentials, experience plays a pivotal role in establishing an agent's efficiency. A seasoned agent has actually commonly navigated numerous market conditions and comprehends the subtleties of real estate purchases. They are most likely to anticipate potential challenges and have actually established networks with various other market professionals, such as mortgage brokers, assessors, and service providers, which can be very useful throughout the acquiring or offering process. When examining an agent's experience, consider the variety of years they have actually been in the business, the number and sort of deals they have completed, and their knowledge with your neighborhood market. An agent who concentrates on your details neighborhood or kind of property can offer important understandings that may not.


An additional crucial facet of assessing an agent's qualifications and experience is their track record of success. Search for agents that have a history of shutting offers comparable to your own. Request references or endorsements from past customers to obtain direct accounts of their experiences. On-line reviews and ratings can additionally supply extra viewpoints, though they must be considered in the context of the general comments. Take notice of just how the agent communicates and discusses, as these abilities are vital in protecting the very best possible end result for your purchase.


Lastly, while qualifications and experience are considerable, the individual connection you establish with a prospective representative must not be underestimated. Real estate deals can be complex and time-consuming, needing close partnership between you and your agent. As a result, it is important that you really feel comfortable with them and trust their judgment. During

Checking Client Reviews and Testimonials


Finding one of the most effective real estate agent near you can be a complicated task, especially offered the wealth of alternatives and the significant investment associated with purchasing or selling property. Among one of the most dependable techniques to guarantee you choose the appropriate representative is by checking client testimonials and reviews. These direct accounts supply invaluable understandings into a representative's professionalism and reliability, knowledge, and capacity to supply satisfying outcomes.


Customer testimonials and testimonies are necessary due to the fact that they use a peek into the experiences of previous clients that have collaborated with the representative. These reviews often highlight the representative's staminas, such as negotiation skills, market expertise, and responsiveness. As an example, if several customers commend a representative for their capability to secure beneficial deals, this is a solid sign of the representative's competence. Conversely, if testimonials regularly discuss poor communication or absence of dedication, it may be important to think about various other options.


In addition, testimonies often show the level of client service an agent gives. In the real estate company, where deals can be complicated and stressful, collaborating with a representative who is not just knowledgeable however likewise encouraging and conscientious to your requirements is crucial. Testimonials can expose just how well an agent pays attention to their customers, addresses their problems, and overviews them via the procedure. An agent who obtains favorable testimonials for holding your horses and helpful will likely be a great selection, especially for new purchasers or vendors who might require extra guidance.


In addition to reading evaluations on the agent's site, it's recommended to discover third-party evaluation platforms such as Google, Yelp, or Zillow. These systems commonly include much more candid and objective responses. While reading testimonials, it's important to try to find patterns rather than focusing on isolated comments. A single negative evaluation in a sea of positive ones might not be a deal-breaker, but consistent adverse responses should raise red flags.


Another benefit of client testimonials is that they can clarify the representative's specialization and neighborhood market proficiency. Some agents concentrate on particular types of properties or areas. Evaluations can expose whether a representative has successfully handled transactions similar to what you are looking for, whether it's buying a historic home or offering a downtown apartment. This field of expertise can be a considerable advantage, as representatives accustomed to the neighborhood market are more probable to provide precise rates methods and valuable insights.


Finally, while various variables contribute to finding the most efficient real estate agent near you, examining client evaluations and testimonials is a vital step. These evaluations use a genuine picture of a representative's capacities and client service method. By thoroughly examining this comments, you can make a more enlightened choice and choose a 65

Interviewing Possible Real Estate Representatives


Locating one of the most efficient real estate agent near you can seem like a challenging job, specifically when the stakes are high in acquiring or selling a property. A good real estate agent can make the process seamless and effective, while a poor option can bring about unnecessary stress and feasible economic loss. The trick to locating the best real estate agent lies in complete research study, calculated speaking with, and a keen understanding of your very own needs and preferences.


Firstly, research study is crucial. Start by gathering recommendations from friends, family members, or associates who have actually had positive experiences with real estate representatives. Personal referrals typically cause credible leads because they are based on direct experiences. In addition, leverage on the internet sources like real estate internet sites, online forums, and social networks to check out reviews and ratings of agents in your location. Pay attention to agents who consistently receive full marks for their interaction skills, market knowledge, and negotiation capabilities.


When you have a shortlist of possible representatives, the next step is to perform meetings. This is your opportunity to analyze their proficiency and figure out if they line up with your objectives. Prepare a checklist of inquiries that cover their experience, understanding of the regional market, and strategy to both buying and selling buildings. Inquire about their current deals to assess their success price and ask about their strategy for advertising and marketing properties. An effective agent should have the ability to supply a clear prepare for exactly how they will represent your passions and achieve your real estate objectives.


It's likewise essential to assess their communication design. You desire a representative who is receptive, transparent, and proactive. During the interview, remember of how well they listen to your demands and how clearly they articulate their responses. This communication will offer you a common sense of how they will interact once you are working together.


Trust your reactions when making the decision. A representative may have impressive qualifications and a solid track record, yet if you do not feel comfy or certain in their abilities, the partnership may not be successful. The ideal agent must not only be qualified however likewise a person you feel comfortable dealing with for an extensive period.


Last but not least, make certain that the representative's worths straighten with your very own. Whether it's their commitment to moral practices, their availability to satisfy your schedule, or their dedication to comprehending your distinct circumstance, these elements will add to a more effective and satisfying connection.


In conclusion, the trick to locating one of the most efficient real estate agent near you depends on attentive research, careful talking to, and trusting your instinct. By prioritizing these steps, you can choose a representative that will not just meet your expectations but likewise

Assessing Interaction and Responsiveness


When starting the journey to purchase or sell a home, among one of the most critical actions is locating the best real estate agent. This selection can considerably influence your experience and the outcome of your real estate endeavor. To discover the key to discovering one of the most efficient real estate agent near you, it is vital to focus on examining communication and responsiveness, two important elements that usually figure out the success of your collaboration.


Efficient communication is the foundation of any successful relationship, specifically in real estate deals where intricate details and large amounts of cash are entailed. An agent that communicates properly will not only maintain you informed but will additionally make sure that you recognize every step of the procedure. When assessing prospective agents, take note of their capacity to listen diligently and their determination to respond to concerns. A representative who puts in the time to comprehend your requirements and preferences is more likely to offer tailored service that lines up with your goals.


Furthermore, the agent's capability to describe complicated real estate lingo in a clear and concise way is important. You want someone who can damage down the market patterns, legal requirements, and financial aspects into digestible info. This will empower you to make educated choices, boosting your self-confidence throughout the procedure.


Responsiveness is just as essential in the hectic world of real estate. The marketplace can change quickly, and opportunities might arise or vanish within an issue of days or perhaps hours. An agent that is quick to reply to emails, calls, or messages shows a commitment to your requirements and a positive strategy to handling your purchase. This level of listening can be the difference between safeguarding a dream home or losing to a much more active buyer.


When reviewing a representative's responsiveness, consider their availability and the techniques they use to communicate. A very effective agent will be adaptable, accommodating your recommended setting of communication, whether it be telephone call, e-mails, or text. They should also provide timely updates and follow-ups, guaranteeing that you are never left at night concerning the condition of your transaction.


To evaluate these high qualities, consider conducting initial interviews with several representatives. Prepare a checklist of concerns that evaluate their understanding, experience, and interaction style. Take notice of exactly how they resolve your worries and whether they supply clear and complete responses. In addition, request references from past clients to get understanding right into their experiences with the agent's communication and responsiveness.


To conclude, the secret to finding one of the most effective real estate agent near you lies in thoroughly examining their communication skills and responsiveness. A representative who excels in these locations will be an important ally, leading

Comparing Commission Fees and Fees


Discovering one of the most reliable real estate agent near you can be a complicated job, particularly when confronted with a sea of choices, each guaranteeing to supply unmatched service. Among the critical variables to consider when picking the best representative is understanding and comparing commission rates and charges, as these can considerably influence both your selling and buying experiences.


Commission prices are generally a percentage of the property's selling price and are usually split between the seller's agent and the buyer's representative. The typical rate hovers around 5% to 6%, however this can vary relying on the area, market problems, and the private representative's plans. While it could be tempting to just pick a representative with the lowest commission price, it's important to take into consideration the old expression, "you obtain what you pay for." A representative that bills less may not provide the level of solution, know-how, or advertising and marketing get to that an extra costly agent might provide.


Additionally, some agents are open to bargaining their commission prices. Prior to settling on an agent, it deserves having a candid discussion about their costs and what services are consisted of. Some agents may provide a la carte services, enabling you to pay just for what you need, while others offer full-service plans that cover whatever from presenting to marketing. Recognizing these differences is crucial to ensuring you're getting the most effective worth for your money.


In addition to commission rates, it's important to take into consideration any added charges the agent may charge. These can include administrative costs, marketing fees, or deal fees, which can accumulate promptly. Always request for a detailed failure of all possible prices upfront to prevent any undesirable shocks in the future.


One more method to finding an effective real estate agent is to look for referrals from friends, family members, or coworkers who have actually just recently acquired or marketed homes. Individual experiences can give valuable insights right into an agent's efficiency and dependability. Additionally, reviewing on-line reviews and checking their track record for effective deals can use a look into their track record in the industry.


Eventually, the secret to discovering the most efficient real estate agent near you hinges on doing thorough research study and not just focusing only on commission prices and charges. Consider their experience, understanding of the neighborhood market, negotiation abilities, and total compatibility with your demands and assumptions. San Lorenzo Realtor Professionals Near Me By taking a thorough approach, you'll be most likely to discover an agent that not just satisfies your financial factors to consider but additionally assists you navigate the real estate process efficiently and effectively.

Trusting Your Impulses and Making a Decision


Locating one of the most effective real estate agent near you is akin to selecting a dependable companion in a complicated trip. This decision, while essential, frequently comes down to one essential aspect: trusting your impulses. In an era where data is bountiful and info goes to our fingertips, it may seem counterproductive to lean heavily on intuition. Yet, when it involves choosing a real estate agent, your sixth sense plays an indispensable duty in making the appropriate selection.


Trusting your instincts starts with comprehending your own demands and preferences in the real estate journey. Are you getting your first home, or are you an experienced investor looking for the following profitable possibility? The ideal agent for you will not only recognize the neighborhood market yet will also resonate with your personal goals and expectations. Before diving right into the search, take time to reflect on what you truly require from an agent. This self-awareness forms the bedrock of trusting your impulses.


As soon as you have quality on your requirements, start collecting referrals. Individual referrals from buddies, family, or coworkers can give a solid starting factor. When a person you trust attest an agent, it can be a solid indication of the representative's capacities and technique. Nonetheless, it's important to bear in mind that your experience could vary from theirs. Below, your impulses enter into play as you assess whether the representative seems like an excellent suitable for you directly.


In the process of selecting a representative, take note of the first communications. Exactly how does the representative connect? Are they receptive, alert, and really interested in your demands? An efficient real estate agent will listen proactively and ask insightful questions to recognize your one-of-a-kind circumstance. Trust your instincts when analyzing these communications; they can use important understandings into exactly how the representative will manage your business relationship in the future.


Additionally, consider the representative's performance history and experience. While statistics like sales numbers and years of experience are very important, they should not be the sole figuring out factors. An agent's capability to get in touch with you on an individual level, their understanding of the neighborhood market subtleties, and their determination to support for your passions are similarly essential. Trusting your instincts means identifying when an agent's expert accomplishments line up with your certain demands and assumptions.


Along with individually interactions, explore on-line evaluations and testimonials. These can give a broader viewpoint on the agent's reputation and customer complete satisfaction. Nonetheless, method these testimonials with a critical eye; not every evaluation will properly show the agent's capacities. Use your instinct to sift via the feedback and recognize patterns that resonate with your own values and

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Realtor.com
Industry Real estate
Founded 1995
Headquarters
Austin, Texas
,
United States
Key people
  • Damian Eales (CEO)
  • Bryan Charap (CFO)[1]
  • Bryan Ellis (CRO)
  • Arthur Chapin (Chief Growth Officer)
  • Mickey Neuberger (CMO)
  • Chris Patalano (CTO)
  • Kat Koutsantonis (Chief People Officer)
  • Mausam Bhatt (CPO)[1]
Parent Move, Inc.
Website www.realtor.com

Realtor.com is a real estate listings website operated by the News Corp subsidiary Move, Inc. and based in Austin, Texas. It is the second most visited real estate listings website in the United States as of 2021, with over 100 million monthly active users.

The site launched as the Realtor Information Network in 1995, serving as a closed network for members of the National Association of Realtors. It relaunched in 1996 as a public website displaying property listings. Since then, Realtor.com claims to be the largest real estate website in the United States, and in 2016 was valued at $2.5 billion by Morgan Stanley.

Operations

[edit]

Realtor.com is operated by the real estate network Move, Inc.,[2] which is owned by News Corp.[3] Ryan O'Hara served as chief executive officer (CEO) of both realtor.com and Move until June 18, 2019.[4]

Following the announcement of O'Hara's departure, News Corp's President of Global Digital Real Estate Tracey Fellows was named acting CEO in June 2019. David Doctorow was named the CEO in January 2020.[5] In June 2023, Doctorow was succeeded by Damian Eales as CEO.[6][better source needed]

The website is licensed to operate by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the real estate industry's largest trade association.[3][7] The company's business model is built around selling referral-based solutions, leads, and advertising to agents, brokers, and others in the real estate industry.[8] Realtor.com covers 80 countries.

History

[edit]

Early history and public listing

[edit]

Realtor.com first launched in 1995 as the Realtor Information Network (RIN), which at that time was a closed network providing proprietary information to members of NAR.[9][10]

In 1996, the hosting site became public, allowing any Internet users to search for property listings, and expanded with the addition of Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS) listings in August.[11] RIN grew from 32,000 property listings in December 1995 to nearly 400,000 properties by October 1996.[12][13]

The site was relaunched with the name "Spot Realtor.com" at the same realtor.com domain name in November 1996.[14][15] The site's management was assumed by a company called RealSelect,[15] in a new partnership with NAR, funded by investment from venture capital firms.[14] RealSelect later changed its name to Homestore, and continued to operate the realtor.com site with NAR as a partner.[16]

Starting in 1997, Realtor.com became the exclusive online real estate listings source for several companies, including USA Today,[17][18] NBC,[19] and America Online (AOL).[20][21] Realtor.com also entered into a partnership with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Service, beginning in 1998.[22]

With more than 1.3 million listings by 1999,[23][24] Realtor.com had become the largest website for real estate listings, and expanded services to include virtual tours of properties.[25]

Homestore went public in August 1999, raising $140 million in the process. NAR retained a significant equity position, but Homestore negotiated agreements with multiple listing services and brokerages to secure direct feeds of listings.[26]

News Corp era

[edit]

News Corp purchased Realtor.com's parent company, now called Move, for $950 million in September 2014.[4][27] According to comScore, Realtor.com was receiving 34.1 million unique visitors per month at the time.[28] New partnerships were formed with Airbnb, to focus on encouraging potential home buyers to stay in neighborhoods of interest to them;[2] and with Yelp, to provide users with information about listed properties' neighborhood amenities.[29]

Originally located in San Jose, California, the company moved to Santa Clara in 2016. [4]

Move acquired interior design and lifestyle website Remodelista and outdoor spaces and garden design website Gardenista in 2016 as part of Realtor.com's marketing strategy. At the time of purchase, the two sites represented 1.5 million monthly readers.[30] In June, 2019 the company sold back the websites to founder Julie Carlson and husband Josh Groves and are now independently operated by Remodelista LLC.[31]

As of 2016, Realtor.com claimed to display 97 percent of residential properties for sale in the United States,[32] and reportedly received 36.7 million unique monthly visitors.[4] The company was valued by Morgan Stanley at $2.5 billion.[33]

Features for augmented reality and image recognition in listings were added to the Realtor.com mobile apps in January 2017.[3][34] Also, the site began offering 3D tours from Matterport on its iOS app, and began offering the same technology on its website and Android app.[35]

Move acquired Opcity, the Austin, Texas-based real estate technology company, for $210 million in 2018. The company, which developed a platform that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to match potential home buyers with agents,[36] continued to operate as an independent business until being integrated in 2019–2020.[37][38][39]

In 2018, Realtor.com introduced Local Expert, a digital marketing service for targeting ads to agents and prospective buyers on both the company's website and Facebook.[40] Local Expert was expanded in 2019 to allow ad purchases for searches at the city level in addition to the ZIP Code level.[41][42]

Another marketing product, Market Reach, launched in early 2020.[43] During 2019 and early 2020, Realtor.com added a number of features to improve search options, including a commute time filter,[44] noise overlay map,[45][46] and automated value model comparisons.[47]

In July 2020, Realtor.com introduced Sellers Marketplace to help consumers with iBuying by providing homeowners with information for comparing selling options.[48][49]

In August 2020, Realtor.com launched a digital tool to help people assess the risk of flooding to a home over the course of a 30-year mortgage. In May 2022, Realtor.com added wildfire risk data to the online tool. Both integrations were a result of collaboration with the First Street Foundation, a nonprofit research and technology organization that uses data and technology to predict climate-related risks.[50][51][52][53]

As of mid-2020, Realtor.com was receiving approximately 68 million unique users per month[54] The same year, Move purchased software company Avail. Avail provides tools used by landlords such as creating and marketing listings as well as collecting rent and maintenance requests.[55]

In 2021, it was reported as the number one real estate listings website[failed verification] and second most visited.[56]

In June 2022 Move acquired UpNest.com to expand its seller strategy. UpNest algorithmically matches real estate customers with multiple agents in their area. Since UpNest's launch in 2013 approximately 1 million agent proposals have been submitted on the UpNest platform.[57] In 2018 and 2019, UpNest was ranked on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 as #85 and #116, respectively.

On February 10, 2025, it was reported that Realtor.com had relocated its headquarters from Santa Clara to Austin, Texas.[58]

Marketing

[edit]

Elizabeth Banks became a spokesperson for Realtor.com in 2015,[59][60] appearing in the company's YouTube series targeting millennials buying their first home.[61][62][63] Her first commercial for the company was directed by Fred Savage.[64] A subsequent campaign, "The Home of Home Search", launched in April 2018.[65]

Realtor.com's 2021 advertising campaign, "Homes for Every Home Buyer" uses the tagline "to each their home". One ad features rapper Big Boi in "Our First Big Boi House", which depicts first-time homebuyers of color and celebrates Black homeownership.[66][67] The website's advertising campaigns have been recognized by Adweek,[68][69] the Online Marketing Media and Advertising (OMMA) Awards,[70][failed verification][71] and the Webby Awards for their creativity, use of talent, and digital advertising.[72]

References

[edit]
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  2. ^ a b Trejos, Nancy (June 24, 2015). "Airbnb, Realtor.com team up to let you try before you buy". USA Today. ISSN 0734-7456. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c Levy, Nat. "Realtor.com's new features bring augmented reality, image recognition to home-buying". GeekWire. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
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  5. ^ Falcon, Julia. "News Corp picks new CEO to run Move, realtor.com". HousingWire. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
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  14. ^ a b Gendler, Neal (November 13, 1996). "Partnership to keep Realtors' listing site available on World Wide Web; RIN accumulated millions of dollars in debt in 18 months". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on February 18, 2018. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
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  16. ^ Gaw, Jonathan (August 2, 1999). "HomeStore.com Plans to Turn Internet Real Estate Into Equity". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. OCLC 3638237. Retrieved July 11, 2017.
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  19. ^ "Cyber-tv: NBC Joins Rival in Making Move to an Interactive Neighborhood". Chicago Tribune. April 9, 1997. ISSN 1085-6706. OCLC 60639020. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
  20. ^ "Digital City Brings Realtor.com Into Fold". Wired. May 21, 1997. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
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  25. ^ Harney, Kenneth R. (December 19, 1998). "Virtual Tours to Revolutionize Home Shopping". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 11, 2018. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
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  27. ^ Logan, Tim (September 30, 2014). "News Corp. to buy parent of Realtor.com for $950 million". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
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  30. ^ "Behind Realtor.com's Remodelista-Gardenista acquisition", Business of Home 2016-07-15
  31. ^ "To Our Readers: Remodelista Update", Remodelista 2019-06-01
  32. ^ Lapp, Rebecca (April 25, 2017). "Wapakoneta on top 10 list of small towns". Wapakoneta Daily News. Retrieved March 7, 2018.
  33. ^ Wiggin, Teke (December 7, 2017). "Morgan Stanley valued realtor.com at $2.5 billion: News Corp". Inman.com. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
  34. ^ Steele, Billy. "Realtor.com uses augmented reality to help you find a new home". Engadget. Oath Inc. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  35. ^ Wiggin, Teke (March 30, 2017). "Realtor.com stitches Matterport 3-D home tours into iOS app". Inman.com. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
  36. ^ Hawkins, Lori (August 30, 2018). "Austin real estate startup Opcity to be acquired for $210 million". Austin American-Statesman. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  37. ^ Anderson, Will (August 30, 2018). "Opcity agrees to $210 million buyout by News Corp". Austin Business Journal. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  38. ^ Marinova, Polina (August 30, 2018). "Term Sheet -- Thursday, August 30". Fortune. Retrieved September 12, 2018.
  39. ^ O'Regan, Varnham Sylvia (February 7, 2020). "News Corp. looks to Opcity lead-generation to boost real estate services biz". The Real Deal. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  40. ^ Wiggin, Teke (November 1, 2018). "Realtor.com unveils Facebook ads for agents". Inman.com. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  41. ^ Wiggin, Teke (July 29, 2019). "Realtor.com extends Facebook ad product to brokers". Inman.com. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  42. ^ Falcon, Julia (July 29, 2019). "Realtor.com expands Local Expert feature to city level". HousingWire. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  43. ^ Bhattacharya, Lydia (March 4, 2020). "Moxiworks and realtor.com launch new marketing programs for agents: New tool seeks to help agents maximize social media ads". Chicago Agent Magazine. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  44. ^ Kearns, Patrick (July 1, 2019). "Realtor.com's iOS app will allow users to filter by commute". Inman.com. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  45. ^ Falcon, Julia (March 9, 2020). "Realtor.com adds new feature to home search that shows noise levels". HousingWire. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  46. ^ Kearns, Patrick (March 9, 2020). "Realtor.com wants to identify noisy homes". Inman.com. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  47. ^ Lane, Ben (March 12, 2020). "Look out Zestimate: Realtor.com is rolling out its own souped-up home value estimate". HousingWire. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  48. ^ "Realtor.com wades into iBuying at last". The Real Deal. July 23, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  49. ^ Kearns, Patrick (July 23, 2020). "Realtor.com partners with Opendoor, others for 'seller's marketplace'". Inman.com. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  50. ^ Jones, Charisse (August 26, 2020). "As Hurricane Laura bears down, homebuyers get new tool to assess flood risk". USA Today. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  51. ^ "Major Real Estate Website Now Shows Flood Risk. Should They All?". NPR. August 26, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  52. ^ Bove, Tristan (May 16, 2022). "A major real estate company is adding a wildfire risk to all listings and says 30 million households could be at risk over the next few decades". Fortune. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  53. ^ Verde, Ben (May 16, 2022). "Realtor.com first to add wildfire risk data to listings, helping consumers". Inman.com. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  54. ^ "News Corporation Reports Third Quarter Results for Fiscal 2020" (PDF). News Corp. Retrieved July 28, 2020.
  55. ^ Dalyrymple, Jim II (15 December 2020). "Move Inc. acquires rental platform Avail". Inman. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
  56. ^ Nylen, Leah (9 March 2021). "Zillow faces antitrust suit over change to real estate listings". Politico. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  57. ^ "Realtor.com® Acquires UpNest". UpNest. 2022-06-08. Retrieved 2022-06-27.
  58. ^ Thompson, Kelsey (February 10, 2025). "Realtor.com relocates headquarters to Austin from California". KXAN.
  59. ^ Diaz, Ann-Christine (June 1, 2016). "Elizabeth Banks Is the (Weird) Woman of Your Dreams in Latest Campaign from Realtor.com". Advertising Age. Detroit: Crain Communications. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  60. ^ Gianatasio, David (April 3, 2017). "Realtor.com Helps You Beat Not-You to the Home of Your Dreams". Adweek. New York City: Beringer Capital. ISSN 0199-2864. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  61. ^ Beer, Jeff (June 1, 2017). "Elizabeth Banks Wants to Help You Find Your Dream Home on Realtor.com". Fast Company. Mansueto Ventures. ISSN 1085-9241. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
  62. ^ Gazdik, Tanya (April 3, 2017). "Realtor.com Campaign Focuses on the 'Not-Yous' in Biggest Campaign Yet". Marketing Daily. MediaPost Communications. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  63. ^ Wasserman, Todd (April 7, 2017). "Realtor.com Banks on Elizabeth to Target House-Buying Millennials". CMO.com. Adobe Systems. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
  64. ^ McMains, Andrew (May 13, 2015). "Ad of the Day: Elizabeth Banks Gets Comically Obsessed with Real Estate for Realtor.com". Adweek. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
  65. ^ Gazdik, Tanya (April 25, 2018). "Realtor.com Launches Its Largest Brand Campaign". MarketingDaily. MediaPost. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
  66. ^ Wood, Shawn Paul (May 10, 2021). "Realtor.com Has a Home For Everybody in Latest Campaign—Even Cacti and Vampires". Adweek. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  67. ^ Meyers, Alyssa (January 26, 2022). "Mood Board: How a cold DM led to Realtor.com's latest campaign". Marketing Brew. Retrieved June 27, 2022.
  68. ^ Burgi, Michael (August 17, 2015). "Meet the Talented Performers Behind Some of the Year's Best Videos". Adweek. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
  69. ^ "Pereira & O'Dell Awards". AdForum. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
  70. ^ "2017 OMMA Awards". MediaPost Communications. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
  71. ^ "OMMA Awards: 2015 Finalists". MediaPost Communications. 2015. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
  72. ^ Vanderboegh, Dani. "Who are the real estate winners in the 2016 Webbys?". Inman.com. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
[edit]
  • Official website

 

 

Lawn signs advertising houses for sale

Real estate agents and real estate brokers are people who represent sellers or buyers of real estate or real property. While a broker may work independently, an agent usually works under a licensed broker to represent clients.[1] Brokers and agents are licensed by the state to negotiate sales agreements and manage the documentation required for closing real estate transactions.

Categories of representation

[edit]

A real estate broker typically receives a real estate commission for successfully completing a sale. Across the U.S, this commission can generally range between 5-6% of the property's sale price for a full-service broker but this percentage varies by state and even region.[2]

Real estate licensing and education

[edit]

In most jurisdictions in the United States, a person must have a license to perform licensed activities, and these activities are defined within the statutes of each state. The main feature of the requirement for having a license to perform those activities is the work done "for compensation". Hence, hypothetically, if a person wants to help a friend out in either selling or buying a property, and no compensation of any kind is expected in return, then a license is not needed to perform all the work. However, since most people would expect to be compensated for their efforts and skills, a license would be required by law before a person may receive remuneration for services rendered as a real estate broker or agent. Unlicensed activity is illegal and the state real estate commission has the authority to fine people who are acting as real estate licensees, but buyers and sellers acting as principals in the sale or purchase of real estate are usually not required to be licensed. It is important to note that in some states, lawyers handle real estate sales for compensation without being licensed as brokers or agents. However, even lawyers can only perform real estate activities that are incidental to their original work as a lawyer. It cannot be the case that a lawyer can become a seller's selling agent if that is all the service that is being requested by the client. Lawyers would still need to be licensed as a broker if they wish to perform licensed activities. Nevertheless, lawyers do get a break in the minimum education requirements (for example, 90 hours in Illinois).[3]

Some other states have recently eliminated the salesperson's license, instead, all licensees in those states automatically earn their broker's license.

The term "agent" is not to be confused with salesperson or broker. An agent is simply a licensee that has entered into an agency relationship with a client. A broker can also be an agent for a client. It is commonly the firm that has the actual legal relationship with the client through one of their sales staff, be they salespersons or brokers.

In all states, the real estate licensee must disclose to prospective buyers and sellers the nature of their relationship [4]

Specific representation laws

[edit]

Some U.S. state real estate commissions – notably Florida's[5] after 1992 (and extended in 2003) and Colorado's[6] after 1994 (with changes in 2003) created the option of having no agency or fiduciary relationship between brokers and sellers or buyers.

As noted by the South Broward Board of Realtors, Inc. in a letter to State of Florida legislative committees:

"The Transaction Broker crafts a transaction by bringing a willing buyer and a willing seller together and provides the legal documentation of the details of the legal agreement between the same. The Transaction Broker is not a fiduciary of any party, but must abide by the law as well as professional and ethical standards." (such as NAR Code of Ethics).

The result was that, in 2003, Florida created a system where the default brokerage relationship had "all licensees ... operating as transaction brokers, unless a single agent or no brokerage relationship is established, in writing, with the customer"[7][8] and the statute required written disclosure of the transaction brokerage relationship to the buyer or seller customer only through July 1, 2008.

In the case of both Florida[8] and Colorado,[6] dual agency and sub-agency (where both listing and selling agents represent the seller) no longer exist.

Other brokers and agents may focus on representing buyers or tenants in a real estate transaction. However, licensing as a broker or salesperson authorizes the licensee to legally represent parties on either side of a transaction and providing the necessary documentation for the legal transfer of real property. This business decision is for the licensee to decide. They are fines for people acting as real estate agents when not licensed by the state.

In the United Kingdom, an estate agent is a person or business entity whose business is to market real estate on behalf of clients. There are significant differences between the actions, powers, obligations, and liabilities of brokers and estate agents in each country, as different countries take markedly different approaches to the marketing and selling of real property.

The difference between salespersons and brokers

[edit]

Before the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) was introduced in 1967, when brokers (and their licensees) only represented sellers by providing a service to provide legal documentation on the transfer real property, the term "real estate salesperson" may have been more appropriate than it is today, given the various ways that brokers and licensees now help buyers through the legal process of transferring real property. Legally, however, the term "salesperson" is still used in many states to describe a real estate licensee.[citation needed]

Real estate broker (or, in some states, qualifying broker)

[edit]

After gaining some years of experience in real estate sales, a salesperson may decide to become licensed as a real estate broker (or Principal/qualifying broker) in order to own, manage, or operate their own brokerage. In addition, some states allow college graduates to apply for a broker's license without years of experience. College graduates fall into this category once they have completed the state-required courses as well. California allows licensed attorneys to become brokers upon passing the broker exam without having to take the requisite courses required of an agent. Commonly more coursework and a broker's state exam on real estate law must be passed. Upon obtaining a broker's license, a real estate agent may continue to work for another broker in a similar capacity as before (often referred to as a broker associate or associate broker) or take charge of their own brokerage and hire other salespersons (or broker licensees). Becoming a branch office manager may or may not require a broker's license. Some states allow licensed attorneys to become real estate brokers without taking any exam. In some states, there are no "salespeople" as all licensees are brokers.[9]

Types of services that a broker can provide

[edit]

Real Estate Services are also called trading services [10]

Real estate brokers and sellers

[edit]

Flat-fee real estate agents

[edit]

Flat-fee real estate agents charge a seller of a property a flat fee, $500 for example,[11] as opposed to a traditional or full-service real estate agent who charges a percentage of the sale price. In exchange, the seller's property will appear in the multiple listing service (MLS), but the seller will represent him or herself when showing the property and negotiating a sales price.[11] The result is the seller pays less commission overall (roughly half) when the property sells.[11] This is because a seller will pay a percentage of the sales price to a buyer's agent but not have to pay a percentage to a seller's agent (because there isn't one; the seller is representing himself).

Brokerage commissions

[edit]

In consideration of the brokerage successfully finding a buyer for the property, a broker anticipates receiving a commission for the services the brokerage has provided. Usually, the payment of a commission to the brokerage is contingent upon finding a buyer for the real estate, the successful negotiation of a purchase contract between the buyer and seller, or the settlement of the transaction and the exchange of money between buyer and seller. Under common law, a real estate broker is eligible to receive their commission, regardless of whether the sale actually takes place, once they secure a buyer who is ready, willing, and able to purchase the dwelling.[12]

Economist Steven D. Levitt famously argued in his 2005 book Freakonomics that real estate brokers have an inherent conflict of interest with the sellers they represent because their commission gives them more motivation to sell quickly than to sell at a higher price. Levitt supported his argument with a study finding brokers tend to put their own houses on the market for longer and receive higher prices for them compared to when working for their clients. He concluded that broker commissions will reduce in future.[13] A 2008 study by other economists found that when comparing brokerage without listing services, brokerage significantly reduced the average sale price.[14]

RESPA

[edit]

Real estate brokers who work with lenders can not receive any compensation from the lender for referring a residential client to a specific lender. To do so would be a violation of a United States federal law known as the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). RESPA ensures that buyers and sellers are given adequate notice of the Real Estate settlement process.[15]

Realtor

[edit]

In the United States, the term realtor is trademarked by the National Association of Realtors, which uses it to refer to its active members, who may be real estate agents or brokers.[16][17][18] In Canada, the trademark is used by members of the Canadian Real Estate Association.[19] Both organizations advise against the use of realtor as a generic synonym for real estate agent.[19]

Continuing education

[edit]

States issue licenses for an annual or multi-year period and require real estate agents and brokers to complete continuing education prior to renewing their licenses. For example, California licensees must complete 45 hours of continuing education every 4 years in topics such as agency, trust fund handling, consumer protection, fair housing, ethics, and risk management.[20]

Organizations

[edit]

Several notable groups exist to promote the real estate industry and to assist professionals.

  • The National Association of Realtors (NAR)
    • The Realtor Political Action Committee (RPAC) is the lobbying arm of the NAR.
  • The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)
  • The Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC)[21][22]
  • The Real Estate Roundtable[23]

Notable agents and brokers

[edit]
  • Alice Mason[24]

See also

[edit]
  • Buyer brokerage
  • Closing (real estate)
  • Estate (land)
  • Exclusive buyer agent
  • Flat-fee MLS
  • Home inspection
  • Index of real estate articles
  • Investment rating for real estate
  • Listing contract
  • Mortgage broker
  • Property manager
  • Real estate contract
  • Real estate development
  • Real estate investing
  • Real estate settlement company
  • Strata management

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Real Estate Professionals Explained: Agent, Broker, REALTOR". Real Estate News and Advice | Realtor.com. 2014-03-10. Retrieved 2018-12-27.
  2. ^ "How Much Is Real Estate Agent Commission?". Bankrate. Retrieved 2018-12-20.
  3. ^ "FAQs". www.illinoisrealtors.org. Illinois Realtors. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
  4. ^ "Realtor Code of Ethics - Disclosure" (PDF). Real Estate Association Standards of Business Practice.
  5. ^ "Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine". Leg.state.fl.us. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
  6. ^ a b "Outline of types of representation available in Colorado, including Transaction Brokerage" (PDF). Dora.state.co.us. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
  7. ^ Evans, Blanche (2 July 2003). "Florida Implements Default Transactikn Brokerage Statute". realtytimes.com/. Realty Times. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  8. ^ a b The 2007 Florida Statutes. Chapter 475 Real Estate Brokers — Part I; Real Estate Brokers, Sales Associates, and Schools (ss. 475.001-475.5018), Section 475.278 Authorized brokerage relationships; presumption of transaction brokerage; required disclosures (1) Brokerage Relationships: (a) Authorized brokerage relationships. — A real estate licensee in this state may enter into a brokerage relationship as either a transaction broker or as a single agent with potential buyers and sellers. A real estate licensee may not operate as a disclosed or non-disclosed dual agent ... (b)Presumption of transaction brokerage. — It shall be presumed that all licensees are operating as transaction brokers unless a single agent or no brokerage relationship is established, in writing, with a customer."
  9. ^ "Real Estate Broker's License: Examination and Licensing Application Requirements". New Mexico Administrative Code. State of New Mexico Commission of Public Records. 21 January 2021.
  10. ^ "Real Estate Laws Website". BC Real Estate Laws - Pat 1 Trading Services.
  11. ^ a b c Quigley, John M. (2000). "A Decent Home: Housing Policy in Perspective". Brookings-Wharton Papers on Urban Affairs. 2000 (1): 53–88. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.369.6806. doi:10.1353/urb.2000.0011. ISSN 1533-4449. S2CID 154714417.
  12. ^ "Getting a Brokerage Commission Paid | New York Law Journal".
  13. ^ Daniel Gross (20 February 2005). "Why a Real Estate Agent May Skip the Extra Mile". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 29 May 2015.
  14. ^ B. Douglas Bernheim; Jonathan Meer (13 January 2012). "Do Real Estate Brokers Add Value When Listing Services Are Unbundled?". The National Bureau of Economic Research. Working Paper Series. doi:10.3386/w13796. Retrieved 3 September 2016.
  15. ^ "CFPB consumer laws and regulations RESPA" (PDF). Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  16. ^ Buch, Clarissa (20 April 2023). "What Is a Realtor? A Member of the National Association of Realtors". Realtor.com. National Association of Realtors. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
  17. ^ "Understanding the Difference Between a Realtor and a Real Estate Agent". The CE Shop. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  18. ^ Colestock, Stephanie (August 13, 2021). "Realtor vs. real estate agent: What's the difference?". Fox Business. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  19. ^ a b "Using the REALTOR® Trademark in Advertisements - CREA". 12 November 2020.
  20. ^ "Continuing Education Requirements". Ca.gov. California Department of Real Estate. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
  21. ^ "Professional Recognition of our Programs". Real Estate Division at Sauder, UBC. January 8, 2019.
  22. ^ "Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC)". Thomson Reuters Canada Limited. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
  23. ^ "Lobbying Spending Database: National Assn of Realtors : 2007". Retrieved 2008-10-25.
  24. ^ Kodé, Anna (10 November 2024). "A Real Estate Queen and the Secret She Couldn't Keep Hidden". New York Times.
[edit]
  • Media related to Real estate agents at Wikimedia Commons

 

 

Real estate is property consisting of land and the buildings on it, along with its natural resources such as growing crops (e.g. timber), minerals or water, and wild animals; immovable property of this nature; an interest vested in this (also) an item of real property, (more generally) buildings or housing in general.[1][2] In terms of law, real relates to land property and is different from personal property, while estate means the "interest" a person has in that land property.[3]

Real estate is different from personal property, which is not permanently attached to the land (or comes with the land), such as vehicles, boats, jewelry, furniture, tools, and the rolling stock of a farm and farm animals.

In the United States, the transfer, owning, or acquisition of real estate can be through business corporations, individuals, nonprofit corporations, fiduciaries, or any legal entity as seen within the law of each U.S. state.[3]

History of real estate

[edit]

The natural right of a person to own property as a concept can be seen as having roots in Roman law as well as Greek philosophy.[4] The profession of appraisal can be seen as beginning in England during the 1500s, as agricultural needs required land clearing and land preparation. Textbooks on the subject of surveying began to be written and the term "surveying" was used in England, while the term "appraising" was more used in North America.[5] Natural law which can be seen as "universal law" was discussed among writers of the 15th and 16th century as it pertained to "property theory" and the inter-state relations dealing with foreign investments and the protection of citizens private property abroad. Natural law can be seen as having an influence in Emerich de Vattel's 1758 treatise The Law of Nations which conceptualized the idea of private property.[6]

One of the largest initial real estate deals in history known as the "Louisiana Purchase" happened in 1803 when the Louisiana Purchase Treaty was signed. This treaty paved the way for western expansion and made the U.S. the owners of the "Louisiana Territory" as the land was bought from France for fifteen million dollars, making each acre roughly 4 cents.[7] The oldest real estate brokerage firm was established in 1855 in Chicago, Illinois, and was initially known as "L. D. Olmsted & Co." but is now known as "Baird & Warner".[8] In 1908, the National Association of Realtors was founded in Chicago and in 1916, the name was changed to the National Association of Real Estate Boards and this was also when the term "realtor" was coined to identify real estate professionals.[9]

The stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression in the U.S. caused a major drop in real estate worth and prices and ultimately resulted in depreciation of 50% for the four years after 1929.[10] Housing financing in the U.S. was greatly affected by the Banking Act of 1933 and the National Housing Act in 1934 because it allowed for mortgage insurance for home buyers and this system was implemented by the Federal Deposit Insurance as well as the Federal Housing Administration.[11] In 1938, an amendment was made to the National Housing Act and Fannie Mae, a government agency, was established to serve as a secondary market for mortgages and to give lenders more money in order for new homes to be funded.[12]

Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act in the U.S., which is also known as the Fair Housing Act, was put into place in 1968 and dealt with the incorporation of African Americans into neighborhoods as the issues of discrimination were analyzed with the renting, buying, and financing of homes.[13] Internet real estate as a concept began with the first appearance of real estate platforms on the World Wide Web (www) and occurred in 1999.

Residential real estate

[edit]

Residential real estate may contain either a single family or multifamily structure that is available for occupation or for non-business purposes.[14]

Residences can be classified by and how they are connected to neighbouring residences and land. Different types of housing tenure can be used for the same physical type. For example, connected residences might be owned by a single entity and leased out, or owned separately with an agreement covering the relationship between units and common areas and concerns.[15]

According to the Congressional Research Service, in 2021, 65% of homes in the U.S. are owned by the occupier.[16]

Single-family detached house in Essex, Connecticut, United States
Townhouses in Victoria, Australia
Major categories
  • Attached / multi-unit dwellings
    • Apartment (American English) or Flat (British English) – An individual unit in a multi-unit building. The boundaries of the apartment are generally defined by a perimeter of locked or lockable doors. Often seen in multi-story apartment buildings.
    • Multi-family house – Often seen in multi-story detached buildings, where each floor is a separate apartment or unit.
    • Terraced house (a.k.a. townhouse or rowhouse) – A number of single or multi-unit buildings in a continuous row with shared walls and no intervening space.
    • Condominium (American English) – A building or complex, similar to apartments, owned by individuals. Common grounds and common areas within the complex are owned and shared jointly. In North America, there are townhouse or rowhouse style condominiums as well. The British equivalent is a block of flats.
    • Housing cooperative (a.k.a. co-op) – A type of multiple ownership in which the residents of a multi-unit housing complex own shares in the cooperative corporation that owns the property, giving each resident the right to occupy a specific apartment or unit. Majority of housing in Indian metro cities are of these types.
    • Tenement – A type of building shared by multiple dwellings, typically with flats or apartments on each floor and with shared entrance stairway access found in Britain.
  • Semi-detached dwellings
    • Duplex – Two units with one shared wall.
  • Detached dwellings
    • Bungalows
    • Split-level home
    • Mansions
    • Villas
    • Detached house or single-family detached house
    • Cottages
  • Portable dwellings
    • Mobile homes, tiny homes, or residential caravans – A full-time residence that can be (although might not in practice be) movable on wheels.
    • Houseboats – A floating home
    • Tents – Usually temporary, with roof and walls consisting only of fabric-like material.

Other categories

  • Chawls
  • Havelis
  • Igloos
  • Huts

The size of havelis and chawls is measured in Gaz (square yards), Quila, Marla, Beegha, and acre.

See List of house types for a complete listing of housing types and layouts, real estate trends for shifts in the market, and house or home for more general information.

Real estate and the environment

[edit]

Real estate can be valued or devalued based on the amount of environmental degradation that has occurred. Environmental degradation can cause extreme health and safety risks. There is a growing demand for the use of site assessments (ESAs) when valuing a property for both private and commercial real estate.[17]

Environmental surveying is made possible by environmental surveyors who examine the environmental factors present within the development of real estate as well as the impacts that development and real estate has on the environment.

Green development is a concept that has grown since the 1970s with the environmental movement and the World Commission on Environment and Development. Green development examines social and environmental impacts with real estate and building. There are 3 areas of focus, being the environmental responsiveness, resource efficiency, and the sensitivity of cultural and societal aspects. Examples of Green development are green infrastructure, LEED, conservation development, and sustainability developments.

Real estate in itself has been measured as a contributing factor to the rise in green house gases. According to the International Energy Agency, real estate in 2019 was responsible for 39 percent of total emissions worldwide and 11 percent of those emissions were due to the manufacturing of materials used in buildings.[18]

Development

[edit]

Real estate development involves planning and coordinating of housebuilding, real estate construction or renovation projects.[19] Real estate development can be less cyclical than real estate investing.[20]

Investment

[edit]

In markets where land and building prices are rising, real estate is often purchased as an investment, whether or not the owner intends to use the property. Often investment properties are rented out, but "flipping" involves quickly reselling a property, sometimes taking advantage of arbitrage or quickly rising value, and sometimes after repairs are made that substantially raise the value of the property. Luxury real estate is sometimes used as a way to store value, especially by wealthy foreigners, without any particular attempt to rent it out. Some luxury units in London and New York City have been used as a way for corrupt foreign government officials and business people from countries without strong rule of law to launder money or to protect it from seizure.[21] Investment in real estate can be categorized by financial risk into core, value-added, and opportunistic.[22]

Professionals

[edit]
  • Real estate agent – North America
  • Estate agent – United Kingdom

See also

[edit]
  • Environmental Surveying
  • Green Development
  • Phase I environmental site assessment
  • Commercial real estate
  • Estate (land)
  • Extraterrestrial real estate
  • Fractional financing
  • Land lot
  • Real estate business
  • Real estate economics
  • Right to property

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Real estate": Oxford English Dictionary online: Retrieved September 18, 2011
  2. ^ James Chen (May 2, 2019). "What Is Real Estate?". investopedia.com. Archived from the original on August 18, 2000. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  3. ^ a b Real Estate. Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, 1. 2018.
  4. ^ Alvik, Ivar (2018). "Protection of Private Property in the Early Law of Nations". Journal of the History of International Law. 20 (2): 220. doi:10.1163/15718050-19041026. S2CID 158672172.
  5. ^ Klaasen, R. L. (1976). "Brief History of Real Estate Appraisal and Organizations". Appraisal Journal. 44 (3): 376–381.
  6. ^ Alvik, Ivar (2018). "Protection of Private Property in the Early Law of Nations". Journal of the History of International Law. 20 (2): 218–227. doi:10.1163/15718050-19041026. S2CID 158672172.
  7. ^ "Louisiana Purchase: Primary Documents in American History". Library of Congress Research Guides. Archived from the original on 2022-06-25. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  8. ^ Richardson, Patricia (June 2, 2003). "Father-son team scores big at home; Nearly 150 years old, family-owned Baird & Warner Inc. is a dominant force in the area's residential real estate industry, and shows no signs of slowing down or selling out". Crain's Chicago Business.
  9. ^ "History of National Association of Realtors". National Association of Realtors. 13 January 2012. Archived from the original on 13 May 2022. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  10. ^ Nicholas, T.; Scherbina, A. (2013). "Real Estate Prices During the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression". Real Estate Economics, 41. 2: 280.
  11. ^ Greer, J. L. (2014). "Historic Home Mortgage Redlining in Chicago". Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society. 107 (2): 204–233. doi:10.5406/jillistathistsoc.107.2.0204.
  12. ^ "A Brief History of the Housing Government-Sponsored Enterprises" (PDF). Federal Housing Finance Agency – OIG. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2023-03-08. Retrieved 2022-05-18.
  13. ^ Taylor, K. Y. (2018). "How Real Estate Segregated America". Dissent. 65 (4): 23–24. doi:10.1353/dss.2018.0071. S2CID 149616841.
  14. ^ "Title 16. Conservation; Chapter 1. National Parks, Military Parks, Monuments, and Seashores; Minute Man National Historical Park". US Legal. Archived from the original on 2017-07-08. Retrieved 2015-10-04.
  15. ^ Kimberley Amadeo (March 28, 2019). "Real Estate, What It Is and How It Works". thebalance.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2019. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  16. ^ "Introduction to U.S. Economy: Housing Market" (PDF). Congressional Research Service. Archived from the original on 2022-07-29. Retrieved 2022-05-18.cite web: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  17. ^ Cutting, Robert H.; Calhoun, Lawrence B.; Hall, Jack C. (2012). "'Location, Location, Location' Should Be 'Environment, Environment, Environment': A Market-Based Tool to Simplify Environmental Considerations in Residential Real Estate". Golden Gate University Environmental Law Journal.
  18. ^ "Global status report for buildings and construction". International Energy Agency. 2019.
  19. ^ Frej, Anne B; Peiser, Richard B. (2003). Professional Real Estate Development: The ULI Guide to the Business (2 ed.). Urban Land Institute. p. 3. ISBN 0874208947. OCLC 778267123.
  20. ^ Geltner, David, Anil Kumar, and Alex M. Van de Minne. "Riskiness of real estate development: A perspective from urban economics and option value theory." Real Estate Economics 48.2 (2020): 406–445.
  21. ^ "Why Manhattan's Skyscrapers Are Empty". The Atlantic. 16 Jan 2020. Archived from the original on 13 April 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  22. ^ Garay, Urbi, Investment Styles, Portfolio Allocation, and Real Estate Derivatives (2016). Garay, U. “Investment Styles, Portfolio Allocation, and Real Estate Derivatives.” In Kazemi, H.; Black, K.; and D. Chambers (Editors), Alternative Investments: CAIA Level II, Chapter 16, Wiley Finance, 3rd Edition, 2016, pp. 401–421.
[edit]
  • The dictionary definition of real estate at Wiktionary
  • Quotations related to Real estate at Wikiquote

 

Tri-Valley
Area of the East Bay
Tri-Valley Landscape
Tri-Valley Landscape
Tri-Valley location in CA
Tri-Valley location in California
Tri-Valley is located in the United States
Tri-Valley
Tri-Valley
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 37°39′45″N 121°52′29″W / 37.66250°N 121.87472°W / 37.66250; -121.87472
Population
 
 • Total
361,000
Time zone UTC-8 (Pacific Time Zone)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-7 (PDT)

The Tri-Valley area is grouping of three valleys in the East Bay region of California's Bay Area. The three valleys are Amador Valley, Livermore Valley, and San Ramon Valley. The Tri-Valley encompasses the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon, the town of Danville, and the CDPs of Alamo, Blackhawk, Camino Tassajara, Diablo, and Norris Canyon. The area is known for its Mediterranean climate, wineries, and nature. It is primarily suburban in character. The total population of the Tri-Valley was 400,213 at the 2020 U.S. Census. It offers more affordable living accommodations than the cities of San Francisco and San Jose.[1][2]

History

[edit]

The Ohlone tribe settled the area circa 2000 BC, particularly in the northern part of Pleasanton. In AD 1772, however, Spanish settlers involved with the nearby mission work at Mission San Jose restructured the Ohlone way of life.[3][4]

The area began to be developed when the Gold Rush ended. During this period, the area went from being marshland to agricultural.[5]

Climate

[edit]

The climate of the Tri-Valley is mild. Most rain falls in the winter. Snow almost never occurs, although it sometimes falls on the tops of surrounding mountains, especially Mt. Diablo. Summer days are in the 80s to over 100 °F, but nights are often cool. In winter, daytime temperatures reach the 50s and 60s, while nights are in the 30s and 40s, dipping on rare occasions into the 20s. Mean annual rainfall ranges from about 14 in (360 mm) in Livermore to 23 in (580 mm) in Alamo.[6]

Transportation

[edit]

The Tri-Valley is serviced by WHEELS, operated by the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA), a bus agency that operates local bus service throughout Livermore, Pleasanton and Dublin, including service to Hacienda Business Park, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Las Positas College, Stoneridge Mall, the West Dublin/Pleasanton BART Station and the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station.

Two major highways, Interstates 580 and 680 cross the Tri-Valley area. Interstate 580 runs east-west, connecting the area to the Central Valley to the east and the North Bay area to the west. Interstate 680 runs north-south, connecting the area to the South Bay area in the south, and the Concord-Walnut Creek area in the north. The two interstates cross on the border of Dublin and Pleasanton.

The Tri-Valley area is also serviced by BART, offering service to the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area via two stops: West Dublin/Pleasanton and the Dublin/Pleasanton terminus station.[7] The West Dublin/Pleasanton Station opened in 2011, and was the first infill station on an existing line. In 2018, BART cancelled plans[8] to extend the line to Livermore. However, the Tri-Valley–San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority is in the planning process[9] for a rail connection between BART, ACE, and the San Joaquin Valley called the Valley Link.

Corporate office buildings at the intersection of I-580 and I-680
Corporate office buildings at the intersection of I-580 and I-680

Economy

[edit]

The Tri-Valley is home to the corporate headquarters of many companies, including 10X Genomics, 24 Hour Fitness, Architectural Glass and Aluminum, Bay Area News Group, Blackhawk Network Holdings, CallidusCloud, Chevron, The Cooper Companies, Discovery Toys, Ellie Mae, GE Digital, Gillig Corporation, Patelco Credit Union, Prosoft Engineering, Ross Stores, SafeAmerica Credit Union, Safeway, Shaklee, TriNet, Veeva Systems, Visioneer, WANdisco, The Wine Group, Product10x Accelerator, Salestable and Workday.

Major employment centers include Bishop Ranch and Hacienda Business Park.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories are also major employers in the region.

Aerial view of Schaefer Ranch Park in Dublin, CA
Aerial view of Schaefer Ranch Park in Dublin, CA

Recreation

[edit]

The Tri-Valley features access to many recreational options, including Alviso Adobe Community Park, Blackhawk Museum, Brushy Peak Regional Preserve, Del Valle Regional Park, Dublin Hills Regional Park, Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site, Forest Home Farms, Iron Horse Regional Trail, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, Little Hills Picnic Ranch, Livermore Valley Wine Country, Morgan Territory Regional Preserve, Mount Diablo State Park, Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area and The Wave Waterpark.

See also

[edit]
  • East Bay (San Francisco Bay Area)
  • Tri-Valley Community Television
  • Livermore Valley AVA

References

[edit]
  1. ^ CBS (2017). "10 Most Expensive Cities in America". CBS.
  2. ^ CBS (2017). "10 Most Expensive Cities in America". CBS.
  3. ^ "Chapter 9. Ohlone/Costanoans in the United States, 1847-1927" (PDF). Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  4. ^ "History of Pleasanton". pleasanton.com. Archived from the original on November 8, 2017. Retrieved 2018-01-01.
  5. ^ "History of Pleasanton". Museum on Main. Retrieved 2018-01-01.
  6. ^ "Cooperative Climatological Data Summaries". Western Regional Climate Center. Retrieved 2018-11-24.
  7. ^ "Station List | bart.gov". www.bart.gov. Retrieved 2018-01-01.
  8. ^ "Livermore Extension | bart.gov". www.bart.gov. Retrieved 2019-06-13.
  9. ^ "ValleyLink". www.acetobart.org. Retrieved 2019-06-13.

 

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Driving Directions in Alameda County


Driving Directions From Holiday Inn Dublin-Pleasanton, an IHG Hotel to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty
Driving Directions From Dublin to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty
Driving Directions From La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dublin - Pleasanton to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty
Driving Directions From Barnes & Noble to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty
Driving Directions From Hyatt House Pleasanton to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty
Driving Directions From Four Points by Sheraton Pleasanton to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty
Driving Directions From Apple Stoneridge Mall to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty
Driving Directions From Best Western Plus Pleasanton Inn to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty
Driving Directions From Macy's to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty
Driving Directions From Alameda Naval Air Museum to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty
Driving Directions From The Meyers House and Garden to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty
Driving Directions From USS Hornet - Sea, Air and Space Museum to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty
Driving Directions From Shoreline Park to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty
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Driving Directions From Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty
Driving Directions From Alameda Museum to Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty

Reviews for Ralph Hurtado REALTOR | EXP Realty


Tina Chang

(5)

Ralph Hurtado has been my realtor for over 12 years and I have referred him to all my family and friends. Personally, he has helped me sell 3 and purchase 2 of my homes. He is honest, hard working, and someone who has high integrity and morals. When I asked for his guidance on whether we should sell my parents' home which would result in a pretty large commission payment to him, he proposed that we rent it out for a few years first before putting it on the market in order to save us money. Ralph will always put his client's interest first over his own because he genuinely cares about you. He has also made each sale or purchase stress free for me because he helps coordinate everything behind the scenes like scheduling the home inspection, house cleaning, photography, staging, etc. He keeps me informed on every stage of the process. I can call or text him numerous times throughout the day and he will respond within minutes. Even when it was a buyer's market, he manages to secure the best terms and prices for my properties, often receiving asking price or above asking. I have never worked with anyone who has gone above and beyond like he has. Ralph is an expert in his field and I highly recommend him for all of your real estate needs.

Steve Mapes

(5)

Had very little to do with real estate agents before meeting Ralph Hurtado. I was a general contractor, acquiring the land and building houses during the week and preferred to put my for sale signs out and sell them on the weekend myself. Constant increasingly complicated real estate contracts that were difficult for me to understand and the advent of a growing real estate fraternity with their sophisticated methods of advertising, etc., convinced me that employing a real estate agent would be the best method to get the highest sale's price while staying out of legal problems. I interviewed many real estate agents that I saw around town before choosing Ralph Hurtado to sell my house in Union City. I did what Ralph told me to do to the house that would give it the most sale's appeal and we set ( mostly him ) the sale's price accordingly. Obtained a buyer in a short amount of time at full sales price. I was very happy with the outcome, don't think I left anything on the table concerning the sale's price and I liked the ease of that transaction so much that I had Ralph find a duplex in San Leandro that I bought and renovated. Again I was also very satisfied with the outcome. What I like about Ralph is that he is always available ( not two days later as often is the case these days ) to respond to concerns and questions that I have about real estate. For instance, how much do I increase the rent on my rental units. He keeps me informed on what is happening in the real estate world. For instance, he encouraged me for renters to get rental insurance because protects both landlord and renter. In fact, he must get tired of all my questions, but never does. Square shooter who covers all my bases; therefore, he is and will continue to be my real estate agent..

gavin c

(1)

Non-stop spam calls from this guy. Stop calling me!!

Frequently Asked Questions


The value of your home depends on location, condition, current market trends and comparable sales of similar properties. In order to get a fairly accurate picture of the current market value of your home, I would recommend either I come out and do a 15 minute walk through and can offer a no obligation Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) – contact me today!

Every sale comes with certain difficulties which demand decisions to be made one sale at a time. However, for starters: Ensure you have clear goals and expectations of the sale you want to achieve on the home. Know what is going on in the local market and know your list price. Prepare your home (clean, de-clutter, repairs list, stage). Set up a process for showing the property to potential buyers and stick to a schedule. (As much as you can make it easy for buyers to view). Post with professional marketing (photos, videos, online exposure). Act on and negotiate on the offers you get and do so quickly. Know the close of escrow timeline.

The real estate agent receives his or her fee based on the sale of the property. First of all, brokers keep the same price for the service no matter how your house has been sold and you include the fact you have found the buyer yourself. Our system offers you total choice. On the other hand, there is an idea; don’t pay for something you might not require. Our fee structure is flexible and tailored to your specific situation, which means you only pay for what you use.

An appraisal is a professional evaluation conducted by a licensed appraiser to determine a home's market value. It is required by lenders to ensure the home is worth the purchase price amount and protects both the buyer and lender from overpaying. Factors influencing an appraisal include recent comparable sales, home condition, location, and market trends. If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price, buyers may renegotiate the price with the seller, challenge the appraisal, or increase their down payment to meet the lender’s requirements.

Yes! Some strategies are contingent offers, bridge loans, and rent backs. I am a specialist at smooth transitions—what will I do next?

The following are considered fixed items and will usually remain with the house; light fixtures, built-in appliances, window treatments, and landscaping. The personal items such as furniture and decorations can only be removed except for the situations mentioned above or the buyer can be allowed to do so or the items can be sold during the escrow period.

In 2024, the average time it took for homes in Tri-Valley & Tri-city areas to sell was 17 days. The time from listing to sale varies with market conditions, price, and home condition.

A seller disclosure is a legal requirement that provides information to the buyer about the property. These may be structural issues, water damage, previous repairs, environmental hazards, or even neighborhood conditions that may affect the value of the home. To protect both the buyer and the seller in the transaction, sellers in California are required to provide full transparency. It is important to note that not disclosing material defects is legal consequences. The disclosures are usually in the form of standard reports which are the Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) and the Natural Hazard Disclosure (NHD) report. It is therefore important to read these documents and understand their content before making a purchase decision.

An as-is sale indicates the home remains in its present state and the seller provides no guarantees about its condition. The scope of work could attract investors or buyers who seek projects but has two drawbacks: it restricts buyer demand and influences the market price. While most homebuyers will require inspections which can lead to a re-negotiation of price based on repairs required, there are situations where the as-is sale can be quite useful. Those who want to avoid the process of repair and restoration before they can make a profit off of a home may find it helpful to understand the implications of an as-is sale.

Sellers can do a pre-listing inspection to uncover issues before listing. Buyers also have the right to pay for and should be advised to get their own inspections.

No. However, staging makes houses sell more quickly and bring in higher prices. To really make a home shine and help it sell quickly, focus your staging efforts on the living room, kitchen and master bedroom. Some strategies can help you make your home really appealing!

1. Clean house thoroughly and remove all clutter. (Exterior pressure washing and window cleaning.) 2. Make small repairs (This makes the buyer believe the home has been well taken care of.) 3. Improve the look of the outside (If a buyer has to like the exterior first, then they will have to walk in and they will have to continue liking what they are seeing)) 4. Stage key rooms (Staging makes the buyer have a vision of living in your property)

We serve the following areas: Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara Counties.

Home buying & selling, Probate & Trust sales, Real Estate Investing, Market Analysis & Pricing Strategy.

Call 877-740-0009, or book online at ralphhurtado.com

Yes, I can assist you with that. I can assist you with getting pre-approved for a mortgage and even help you compare and find the best mortgage rates.

For example, I perform a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) using similar sales, current market trends, and property condition to come up with a value or pricing. However, each property is unique in its value based on factors that include location, architectural style, upgrades, and neighborhood desirarity. No two homes are exactly the same and that's why I take detailed approach to pricing. I make sure that your home value is well portrayed in the current market through the use of comparable sales analysis and including distinctive features. The listing price is at the discretion of the sellers, based on their objectives and market situation, and the final sales price is determined by the buyers through their bids and negotiation. There are appropriate strategies for pricing a property that will increase the chances of more people being interested and as a result, the sale price being higher.

Here is our business hours M-F 8 AM–6:30 PM, Sat 8 AM–6 PM, Sun 8 AM–5:30 PM

Call 877-740-0009, or book online at ralphhurtado.com

Yes! I provide video walkthroughs for buyers.

I've been selling Real Estate since 2004.

Homes sell in about 17 days, depending on pricing and market conditions.

Yes! Check out client reviews on ralphhurtado.com, LinkedIn, Zillow, Etc.

Real estate markets never stand still because they are in a constant state of change. I can share some general trends and information, but then that can be misleading because every home and neighborhood has certain factors that make it special and therefore its value and desirosity. General market reports may not capture the detailed dynamics of your property or local market. To help you make informed decisions, I offer a unique market analysis based on your goals, so you can better navigate the market whether it’s rising or falling. Just contact me to find out what’s happening in your neighborhood and property.

Yes! New communities, shopping centers, and infrastructure projects are underway. Contact me for the latest updates!

Pleasanton, Livermore & Dublin are warmer in the summer months, while those closer to the bay have cooler temperatures and occasional fog. I believe the city of Hayward brings a balance to both.