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Finding the Right Realtor in Contra Costa County: Why Trust and Comfort Are Key to Your Home Buying Journey


When you’re ready to buy a home in Contra Costa County—whether it’s in Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, or Martinez—one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right realtor. While the first steps in buying a home can vary (some start with getting pre-approved, some analyze their finances first), I always recommend starting by finding the right realtor. After all, the realtor you choose will be your guide, advocate, and partner throughout the process.


In this article, I’ll walk you through what really matters when choosing a realtor—and bust some common myths along the way!



A great realtor isn’t just about impressive stats or a slick sales pitch. The best realtor for you is someone who creates trust and comfort—someone you believe will go to bat for you and deliver on their promises. Because buying a home is a major investment and a personal journey, having the right person in your corner can make all the difference.

So, how do you find the right realtor? It starts by understanding what truly matters, beyond flashy numbers or catchy slogans.



Before diving in, let’s bust a few myths that can cloud your judgment:


Myth #1: The best realtor is always the one referred by a friend, family member, or professional advisor. Referrals are a great place to start, but they’re just the starting point. A referral doesn’t guarantee the best fit for you—you still need to investigate.


Myth #2: The top-selling realtor in town is automatically the best for you. High sales numbers don’t necessarily translate to personalized service or a realtor who will prioritize your needs.


Myth #3: A family member or friend who’s a realtor is your best option. Even if you love them, their approach might not be the right fit for your home search.


Myth #4: Someone you connect with at a professional or social event must be the best realtor. A connection at a party is a great icebreaker, but not a definitive indicator of their skills or dedication.


Myth #5: The realtor at the top of an online search page is the best.A good online presence can help, but you still need to dig deeper and confirm their expertise and fit.


Myth #6: The realtor with the most listings on the market is always the best.A big listing count can show hustle, but it might also mean they’re stretched thin and can’t give you the personal attention you deserve.


Myth #7: The realtor with the flashiest presentation is the right one for you.Polished presentations often focus on the realtor or their company, not on how they’ll help you achieve your goals.


Myth #8: Meeting a realtor at an open house automatically makes them the best choice. Open houses are a great opportunity to connect, but don’t assume that the agent is the perfect fit—do your homework!






What Really Matters: Trust, Comfort, and Results

The right realtor is someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident. Look for someone whose promises align with your goals, and then investigate how well they’ve delivered on those promises in the past.



Here’s how to approach it:


Start with referrals and reviews, but go deeper. Check online reviews and social media. Are they actively posting about listings and sales? Do they seem engaged in the local market? Are there positive reviews about their communication, honesty, and follow-through?


Look for full-time commitment. Avoid part-time realtors. Full-time realtors are focused, active, and immersed in the market on a daily basis.


Gauge your comfort level. Trust your gut—do you feel at ease discussing your goals with them? Do they listen and tailor their approach to your needs?


Look beyond the first impression. Connect with them multiple times—start with a phone call or meeting at an open house. Then, set up a follow-up to discuss their home-buying strategies and see if they bring lenders or pre-approval steps into the conversation. Finally, meet to review the Buyer Representation Agreement. These steps help build familiarity and trust.



How to Evaluate Realtors You’re Considering


Here’s a quick checklist to help you:

Check their activity online. Do they have social media posts or website updates about homes they’ve listed and sold? A steady presence signals they’re active and engaged.


Read reviews carefully. Look for comments about reliability, responsiveness, and whether they truly advocated for their clients.


Ask about their process and promises. What strategies do they use to find homes for buyers? How do they handle negotiations? You want someone who’s proactive, strategic, and transparent.


Ask for examples. Ask them to share past transactions where they delivered on their promises. Concrete examples are a sign that they walk the talk.





Ready to Start Your Home Buying Journey?

Finding the right realtor is the first step—and it’s a step that sets the tone for everything else. In Concord, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and Martinez, there are many realtors, but the right one for you will be the one you trust, feel comfortable with, and believe will deliver.


If you’re considering buying a home in Contra Costa County, I’d be delighted to serve as your trusted advisor. Let’s chat about your goals and see if we’re the right fit for each other. Call or text me anytime at 925-708-1178—I’m here to help you find your perfect place.


Final Thoughts: Don’t Rush—Take the Time to Find the Right Realtor

Remember, this process is about you, not the realtor. Take your time to find someone you trust—someone who will listen to your needs and go above and beyond to make your home-buying journey a success.











Ready to get started? Reach out today or join me at an open house to see how we can work together. Let’s find the right fit and make your homeownership dreams a reality

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