A New Chapter — Same Commitment
After decades helping home buyers and sellers in Long Beach, my husband Brad and I are preparing for an exciting new chapter: we’ll soon be living in France. While we won’t be opening doors or showing homes in person, we remain dedicated to supporting clients through advisory and referral services, connecting them with trusted agents who uphold the same standards of care and professionalism we’ve always provided.
Because in real estate, one lesson is clear: who you hire truly matters.
Why Choosing the Right Agent Matters
We learned this firsthand when we bought our Long Beach home in 1996. After a series of frustrating encounters with local agents, we turned to a friend we trusted personally. Unfortunately, that choice didn’t go as planned. Our friend had limited experience, wasn’t familiar with all the contracts, and communication fell short. We almost lost the home we wanted — and the friendship didn’t survive.
That experience taught us the value of hiring an agent with the right mix of experience, knowledge, and communication skills. It’s not just about getting the deal done — it’s about making the process smooth, informed, and successful.
Key Things to Look for in a Real Estate Agent
Whether you’re buying or selling a home, here are the top factors to consider:
1. Communication
Real estate moves quickly. You need an agent who communicates clearly, consistently, and promptly. Delays or confusion can cost time, money, and peace of mind.
2. Experience and Local Knowledge
Ask how long the agent has been in business and how familiar they are with your neighborhood. For sellers, it’s helpful to know their average list-to-sale price ratio and typical days on market for their listings. Even “top producers” don’t always deliver the best results — some homes sit on the market for months despite an agent’s reputation.
3. Solo Agent vs. Team
Both solo agents and teams can provide excellent service. The key is understanding their systems:
Solo agent: Are they organized and capable of handling every aspect of the process?
Team: Who will you interact with, and what are each member’s responsibilities?
4. Buyer Success Rate
For buyers, the agent's track record matters. How often does the agent get offers accepted? Especially in a competitive market like Long Beach, an agent’s negotiation skills and experience can make a real difference.
Staying Connected From Abroad
Even though we’ll be overseas, we’re still here to guide and advise. Moving forward, our focus is connecting clients with the right professionals. If you’re planning to buy or sell a home in Long Beach, we’d love to discuss your goals and connect you with an agent who can deliver excellent results.
Please fill out the contact form below to reach out.
