Lake Forest, CA Real Estate Agents and Realtors
Looking for one of the 151 real estate agents in Lake Forest based on our current data? Find the right agent for you by using the search filters below. Make a selection to start connecting.
Updated on May 27, 2024
151 agents found based on our current data
Grace Lee
Grace Properties & Investments
26 years in business
178 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
21Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
Kevin Hill
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
26 years in business
56 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
18Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
Freeman Wang
Century 21 Beachside
8 years in business
43 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
13Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
Jordan Bennett
Keller Williams Realty
16 years in business
116 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
11Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
Cesi Pagano
Keller Williams Realty
38 years in business
708 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
10Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
Jimmy Reed
RE/MAX
25 years in business
137 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
8Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
Valerie Bourg
First Team Real Estate
6 years in business
11 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
8Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
Anvil Real Estate
Anvil Real Estate
18 years in business
226 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
7Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
Andy Galfi
Landmark Realtors
19 years in business
54 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
7Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
Tim Smith
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
22 years in business
163 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
6Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
Ellie Yung
Coldwell Banker Realty
8 years in business
40 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
6Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
DUPE DUPE
Berkshire Hathaway HomeService
7 years in business
39 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
5Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
Andy Ta
eXp Realty of California
14 years in business
18 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
4Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
Jackie Bahu
DGIII and Associates
2 years in business
6 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
4Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
Missy Sandefur
Jason Mitchell Real Estate
8 years in business
22 closings in the last 12 mos
Closings in Lake Forest, CA
4Avg time on market
Sold-to-list price ratio
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Find Agents and Realtors near Lake Forest, California
What does a Lake Forest, CA agent do?
Lake Forest real estate agents are licensed professionals who represent both buyers and sellers in real estate transactions. They are trained to help guide their clients through every aspect of the often-complex process of buying and selling homes. In exchange for their services, Lake Forest agents are compensated with a percentage of the property’s sale price — typically this commission comes to somewhere between 2 and 3 percent for each agent, and the amount is often negotiable. The full commission amount is typically paid by the seller.
What's the difference between an agent, Realtor and broker?
You may hear different terms, such as agent, Realtor and broker, and wonder what the differences are. Here’s a breakdown:
- All real estate agents must take classes and pass an exam to earn their real estate license. Some specialize in particular facets of the industry, but all licensed agents are qualified to help a client buy or sell homes and property in the state(s) in which they are licensed. Agents who represent the buyer, or buyer’s agents, help the client find and purchase a home, whereas agents who represent the seller help prepare and market the home and find an appropriate buyer. Seller’s agents are often called listing agents, as they manage the listing of the home on the market.
- A real estate agent who is also a member of the National Association of Realtors, an industry trade group, is called a Realtor. (The term is capitalized because it's a trademark.) All Realtors are agents, but not all agents are Realtors.
- A broker owns and/or manages a real estate brokerage or agency. Many brokers are also agents, but not all. However, all brokers must also take classes and pass a rigorous exam to earn their brokerage license.
Do I need an agent? Questions to ask before hiring
It is possible to both buy a house without an agent and sell a house without an agent. However, retaining one is usually a wise decision. Buying or selling a home in Lake Forest is one of the biggest and most important financial decisions most people ever make, and the market is complex and constantly changing. It makes sense to have a qualified pro on your team, especially with so much money at stake.
Selling a house in Lake Forest
For sellers, a real estate agent who knows the Lake Forest housing market well can be a crucial partner. Pricing your home correctly is a tricky business, and agents can put together a comparative market analysis to make sure you understand what your home is worth — and how much area buyers will be willing to pay for it.
Buying a house in Lake Forest
On the buyer’s side, real estate agents know their market and what’s available in it. They can find you more options that meet your needs, and your budget, than you’d be able to find on your own, and they can open your eyes to other options or neighborhoods that you might not know about otherwise. When you find a place you love, a Lake Forest buyer’s agent can also walk you through the offer and negotiation process to make sure you get the best deal possible.
Finding an agent in Lake Forest: What to look for
- Local experience: Whatever market you’re located in, you want an agent who knows that market — well. This might mean everything from surrounding towns to specific neighborhoods, or even a single block. An agent with recent experience in the exact area you’re looking in will have valuable insight that less-localized agents won’t.
- Know-how: Ideally, you want someone who has done many deals like yours — if you’re selling a home, look for someone who’s sold similar homes nearby; if you’re buying a condo, see if you can find someone who has handled sales in the same building or complex. The more specifically an agent’s knowledge matches your needs, the more likely they are to get you the deal you want.
- Communication style: If you’re a texter, you won’t work well with someone who communicates exclusively via email. Similarly, if you like to talk things over on the phone, you won’t click with someone who only texts. Make sure you’re on the same page with your agent’s style, including whether to expect replies on evenings/weekends, how often to expect updates and who your main point of contact will be (the agent themselves, or someone on their team?).
FAQs
Do I need a real estate agent in Lake Forest, CA?
Every real estate market is complicated in its own unique ways, and no one knows the local market better than an agent who operates in that area. You could buy or sell a home in Lake Forest, CA without one, but local agents have knowledge that can prove invaluable — both financially and in terms of guiding the way to a smooth and successful transaction.
When should I first contact a real estate agent in Lake Forest, CA?
You can reach out to a real estate agent informally anytime, but before you sign a deal with one, make sure you’re really ready to buy or sell. Most agent contracts have time limits built in, and you don’t want to waste their time, or yours. If you’re buying, it’s smart to get preapproved for a mortgage before you start house-hunting, so that you have a solid idea of your budget and don’t bother with listings that aren’t realistically within your means. For sellers, you might consult with an agent on the earlier side, to get an expert opinion on whether your home in Lake Forest, CA is ready to show or needs some repairs or curb appeal help first.
What type of real estate agent should I hire in Lake Forest, CA?
All licensed agents in Lake Forest, CA should be qualified to help you, but some specialize in certain areas. If you’re selling a home, look for a listing agent with plenty of successful sales under their belt — preferably in your specific neighborhood. If you’re looking to buy, the same guideline applies: Try to find a real estate agent who has helped others buy homes similar to what you want, in the areas you’re interested in. Some Lake Forest, CA Realtors may have special certifications to help specific kinds of clients, such as seniors or members of the military, and some specialize in specific kinds of properties as well, like vacation homes or condos.
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