If you are looking for a Pleasant Hill Real Estate Expert Agent with experience and track record here are steps you should take when evaluating your search.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars are on the line when you buy or sell a house in Pleasant Hill. You wouldn’t trust an amateur with that kind of money. Would you? I didn’t think so!

Even a few thousand dollars can make a difference! If you want an expert, don’t be afraid to set the bar high.

Pleasant Hill California is a city in Contra Costa County located in the East Bay Area outside of San Francisco founded in 1961.

Pleasant Hill Schools

Pleasant Hill is the home of great schools throughout Mount Diablo School District such as College Park high School, Diablo Valley College, JFK University Strandwood Elementary.  

Many of the schools are very highly rated.

Weather

Pleasant Hill tends to have warmer dry Summers with mild winters. Daytime temperatures tend to be in the 50s and 60s during the winter months, while reaching up to 110 during summer heatwaves.

Pleasant Hill Real Estate Market

Pleasant Hill was voted one of the hottest real estate markets in the entire United States. It continues to be very popular small town feeling that many people are looking for when they decide to move here.

Finding Your Best Fit Pleasant Hill Expert Agent

Track Record?

Helping people buy or sell a home is a tough job that involves difficult negotiations and market fluctuations. An agent with at least five years of full-time experience in Pleasant Hill specifically has learned things that can only be learned over time. And if an agent has 10 or more years under their belt, you can trust that they have sold in the best and worst of times.

What to Avoid When Choosing a Pleasant Hill Expert Agent

Once again, with so much of your house hunting experience dependent on the competency of your Pleasant Hill agent, here are some warning signs to avoid house-hunting drama:

Part-time real estate agents in Pleasant Hill may have limited availability, and even more limited experience in the field. Be sure to ask the agent if this is their full-time job before proceeding.

Dual agencies, meaning the agent represents both the buyer and seller, won’t have your specific interests at heart and could present conflicts in the home buying process. For this reason, it’s wise to look for an exclusive buyer’s agent while shopping for a home in Pleasant Hill.

Bad reviews can be a telltale sign of an agent’s work ethic. Don’t be afraid to ask the agent for a list of references and past clients, to gauge how well they’ll work with and for you.

Catering to First Time Buyers

When it comes to catering to first time home buyers in the Pleasant Hill area our team takes pride in delivering the absolute best in service, pricing and accountability when it comes to the entire mortgage and home purchase process.

We love helping people who want to get there slice of the Pleasant Hill real estate pie. Including millennial’s, brand new parents were looking for a larger home, and anybody who’s looking to break into the Pleasant Hill market.

Does Your Agent Speak the Language of Lending?

There are many options for lower down payments and you’d be surprised how easy it might be to qualify.  Most Real Estate Agents cannot speak to you about your lending options.

Finding an agent that is well versed in down payment and the latest lending programs could be a very good plus when looking for a Pleasant Hill Real Estate expert.

Down Payment Myths for Pleasant Hill Real Estate

MYTH 1: I must pay a 20% down payment. 

Not true. The typical down payment today is between 5% and 10%, according to CoreLogic.

MYTH 2: My down payment has to be all my own money. 

Not true. Borrowers have several options for saving for a home, including gifts from family, such as wedding gifts; grants from nonprofit agencies or public institutions; state down payment assistance programs; and employer assistance

MYTH 3: Down payment assistance programs are only for first-time homebuyers. 

Some programs are just for first-timers, but others are not. In addition, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) broadly defines a first-time homebuyer as someone who hasn’t owned a home in the past three years; a single parent who only owned a home with a former spouse while still married; and a few other categories of borrowers.

MYTH 4: Down payment programs are only available in big cities. 

Down payment and homebuyer assistance programs are available in small and large communities. Contact me for more information.

MYTH 5: Down payments are always required. 

If you’re eligible, VA and USDA loans are 0% down.

Trust Your Gut When Hiring a Pleasant Hill Real Estate Expert

The BEST Pleasant Hill Real Estate Expert is one that your gut tells you will bust his hump for you in my opinion.

ALWAYS TRUST YOUR GUT in the initial conversation you have with him/her.

Did you FEEL like he was interested in HELPING you?

Did he simply ask for your SS number and run your credit without diving into your personal situation like a typical mortgage chop shop boiler room?

Did you FEEL like this person was going to work as HARD as you have been to secure your financing at the best possible price and terms?

Price is also a huge factor so you’ll want to get at least 2 quotes.

After you interview them do some research… Do they have good reviews/reputation and experience? Work with the person who has best pricing and best communication skills.

Bottom Line

IN CONCLUSION… saving for a large 20% down payment can be discouraging. Low down payment loan programs can be great but carefully weigh the risks of a low down payment loan for your own level of risk tolerance.

Find an agent with a track record that you can trust.

Trust your GUT... I'm a big believer in trusting your gut feeling first.  Make sure you are comfortable with the person you are working with.  The home buying process should be a partnership between you and your agent.

Happy house hunting.

Related: Crash Course How Do I buy a House In the Bay Area