Valerie Gross

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: This step shows sellers you're serious and capable of purchasing their home. It also helps you understand your budget. Understand Your Needs vs. Wants: Make a list of what you absolutely need in a home versus what you desire. This will help you make practical decisions, especially in competitive markets. Research Neighborhoods: Look beyond the house to the community. Consider factors like schools, commute times, and local amenities that match your lifestyle. Be Prepared to Act Quickly: In many markets, homes sell fast. Be ready to make decisions promptly once you find a home you love. Hire a Knowledgeable Real Estate Agent: A good agent can provide invaluable guidance, from finding homes that meet your criteria to negotiating the best deal. Remember, buying a home is a significant step, so take your time to make informed decisions.

Price It Right: Setting the right price from the start is crucial. An overpriced home can deter buyers, while underpricing might mean leaving money on the table. A real estate agent can help you find the sweet spot. Enhance Curb Appeal: First impressions matter. Simple improvements like landscaping, a fresh coat of paint, or a clean, welcoming entrance can make a big difference. Declutter and Depersonalize: Buyers should be able to envision themselves in the space. Removing personal items and clutter can make your home more appealing. Make Necessary Repairs: Fixing any obvious issues before listing can prevent haggling over the price later. Small repairs can have a big impact on a buyer's perception. Stage Your Home: Proper staging can highlight your home's strengths and downplay its weaknesses. It helps buyers imagine living in the space. Use Professional Photography: High-quality photos are essential for making a strong online impression, where most buyers start their search. Be Flexible with Showings: The more accessible your home is, the more potential buyers can view it, increasing your chances of a quick sale. Work with a Skilled Real Estate Agent: An experienced agent can guide you through the process, from market analysis to closing the deal effectively.

Throughout my career in real estate, I've had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients, each with unique needs and goals. This includes: First-Time Homebuyers: Assisting them in navigating the complexities of their first home purchase, from understanding mortgages to closing the deal. Home Sellers: Helping sellers maximize their home's value through effective marketing strategies, staging advice, and negotiation skills. Real Estate Investors: Providing insights on market trends and investment opportunities for both residential and commercial properties. Relocating Families: Offering tailored assistance to families moving into the Sacramento area, helping them find homes that meet their specific needs in terms of location, schools, and community. Downsizers: Assisting clients looking to move into smaller homes, focusing on finding properties that fit their new lifestyle while managing the sale of their larger homes. Upsizers: Helping growing families or individuals seeking more space find larger homes that suit their expanding needs. Luxury Property Clients: Working with high-end properties requires a unique approach to marketing and client confidentiality, catering to the specific needs of this market segment. Each client type presents unique challenges and opportunities, and I take pride in offering personalized service to meet their individual real estate goals.

I recently helped first time homebuyers purchase their first home. I loved helping them navigate the different steps to getting into their home. They were eager to learn from me and were grateful that I was there to help them see the pros and cons of each property, so they could make an informed decision. After a month or so of looking at homes, we found the one that was just perfect for them! They were so excited to have their own place, and I gained new friends out of the process.

Before I had kids, I worked in commercial real estate, flipped houses and had a rental portfolio. When my kids were old enough for me to go back to work, I decided that I preferred the relationship side of the real estate business. I became a residential agent and could not be happier. I love helping people achieve their real estate goals!

Not only do I have a degree in business and urban planning, but I also worked as the Education Manager for my brokerage for several years. In that role, I trained nearly 400 agents on a weekly basis. I moved up from Education Manager into the Mentorship Director position, which I hold currently. I re-designed the mentorship program and coach 20 mentors who are responsible for training all new agents at my brokerage. When time allows, I also mentor new agents. The training and coaching that I provide is fueled by my constant quest for knowledge and self improvement.