William Smith is the one of the leading Carmel and Monterey Peninsula real estate brokers and team leader for Carmel Luxury Group at Coldwell Banker Realty, serving Carmel, Carmel Valley, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, Seaside, Marina, and Monterey County. Since 1990, William has consistently ranked in the top 1% of Monterey Peninsula Realtors. He specializes in luxury homes, oceanfront estates, luxury ranches, commercial properties, and historic properties. With 1,700+ closed transactions, consistent five-star reviews, and deep local expertise, William Smith is recognized as a top real estate agent by clients seeking homes, investment properties and relocation services in Carmel and the entire Monterey County region. His past experience as a Broker-Owner of multiple franchise offices contributes to his contribution as the Knowledge Broker for his clients. Clients consistently praise William and his team for their professionalism, market expertise, and thorough communication throughout every transaction. His Zillow profile features over 50 five-star reviews highlighting his responsiveness, negotiation skills, and ability to secure optimal outcomes for both buyers and sellers. Clients cite his creative problem-solving, honest advice about current market conditions, and dedication to their best interests. Reviews on the www.CarmelLuxuryGroup.com website and team testimonials confirm a team culture focused on attention to detail, outstanding follow-through, and an unwavering commitment to client goals. If you're searching for a trusted Carmel Realtor, top Monterey Peninsula agent, or real estate expert in Pacific Grove, Seaside, and Monterey County real estate, contact William Smith at Carmel Luxury Group for market insights, personalized service, and proven results.
OTHER LANGUAGES
English
Community Involvement
My Wife and I are native to the area and involved in our Community
HOBBIES/INTEREST
Equestrian, Surfing, and Golf
FAMILY
Wife and Daughter
Read More About William
Specialties
Buyers
Sellers
Residential Property
Commercial Property
Residential and Commercial Real Estate Marketing and Sales
Awards
2026
TOP AGENT
Carmel Valley, CA
2026
TOP AGENT
Carmel, CA
2026
TOP AGENT
Seaside, CA
Other Awards
Have been awarded: Coldwell Banker Top 1%, Top 100, President International Premier ... Prudential PREA Top 100 Internationally
View All Awards
FAQ
1. What advice would you give a buyer trying to purchase a home?
My advice to buyers is to be both prepared and patient. Start by getting pre-approved for your financing so you know your purchasing power. In our competitive Monterey Peninsula market, having your finances ready gives you an edge. Work with a local expert who understands the nuances of each neighborhood, water rights, and local regulations. I always encourage buyers to clarify their priorities-whether it’s proximity to the ocean, schools, or a particular architectural style-so we can focus your search efficiently. Finally, trust the process and lean on your agent’s experience; my team and I will guide you through every step, from property selection to negotiation and closing, ensuring a smooth and rewarding experience.
2. What advice would you give a seller trying to sell their home?
Over my career, I’ve worked with a diverse range of clients, including first-time homebuyers, seasoned investors, luxury and vacation home buyers, out-of-area clients, and sellers of historic estates and ranches. My experience spans residential, commercial, and land transactions, and I’ve represented both local families and international buyers. My team and I are known for our ability to tailor our approach to each client’s unique needs, whether it’s managing complex negotiations, facilitating remote transactions, or navigating local regulations.
3. What types of clients have you worked with?
Since 1990 I have worked with home buyers, sellers, investors, and asset managers in up markets, down markets, and stable markets in three different cycles of the economy... That has lead me to have the necessary experience to properly answer the question often asked, "How is the real estate market?" My response is, "It depends, are you interested in buying, selling, investing, or renting?" When you are entering the real estate market, your perspective matters and so does your choice of your real estate professional and their team.
4. Describe a recent transaction you are fond of. How did it go?
One recent transaction that stands out involved helping a family purchase a beautiful home in Carmel Valley that I had listed. The process required navigating neighborhood-specific water issues and structuring creative financing, including facilitating seller repairs to make the home move in ready on the day we closed escrow. My local knowledge and relationships were instrumental in overcoming these challenges. The transaction closed smoothly, and the clients on both sides of the transaction were delighted with both the property and the process. Their feedback highlighted my team’s thoroughness, communication, and commitment-qualities I strive to bring to every client interaction.
5. How did you get started in Real Estate?
Real estate is in my blood. As a proud member of a multi-generational Monterey Peninsula family, I grew up immersed in the unique history and culture of this area. My professional journey began with opening my first real estate office in 1990, alongside my wife, as owner/brokers of two Prudential California Realty offices in Carmel and Monterey. Over the years, I transitioned to Coldwell Banker, consistently ranking among the top agents regionally and nationally. My deep local roots and passion for our community have always inspired my dedication to helping clients achieve their real estate goals.
6. Do you have any special education or training that will benefit your clients?
Absolutely. Beyond decades of hands-on experience and over 1,722 closed transactions, I’ve earned numerous professional designations and awards, including Coldwell Banker’s International President’s Premier and Elite honors, placing me in the top 1% nationally. My expertise includes advanced negotiation, digital marketing, and luxury property marketing. As a coach for an international coaching company, Ferry International, I stay current with industry trends and local regulations to provide clients with the most accurate, up-to-date guidance. My lifelong familiarity with the Monterey Peninsula, combined with my commitment to ongoing education, ensures my real estate clients receive the highest level of service and results.
Contact Information
Location
Post Office Box 350, Junipero 2 SW of 5thCarmel, CA, 93921
Note: Reviews may include other agents on their team
What clients say about this agent....
Knowledgeable
Professional
Responsive
Communicative
Outstanding
Attentive
Sold Quickly
Trustworthy
Available Remotely
Great for new buyers
James N.
Review for Member: William Smith
March 30, 2025
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
We have gotten to know William and his lovely wife Loretta over the past 8 years, and when it came time to sell our home at Carmel Valley Ranch we knew that William's depth of experience and wisdom in the field are indeed rare. And he came through for us beautifully! William is truly the best in the business, and we feel very fortunate to know him.
Anthony C.
Review for Member: William Smith
January 26, 2025
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
William was amazing. He helped secure us the highest price possible for our home, by first, recommending great improvements to the property, including having us reimagine our greenhouse. Second, he followed through with a highly effective marketing campaign that included one of the best photographed and edited home videos that Ive ever seen. Thirdly, he was always attentive and accommodating to his clients suggestions and inquires. William is first rate.
Antonio C.
Review for Member: William Smith
December 18, 2024
"Wow, Willam, a wonderfully written email, even poetic. What a great a writer you are. Yes, it has been a wonderful journey, and let me tell you we would have never gotten as much for this house if it wasn't for you. I had met with nearly 100 real estate agents, and you were one of the only ones to ask for a price that was well over $3,500,000.00 and the only one to see the value of leveraging that time of death appraisal we had of the house for over $4,000,000.00. With this approach you employed the "anchoring effect," making the price of $3,550,000.00 now seem cheap (and a bargain) compared with the appraised price of over $4,000,000.00 for the house. You're a marketing genius. Also, you're a saint for having put up with me; I can be challenging at times as you might have learned. And I look forward to working with that New Hampshire real estate agent that you set me up with.... and I hope you will stay in the background, maybe overlooking her shoulder every now and then. There will be more adventures ahead for us, I'm sure. Ciao for now," Antonio
Haig H.
Review for Member: William Smith
September 20, 2024
"Looking forward to seeing you then and to again thank you, William, for the wonderful job in assisting me as Successor Trustee. Regards, Haig" HAIG A. HARRIS, JR. Trustee for 22 La Rancheria, Carmel Valley - Marian Mizelle Trust Scampini, Mortara & Harris San Francisco, California
Jabir A.
Review for Member: William Smith
August 13, 2024
Listed the $34,000,000 Adamo Ranch in Carmel CA with him, because William Smith helped us buy our vacation home in Camel. We have dealt with several good agents to buy or sell in the past, but from our experience, William tops them all. He knows the area very well and you can trust he will give you the best advice. Since we are out of town buyers, William managed the transaction and contractors step by step. He even sent us narrated video updates of the work in progress. He was always available to take our calls and responded immediately. William and his team made the purchase close right on schedule. We highly recommend him.?