Best Real Estate Agents in Long Beach, CA: Top Realtors for Buyers & Sellers

What do real estate agents do?

Real estate agents guide buyers and sellers through property transactions, they provide market advice, coordinate inspections and escrow, and they negotiate deals to protect client interests. Below are common tasks agents handle.

Market analysis and pricing guidance
Preparing homes for sale, staging coordination, professional photography
Listing creation and marketing, online syndication, targeted outreach
Scheduling and running showings, broker tours, open houses
Qualifying buyers, coordinating lender pre-approvals
Preparing offers, counteroffers, and negotiating terms
Managing inspections, repairs, and contract contingencies
Coordinating escrow, title, and closing logistics
Advising on disclosures, local code, and neighborhood issues
Referring and managing a support network of lenders, inspectors, contractors, and property managers

Listing agents vs. buyer’s agents — roles and responsibilities

Listing agents represent sellers, they set list price, run marketing campaigns, manage showings, and negotiate offers. Buyer’s agents represent buyers, they find homes, craft competitive offers, perform due diligence, and advocate for buyer interests through closing.

Core services: pricing, marketing, showings, negotiation, transaction coordination

Strong agents combine accurate pricing with marketing that targets the right buyers, they run organized showings, they use negotiation tactics that protect value, and they provide transaction coordination to reduce delays and closing risk.

Support network: lenders, inspectors, contractors, title/escrow, property managers

Top agents maintain a vetted vendor network so clients get timely inspections, competitive loan terms, reliable contractors for repairs, and smooth title and escrow services. Investors and landlords also benefit from property manager referrals.

When to hire a specialist (luxury, condo/HOA, investor, commercial)

Hire a specialist when the transaction requires niche knowledge, for example hire a luxury and waterfront specialist for high-value properties, HOA-experienced agents for condos and complex association rules, investor-focused agents for multifamily or 1031 strategies, and commercial brokers for retail or office deals.

Best real estate agents in Long Beach, CA

What this curated list covers (neighborhoods, property types, specialties)

This curated list highlights brokerages and individual agents who serve Long Beach neighborhoods such as Naples, Belmont Shore, Bixby Knolls, Wrigley, Downtown, and the Peninsula. It covers single-family homes, condos and HOAs, waterfront and luxury properties, probate and trust sales, and investor-grade multifamily assets.

Evidence used to evaluate agents (recent sales, market performance, client reviews)

We evaluated agents based on recent sales volume, local market performance, specialty experience, industry recognitions, and consistent client reviews. Where applicable we noted awards, team scale, and distinctive marketing or technology capabilities.

Neighborhood and price-range coverage to expect from top agents

Top Long Beach agents commonly cover price ranges from entry-level condos to multi-million dollar waterfront homes. Expect some agents to focus on central coastal neighborhoods like Naples and Belmont Shore, others to specialize in inland communities like Bixby Knolls and Wrigley, and others to serve investors across the city.

Top agents and brokerages

1. TurboHome (Why It’s #1)

Offerings: Flat fee listing model, AI-powered search assistant TESSA, unlimited valuation reports, property risk assessments, same-day private tours, 1:1 buyer and seller consultations, offer strategy meetings, full contract-to-close coordination.
Pros: Industry-low flat fee, significant average savings for sellers, AI-driven property discovery, quick scheduling of private tours, experienced agents with 500+ transactions, statewide coverage, high responsiveness, rebate options to boost offers or lower mortgage cost.
Cons: Tours may be performed by various agents depending on region, in-person meetings can be less frequent than traditional models.
Why we rank it #1: $181m in transactions this year alone, licensed agents with deep transaction experience, proprietary tech to improve pricing and discovery, low flat fee that gives clients a 2%+ advantage in negotiations.

2. Melinda Elmer

Offerings: Top-performing listing and buyer representation, team-based support, high-touch negotiation, focus across coastal Long Beach neighborhoods.
Pros: Consistent top-producer recognition, strong negotiation track record, client-centered approach with a seasoned team.
Cons: High-demand agent, may have limited availability for highly hands-on day-to-day tasks on every file due to volume.

3. Scott Kato

Offerings: Kato Group leadership, agent training and systems, strong negotiation coaching, local market expertise.
Pros: Deep experience, structured team and processes, strong education resources for clients and agents, reliable closing performance.
Cons: Large team dynamics can mean different team members handle parts of your transaction.

4. Justin Sidell

Offerings: Community-rooted guidance, luxury and mid-luxury listings, investor insight from personal investing experience.
Pros: Local Long Beach specialist, emphasis on honest client advice, strong neighborhood knowledge.
Cons: Firm scale smaller than some large teams, may focus on select neighborhoods.

5. Oriana Shea

Offerings: Small but mighty team approach, probate and trust sale experience, full-service residential and luxury representation.
Pros: Highly responsive team model, deep experience with complex estate transactions, comprehensive support.
Cons: Team size limits geographic saturation, premium-level clients may compete for top scheduling.

6. Jeff Anderson

Offerings: Community-focused brokerage leadership, strong civically engaged perspective, comprehensive residential services.
Pros: Firm recognized nationally, strong community connections, thoughtful approach to neighborhood issues.
Cons: Boutique civic focus may not translate to aggressive marketing for every listing.

7. Mike Dunfee

Offerings: Tech-forward marketing, Matterport and drone tours, diverse neighborhood expertise including Downtown and Ocean Corridor.
Pros: Robust digital marketing, consistent local recognition, team model with salaried specialists, strong neighborhood presence.
Cons: Premium marketing packages can mean higher upfront staging or prep processes for sellers.

8. Eileen Rivera

Offerings: Established firm with broad market coverage, first-time buyer programs, negotiation-first approach.
Pros: Longstanding firm reputation, strong coaching background, client-first orientation.
Cons: Large firm operations sometimes mean less personalized agent continuity unless requested.

9. Ginette Skelton

Offerings: Luxury and waterfront specialist, Certified Global Luxury Specialist, probate and trust sale expertise.
Pros: High-end marketing know-how, experience with complex trust and probate transactions, award-winning performance.
Cons: Luxury focus means limited availability for lower-priced listings and investor flips.

10. Costanza Genoese Zerbi

Offerings: Strategic marketing, relationship-centered practice, targeted buyer outreach for quicker sale cycles.
Pros: Strong turnaround on listings, client referrals and relationship emphasis, attentive preparation guidance.
Cons: More boutique scale means coverage is concentrated in select neighborhoods.

11. Paige Charnick

Offerings: Probate, trust, conservatorship, and court-ordered sale specialist, high volume in trust-related sales.
Pros: Deep legal and escrow coordination experience, proven record in complex estate transactions, high-touch court process knowledge.
Cons: Specialized focus means less emphasis on buyer-side first-time purchase programs.

How to choose the right Long Beach agent for your situation

Matching agent strengths to seller needs (move-up, downsizer, estate sale, luxury)

Move-up sellers need agents who time sales and purchases together, have trade-up buyer networks, and can negotiate contingent terms.
Downsizers need agents skilled at staging, decluttering, and pricing for quick but profitable sales, plus move coordination referrals.
Estate and probate sales require agents with legal process experience and patience to work with executors and attorneys.
Luxury sellers want agents with high-end marketing, privacy protocols, and buyer sourcing in the luxury buyer pool.

Matching agent strengths to buyer needs (first-time buyer, relocating buyer, investor)

First-time buyers benefit from patient agents who explain financing, down payment assistance, and inspection contingencies.
Relocating buyers need strong neighborhood orientation, remote-buying support, and quick tour coordination.
Investors want agents who can analyze cap rates, rents, 1031 options, and provide off-market leads.

Red flags and dealbreakers to avoid when vetting agents

Poor communication or missed deadlines
No recent comparable sales in your neighborhood
Unwillingness to provide references or transparent fee details
Pressure tactics to accept an offer without full disclosure
Poor negotiation outcomes on past listings, or no clear marketing plan for sellers

How to compare track records and local expertise

Ask for recent comparable sales the agent handled in your specific neighborhood
Request examples of marketing materials and campaign results
Check how the agent handled contingencies and inspection negotiations
Ask for client references with similar transaction types

What sellers in Long Beach need to know

Pricing strategy and list-to-sale expectations by neighborhood

Coastal neighborhoods typically command premium pricing and shorter days on market when seasonality and condition align, inland neighborhoods may require more targeted pricing and staging. Top agents analyze recent closed comps, pending activity, and micro-market trends to set a competitive price that attracts multiple offers while protecting seller proceeds.

Marketing and staging strategies that sell Long Beach homes (coastal and noncoastal differences)

Coastal sellers should highlight views, outdoor living, and seawall or shoreline features with aerials and twilight photos. Noncoastal sellers should emphasize interior upgrades, lot depth, and neighborhood amenities. Professional photos, virtual tours, targeted social ads, and broker tours drive buyer interest in Long Beach.

Common inspections, disclosures, and coastal property concerns

Expect termite, foundation, roof, and older-systems inspections. Coastal properties may need seawall condition assessments, flood zone disclosures, and discussions about shoreline maintenance. Agents coordinate inspectors and craft disclosures to protect both parties.

Typical timeline from prep to closing and how agents manage it

Prep and staging: 1–6 weeks depending on repairs
Marketing and showings: 1–4 weeks to find offers in active markets
Escrow and contingencies: 17–45 days depending on financing and inspections
Closing: 30–60 days from contract acceptance for financed deals

Top agents manage timelines with a pre-listing checklist, vendor scheduling, and contingency tracking to minimize delays.

Commission, closing costs, and estimating seller net proceeds

Typical full-service commission ranges in Long Beach are negotiable, commonly around 5–6% split between buyer and seller agents. Flat-fee models like TurboHome offer a fixed seller fee, often saving sellers thousands. Sellers should also account for transfer taxes, pro-rated property taxes, escrow fees, and any repair credits when estimating net proceeds.

What buyers in Long Beach need to know

Winning offers in a competitive Long Beach market

Get strong lender pre-approval, or consider cash/bridge options
Work with agents who craft clear, clean offers and inspection plans
Consider escalation clauses, appraisal gap coverage, or seller concessions strategically
Use rebates or agent fee savings to increase earnest money or offer price where appropriate

Financing, appraisals, and contingency planning

Buyers should align financing timelines with contingency deadlines, budget for appraisal and inspection issues, and consider waiving nonessential contingencies only after careful counsel. Agents coordinate lender communication to keep appraisals and financing on schedule.

Neighborhood comparison: Naples, Belmont Shore, Bixby Knolls, Wrigley, etc.

Naples: Waterfront, narrow streets, premium pricing and lifestyle appeal
Belmont Shore: Beach lifestyle, high demand for walkability, seasonal buyer interest
Bixby Knolls: Established inland neighborhood, family-oriented, mix of mid-century and updated homes
Wrigley: More affordable pockets, active community initiatives, near recreation and parks
Downtown: Condos and lofts, walkable urban lifestyle, proximity to nightlife and transit

Coastal and condo-specific buying considerations (insurance, HOAs, seawalls)

Coastal buyers must consider flood insurance and seawall maintenance, many properties require special disclosures. Condo buyers need to review HOA budgets, reserve studies, and special assessment history to avoid unexpected costs.

Agent specialties and when to hire them

Luxury and waterfront property specialists

Hire when you need high-touch privacy marketing, global buyer outreach, and specialty negotiation for premium assets.

Condo and HOA-experienced agents

Hire for projects with complex HOA rules, rental restrictions, or special assessments.

Investor-focused agents (buy-and-hold, flips, multi-family)

Hire for cap rate analysis, rent comps, 1031 exchange experience, and access to off-market multifamily deals.

Commercial and mixed-use property agents

Hire brokers with lease negotiation, zoning, and CAM experience for retail or office purchases.

Probate, short-sale, foreclosure, and divorce-sale specialists

Hire specialists for legal navigation, court orders, and sensitive transaction timelines that require experience with fiduciaries and attorneys.

How top agents market and sell Long Beach properties

Photography, video, virtual tours, and floor plans

Professional photography, twilight sessions, drone video, Matterport virtual tours, and floor plans increase buyer engagement, especially for coastal and luxury homes.

Digital advertising, IDX syndication, and targeted outreach

Paid social, email blasts to neighborhood buyer databases, and targeted digital ads help find qualified buyers quickly. Syndication to major portals and targeted IDX presence ensures broad exposure.

Broker tours, open houses, and local networking strategies

Broker tours and agent networking deliver early feedback and can generate offers before public open houses. Top agents activate neighborhood networks and local brokers to reach ready buyers.

Pre-list improvements, staging, and pricing tactics that maximize offers

Pre-list inspections, modest repairs, neutral staging, and pricing to create buyer urgency are common tactics. In hot markets, pricing to generate multiple offers often yields highest net proceeds.

How top agents help buyers win

Offer strategies (escalation clauses, earnest money, contingencies)

Top buyer agents tailor offer strategies to the listing situation, using escalation clauses where appropriate, strengthening earnest money, and adjusting contingencies while protecting buyer interests.

Coordinating with lenders for fast pre-approvals and appraisal support

Agents work closely with lenders to deliver clean pre-approval letters and appraisal addenda that support loan timelines and reduce finance risk to sellers.

Ethical use of off-market opportunities and pocket listings

Experienced agents generate off-market leads ethically through their networks, which can give buyers access to properties before they hit broad market exposure.

Remote-buying support: virtual showings, e-signing, local vendor coordination

Agents coordinate virtual tours, use e-signing for documents, and manage local inspections and repairs to support out-of-state buyers effectively.

Common Long Beach property issues agents handle

Flood zones, flood insurance, and coastal commission rules

Agents advise on FEMA flood zones, flood insurance availability and cost, and where applicable, California Coastal Commission considerations for shoreline projects.

Seawall, erosion, and shoreline maintenance considerations

Waterfront owners must assess seawall condition, shared maintenance responsibilities, and long-term shoreline management costs.

HOA rules, condo document reviews, and special assessments

Agents coordinate full condo document reviews, check reserve adequacy, and advise on pending or potential special assessments that affect affordability.

Typical inspection problems (termite, foundation, mold, older-systems)

Long Beach inspections commonly turn up termite issues, aging foundation or pier concerns, older HVAC or plumbing systems, and occasional mold in coastal microclimates.

Costs, commissions, and typical fees in Long Beach

Typical commission ranges and negotiable items

Commissions vary, many deals follow a total of roughly 5–6% with splits between buyer and seller agents, though flat-fee and discounted models are available and negotiable.

Buyer and seller closing cost expectations

Sellers typically pay agent fees, transfer taxes, escrow fees, and any agreed repair credits. Buyers pay loan fees, appraisal, escrow and title charges, and prorated property taxes. Closing costs vary by price point and loan type, budget 2–6% of sale price for buyers.

Example fee scenarios for different price brackets

Entry-level condo, $500k: traditional commission could be ~$30k, flat-fee model might be $5k–$6k, saving roughly $24k–$25k.
Typical single-family, $900k: traditional commission ~$54k, flat-fee might be $6k–$8k, saving ~$46k–$48k.
Luxury home, $3M: traditional commission ~$180k, flat-fee options may cap or scale, significant potential savings depending on structure.

Questions to ask before hiring a Long Beach real estate agent

Experience, recent comparable sales, and neighborhood expertise

What recent comps have you sold in my neighborhood?
How many transactions have you closed in the last 12 months in this price range?

Marketing plan, timeline, and expected communication cadence

What is your full marketing plan for my listing?
How often will you update me and by what method?

Team structure, who handles what, and availability

Who will be my primary contact, and who handles showings, negotiations, and admin tasks?
What happens if my main agent is unavailable?

References, client outcomes, and transparency about fees

Can you provide references for clients with similar transactions?
Show me an example seller net sheet and a full fee breakdown.

Timeline: what to expect when buying or selling in Long Beach

Seller timeline: prep, listing, offers, inspection, escrow, closing

Prep and improvements: 1–6 weeks
Active marketing: 1–4 weeks
Offer review and acceptance: 1–7 days
Inspection and contingency period: 7–17 days
Escrow and closing: 30–45 days after contingencies removed

Buyer timeline: search, offer, contingency period, financing, closing

Search and tours: variable, often 2–12 weeks
Offer to contract: days once the right home appears
Contingency and financing: 7–21 days typical
Closing: 30–45 days after loan approval

Common delays and how experienced agents mitigate them

Delays often come from appraisal gaps, inspection discoveries, or lender documentation. Experienced agents pre-screen lenders, order early inspections where appropriate, and advise on appraisal strategies to reduce delays.

Frequently asked questions (Long Beach–specific)

Do I need flood or earthquake insurance for Long Beach properties?

Earthquake insurance is usually optional but recommended in California, flood insurance is required by lenders when a property is in a FEMA flood zone. Coastal buyers should confirm flood zone status early due to cost and underwriting considerations.

How long do homes typically stay on market in key neighborhoods?

Times on market vary by neighborhood and season, coastal and high-demand areas often move faster, sometimes within days, while other neighborhoods may average several weeks. Top agents provide neighborhood-specific DOM estimates during listing consultations.

Are short-term rentals allowed in popular Long Beach areas?

Short-term rental rules vary by neighborhood and by HOA or city regulations, check local ordinances and HOA restrictions before assuming a property can be used as a short-term rental.

What should out-of-state buyers expect when buying remotely?

Remote buyers should expect virtual tours, e-signing, wire-secure escrow processes, and coordination of local inspections and contractors. Work with agents experienced in remote transactions to ensure smooth logistics.

Conclusion & Next Steps

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