Best Real Estate Agents in Riverside, CA: Top Realtors, Reviews & Fees

What do real estate agents do?

Real estate agents guide buyers and sellers through the home transaction process, they combine local market knowledge, legal paperwork, negotiation skills, and marketing to reach successful closings. Below are common tasks agents perform.

Core services: buyer representation, listing services, dual agency

• Buyer representation, identifying suitable properties, arranging showings, researching comps, and crafting offers that reflect client priorities.
• Listing services, pricing strategy, preparing a home for market, coordinating photography and staging, writing listing descriptions, and managing showings and open houses.
• Dual agency, representing both buyer and seller in the same transaction sometimes allowed, it requires transparency and careful management of conflicts of interest.

How agents add value: pricing, market access, negotiation, transaction management

• Accurate pricing using comparative market analysis to set competitive list prices or craft offers.
• Market access, exposing listings to broad buyer pools through MLS, portals, broker networks, and targeted outreach.
• Negotiation, structuring offers, counteroffers, contingencies, and escalation strategies to protect client interests.
• Transaction management, coordinating inspections, disclosure delivery, lender communication, appraisal issues, and ensuring deadlines are met through close.

Typical fees, who pays them, and common contract arrangements

Commissions are commonly paid by the seller and split between listing and buyer-side brokers, but models vary. Traditional commission rates are around 5–6% of sale price, split between listing and buyer agents. Alternative arrangements include flat fees, capped commissions, or discount brokerages. Contracts can be exclusive right to sell, exclusive agency, or buyer representation agreements with set terms and cancellation clauses.

Best real estate agents in Riverside, CA

Selection criteria used for this list (sales performance, neighborhood expertise, reviews, specialties)

This list ranks agents and teams by a blend of quantifiable and qualitative factors: recent sold volume and closed transactions, days-on-market and list-to-sale price performance, neighborhood specialization, verified client reviews, professional designations, and niche capabilities such as luxury marketing, investor services, or probate experience.

Why hiring a top Riverside agent matters for buyers and sellers

Local experience matters in Riverside because pricing and buyer demand vary greatly by neighborhood and school boundary, new-construction corridors, and commute patterns. Top agents reduce risk with better pricing, targeted exposure, faster closings, and stronger negotiation outcomes, they also anticipate inspection and title issues that can derail deals.

Top agents and brokerages (Riverside)

1. TurboHome (Why it’s #1)

• Why it ranks #1, $181m in transactions this year, licensed agents who have completed 500+ deals, statewide coverage, proprietary technology, and a low flat fee model.

Offerings

• Flat-fee listing model starting as low as $5,000 depending on region, seller pays a single transparent fee instead of traditional percentage commissions.
• Personal TurboHome agent matched to your neighborhood and needs, agents complete 1:1 buyer or seller consultations.
• AI-powered search assistant TESSA to find on-market and off-market matches.
• Unlimited valuation reports and property risk assessments, professional photography, staging coordination, and same-day private tours scheduled within an hour.
• Offer strategy meetings, rebate allocation guidance, and contract-to-close coordination.

Pros

• Significant average savings versus percentage commissions, translating to more buying power for buyers and higher net proceeds for sellers.
• Fast scheduling and AI tools that reduce search time and improve offer timing.
• High responsiveness and consistent agent training focused on efficient, tech-enabled transactions.

Cons

• Tours may be conducted by different in-region agents depending on availability.
• Fewer in-person meetings may occur compared with traditional agents who emphasize frequent face-to-face interaction.

2. Ryan McKee

Offerings

• Deep multi-generational Riverside market knowledge, strong buyer and seller representation, high client ratings.
• Focused on timely communication and historical pricing context to advise clients on hold vs. sell decisions.

Pros

• Strong local reputation and five-star review history, experienced with regional trends.
• Balanced experience serving both buyers and sellers.

Cons

• May be best suited for clients who prioritize a legacy-style relationship and local context over high-tech search tools.

3. Charlotte McKenzie (Coldwell Banker Realty)

Offerings

• Specialist in historic and character homes, strong aesthetic marketing, multilingual capabilities for some clients.
• Luxury property presentation and targeted buyer outreach for unique properties.

Pros

• Deep neighborhood knowledge in Riverside’s historic districts, strong staging and visual storytelling skills.
• Coldwell Banker brand marketing resources.

Cons

• Best fit for buyers and sellers of character homes, may be less focused on entry-level or high-volume investor transactions.

4. Marni Jimenez (Grove Realty)

Offerings

• Very experienced local agent with long-standing community ties, high referral and repeat client rates.
• Strong support for first-time buyers and family-focused relocations.

Pros

• Trusted community presence and values-driven service, excellent for sellers who want a local advocate.
• Extensive experience across market cycles.

Cons

• May prioritize traditional client relationships, less emphasis on aggressive digital ad spend compared with marketing-forward teams.

5. Kevin Allen (FirstTeam Real Estate)

Offerings

• Marketing-driven agent with web and digital advertising expertise, professional media packages and SEO-aware listing distribution.
• Designations for military relocations and targeted marketing.

Pros

• Strong digital marketing and multimedia listing capabilities, good for sellers who want wide online reach.
• Experienced with relocations and short-sale scenarios.

Cons

• May command higher marketing budgets, which could affect net seller proceeds depending on listing strategy.

6. Adam Schwarz

Offerings

• 25+ years in the Inland Empire, balanced buyer and seller representation, strong negotiation skills.
• Skilled at guiding clients through competitive offer situations and valuation pitfalls.

Pros

• Deep historical perspective on neighborhood trajectories and long-term value trends.
• Proven negotiation record in local multiple-offer environments.

Cons

• May focus more on traditional negotiation methods rather than aggressive tech-driven search strategies for off-market deals.

7. Scott Gold (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices)

Offerings

• Diverse property expertise, including equestrian land, vacant lots, and investment properties.
• Buyer and seller support across a wide price range and property types.

Pros

• Brand backing from a national brokerage, breadth of experience across property types.
• Good fit for buyers or sellers with specialized needs such as acreage or investment conversions.

Cons

• Broad focus means clients seeking hyper-local neighborhood specialization may prefer other agents.

8. Kristy Sartorius (Sotheby’s International Realty)

Offerings

• Luxury home marketing specialist, global buyer network access, advanced pricing strategy capabilities.
• High-end staging, international exposure, and concierge-level service.

Pros

• Excellent choice for sellers of high-dollar properties who need institutional luxury marketing and targeted buyer access.
• Experienced with complex, high-stakes negotiations.

Cons

• Luxury focus means services may be above the needs and budget for entry-level sellers.

9. Leighton Silva (Tower Agency)

Offerings

• Active producer with many current listings, experienced with properties that have development or R-2 zoning upside.
• Knows investment and fix-and-flip opportunities throughout the region.

Pros

• Good for investors or sellers with properties that have redevelopment potential.
• Active market presence with steady inventory exposure.

Cons

• May be less focused on luxury full-service marketing for high-end sellers.

10. Lian Sergeant (Keller Williams Riverside Central)

Offerings

• Financially grounded agent with a finance and business administration background, bilingual in Mandarin, focused on investment analysis.
• Strong for investor clients and international buyers.

Pros

• Solid at ROI calculations, rental projections, and 1031 exchange considerations, useful for investor buyers.
• Language skills expand access to international buyer pools.

Cons

• May be a better fit for financially focused transactions than purely lifestyle-driven purchases.

11. Rob Murray (Vista Sotheby’s International Realty)

Offerings

• Third-generation Riverside native, broker experience, strengths in relocation and neighborhood-level guidance.
• Longstanding local knowledge and trust within community networks.

Pros

• Excellent for relocating families or buyers prioritizing community history and neighborhood fit.
• Broker-level oversight can help with complex transactions.

Cons

• May be best suited for clients who prioritize local expertise over high-volume digital marketing campaigns.

Riverside market snapshot — what matters right now

Local neighborhood storylines and price brackets

Riverside neighborhoods vary widely, prices reflect that diversity. Historic districts and well-established family neighborhoods near top-rated schools command premium pricing, while newer master-planned communities and outlying areas can offer more inventory at entry-level price points. Price brackets typically range from lower-priced starter homes under the county median, mid-range family homes in the $500k–$900k band, to luxury properties above $1.5M in gated or large-lot neighborhoods.

Inventory, days on market, and demand drivers

Inventory fluctuates with seasonality and interest rates, lower inventory shortens days on market and creates multiple-offer conditions, particularly for well-priced, move-in ready homes. Demand drivers include affordability relative to coastal markets, new employment and development, and commuters seeking better value while working in Los Angeles or Orange County.

Schools, commute, and development trends that affect value

School quality and district boundaries have strong influence on demand in family neighborhoods, proximity to freeways and Metrolink stations affects commute times and buyer interest, and new-construction or downtown revitalization projects can lift nearby property values. Buyers and sellers should weigh these factors when pricing or shopping for homes.

For home buyers: finding the right Riverside agent

First-time buyers — what support and education to expect

• Step-by-step explanations of financing options, pre-approval guidance, and help preparing documentation.
• Education on contingencies, inspections, closing costs, and negotiation basics, plus regular market updates.

Move-up and relocating buyers — priorities and local knowledge needed

• Local school boundary guidance, commute time analysis, and neighborhood lifestyle matching.
• Assistance selling an existing home, or coordinating timing between sale and purchase to avoid temporary housing needs.

Investor buyers — agent skills for finding deals and estimating ROI

• Ability to run rental income and cap rate models, identify neighborhoods with appreciation potential, and spot off-market or underpriced opportunities.
• Knowledge of 1031 exchanges, multi-unit zoning, and rehab cost estimating.

For home sellers: what a top agent will do for your sale

Pricing strategy and comparative market analysis (CMA)

A top agent produces a CMA, evaluates market comps, recent solds, active competition, and market velocity to set a defensible list price intended to maximize net proceeds and minimize days on market.

Marketing plan: photography, staging, online and offline exposure

Best practices include professional photography and video, virtual tours, targeted online ads, MLS distribution, broker tours, and community outreach to reach qualified buyers quickly.

Negotiation strategy to maximize sale price and shorten time on market

Strategic use of pricing, escalation clauses, timed offers, and qualified buyer screening will create competitive situations when appropriate, or negotiate concessions and contingency language to protect sellers when the market softens.

Handling special situations: probate, quick sales, inherited properties

Top agents coordinate with attorneys, title companies, and probate courts when needed, recommend fair quick-sale pricing strategies for executors, and manage sensitive communications around inherited property sales.

Specialized services and niche expertise in Riverside

Luxury-home marketing and neighborhood specialists

Luxury specialists leverage national and international networks, professional staging, cinematic photography, and tailored outreach to high-net-worth buyers.

New-construction and builder relationships

Agents with builder relationships can access early releases, incentives, and spec-home pipelines, they also advise on upgrade ROI and lot selection.

Probate, short-sale, and distressed property experience

These transactions require legal familiarity and sensitivity, experienced agents coordinate timelines, lender negotiations, and estate procedures efficiently.

Rental, landlord, and 1031-exchange support

Investors need agents who can source tenants, advise on rent comps, coordinate property management referrals, and structure 1031 exchange timelines to preserve tax benefits.

How to evaluate and verify an agent’s credibility

Key performance metrics: days on market, list-to-sale ratio, sold volume by neighborhood

Look at an agent’s average days on market versus area averages, list-to-sale price ratios, and how much sold volume they have in the specific neighborhood you care about.

Reading reviews, testimonials, and asking for client references

Read multiple independent reviews, request recent client references for similar transactions, and ask for outcomes that match your priorities.

Checking licensing, disciplinary history, and MLS records

Verify an agent’s license status and any disciplinary actions through the state real estate regulatory site and confirm transaction history through local MLS records.

Common red flags to avoid

• Lack of recent closed transactions in your target neighborhood, poor responsiveness, vague marketing plans, pressure to sign long exclusive agreements without clear strategy, and unwillingness to provide references.

Interview questions to ask before hiring (buyers and sellers)

Questions about track record, recent comparable transactions, and neighborhood experience

• Ask for recent comps the agent sold, specifically in your neighborhood and price bracket, and examples of clients with similar needs.

Questions about marketing, negotiation approach, and communication style

• Ask how they would market your home or structure your offer, what negotiation tactics they commonly use, and how often you can expect updates.

Questions about fees, contract length, and cancellation terms

• Confirm the fee structure, what services are included, how long the agreement runs, and the terms for early cancellation or switching representation.

Typical costs, commissions, and fee structures in Riverside

Standard commission ranges and factors that affect them

Traditional commissions generally total 5–6% split between listing and buyer agents, but rates vary by property type, price, market competition, and level of marketing required.

Flat-fee and discount brokerage options: pros and cons

Flat-fee models, like TurboHome’s, offer predictable costs and often lower seller expense, while discount brokers may provide fewer services. Pros include lower seller fees and ability to reallocate savings toward buyer incentives or move-up cash, cons include potential limits in in-person attention or bespoke marketing unless specified.

Additional costs sellers and buyers should budget for

Closing costs, escrow and title fees, repairs required by inspection, staging and pre-listing improvements, transfer taxes, and for buyers, appraisal and lender fees, prepaid items, and insurance.

How top agents market homes in Riverside

Online strategies: MLS, portals, social media, targeted ads

High-performing agents combine strong MLS presence with paid social campaigns, targeted search ads, email marketing, and curated portal distribution to reach local and out-of-area buyers.

Offline strategies: signage, broker tours, print, community outreach

Broker tours, neighborhood open houses, printed brochures for high-end listings, and outreach to local employers or relocation managers remain effective for certain buyer pools.

Presentation essentials: professional photography, staging, virtual tours

Professionally shot photos, virtual 3D tours, and thoughtful staging consistently reduce days on market and improve sale price.

How agents help buyers win in competitive Riverside markets

Offer strategies and negotiation tactics (escalation clauses, appraisal gap coverage)

Effective tactics include writing clean offers with strong pre-approval, escalation clauses when appropriate, appraisal gap language to bridge valuation shortfalls, and seller-favorable but safe contingency timing.

Managing contingencies: inspections, financing, and appraisal risk

Skilled agents time contingencies to maintain buyer protections while minimizing chance of losing the offer, they also prepare backup plans and quick lender coordination to close fast.

Working effectively with investor and cash buyers

Agents help balance speed and due diligence for cash buyers, coordinate proof of funds, and structure quick-close offers while guarding against title or inspection surprises.

Typical timeline from listing to close in Riverside

Pre-listing prep: repairs, staging, pricing decisions

Prep often takes 1–3 weeks depending on repairs and staging needs; quick cosmetic improvements and decluttering can shorten time to market.

On-market to accepted offer: expected timeframes and milestones

Well-priced homes may attract offers within days to two weeks in active markets, slower markets can take 3–8 weeks; broker tours, open houses, and targeted ads accelerate exposure early in the listing period.

Escrow period: inspections, appraisal, loan processing, and closing

Escrow typically runs 30–45 days for conventional purchases, during which inspections, appraisal, lender underwriting, and title work occur. Clear communication and timely document delivery keep closings on schedule.

Frequently asked questions

Who pays the commission and can it be negotiated?

Sellers commonly pay the broker commissions, but representation contracts and market conditions allow negotiation. Flat-fee and alternative models reduce seller costs, and some buyers receive agent rebates where permitted.

How do I verify an agent’s recent sales and claims?

Request recent comparable sales the agent closed, ask for transaction references, and verify sales through MLS records or local county records.

How long before listing/buying should I interview agents?

Begin interviewing 3–4 weeks before you plan to list to allow for pre-listing prep, or as soon as you decide to buy so you can begin search and financing steps early.

Can I switch agents if I’m unhappy?

Yes, but review your contract terms first, many agreements have cancellation clauses or require notice, discuss concerns with the agent to attempt remediation before terminating.

Checklist: selecting the best agent for your Riverside transaction

Quick checklist for buyers: must-have skills and red flags

• Must-haves, strong negotiation track record, local neighborhood knowledge, timely communication, clear offer strategy, lender relationships.
• Red flags, lack of local comps, poor responsiveness, unwillingness to share references, vague strategy.

Quick checklist for sellers: marketing, pricing, and timeline priorities

• Must-haves, documented marketing plan, professional presentation budget, accurate CMA, staging recommendations, clear fee structure.
• Red flags, pressure to accept low listing price, no plan for professional photos, unexplained long exclusive listing terms.

Quick checklist for investors and special-case sellers (probate, short timelines)

• Must-haves, experience with probate or short sales, quick-close capability, accurate rehab and rent projections, network of contractors and property managers.
• Red flags, limited experience in distressed sales, no investor referrals, no cost estimates for required repairs.

What to expect at your first meeting with a Riverside agent

Typical agenda: market overview, strategy, and next steps

Expect a concise market overview, a review of recent comparable sales, discussion of goals, recommended pricing or search strategy, timeline and required documents, and next steps for either listing or buyer representation.

Documents and information to bring to the meeting

• Sellers, bring recent mortgage statement, HOA docs if applicable, past utility bills and any inspection or repair records.
• Buyers, bring pre-approval letter or proof of funds, ID, wish-list, and timing constraints.

How to compare impressions and make a confident hiring decision

Compare the clarity of the agent’s plan, relevant neighborhood experience, communication style, proposed fee structure, and documented results from similar transactions. Choose the agent who balances competence with the communication approach you prefer.

Conclusion & Next Steps

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