State: California

Best Real Estate Agents in Pasadena California

Do you want to move to a calm and peaceful city with the best coffee shops, restaurants, parks, and educational institutions? Pasadena, CA, is a top contender! To help you quickly find your new home at the most competitive price possible, we compiled a list of the best real estate agents in Pasadena, CA.

By comparing their reputation on social media platforms like Facebook along with their track record, specializations, and online reviews, we have unearthed the best real estate agents in Pasadena, CA. To give you substantial information about the city’s real estate industry, we employed different sources, such as Redfin, Realtor.com, and Norada Real Estate Investments.

Important Real Estate Facts of Pasadena, CA

Pasadena houses around 5,650 real estate agents who get an average salary of $106,396 per year. In the city, the average list price of a house is $1.1 million — an 11.2% year-over-year increase. Various homes are even bought 13% higher than its given price and are kept on the market for only 19 days. However, with its seller’s market, you have numerous beautiful homes to choose from. Since its real estate growth in the 1880s, Pasadena has established itself as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Residential and commercial real estate are both predicted to flourish.       

Different Types of Homes in Pasadena, CA

Victorian: Pasadena Victorian homes focus on style and abundance. You won’t fail to recognize them with their elaborate patterns and textures. The facade is asymmetrical and colorful. Other features include a partial or full-width front porch and steeply pitched roofs.     

Craftsman: Craftsman-style houses in Pasadena value comfort and simplicity. Key elements include triangular roofs, dormers, and covered porches. You can also see exposed beams, fireplaces, nooks, and built-in shelves and cabinets.     

Rancho: A common style of home in Pasadena, rancho features V- or T-shaped floor concepts, adobe walls, and a veranda that gives you protection against the sun.  

Farmhouse: Originally for middle-class workers, farmhouses in Pasadena prioritize practicality and functionality. Galvanized steel is used, and you can observe exposed beams, rustic woods, cathedral ceilings, and front porches.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Pasadena, CA

Wondering how you can be a real estate agent in Pasadena? You must finish 135 hours of pre-approved education and pass the California salesperson license exam. Do not settle for less and be one of the best real estate agents in Pasadena, CA, by expanding your knowledge of the local market, working with seasoned professionals, and improving your social media marketing strategies.       

Best Real Estate Agents in Bay Area, CA

Locally, the Bay Area housing market hasn’t declined as much as the national housing market has. The Bay Area real estate market is booming, with a median price of $1 million for six consecutive months. As buyers fight for properties near tech hubs, Bay Area home sales continue to set records. 

Homeowners acquire a vast amount of money compared to renters. Last month, a Bay Area property sold for $1.26 million. Most Santa Clara County properties are sold in eight days or less. The Bay Area housing market is also characterized by high demand, low mortgage rates, and limited supply. 

To mark, the state of California had 425,922 real estate licensees as of July 2021. The average real estate agent earnings in San Francisco is $74,460, according to WalletHub, but that doesn’t include commission (some agents only earn commission and not a salary). If we add it all up, the annual salary for a real estate agent in the Bay Area might reach as high as $100,755. Location, property value, buyer/seller discussions, and the brokerage’s split affect how much a California realtor can make in commission.

How did we find the best real estate agents in the Bay Area of California? We took their online reviews, social media following on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, as well as their press/media coverage, into account. We also used sources such as Yelp, HomeLight, and Expertise. 

Popular Home Styles in California

Here’s a list of the most popular home styles in the Bay Area, California:

Cape Cod: A Cape Cod from the twentieth century is square or rectangular in shape, with one or one and a half floors and a steeply pitched roof. The original colonial Cape Cod houses are one-story shingle-sided cottages without dormers.

Colonial: Colonial architecture is most typically distinguished by the regularly placed shuttered windows that characterize it. This is a rectangular, symmetrical type of house with bedrooms on the second floor.

Contemporary: These homes are typically single-story and were designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape. They have a flat roof and frequently exposed beams in their gables. They also feature towering windows, lack of adornment, and unique juxtapositions of various textures and materials throughout.

Modern: The most classic modern design is over 50 years old. The style emphasizes functionality above form and open living areas. The minimalist style was defined by flat planes, big glass windows, and open space.

Mediterranean: With its open floor layout and connection to the outdoors, this style of architecture resembles the modern style. Once fashionable in the 1950s and 1960s, ranch-style homes prioritized function over form.

Victorian: Victorian homes are more ornamented than functional, with intricate trim, brilliant colors, massive porches, asymmetrical shapes, and multi-faceted rooflines. Victorian architecture homes are easily identifiable by their extensive use of decorative woodwork, and lavish decoration.

Anyone interested in becoming a real estate agent in California must be at least 18 years old and a US citizen. Applicants must also complete 135 hours worth of education and apply for a salesperson examination/license, which requires fingerprints and a background check. It’s also a requirement to pass the California Salesperson License Exam with a score of 70% or better.

Best Real Estate Agents in Burlingame, CA

Ranked among the best places to live in California, Burlingame lets you enjoy a combination of urban and small-town vibe. From spectacular mountain views to superior public schools, coffee shops, and restaurants, everything is accessible. Around 1,500 active Burlingame real estate agents will also help ensure a smooth relocation process for you. Wish the list could be shorter? We’ve named the best real estate agents in Burlingame, below.   

We reviewed their online ratings, exposure in the profession, special skills, accolades, certifications, and individual profiles on social media. Social Catfish made use of varying websites too, such as Realtor.com, Neighborhoodscout, Redfin, and Indeed.    

What You Must Know About Burlingame Real Estate

If you’re wondering about the median listing price of houses in Burlingame, it’s around $2.2 million — a 10.5% reduction from last year. They’re usually sold 7% higher than their asking price. Sought-after houses get sold within seven days with an approximately 12% increase from the list price. In return, Burlingame real estate agents get approximately $88,400 or more every year. 

El Camino Real, Hillside Drive, and Peninsula Avenue are some of the popular neighborhoods. Since Burlingame’s incorporation in 1908, it has attracted different industries, including automobile, chocolate, biotechnology, and high-technology companies. No wonder why more individuals are looking to buy homes in Burlingame than there are available properties.    

Types of Homes in Burlingame, CA

Mid-Century Modern: This design was developed after World War II. Mid-century modern homes let you appreciate nature better through their large windows and the combination of human-made and natural materials.    

Ranch: Especially popular in the 1900s, ranch-style houses in Burlingame prioritize function over form. They have an open floor plan and an attached garage. They also allow for easy outdoor integration.    

Tudor Revival: The defining elements of Tudor Revival houses include steeply pitched roofs, heavy shingles, asymmetrical floor plans, chimneys, half-timbering, and dormer windows. They were a famous design in the 1920s.         

Contemporary: Highlighting current styles and designs, contemporary houses in Burlingame merge indoors and outdoors. They often have flat roofs, exposed beams, and tall windows. Then, you’ll get more natural light.    

How To Be a Real Estate Agent in Burlingame, CA

Planning to secure a real estate license in Burlingame, California? Attend 135-hour pre-licensing coursework, obtain a 70% score (or higher) during the California salesperson licensing exam, and make sure to find a sponsoring real estate broker. Work smart, build a strong network with veteran realtors, follow the local real estate market, and be more visible on various social media platforms to become the best real estate agent in Burlingame. 

Best Real Estate Agents in Walnut Creek, CA

Walnut Creek, CA, is one of the best places to live in the U.S. as it offers you family-friendly and cultural events, premium restaurants and bistros, great parks and views, and different business opportunities. Owning a home in the city is also easy with the presence of 4,680 real estate agents. Overwhelmed with your choices? Use our list of the best real estate agents in Walnut Creek!

Factors that influence our list include the agents’ awards and distinctions, titles, social media rankings, buyers’ and sellers’ reviews, and period of exposure in real estate. To help you gain awareness of Walnut Creek real estate, Social Catfish also used Indeed, Glassdoor, Livability, Realtor.com, Neighborhoodscout, and other sources.           

Important Real Estate Facts in Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek agents reap around $70,000 to $99,000 a year. Their income can also be as high as $165,000 based on their track record. Meanwhile, the average listing price of Walnut Creek homes is $799,000, with about an 8% year-over-year increase. Houses usually get sold 1.29% more than the original price. Others are even sold in six days with a 10% increase from their list price. 

Popular neighborhoods include Rossmoor, Bancroft, Waldon, and Northgate. From its official establishment in 1862, Walnut Creek has become Contra Costa County’s economic center. Now, it still has a seller’s market, which proves that more buyers are interested in acquiring homes in the city.

Types of Homes in Walnut Creek, CA

Contemporary: You can identify contemporary homes with their tall, large windows, open floor plans, minimal ornamentation, unusual combinations of materials, and an asymmetrical facade. The use of natural light is also apparent.  

Mid-Century Modern: Mid-century modern houses in Walnut Creek have clean lines, flat roofs, open floor plans, minimalistic design, and angular structures. It also highlights the outdoors with its large windows and different access points.          

Mediterranean: This was the preferred architectural style from 1918 to 1940. Mediterranean homes have red tile roofs, balconies, porticos, and wooden doors. 

Ranch: Single-story ranch houses in Walnut Creek often have L or U shape with open floor plans and low-pitched roofs. They have sliding glass patio doors, with the garage attached to the house.    

Victorian: Named after Queen Victoria, these houses have complex, asymmetrical shapes and an elegant style. You can see towers, large bay windows, and heavy ornamentation. The exterior usually includes red, green, brown, and blue colors. 

The process of becoming a real estate agent in Walnut Creek involves taking a 135-hour pre-licensing education, overcoming the California salesperson licensing exam, and finding a licensed broker to sponsor you. If you work on your reputation online, partner with well-known realtors, study the local real estate market, and maintain relationships with clients, you’re one step closer to becoming the next best real estate agent in Walnut Creek.  

Best Real Estate Agents in Bakersfield, CA

Named the country music capital of the west coast, Bakersfield offers you warmer weather, quality schools, abundant job opportunities, exciting outdoor adventures, and, of course, good food. It also has 2,170 active real estate agents who will ensure you get the best home for yourself and your family. Not sure which professional to pick? Check out our selection of the best real estate agents in Bakersfield!

Our assessment is based on their real estate exposure, skills, designations, accolades, presence on online platforms, client ratings, and specializations. We also checked Neighborhoodscout, Redfin, Salary.com, Realtor.com, and other sites, too.         

Important Facts About Bakersfield Real Estate

In Bakersfield, the average listing price of houses is $318,000. They are generally sold in 13 days, but more competitive properties make it in 5 days with a 6% increase from their list price. No wonder the sales and list price ratio is 100.67%! Meanwhile, every Bakersfield agent can earn between $47,000 and $147,000 a year, according to their knowledge and expertise.   

For the best neighborhoods, choose Lakeview, Rosedale, Seven Oaks, and Greenacres. From its official incorporation in 1873, Bakersfield has become one of the fastest-growing cities. Its seller’s market also suggests that the number of home buyers exceeds the actual houses being sold.

Types of Homes in Bakersfield, CA

Ranch: The major elements found in ranch-style homes in Bakersfield are open floor plans, low-pitch rooflines, overhanging eaves, sliding doors extending to the back patio, and attached garages. These single-story homes are also highly functional with a simple design. 

Mediterranean: Based on the hacienda style, Mediterranean homes in Bakersfield have arches, balconies, porticos, red tile roofs, stucco walls, and carved doors. Given their various cultural influences, Mediterranean houses are also called Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial.   

Contemporary: While the style of contemporary homes keeps changing, the most common features include flat roofs and gables, exposed beams, clean lines, large multi-sliding doors, and an open layout. As they connect the indoors and outdoors, you can enjoy more natural light.

Mid-Century Modern: The defining characteristics of mid-century modern homes include organic shapes, open space, minimal ornamentation, and focus on functionality. Nature is also incorporated inside the house through sliding glass doors and raw materials.         

Obtaining your real estate license requires completion of three real estate courses (135 hours), at least a 70% score in the state’s salesperson licensing exam, and a sponsorship from an active broker. To become a successful real estate agent in Bakersfield, CA, get a mentor, study the market, enhance your social media content, and gain more connections and referrals.   

Best Real Estate Agents in Hollywood Hills CA

Hollywood Hills may be famous for its mansions and luxury homes, but it is also one of the most beautiful residential communities in Southern California. People come to Hollywood Hills primarily for a high quality of life.

Hollywood Hills West is a desirable location for homebuyers with a median home price of $3.00M. There are 245 properties for sale in the neighborhood, ranging from $25K to $55M. 

The number of active agents has progressively increased since 2014. Despite a few slips, the number of active agents climbed to 206,308 in May 2020. As of October 2021, the average annual salary for a Hollywood Hills Real Estate Agent is $78,932 that equates to around $37.95 per hour. This amount then translates to $1,518 each week or $6,578 per month. To achieve such income, these real estate agents have gone through extensive pre-licensing education to pass the course examination. They also need to qualify for a California salesperson licensing exam and complete the state licensing application.

For this purpose, we’ve gathered all the necessary information to help prospective buyers choose the best real estate agent. Agent profile reviews from social media like Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, as well as top-ranking websites like The Hollywood Reporter, Yelp, Zillow, and HomeLight, have all been used to determine where each real estate agent ranks.

Popular Types of Homes in the State of California

Mediterranean: Certainly this is one of the most popular and iconic house styles in Southern California. They are easily spotted by their red roofs and white exteriors.

Tuscan: Tuscan homes resemble Spanish/Mediterranean homes, but with more brick and stonework on the exterior.

Tudor: This is an excellent example of modernizing a 1920s era home with its steep sloping roofs mixed with the heavy seeming ornate half-timbering.

Craftsman: Craftsman-style homes include low-pitched gabled roofs, huge overhanging eaves, and spacious front porches under the main roof. The house’s exterior is generally a mix of materials, including wood, stone, brick, and stucco. 

Modern: Modern dwellings are easily distinguished from other styles. Modern architecture is characterized by a lack of ornamentation, rectangular shapes with no roofs, and large glass sliding doors and windows to let in natural light. 

Contemporary: A contemporary home frequently has huge multi-sliding doors, clean lines (instead of arches and ornamental molding), and a more open-plan layout.

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Best Marriage Counselors in Los Angeles

Marriage can be one of the most important aspects of an individual’s life. A happy marriage can improve your outlook on your career, the world, and even yourself. A marriage counselor can greatly improve the quality of your marriage, and help you strengthen the bond between you and your partner. Los Angeles California is home to thousands of psychologists who specialize in maintaining the health of marriages and improving the communication between couples.

We went through business websites, social media profiles, recommendations, and customer reviews to find the Best Marriage Counselors in Los Angeles. 

Important Facts About Marriage Counseling in Los Angeles, CA

A marriage counselor, also known as a marriage and family therapist, or in some cases a couple’s counselor, is a mental health practitioner licensed to help couples work on and improve their relationships. Counseling is a recognized form of psychotherapy that aims to analyze and resolve the problems that are affecting a union. According to data from the American Psychological Association, there are an estimated 106,500 psychologists in the United States who are licensed. 17,890 of these are in the state of California. The modern dating landscape is more complicated than ever, especially when most of Los Angeles is single. This means that most people in Los Angeles are experiencing hardships such as expectations in traditional relationships, fast pace changes in online dating, romance scams, and more. That’s why finding a marriage counselor that you trust in Los Angeles California is more important than ever.

How to Become a Marriage Counselor in Los Angeles, CA 

The profession of marriage counseling or marriage and family therapy is a distinct discipline that requires a graduate and postgraduate degree. If you’re interested in becoming one of the best marriage counselors in Los Angeles, you must have a Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or a similar area of expertise. 

After this, you’re expected to complete postgraduate clinical training. Marriage counseling Master’s degrees often emphasize heavily applied clinical studies and research. Those who are able to complete this can take an exam in order to gain licensure. Currently, all 50 U.S. states regulate the industry and require licensing in order for a therapist to be allowed to practice. 

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Los Angeles

Criminal defense lawyers are lawyers who specialize in defending individuals and companies charged with criminal activities. 

Some criminal defense attorneys are retained privately, while others are under the employment of various jurisdictions within criminal courts, specifically for appointment to represent indigent individuals. Depending on the jurisdiction, a judge may also appoint a private practice or firm to represent these individuals (pro bono cases).

We went through search engines, law firm websites, social media profiles, recommendations, and customer reviews from past clients to find the best criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles. We also got a lot of our information through the Goldstein Law Group.

Facts About Criminal Defense Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA

According to the State Bar of California, the total number of licensed attorneys with an active status is 190,000. This number is composed of various legal specializations, including those who practice criminal defense law. In California, there are three categories of offences that your crime could fall into including infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Infractions are crimes that are punishable with fines and not by imprisonment. Misdemeanors are crimes that are often punishable for up to one year in prison. 

Felonies are crimes that are punishable by one or more years in prison. According to Goldstein Law Group, 25,000 Californians have been sentenced to 25 years or more in prison due to obtaining more than three felony convictions. In 2012, they amended this law to require that the third felony has to be one that is violent in nature before someone could be sentenced to 25 years. This is why it is important to choose one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles, CA. 

Different Types Within the Industry 

There are several subcategories within the practice of criminal defense law. They are as follows:

Public Defender: Tasked with defending or representing those who are unable to afford a criminal defense lawyer.  

Panel Lawyer: Often a private defense lawyer that sits in a government committee. These attorneys receive monetary compensation on an hourly basis and they provide a supporting function to public defenders.

Private Lawyer: Available to provide their legal services to defendants who have the capacity to pay for legal representation.

Legal Aid: A fixture in many non-profit organizations, legal aids provide indigent defendants with representation. For every state, an organization is in charge of employing lawyers whose primary job is to represent those who are unable to hire a private attorney.

District Lawyer: District lawyers are employed by the government to prosecute a defendant in serious legal concerns. 

How Did We Choose the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Los Angeles?

We went through search engines, law firm websites, social media profiles, recommendations, and customer reviews from past clients to find the best criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles. 

How to Get Into The Industry 

In order to begin a career as a criminal defense lawyer, you must first complete a bachelor’s degree. Then, you can enroll and complete a law education. These two degrees will usually take a total of 7 years to complete. Much like all lawyers who wish to practice, criminal defense attorneys are also expected to take and pass the bar exam in the state they’re looking to practice in.