Molly Smith Realtor Services

Realtor · Village Associates · Orinda, California

9:13 PM in Orinda Directions

Here is what working with Molly Smith in Orinda typically covers, from the first consultation to closing day. Services and terms vary, so confirm the details in your written agreement.

For home buyers

Buyer strategy session

Clarifies budget, loan pre-approval status and the representation agreement now required in California.

Home tours and listing alerts

Setting up searches for Orinda area listings and arranging showings as soon as homes go live.

Writing and negotiating offers

Pricing an offer from recent nearby sales and negotiating repairs, credits and timelines.

Closing coordination

Working with your lender, inspector and title company through closing.

For home sellers

Listing price strategy

Comparable sales and current competition used to set a realistic asking price.

Pre-listing checklist

Which repairs are worth doing, decluttering and photo-day preparation.

Marketing the listing

MLS exposure, online listing portals, signage and open houses where they make sense.

From showing to sold

Feedback after showings, multiple-offer handling and closing coordination.

How a typical transaction works

ConsultA first conversation about goals, budget and timing — and a written agreement that spells out services and compensation.
PrepareBuyers get pre-approved; sellers review a pricing analysis and prepare the home for photos.
Market & tourListings go live on the MLS; buyers tour homes and compare recent sales.
NegotiateOffers, counteroffers, inspection requests and appraisal issues are worked through.
CloseFinal walk-through and signing with the title or escrow company under California rules.

Typical costs on an Orinda home

Illustrative figures for a home at the local typical value of $1,930,671. Real numbers depend on your agreement, lender and title company.

Item	Rate	On $1.93M
Listing-side commission (negotiable)	2.5–3%	$48,267–$57,920
Buyer-side compensation (negotiable)	2–3%	$38,613–$57,920
Buyer closing costs (lender, title, escrow)	2–5%	$38,613–$96,534
Home inspection	flat	$350–$600

Every percentage above is negotiable and is set in the written agreement. Typical value from the Zillow Home Value Index (August 2026).

Areas around Orinda

Berkeley, CA5.1 mi · $1.45M Emeryville, CA6.6 mi · $434K Walnut Creek, CA6.6 mi · $993K Oakland, CA7.1 mi · $709K Pleasant Hill, CA8.1 mi · $975K Alameda, CA8.6 mi · $1.14M Martinez, CA10 mi · $754K Danville, CA11 mi · $1.82M

Questions about these services

How are real estate agents paid in California?

Compensation is negotiable and set out in writing. Sellers sign a listing agreement; since August 2024 buyers sign a written buyer agreement before touring homes with an agent, stating what the agent will be paid and by whom.

Does Molly Smith work with both buyers and sellers?

Most agents and brokerages represent both, but not in the same transaction without written consent. Ask how Molly Smith handles dual agency or designated agency under California law.

What should I prepare before the first meeting?

Buyers: a mortgage pre-approval, a target budget and a list of must-haves. Sellers: your mortgage payoff estimate, a list of upgrades with dates, and any HOA or survey documents.