Selling In the Bay Area

Selling your home should feel simple and strategic — and with us, it will.

SERVING SOLANO COUNTY AND THE GREATER BAY AREA

Selling your home is one of the most important financial and personal decisions you’ll make — and it deserves a strategy built on care, clarity, and confidence. With a proven track record, deep market knowledge, and years of hands-on experience, we help sellers position their homes for maximum value, wide exposure, and minimal stress throughout the process.

From preparing your property to shine on the market, to skillfully negotiating offers and guiding you through a seamless closing, we bring a tailored approach to every transaction. Our combined strengths — Frank’s expert eye for renovation opportunities and skilled negotiation, paired with Hope’s meticulous attention to detail and talent for building strong client relationships — create a powerful team focused entirely on your goals.

We believe that selling your home is about more than just a transaction; it’s about creating the right first impression, telling the story of your property, and connecting with the right buyers at the right time. From professional photography and compelling marketing campaigns to strategic pricing and market positioning, we ensure your home stands out in a competitive market.

Our goal is simple: to secure the highest possible price for your home, within the best time frame, while giving you complete peace of mind at every step. With us, you’ll have a team that listens, advises, and advocates for you — from the first conversation to the moment the keys change hands.

A women by the name of Hope Hernadez, who is a top performing realtor in the bay area

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FAQs

What are the typical costs associated with selling my home?
When selling your home, you can expect a few key costs. These generally include real estate commissions for both the listing and buyer's agents, escrow and title fees, and potentially transfer taxes (depending on your city and county). You might also incur costs for any agreed-upon repairs, staging, or professional photography to prepare your home for market. Hope and Frank will provide a detailed breakdown specific to your property during our initial consultation.
How much does home staging typically cost in Sonoma and the greater Bay Area counties?
Staging costs in Sonoma and the wider Bay Area can vary significantly based on the size of your home, the number of rooms being staged, and the quality of the furnishings. Generally, you might expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 for partial staging to $10,000+ for a full, vacant home staging. We work with excellent stagers who can provide a tailored quote and help your home appeal to the widest range of buyers.
What can I expect to pay in transfer tax?
Transfer taxes are fees imposed by state, county, and sometimes city governments when a property changes ownership. In California, sellers typically pay these. The amount varies significantly by location. For instance, some cities in the Bay Area have much higher transfer taxes than others. Hope and Frank will research the exact transfer tax rates for your specific property location and provide you with an accurate estimate.
What happens if I need to move out of the city or state during my sale?
Moving during the sale process is quite common, and we're fully equipped to manage your transaction remotely. From virtual showings and electronic document signing to coordinating inspections and repairs, Hope and Frank will handle all the details. We ensure clear communication every step of the way, so you can focus on your move with peace of mind, knowing your sale is in capable hands.
What improvement items typically require a permit?
Many home improvement projects require permits to ensure they meet local building codes and safety standards. Common items that typically need a permit include structural changes (like adding or removing walls), significant electrical or plumbing work, new roofing, adding square footage, deck construction, and major remodels. It's always best to check with your local planning department or consult with a licensed contractor. Hope and Frank can help guide you on what might be necessary for your specific improvements.
I'm worried about underpricing my home. Can we list high to test the market?
While it's natural to want to maximize your sale price, listing too high to "test the market" can often be counterproductive. Overpricing can lead to fewer showings, longer time on the market, and ultimately, a lower sale price as your listing becomes stale. Hope and Frank will provide a comprehensive market analysis to determine the optimal price that attracts serious buyers and generates competitive offers, ensuring you get the best possible return.
What should my real estate agent pay for?
As your agents, Hope and Frank cover a significant portion of the marketing expenses to ensure your home gets maximum exposure. This typically includes professional photography, virtual tours, high-quality brochures, online advertising campaigns, and open house expenses. Our commission is earned upon a successful sale and covers our expertise, negotiation skills, and management of the entire transaction process.

What Our Clients Are Saying

“Frank is one of the most professional, caring, understanding, and reliable real estate agents in the Bay Area. He provides thorough information and helps you understand every step of the buying process. With Frank, you’ll feel comfortable and at ease. He always does his due diligence and goes the extra mile to check up on you. Hands down, he’s one of the best.”
“Hope is one of the best realtors I have ever worked with. She’s extremely experienced, a great negotiator, and an attentive listener. Hope ensures that all your real estate goals are met while guiding you through the process. I highly recommend Hope Hernandez for selling or buying your next home!”
“Hope made what can be a very stressful time of buying and selling real estate a seamless process. Her personalized, stellar customer service and years of real estate experience made us feel like her only client! She never left us wondering or waiting when we had questions or needed direction—Hope was with us every step of the way!”