Your Trusted Real Estate Partner in Southern California

Helping buyers and sellers in Orange County, Los Angeles, Inland Empire, and San Diego achieve their real estate goals with honesty and results.

About Me

Meet Richard Zubiate – Realtor® in Fullerton, CA

Hi, I’m Richard Zubiate, a dedicated real estate professional based in Fullerton, California, serving clients throughout Orange County, the Inland Empire, Los Angeles County, and San Diego County. With a lifelong passion for real estate and over 20 years of experience as a licensed landscape contractor, I bring a unique perspective that combines deep knowledge of home construction, repairs, and property value with a commitment to helping people achieve their real estate goals.

I focus on residential real estate, with a strong dedication to first-time homebuyers who want guidance and honesty throughout the buying or selling process. Whether you’re looking to buy your very first home, upgrade to a larger property, or sell your current house for the best return, my work ethic, negotiation skills, honesty, and reliability set me apart.

My approach is straightforward — just clear communication and results. Clients trust me not only for my real estate expertise but also for my ability to spot repair needs, landscaping opportunities, and property improvements that can maximize value.

Born and raised in California, I understand the unique housing markets of Southern California. Outside of real estate, I enjoy traveling, fitness, and spending time exploring new experiences, which helps me stay energized and bring fresh perspectives to my clients.

If you’re looking for a Realtor who will work hard for you, guide you through every step of the process, and negotiate with your best interests at heart, I’d love to help.

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What Sets Me Apart

Why Choose Me

With over 20 years of experience in construction and real estate, I combine local market expertise, negotiation skills, and honest guidance to help buyers and sellers achieve their goals across Orange County, Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, and San Diego.

Find Your Dream Home

Search for Homes in Your Area

Start your real estate journey today explore the latest listings and discover homes that match your lifestyle. Click below to search directly through Keller Williams’ powerful home search tool.

Sellers Guide

How to Sell Your Home in Orange County

Selling your home is a major decision and one of the most important financial moves you’ll make. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, having a clear plan ensures you sell for the best price, in the shortest time, with minimal stress.

As a Fullerton-based real estate professional with over 20 years of experience in home construction and landscaping, I guide sellers through every step, from preparing your home to closing the deal.

1. Determine Your Home’s Value

Knowing your home’s current market value is essential. I provide:

  • Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to see how similar homes in your area are priced.
  • Recommendations for improvements or repairs that can increase your home’s value.

Pricing your home correctly from the start can save time, attract serious buyers, and help you get the best return.

2. Prepare Your Home for Sale

First impressions matter. Simple steps can make a huge difference:

  • Curb appeal: Landscaping, fresh paint, and clean entryways.
  • Declutter & stage: Highlight your home’s space and features.
  • Repairs: Fix any noticeable issues (plumbing, electrical, or structural).

With my background as a landscape contractor, I can advise on improvements that boost value without breaking the bank.

3. Marketing Your Home

Effective marketing attracts more buyers and can lead to better offers. I provide:

  • Professional photography and virtual tours.
  • Online marketing on top real estate platforms.
  • Local exposure through my network in Orange County, the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, and San Diego County.

The goal is to make your home stand out in a competitive market.

4. Showings & Open Houses

I coordinate showings and open houses to make your home as accessible as possible to serious buyers. Tips for sellers:

  • Keep your home clean and clutter-free.
  • Depersonalize spaces so buyers can imagine themselves living there.
  • Leave during showings for a more comfortable experience.
5. Receiving & Negotiating Offers

When you receive offers, I help you:

  • Evaluate each offer based on price, contingencies, and financing.
  • Negotiate terms to maximize your net proceeds.
  • Decide whether to accept, counter, or decline an offer.

My approach is strategic and straightforward, ensuring you get the best deal possible.

6. Inspection & Appraisal

Even after accepting an offer, inspections and appraisals are critical:

  • I guide you through any repair requests or negotiations that come from inspections.
  • Help you understand the appraisal process and what it means for your sale.
7. Closing the Sale

I make sure the final steps go smoothly:

  • Coordinating with escrow and title companies.
  • Ensuring all legal documents are accurate and completed.
  • Confirming the transfer of keys and ownership.

Selling your home should be exciting, not stressful. I handle the details so you can focus on your next chapter.

8. Tips for a Smooth Sale
  • Keep important documents (warranties, repairs, permits) organized.
  • Maintain your home in showing condition until the sale closes.
  • Be flexible with showings to attract the right buyer.

Ready to Sell Your Home?

Selling your home doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance, you can maximize your return and sell with confidence.

Contact me today for a free consultation and find out what your home is worth in today’s market!

Call, Text, or Email Me Anytime

I’m here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way. Reach out today—whether you prefer a quick text, a call, or an email.

Buyers Guide

How to Buy a Home in Orange County

Buying a home is one of the most exciting and important decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to move within Orange County, the Inland Empire, Los Angeles, or San Diego County, having a clear roadmap makes the process easier and less stressful.

As a Fullerton-based real estate professional with over 20 years of experience in construction and home improvements, I help buyers navigate every step — from budgeting to closing — so you can make informed decisions and find your dream home.

1. Determine Your Budget

Before you start looking at homes, it’s crucial to know what you can afford. Consider:

  • Down payment: Most buyers put 3–20% down.
  • Monthly mortgage: Include taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance.
  • Other expenses: Moving costs, furniture, or updates needed in your new home.

Tip: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This shows sellers you’re serious and helps you understand your price range.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

A pre-approval is different from pre-qualification — it’s a lender verifying your finances and creditworthiness. Benefits include:

  • Stronger position when making an offer.
  • Faster closing process.
  • Clear idea of how much you can borrow.

I can connect you with trusted lenders in the area who specialize in helping first-time buyers.

3. Choose the Right Neighborhood

Location is everything. Think about:

  • Commute to work or school.
  • Proximity to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.
  • Safety, schools, and community amenities.

I can provide detailed neighborhood guides and local insights to help you find the best fit for your lifestyle.

4. Make a List of Must-Haves vs. Nice-to-Haves

Decide on your priorities, such as:

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
  • Yard or outdoor space.
  • Garage or parking.
  • Home style or layout preferences.

This helps narrow your search and ensures you focus on homes that meet your needs.

5. Start Your Home Search

Even if you browse online listings, working with a local Realtor gives you an advantage:

  • Access to homes before they hit the market.
  • Accurate information about property conditions.
  • Expert guidance on pricing and offers.

I help buyers find homes that match their goals and negotiate the best terms.

6. Make an Offer

Once you find the right home, I’ll help you craft a competitive offer based on:

  • Current market conditions.
  • Comparable sales in the area.
  • Inspection results and potential repairs.

My goal is to get you the home you want at the best possible price.

7. Home Inspection & Appraisal

Even if the home looks perfect, inspections are critical. A professional inspector can identify:

  • Structural issues
  • Electrical or plumbing problems
  • Roofing or landscaping concerns

I can recommend trusted inspectors and contractors to make sure there are no surprises.

8. Closing the Deal

After inspections and negotiations, you’re ready to close. Steps include:

  • Finalizing your mortgage
  • Signing documents at escrow
  • Transferring ownership

I’ll guide you through the paperwork and make sure you understand every step so the process is smooth and stress-free.

9. Moving In & Beyond

Congratulations — you’re a homeowner! Some final tips:

  • Change your locks and set up utilities.
  • Schedule landscaping, maintenance, or any renovations.
  • Keep important documents organized for future reference.

As your Realtor and someone with years of experience in home construction and landscaping, I can also provide guidance on improvements that add value and make your home more enjoyable.

Ready to Buy Your Home?

Buying a home doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right guidance, you can confidently find the perfect home in Orange County, Fullerton, or beyond.

Contact me today for a free consultation and start your journey to homeownership!

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Reviews

Testimonials

See what clients across Orange County and Southern California say about working with Richard — honest guidance, local expertise, real results.

We sold our house above asking price thanks to Richard’s practical staging and pricing advice. Fast, professional, and effective.

Michael Thompson Seller

Richard guided us through buying our first home with calm, clear explanations at every step. He made the whole process stress-free.

Mike Lewis First-time Buyer

Richard is trustworthy and knows the local market inside out. We felt confident from listing to close.

David Wilson Seller
Happy Clients

Trusted guidance from first call to closing.

Get in Touch

Office

1440 N. Harbor Blvd Suite 900 Fullerton, CA 92835

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