Half Moon Bay Real Estate

Serving Buyers and Sellers on the Coast

From hardwood floors to selling dream homes, my journey has always been about spaces that make you feel at home. I’m Jay Gonsalves, a local real estate professional and flooring expert in Half Moon Bay, CA. My hands-on experience in home improvement—designing, installing, and perfecting hardwood floors—taught me the importance of craftsmanship, value, and attention to detail. Now, I bring that same experience to real estate, helping buyers and sellers navigate the market with confidence and ease.

With a local’s knowledge of Half Moon Bay’s market trends, I take a strategic approach to every transaction, ensuring my clients make informed and profitable decisions.

But beyond transactions, real estate is about community. Half Moon Bay isn’t just where I work—it’s been home since 1985. I take pride in fostering connections and helping my clients become part of this vibrant, close-knit town. Whether you’re planting new roots or moving on to your next adventure, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s turn your real estate goals into reality!

Thinking about buying or selling on the coast. Contact me for a consultation. (This form DOES NOT put you on a mailing list)

JAY GONSALVES
REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Realty | CalRE #02219623
225 S. Cabrillo Hwy, Suite 105B | Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

luxury vinyl plank and laminate flooring installation services in the san francisco bay area

Getting Started

Sellers: Selling real estate starts with preparation—assessing your home’s condition, making improvements, and setting a competitive price based on market trends. Once listed, professional marketing, showings, and negotiations help attract strong offers. After accepting an offer, the closing process includes inspections, appraisals, and final paperwork. With the right strategy and expert guidance, selling can be smooth, efficient, and profitable.

Buyers: Buying real estate begins with defining your needs, setting a budget, and securing financing. With a clear plan, you can explore listings, attend showings, and evaluate properties that fit your lifestyle and investment goals. Once you find the right home, making a competitive offer and negotiating terms are key. After your offer is accepted, the closing process involves inspections, securing a mortgage, and finalizing paperwork. With the right strategy and expert guidance, buying a home can be a seamless and rewarding experience.

For Sellers:
Real Estate Agent Commission: Typically 5%–6% (split between the listing and buyer’s agents).
Closing Costs: Usually 1%–3%, including escrow fees, title insurance, transfer taxes, and other administrative fees.
Home Repairs & Staging (Optional): Can vary but may cost 1%–2% if you invest in pre-sale improvements.
Total Seller Costs: Around 6%–9% of the sale price.


For Buyers:
Down Payment: Typically 5%–20% (varies based on loan type).
Closing Costs: Around 2%–5%, covering loan origination fees, appraisal, home inspection, escrow fees, and title insurance.
Property Taxes & Homeowners Insurance: Often 0.5%–2% annually, depending on location.
Total Buyer Costs: Around 2%–5% in transaction fees, plus the down payment.

While it’s possible to buy or sell a home without an agent, having a skilled real estate professional can make the process smoother, more efficient, and financially beneficial.

Why Sellers Need an Agent
Maximizing Profit: Agents provide market analysis, strategic pricing, and expert negotiation to help sellers get top dollar for their home. Studies show that homes sold with an agent typically sell for 10–20% more than FSBO (For Sale by Owner) properties.
Marketing & Exposure: Agents have access to MLS (Multiple Listing Service), professional photography, virtual tours, and targeted marketing to attract serious buyers quickly. A well-marketed home gets more competitive offers.
Legal Protection & Paperwork: Selling a home involves contracts, disclosures, and legal obligations. An agent ensures compliance with regulations, reducing the risk of costly mistakes or legal disputes.
Saving Time & Reducing Stress: From staging advice to handling buyer negotiations, an agent manages all aspects of the sale, allowing sellers to focus on their next move.

Why Buyers Need an Agent
Access to More Listings: Agents have insider knowledge, early access to properties, and can find homes that may not even be publicly listed. This gives buyers a competitive advantage.
Expert Negotiation: A skilled agent can help buyers secure a better price, negotiate repairs, and ensure fair contract terms, potentially saving thousands of dollars.
Navigating the Process: From mortgage pre-approval to closing, real estate transactions involve complex steps. An agent guides buyers through inspections, appraisals, and legal paperwork, preventing costly errors.
It’s Free for Buyers: In most cases, the seller pays the commission for both the buyer’s and seller’s agents, meaning buyers get professional representation at no additional cost.

While some may consider handling a transaction alone, the risks—financial loss, legal issues, and missed opportunities—often outweigh any savings. A skilled agent brings market expertise, negotiation power, and peace of mind, making the process not just easier but more profitable for both buyers and sellers.

Starting January 1, 2025, California will implement new rules affecting how homebuyers and their agents work together:


Mandatory Written Agreements: Buyers must sign a formal agreement with their agent before making an offer on a property. This agreement outlines the agent’s services, compensation, and its duration, which cannot exceed three months.

Negotiable Agent Compensation: Buyers and agents will negotiate the agent’s commission, which can be paid by the buyer, the seller (if agreed upon), or a combination of both. This change aims to increase transparency and flexibility in real estate transactions.

Increased Transparency: These regulations are designed to ensure that both buyers and sellers are fully informed about agent compensation and services, promoting a clearer understanding of each party’s responsibilities in the transaction.

These changes encourage open discussions about agent roles and fees, fostering a more transparent and equitable real estate process in California.