In a market as fast-paced and high-stakes as Santa Monica, having the right real estate agent by your side is the key to success. Whether you're selling a multimillion-dollar estate or navigating your first coastal home purchase, your agent will shape your experience and directly impact your results. But with so many options, it’s fair to ask: what makes a good real estate agent, and how can you tell when you’ve found one?
The Santa Monica Market Demands More Than Basics
Santa Monica is not your average housing market. With median home prices hovering around $1.8M and fierce competition among buyers and sellers, this city requires agents who go far beyond the basics. The stakes are simply too high to settle for someone who’s “just fine.”
An effective agent in this market must understand not only pricing strategy and marketing, but also the nuances of Westside neighborhoods, current zoning rules, trust sales, and how to guide clients through complicated legal or emotional circumstances, often all within the same transaction.
That’s why understanding what makes a good real estate agent in Santa Monica, specifically, is key. It’s not just about licenses and listings. It’s about strategic thinking, market fluency, and the ability to deliver results when every detail matters.
Five Qualities That Set Great Agents Apart in Santa Monica
1. Deep Local Knowledge
Knowing Santa Monica means understanding more than where Montana Avenue ends and where Ocean Park begins. It means being able to tell clients why one side of 7th Street may command a premium, or how walkability, school zones, and microclimates affect property value.
Great agents don’t just recite neighborhood stats; they live and breathe the community. They anticipate questions before they’re asked and help clients see value where others might overlook it.
2. Strategic, High-Level Marketing Experience
In a high-value market like Santa Monica, polished and effective marketing can have a significant impact on the sale price.
Margaux Glaser, for example, brings years of luxury marketing experience from companies like Condé Nast and major entertainment brands. Her clients benefit from more than just open houses. They get strategic brand positioning, editorial-quality visuals, and exposure to a curated network of buyers.
Understanding what makes a good real estate agent includes knowing whether they can position a home not just as a property, but as a lifestyle investment.
3. Negotiation Skills With Real Impact
Negotiation is more than counteroffers. It’s about knowing how to read a room, when to hold firm, and how to get creative when an offer gets complicated. In a market where multiple-offer situations and appraisal gaps are common, this skill is invaluable.
Margaux is known for her ability to advocate fiercely for her clients, whether it's protecting a seller’s bottom line or securing a win in a competitive bidding war. It’s no surprise that many of her clients describe her as “strategic” and “dependable,” qualities that consistently drive exceptional outcomes.
4. Adaptability and Experience Across Sale Types
Santa Monica’s real estate isn’t always straightforward. From luxury condos and investment properties to probate sales and senior relocations, no two transactions look alike. The best agents know how to navigate all of them.
Margaux’s experience working with seniors, trust and probate sales, attorneys, and multi-generational families sets her apart. Her discretion, empathy, and logistical expertise ensure that even sensitive or complex sales are handled with professionalism and care.
5. Client-First Mentality
A great agent knows that real estate isn’t just about the sale. It’s about people. The best agents build trust by listening closely, anticipating needs, and advocating for their clients at every turn. They understand that buying or selling a home is deeply personal, and they act accordingly.
This is exactly what sets Margaux apart. Her clients value her not just for her results, but for her honesty, responsiveness, and ability to guide them through every step with clarity and care. Whether she’s working with a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, Margaux makes it her mission to provide consistent, one-on-one support that extends well beyond closing. Many of her clients become long-term relationships, a reflection of her integrity, professionalism, and genuine commitment to helping people succeed.
Questions to Ask When Choosing an Agent
If you’re evaluating agents, consider asking the following:
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How well do you know Santa Monica’s neighborhoods and zoning laws?
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Can you share recent marketing strategies you used to sell a home in this area?
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How do you approach bidding wars or multiple-offer scenarios?
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What’s your experience with trust or probate sales?
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How do you customize your process for different clients?
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Can you provide recent client testimonials?
The answers to these questions will often speak louder than a bio ever could.
Red Flags to Avoid
Not all agents bring the same level of value. Here are a few warning signs to watch for:
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Overpromising on price just to win the listing
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Lack of local insight, especially in pricing or market trends
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Minimal marketing efforts, like basic listing photos, and no digital strategy
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Slow response times or poor communication
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Little to no experience with the type of transaction you’re pursuing (e.g., trust sales, high-end homes)
In a high-stakes market like Santa Monica, these aren’t just small concerns. They can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
Why Margaux Glaser Is a Trusted Name in Santa Monica Real Estate
Margaux Glaser represents the gold standard for real estate representation on the Westside. With a background in high-level marketing and branding, a sharp business mind, and a personal commitment to her clients' success, she offers a rare combination of creativity, strategy, and results.
Her approach is never cookie-cutter. Whether she’s helping a senior family navigate the emotional terrain of an estate sale or crafting a visual story to elevate a luxury home, Margaux delivers value that goes far beyond the transaction itself.
With strong ties to the community, a background shaped by real estate from an early age, and a passion for enriching lives through her work, Margaux brings both heart and edge to her practice. Her clients rely on her for her trustworthiness, market savvy, and an unwavering commitment to their goals.
Ready to Work With The Best?
Navigating the Santa Monica real estate market takes more than just industry knowledge. It takes someone who’s fully invested in your goals. Margaux Glaser brings a rare blend of insight, dedication, and personal connection to every client she works with. Her guidance can help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Ready to get started? Connect with
Margaux Glaser today to take the next step with a trusted guide by your side.
