Start with a casual chat to craft a plan as unique as your home’s story
"It’s rare to find someone so knowledgeable and trustworthy, and we feel lucky to have him in our corner. James is the one!"
- Kaitlin P.
"It was such a pleasure working with James as my agent. He made the entire process feel easy and stress-free."
- Kay P.
"James made this entire process incredibly easy and provided peace of mind to me throughout a difficult time. Couldn't be happier."
- Steve C.
"Thanks to James, we won a competitive bid against multiple offers. He positioned our bid to stand out. Highly recommend."
- Mike P.
Hello and welcome to my video blog! I’m thrilled to have you here as part of our growing community of homeowners, future homeowners, and real estate enthusiasts.
Selling a home isn’t just about square footage and sales prices; it’s about letting go of a chapter you’ve written over the years: the hallway where your kids took their first steps, the kitchen where holidays came to life, the backyard where time seemed to slow down. When life calls you into a new season—whether it’s to move up, downsize, make a fresh start, or to bid an emotional goodbye—it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It takes the right team to meet these moments with insight, care, and bold thinking. You need a guide who sees the full picture, honors your story, and walks with you every step of the way.
Without clarity, selling a home can feel like navigating a storm without a compass. The wrong advice or timing can leave you vulnerable, chasing price drops, losing leverage, or missing the buyer who truly connects with your home. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way. I’m James Cottrell, Broker with eXp Realty, and I’ve been helping families in Riverside & the Surrounding Areas make confident real estate decisions for over two decades. I bring a lot more than market knowledge to the table. I bring strategy, energy, and empathy because relationships are at the heart of everything I do. I anticipate what others overlook, position your home with intention, and negotiate with your future in mind.
When you work with me, you’re partnering with a trusted advocate who cares deeply about the same streets, schools, and stories you do. Whether you’re preparing to sell a cherished family home, a luxury property, or part of your investment portfolio, I tailor my approach to meet your goals with clarity. I take the time to listen, provide expert guidance, and create a personalized strategy that reflects your unique story, all backed by market insight, data, and a trusted network of professionals.
So let’s talk. Just a real conversation about where you are and where you want to go. From there, we’ll map out a plan for success and take it one thoughtful move at a time.
James Cottrell is a seasoned real estate broker with more than 20 years of experience helping buyers and sellers throughout Riverside and the greater Inland Empire. Born and raised in Southern California, James began his real estate career in 2005, just before one of the most turbulent housing markets in history. Navigating the highs and lows of the market from day one shaped him into the knowledgeable, steady, and highly skilled advisor clients rely on today.
James’ background is rooted in service. Before becoming a broker, he built a strong foundation in customer experience through years of working in hospitality and entertainment. That people-first approach still guides him: clear communication, consistent updates, and expert guidance define every interaction. He is known for his ability to simplify complex decisions, walk clients through each step with confidence, and negotiate strategically in any market. When he’s not guiding clients, James enjoys spending time with his family, creating music, and contributing to the community he has proudly called home for decades.
- Kaitlin P.
- Henry C.
- Joseph R.