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2024

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Best Real Estate Agents in San Francisco, CA

Our Recommended Top 20

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored San Francisco Real Estate Agents on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

330Reviewed

206Curated

20Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

1615 Polk St #3, San Francisco, CA 94109

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (117)
Yelp
5.0 (110)
Zillow
4.9 (95)

Why choose this provider?

Proof Real Estate is a San Francisco-based company representing buyers and sellers since 2003. It produces slide shows and video overviews that showcase clients' properties. Since 2005, Proof Real Estate has executed over 600 transactions throughout the Bay Area. Founder and Realtor Craig Ackerman leverages his experience as a former contractor to guide homeowners, developers, and investment property owners throughout the sale of their estates. He holds the Certified New Home Specialist and Residential Construction Certified designations.

  • Luxury Agent
  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent

2633 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (48)
Zillow
5.0 (32)
Yelp
4.5 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Karen Mai is a full-time licensed Realtor with the SellSFHome Team at Coldwell Banker Realty serving clients in San Francisco and nearby areas. She helps sellers, buyers, and investors achieve their real estate goals. Karen has more than 12 years of experience selling and purchasing residential properties on behalf of clients. She combines the use of modern technology with her background in probate, conservatorship, and trust sales to guide clients through the real estate process.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent

215 West Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (305)
Zillow
5.0 (195)
Google
5.0 (70)

Why choose this provider?

Tanya Dzhibrailova is a Realtor of Zephyr Real Estate with over 20 years of experience in property management and investing in the San Francisco Bay area. She helps those seeking to buy or sell with single- and multi-family buildings, townhouses, and luxury homes. Ms. Dzhibrailova is a member of several groups, including the Real Estate Roundtable of San Francisco and the Top Agent Network. The Wall Street Journal rated her among the Best Real Estate Agents in America in 2019.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent
  • Luxury Agent

3961 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94114

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (100)

Why choose this provider?

Danielle Lazier is a Realtor and founder of Danielle Lazier + Associates in San Francisco, California. Danielle and her team handle property listings throughout San Francisco with a focus on single-family homes, condos, lofts, and multi-unit buildings. Lazier started the first real estate blog in San Francisco and realizes that property transactions in the city are expensive and complex. She uses her skills in marketing strategy and negotiation to help clients save money and time when buying or selling homes.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent

1699 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (24)
Zillow
5.0 (8)
Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Kevin Wakelin is a real estate agent dealing in luxury properties for Compass in San Francisco, California. His 25 years of experience working in all aspects of the real estate industry has given him a set of tools for helping clients achieve the most value for their properties, whether as sellers or buyers. Kevin's thorough knowledge of the Bay Area in addition to his network of vendors and professional demeanor is the key to his loyal clientele.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent

2282 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (266)
Realtor
5.0 (8)
Zillow
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Tim Gullicksen is a California Realtor with over 20 years of experience. He is affiliated with Corcoran Icon Properties, and assists Buyers and Sellers throughout San Francisco and the East Bay. His listings include single family homes, multi-family homes, condos, TICs and Co-ops. Tim's background as a teacher informs his approach to educating his clients about current market conditions, and potential opportunities.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent
  • 3D Tour Creation

2633 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (48)
Zillow
5.0 (32)
Yelp
4.5 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Karen Mai, of Karen Mai Coldwell Banker Real Estate, is a real estate broker who's been involved in the industry since 2002. She and her team help clients to buy and sell residential properties all throughout the San Francisco metro area. Their team manage projects such painting, repairing/remodeling, staging & landscaping etc. Ms. Mai can assist both first-time home buyers or seasoned real estate investors, and she's an investor herself. Karen Mai Coldwell Banker Real Estate guides clients through the full transaction process, represents them in contractual negotiations, and also offers probate services.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent
  • Luxury Agent

117 Greenwich Street, San Francisco, CA 94111

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (28)
Zillow
5.0 (7)
Facebook
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Julie Peisner is Sotheby’s international realty agent with extensive expertise and local knowledge in San Francisco Bay area real estate properties. She is dedicated to providing high-quality service combining one-of-a-kind resources, reputation, and access to discerning clients in navigating the real estate market. She strives to transform complex transactions into enjoyable and understandable experiences. Julie Peisner creates a tailored marketing plan to satisfy the specific goals of sellers.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent

San Francisco, CA

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (53)
Zillow
5.0 (40)
Yelp
4.7 (21)

Why choose this provider?

Outpost has been providing its services to clients in the San Francisco metro and the surrounding communities since 2004. It offers representation to individuals who are thinking of buying different types of commercial and residential properties. These include condominiums, co-ops, empty lands, multifamily residences, and townhouses. The firm also serves customers who want their properties to get sold. Tracey Broadman, one of the real estate agents, brings more than 19 years of experience in the real estate industry.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent

45 West Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Zillow
5.0 (18)

Why choose this provider?

Vivian Lee is a second-generation Realtor with 18 years of experience who works with City Real State in San Francisco, California, and throughout the Bay Area. Ms. Lee specializes in representing buyers, sellers, and investors of residential properties. As a leasing agent and property manager, she works with landlords to select quality tenants and prepare leases. She has experience working with single-family homes, condominiums, and mixed-use buildings. Ms. Lee also represents contractors and 1031 exchange buyers. Services are available in English and Cantonese.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent

580 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (43)
Zillow
5.0 (32)
Google
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Legacy Real Estate is a real estate firm serving San Francisco for more than 50 years. Composed of a team of brokers and Realtors, the firm caters to the real estate needs of first-time homebuyers, multiple homeowners, and investors. Whether a client is selling or buying a single-family home or land, the Legacy Real Estate team helps by finding a property and conducting property valuation. Additionally, it also assists clients with all-cash offers and trade-ins.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent

2099 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Zillow
5.0 (6)
Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Paul Zinchik brings over 17 years of experience to his real estate career as a broker with Compass and the owner of the Zinchik Real Estate Group. He manages all types of transactions, including buying, selling, and investing, in the San Francisco Bay Area. He specializes in spotting issues with homes to help clients make informed decisions. Mr. Zinchik also handles short sales and property management, and he speaks both English and Russian.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent

315 Montgomery St Floor 10, San Francisco, CA 94104

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (180)
Google
5.0 (84)

Why choose this provider?

Unlocked is a real estate agency that serves clients throughout the San Francisco area. It builds a more customer-oriented, easier, and transparent home buying experience to help clients navigate the competitive real estate market. Its real estate agents guide buyers when purchasing properties by bringing facts, research, and insights to help clients make informed decisions. They negotiate the offers and counter-offer process to find the right homes at the right price. Co-founder Matthew Armstrong holds an MBA.

  • Seller Agent

580 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Nova Real Estate offers a selection of services in San Francisco and nearby locations. It caters to investors, sellers, and buyers, helping them navigate the real estate market. The company creates property listings to allow individuals and families to choose from different types of investment spaces. Its specialists provide single-family homes, condominiums, and manufactured houses with over five bathrooms and bedrooms. They also produce online marketing strategies. Founder Melody Hultgren is a Realtor and a Certified Negotiation Expert.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent

1624 California St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (84)
Zillow
5.0 (41)
Facebook
5.0 (16)

Why choose this provider?

Rob Costabile serves San Francisco, Oakland, and Alameda, California, as Realtor of Rob Costabile Real Estate Group of Keller Williams Realty San Francisco and Keller Williams Luxury International. He helps individuals through the process of buying or selling their homes and specializes in luxury properties and relocations. Mr. Costabile was ranked among the Top 1% of all Agents in San Francisco and is a member of the Top Agent Network.

  • Seller Agent
  • Luxury Agent

1400 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (206)
Google
5.0 (105)
Zillow
5.0 (80)

Why choose this provider?

Ruth Krishnan is a San Francisco Realtor and the owner of the Krishnan Team with Compass. She works as a buyer's and listing agent in residential transactions. Her specialities include maximizing the value of homes on the listing side and writing winning offers for her buyers in a very competitive market. Previous experience as an interior designer gives her an eye for the potential of properties to help buyers and sellers. She ranks as one of the top 10 San Francisco real estate agents, and WSJ Real Trends ranked her as 158 out of 1.5 million real estate agents nationwide.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent

660 4th St #144, San Francisco, CA 94107

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (63)
Zillow
5.0 (59)
Google
5.0 (42)

Why choose this provider?

Mia Takami Real Estate offers an array of services in San Francisco. It helps sellers advertise their properties through its listing and valuation solutions. The agency conducts open houses and creates marketing strategies with videos and photos. Its agents also assist clients in filing loan applications to obtain their dream investment spaces. Additionally, they arrange inspection service schedules to evaluate a unit's interior and exterior painting and custom-built closets. Founder Mia Takami is a Realtor who has been in the industry for over 15 years.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent

1338 De Soto Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Zillow
5.0 (80)
Realtor
5.0 (78)

Why choose this provider?

Realtor Oscar Doosik Lee is a real estate broker in San Francisco with over 12 years of experience running his own brokerage. His services include buyer and seller representation and consultation. He covers properties throughout the San Francisco Bay area, and he handles both residential and commercial sales, including investment properties. Specialty areas include new construction, land development, and luxury properties. He also offers leasing and property management services. Mr. Lee holds the short sales and foreclosure resource designation.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent

1390 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Zillow
5.0 (56)
Facebook
5.0 (21)
Yelp
4.5 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Nick Johnson is a Realtor at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services based in San Francisco, California. He is an expert with over a decade of experience in the sale and purchase of both commercial and residential property. He is also well versed in the fields of trust sales, probate, conservatorship, and short sales. Nick has an impressive array of awards under his belt from the International President's Elite, Diamond Society, President's Circle, President's Premier, Sterling Society, and Society of Excellence.

  • Seller Agent

1560 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Zillow
5.0 (4)
Google
5.0 (3)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Liz Sosnick is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Global Luxury in the San Francisco Bay Area. She brings over 25 years of real estate experience to her clients, serving both buyers and sellers. Liz handles everything from first-time home buyers looking for starter homes to multimillion-dollar estates. She has personal experience as a real estate investor and property manager, and she's a lecturer and author in the real estate field.

  • Buyer Agent
  • Seller Agent

Compare our Top Real Estate Agents

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Craig Ackerman
1615 Polk St #3, San Francisco, CA 94109
Karen Mai
2633 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132
Tanya Dzhibrailova
215 West Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127
Danielle Lazier
3961 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Kevin Wakelin
1699 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109
Tim Gullicksen
2282 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Karen Mai Coldwell Banker Real Estate
2633 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132
Julie Peisner
117 Greenwich Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Outpost
San Francisco, CA
Vivian Lee
45 West Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127
Legacy Real Estate
580 4th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
Paul Zinchik
2099 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Unlocked
315 Montgomery St Floor 10, San Francisco, CA 94104
Nova Real Estate
580 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Rob Costabile
1624 California St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Ruth Krishnan
1400 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109
Mia Takami Real Estate
660 4th St #144, San Francisco, CA 94107
Oscar Doosik Lee
1338 De Soto Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010
Nick Johnson
1390 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122
Liz Sosnick
1560 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109

FAQs

  • Introduction

    Real estate agents help property owners and clients who want to buy real property realize their goals. They offer services, guidance, oversight, and expertise regarding the legalities of real estate transactions.

    Some common real estate agent tasks and services include listing homes, showing properties to prospective buyers, holding open houses, and negotiating property sales prices. Agents also find homes available for sale that meet their clients’ needs and desires. They explain the sales conditions and draw up transactional contracts.

    Agents work with mortgage lenders, property appraisers, home inspectors, and other professionals in the field. Real estate agents can act as a liaison for their clients, explaining complicated legal processes while acting in their best interests; it may be getting the best price for a homeowner who’s selling or negotiating a lower sales price for a buyer. 
  • Are all real estate agents Realtors?

    No. All real estate agents are not Realtors. Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors. This membership allows these professionals to use this trademarked designation. But membership is not required to provide real estate services. Therefore, real estate agents who haven’t joined a NAR trade association are not Realtors.

  • How do real estate agents get paid?

    Real estate agents are paid when they make a sale. Sales pay on a commission basis. Brokers and the agents who buy and sell properties receive a percentage of the total sales price. The brokers collect the commissions from the sales funds, then pay their agents a set percentage established by contract agreements.

  • What is a fair commission for a real estate agent?

    The typical rate for residential sales is 5% to 6%. For example, a 6% commission on a house that sells for $400,000 is $24,000. Commercial property sales may pay up to 10% on commission. However, the agents split the total commission with the listing broker and the purchasing broker.

  • How do you pick a real estate agent?

    Homeowners who want to sell their homes with the help of a real estate professional choose selling agents, also called listing agents. Aspiring home purchasers use the services of a buyer’s real estate agent. Some real estate agents work for both buyers and sellers, but they usually only represent one or the other at a time. The exception occurs in states that allow dual agency. This arrangement is not recommended.

    Get referrals for a buyer’s or listing agent from friends, family, and coworkers, and do some online research. Then, interview agents at different real estate agencies before deciding. Ask about their experience, workload, specialties, commission rate, and marketing approach.
  • Do buyers pay commission to the real estate agent?

    The commission that compensates real estate agents for their services is paid out of the final sales price. It’s the seller who delivers the funds in the end. Since those funds come from the money that the purchaser provides to acquire the home, it could be argued that ultimately, it’s the buyer that pays.

  • Can a felon become a real estate agent?

    The laws and regulations that govern the real estate profession vary from state to state. So, while a felony may prevent someone from obtaining a real estate license in Arizona, an aspiring agent in Florida with a felony on their record is far more likely to get one. Many states allow real estate licensing for people with felonies on a case-by-case basis if the circumstances meet specific guidelines.

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