Top Realtors and Real Estate Agents in San Mateo, CA
Rankings based on verified MLS transaction data. Last updated September 2026. No pay-to-play.
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Top Agent
(41)
Philip Watson
Christie’s International Sereno Group
36 Years of experience
42+ Sales in the last 12 months
Top 0.12%
in San Mateo, CA
$871.3M
All-Time Sales
$970K - $5.5M
Price Range
Top AgentTop 0.36%
in San Mateo, CA
$764.5M
All-Time Sales
$900K - $5.8M
Price Range
5%
Negotiated Off List
Top AgentTop 0.95%
in San Mateo, CA
$1.5B
All-Time Sales
$950K - $6.8M
Price Range
5%
Negotiated Off List
Top AgentTop 1.43%
in San Mateo, CA
$705.4M
All-Time Sales
$1.2M - $7M
Price Range
4%
Negotiated Off List
Top AgentTop 1.91%
in San Mateo, CA
$467.8M
All-Time Sales
$1.1M - $4.2M
Price Range
Top AgentTop 2.63%
in San Mateo, CA
$532.7M
All-Time Sales
$1.4M - $6.8M
Price Range
Top AgentTop 3.46%
in San Mateo, CA
$1.61B
All-Time Sales
$1.3M - $8.6M
Price Range
Top Agent(8)
Bob Bredel
Christie's International Real Estate Sereno
21 Years of experience
59+ Sales in the last 12 months
Top 3.7%
in San Mateo, CA
$959.1M
All-Time Sales
$1.8M - $6.3M
Price Range
Top AgentTop 5.01%
in San Mateo, CA
$1.48B
All-Time Sales
$1.1M - $7M
Price Range
6%
Negotiated Off List
Top Agent(2)
Traci Hornbaker
Christie's International Real Estate Sereno
22 Years of experience
6+ Sales in the last 12 months
Top 5.61%
in San Mateo, CA
$68.6M
All-Time Sales
$930K - $3M
Price Range
Top AgentTop 6.21%
in San Mateo, CA
$279.2M
All-Time Sales
$1.6M - $4.7M
Price Range
Top Agent$1.27B
All-Time Sales
$850K - $11.5M
Price Range
12
Sold in San Mateo, CA
Top AgentTop 6.68%
in San Mateo, CA
$740.5M
All-Time Sales
$2.2M - $16M
Price Range
Top Agent$178.4M
All-Time Sales
$2.1M - $7.2M
Price Range
10
Sold in San Mateo, CA
Top AgentTop 7.16%
in San Mateo, CA
$338.5M
All-Time Sales
$2.2M - $10.4M
Price Range
Top AgentTop 7.28%
in San Mateo, CA
$137.5M
All-Time Sales
$1.2M - $6M
Price Range
Top Agent$401.7M
All-Time Sales
$720K - $3.9M
Price Range
10
Sold in San Mateo, CA
Top Agent$500.2M
All-Time Sales
$1M - $7.4M
Price Range
4%
Negotiated Off List
Top AgentTop 8.11%
in San Mateo, CA
$258.4M
All-Time Sales
$750K - $8.5M
Price Range
9%
Negotiated Off List
Top Agent$718.4M
All-Time Sales
$820K - $5.7M
Price Range
8
Sold in San Mateo, CA
Top AgentTop 8.35%
in San Mateo, CA
$844M
All-Time Sales
$1.1M - $8.5M
Price Range
3%
Negotiated Off List
Top AgentTop 9.07%
in San Mateo, CA
$1.43B
All-Time Sales
$650K - $5M
Price Range
5%
Negotiated Off List
Top AgentTop 9.19%
in San Mateo, CA
$895.6M
All-Time Sales
$1.2M - $7.4M
Price Range
Top AgentTop 9.43%
in San Mateo, CA
$445.9M
All-Time Sales
$1.6M - $7.2M
Price Range
Top Agent$988.5M
All-Time Sales
$610K - $5.7M
Price Range
7%
Negotiated Off List
San mateo Housing Market Trends
Homes in San mateo take a median 14 days to sell, go for 104.9% of asking, prices are down 1.3% from a year ago. Verified MLS market data through September 2026.
Market temperature
Seller's market
1.9 months of supply. Under 3 favors sellers, over 6 favors buyers.
What homes sell for
$1,574,250
median sale price
How fast they sell
14 days
median time on market
Supply and competition
1.9 months
of supply on the market
The numbers speak
for San Mateo.
Every agent above earned their place with closed sales, not advertising. Tell us about your home and our algorithm picks the San Mateo agents whose results fit it.
San Mateo agents analyzed for these rankings
days faster: top-ranked agents sell in 12 days, the San Mateo market in 14
median sale price in San Mateo
Do Top San Mateo Agents Sell Faster?
The 25 top-ranked agents on EffectiveAgents in San Mateo sell in a median of 12 days, compared with the San Mateo market median of 14 days on market.
About 2 days faster (14% quicker than the San Mateo market)
Median days to sale reported by the top-ranked San Mateo agents on EffectiveAgents, compared with the San Mateo market median days on market. Agent figures reflect each agent's reported sales history.
When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in San Mateo?
Based on the last 24 months of verified MLS market data, homes in San Mateo sell fastest and closest to asking when they go under contract in March. To hit that window, plan to list around March.
Median days on market by month (shorter is faster)
March
Best month to sell
13 days
Typical time on market
105.6%
Of asking price
Seasonal averages from the last 24 months of San Mateo, CA sales. Individual results vary with price, condition, and how the broader market moves. A local agent can pinpoint the right timing for your home.
Home Values by Neighborhood in San Mateo
Median home values across San Mateo, CA neighborhoods, with the change over the past five years.
San Mateo Park
+94% over 5 years
$3.97M
Foothill Terrace
+70% over 5 years
$2.65M
Southwest Hillsdale
+64% over 5 years
$2.18M
Country Club Heights
+64% over 5 years
$2.14M
Northwest Hillsdale
+66% over 5 years
$2.08M
Baywood
+73% over 5 years
$1.84M
Bay Meadows
+54% over 5 years
$1.73M
Nineteenth Avenue
+68% over 5 years
$1.70M
Fiesta Gardens
+73% over 5 years
$1.66M
Median home values from verified market data; five-year change shown where available.
What These Numbers Mean for San Mateo Buyers and Sellers
The Housing Market Trends module above establishes San Mateo as a demand-heavy market, and the underlying competitive indicators confirm where leverage sits. With a median sale price of $1,574,250 moving -1.3% year over year and homes moving in a median of 14 days, the market gives sellers meaningful control. That control is reinforced by the sale-to-list ratio of 104.90%, which sits above full asking, and by the 52.0% of homes that closed above their list price. Just 1.9 months of supply against 123 active listings signals scarcity, a condition that historically supports firm pricing.
For buyers, the takeaway is concrete: with 55.4% of homes leaving the market within two weeks, waiting to structure a low opening offer rarely works here. Buyers should expect to compete at or above list on well-positioned homes and reserve negotiating energy for properties showing signals of softness. That softness does exist, as 22.7% of listings recorded a price cut, meaning a segment of inventory is mispriced or aging and offers room to negotiate.
For sellers, the data argues for disciplined pricing rather than aspirational pricing. Homes that sell above list tend to be the ones priced accurately at launch to generate competition, while overpriced homes join the 22.7% that eventually reduce. With 231 new listings and 187 pending sales monthly, absorption is steady but selective. Across 838 licensed agents in San Mateo, the difference between a strategic pricing plan and a guess is measurable, which is why comparing verified performance matters before selecting representation.
What San Mateo Home Prices Mean for You
Understanding the true cost of homeownership in San Mateo goes beyond the listing price. These calculators break down what today's market conditions mean for your budget, your timeline, and your negotiating position.
| Median home price | $1,574,250 |
| Down payment (20%) | $314,850 |
| Loan amount | $1,259,400 |
| Monthly payment (PITI) | $10,504 |
Based on 28% debt-to-income ratio, 7.40% mortgage rate (as of October 15, 2026), 30-year fixed loan, 1.15% property tax rate, $275/mo insurance. Actual requirements vary by lender.
Based on $1,574,250 median home price with 20% down at 7.40% (as of October 15, 2026) for 30 years. Property tax estimated at 1.15% of home value.
Year-over-year data reflects the most recent rolling period from San Mateo MLS records. Prior year values calculated from current figures and published YoY changes.
What to Look for in a San Mateo Realtor
Choosing an agent on name recognition alone overlooks what actually determines outcomes: verified transaction history and negotiation results. In a market where 52.0% of homes close above asking, the ability to structure and defend an offer carries real financial weight. EffectiveAgents analyzed 826 transactions to rank local performance, and Philip Watson at Christie's International Sereno Group stands out with 711 transactions, 40 reviews, and $848.3M in all-time sales volume. That depth of experience matters when navigating price-sensitive submarkets. In established areas like Baywood Knolls and San Mateo Heights, accurate pricing drives the multiple-offer dynamics reflected in the 104.90% sale-to-list ratio, while more transitional pockets such as North Central reward agents who can identify the 22.7% of listings with negotiating room. Of the 838 licensed agents working locally, only 111 meet the ranking threshold. When reviewing agents, look for consistent review patterns over time rather than a handful of recent five-star entries, since sustained feedback better predicts reliable representation.
How We Rank San Mateo Real Estate Agents
Our rankings are built from verified MLS transaction data, not advertising spend. For every agent we analyze more than fifteen performance signals, including sales volume in your city and zip code, recent and all-time transactions, days on market, negotiation results (how far above or below list price an agent's clients actually close), price-point fit, and verified reviews. The agents shown first are those whose verified results put them at the top of the San Mateo market today.
Agents cannot pay for placement in these rankings. The underlying data refreshes as new closed transactions are reported, so rankings shift with real market performance. Learn how we rank agents.
838
agents analyzed
15+
performance signals
$0
paid for placement
Rankings reviewed by Kevin Stuteville, Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker (License BK3068131), Founder of EffectiveAgents.
Data last updated: September 2026
San Mateo Real Estate Agent FAQs
Who is the best real estate agent in San Mateo, CA?
The top-ranked agent in San Mateo, CA is Philip Watson at Christie's International Sereno Group, with 711 transactions, 40 reviews, and $848.3M in all-time sales volume. EffectiveAgents identifies leading agents by analyzing 826 local transactions and measuring verified performance rather than advertising spend. Of 838 licensed agents in the area, only 111 meet the ranking criteria. The right fit depends on your neighborhood, price point, and timeline, so compare each agent's transaction history and review consistency before deciding.
How were these San Mateo real estate agents ranked?
Rankings are built from verified MLS transaction data. We analyze more than fifteen performance signals for every agent, including sales volume in your city and zip code, recent and all-time transactions, days on market, negotiation results, price-point fit, and verified reviews. Agents cannot pay for placement.
How many real estate agents are in San Mateo?
Our data covers 838 real estate agents serving the San Mateo area. The count represents agents with transaction activity recorded in our San Mateo market data, not simply everyone holding a license.
What does the median sale price in San Mateo mean for sellers?
San Mateo's median sale price is $1,574,250 as of September 2026. Half of recent sales closed above that figure and half below. It is a useful baseline for understanding the market, but an experienced local agent will price your home against comparable recent sales in your neighborhood, not the citywide median.
How long does it take to sell a house in San Mateo?
In San Mateo, the median home sells in 14 days, and market time has held steady with a -2 days change year over year. With 55.4% of homes leaving the market within two weeks, accurately priced listings often move quickly. Actual timeline depends on pricing strategy, condition, location, and season. Homes priced above comparable value tend to join the 22.7% of listings that reduce, which extends time on market. Working with an agent who prices to the current 104.90% sale-to-list environment shortens the path to closing.
Does it cost anything to use EffectiveAgents?
No. EffectiveAgents is free for home buyers and sellers, with no obligation to work with any agent we match you with.
Do agents pay to be ranked or featured?
No. Agents cannot pay for placement anywhere in these rankings. Positions are earned from verified transaction performance only.
What commission do San Mateo realtors charge?
Commissions are negotiable and vary by agent, service level, and transaction. There is no set rate, and recent industry changes have made commission structures more flexible than ever. Discuss the structure directly with your agent before signing a listing or buyer agreement.
Should I use a local San Mateo agent or a national brand?
The individual agent matters more than the brand on the sign. Offices within the same national franchise vary widely in performance, and the agent you hire, not the logo, prices your home, negotiates your contract, and manages your closing. A strong local agent brings firsthand knowledge of San Mateo neighborhoods, pricing patterns, and buyer activity. Compare agents on verified local results such as recent sales, days on market, and negotiation outcomes rather than name recognition.
What questions should I ask a San Mateo realtor before hiring them?
Ask how many homes they have closed in San Mateo in the past year, what their average sale-to-list ratio is, and how much of their business is in your neighborhood and price range. Ask how they will market your home or find you listings, and how often they will communicate. Strong agents answer with specifics. Verified transaction data is the fastest way to confirm what you hear.
Top Realtors by Neighborhood in San Mateo, CA
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