The best real estate agents in Burlingame sell homes at a July 2026 median of $2,972,500, with 66.67% selling above asking and 37-day sales. A traditional 6% commission at that median costs about $178,350; LOQOL's Charlie AI tier for $2M–$3M homes is a flat $12,999.
Selling a home in Burlingame doesn't have to drain your profits. With a median home price of $2.85 million and 52% of homes selling above list price, this San Mateo County market is competitive—but your choice of agent can save you six figures in commissions.
The right agent combines local market expertise with negotiation skill. Some agents charge traditional 5-6% commissions — up to $178,000 at Burlingame's July 2026 median of $2.97M — while Loqol offers a full-service alternative with a 2.5% seller-side commission. This guide compares Burlingame's top agents and introduces a modern approach to selling that maximizes your net proceeds through superior execution.
Top Real Estate Agents in Burlingame (2026)
1. Raziel Ungar — Compass
Experience: 22 years in real estate
Raziel Ungar stands out as the most reviewed Burlingame agent on Yelp, with exceptional 5-star ratings. Based at Compass, Ungar brings Harvard Law School's Negotiation Program training to every deal—a credential rare among real estate agents. With $1.1 billion in career sales, he has negotiated complex transactions across San Mateo County's most competitive neighborhoods.
His strength lies in high-stakes negotiations. Sellers working with Ungar benefit from his legal training and institutional knowledge of the Peninsula market. This makes him a strong choice for luxury homes in Burlingame Hills and Easton Addition, where negotiation leverage directly impacts final sale price.
Best for: Luxury homes, complex negotiations, repeat clients seeking trusted guidance.
2. The Sternsmith Group — San Mateo
Experience: Nearly two decades as a team
The Sternsmith Group holds the #1 team ranking in San Mateo and consistently ranks Top 5 in San Mateo County. They also rank among the Top 5 Realtors in the 94010 zip code, which covers both Burlingame and Hillsborough.
Operating as a team means multiple agents bring specialized expertise to your sale. The group's longevity and market dominance suggest strong institutional relationships with other agents, buyers' agents, and local lenders—advantages that accelerate closing timelines.
Best for: Sellers who value team-based support, those wanting coordinated marketing across multiple channels.
3. Julie Baumann — Compass
Experience: Established Compass agent
Julie Baumann operates from Compass's San Francisco office and brings consistent positive reviews from Burlingame sellers. Her Compass affiliation provides access to the brokerage's luxury marketing resources, an advantage for homes in the $2-4M range.
Compass agents benefit from the brokerage's proprietary data and marketing platform, which can help position homes more effectively in a competitive market.
Best for: Mid to luxury home sales, sellers comfortable working with a national brokerage.
4. Jennie Lok — Zen Coast Homes
Experience: Top-rated local independent agent
Jennie Lok operates independently through Zen Coast Homes and maintains top Yelp ratings among Burlingame agents. As an independent, she may offer more personalized attention than larger brokerage agents and can negotiate commission structures more flexibly.
Independent agents often have lower overhead costs, which can sometimes translate to more competitive commission offers for sellers.
Best for: Personalized service, potential commission flexibility, local market intimacy.
5. Stanley Lo — Green Banker
Experience: Established local presence
Stanley Lo is recognized as a well-regarded local agent with strong ties to Burlingame's residential community. Green Banker positioning suggests a focus on sustainability and environmental considerations—increasingly important for Bay Area buyers.
Best for: Eco-conscious sellers, buyers interested in green home features.
Burlingame Housing Market Overview (2026)
Understanding the current market context helps explain why agent selection matters so much right now.
Market Snapshot (March 2026):
- Median home price: $2.85 million
- Average home value: $2.5 million (down 8.6% year-over-year)
- Days on market: 15 days (competitive, quick sales)
- Homes selling above list price: 52%
The market remains competitive despite recent price corrections. Homes still spend only 15 days on market, and over half sell above asking—conditions that reward skilled agents who can market effectively and negotiate favorably.
February 2026 Context: Median prices hit $2.8 million in February before moderating slightly, down 12.1% from February 2025. This indicates a market transition: prices are normalizing after the pandemic surge, but competition remains high.
Burlingame's Neighborhoods
Burlingame Hills
Price range: $1.7M–$4.1M | Median: ~$2.98M
The most prestigious neighborhood, Burlingame Hills offers larger estates, privacy, and panoramic views. Homes here appeal to buyers seeking luxury and seclusion. Median prices here exceed the city average, reflecting demand from high-net-worth buyers.
Ray Park
Price range: $2M–$3.5M
Characterized by charming ranch-style homes, Ray Park attracts families and buyers seeking architectural character. More accessible than Burlingame Hills, it remains a strong value in the Burlingame market.
Easton Addition
Median: $3.5M | Range: $3M–$7M+
One of Burlingame's rarest neighborhoods, Easton Addition homes rarely reach the market—scarcity drives premium pricing. Only a handful of homes sell annually here, making specialized agent knowledge critical.
Burlingame Village / Downtown
Walkable, charming retail on Burlingame Avenue attracts buyers seeking urban convenience. Homes tend toward smaller lot sizes but command premiums for location and lifestyle access.
Why Local Agent Knowledge Matters
Burlingame's housing market varies dramatically by neighborhood. A $2.8M asking price might be below-market in Burlingame Hills (where 52% sell above list) but above-market in Ray Park. The best agents understand these microdifferences and price homes accordingly.
Additionally, with 15-day sales cycles, marketing efficiency is critical. Agents who photograph homes professionally, write compelling descriptions, and reach the right buyer pools close faster—maximizing your proceeds.
Agent Commission: What You Actually Pay
Traditional agent commissions typically cost sellers 5-6% of the sale price. On Burlingame's $2.85M median, this translates to $142,500–$171,000 split between listing and buyer's agents.
Here's what different models cost:
| Home sale price | Listing side at Loqol's 2.5% | Total at a traditional 5% | Total at a traditional 6% |
|---|---|---|---|
| $156,750 | $3,919 | $7,838 | $9,405 |
| $2,000,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 | $120,000 |
Here is how a 2.5% seller-side commission compares to traditional 5% and 6% total commissions at Burlingame price points:
| Home sale price | Listing side at Loqol's 2.5% | Total at a traditional 5% | Total at a traditional 6% |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,500,000 | $37,500 | $75,000 | $90,000 |
| $2,000,000 | $50,000 | $100,000 | $120,000 |
| $2,500,000 | $62,500 | $125,000 | $150,000 |
| $2,972,500 | $74,313 | $148,625 | $178,350 |
| $4,000,000 | $100,000 | $200,000 | $240,000 |
At Burlingame's July 2026 median of $2,972,500, a traditional 6% commission totals $178,350. With Loqol's 2.5% seller-side commission ($74,312.50), sellers retain more of their equity while securing full-service representation.
The math is clear. On a Burlingame home, choosing a modern full-service model with a 2.5% seller-side commission keeps tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket—allowing you to maximize your net proceeds while ensuring your home receives professional marketing and dedicated agent representation.
How to Choose the Right Agent for Your Burlingame Home
1. Verify Local Transaction History
Ask agents for recent sales data in your specific neighborhood. Raziel Ungar's 22-year presence and The Sternsmith Group's #1 ranking suggest deep local experience, but verify they've actually sold homes similar to yours—same price range, same neighborhood.
2. Test Their Market Knowledge
A great agent should explain why comparable homes in Ray Park sold at different multiples than homes in Burlingame Hills. Generic answers ("market's strong") suggest surface knowledge. Specific answers ("Easton Addition homes command 15-20% premiums due to limited supply and larger lots") indicate real expertise.
3. Evaluate Marketing Strategy
Ask how they'll market your home:
- Professional photography and 3D tours?
- Targeted buyer networks beyond MLS?
- Paid digital advertising?
- Open house strategy?
Burlingame's 15-day sales cycle suggests effective marketing moves homes quickly. Agents who rely only on MLS may leave money on the table.
4. Understand Commission and Service Trade-offs
Traditional agents justify higher commissions with in-house support, staging advice, and closing coordination. Loqol provides these full-service capabilities—including a dedicated licensed agent, signage installation, and in-house marketing—at a competitive 2.5% seller-side commission.
If you're selling a standard home with clear market comps, a modern full-service brokerage with advanced transaction tracking may be optimal. If your home has unique features (oceanfront views in Burlingame Hills, rare architectural significance), a top-tier traditional agent's expertise might justify higher costs, but modern platforms now offer comparable high-end marketing.
5. Ask About Buyer's Agent Compensation
A critical detail: since the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer-agent compensation is negotiated in the buyer's written offer — it is not pre-set by you or your broker. With Loqol, you decide what to accept when offers come in, and your listing stays fully visible to buyers' agents on the MLS either way.
Loqol: A Modern Full-Service Brokerage for Burlingame
Loqol (Sunday Real Estate Brokerage Inc. dba Loqol), CA DRE #02261474, is a full-service California brokerage with dedicated licensed agents. Rather than paying traditional 5% to 6% commissions, sellers pay a 2.5% seller-side commission when they onboard through Loqol.
What the 2.5% commission includes:
- A dedicated licensed agent, reachable directly at any point in the transaction
- A seller dashboard with full visibility into the deal
- All documents and disclosures in one place, with complete deal and document history
- Signage installation and marketing run by Loqol's in-house marketing team
Our agents work on software we built ourselves, so every disclosure, deadline, and document in your sale is tracked rather than remembered — and you can see all of it, and reach your agent, in one click.
- Save $150,000–$166,601 on a $2.85M home
- Every Loqol agent is a licensed California agent we onboarded with prior transaction experience, and our roster has closed 100+ listings between them.
- Charlie is Loqol's in-house AI. Our agents use it to run the transaction, and in your seller dashboard you can ask it what's happening with your sale at any point and get an answer grounded in your actual deal — with your agent one click away.
- Full MLS exposure and syndication to all major real estate portals
- Complete transaction management from listing to close
This modern approach is designed for sellers who want the expertise of a dedicated agent combined with the transparency of a digital dashboard, ensuring no detail is overlooked during Burlingame's fast-paced 15-day sales cycle.
By combining experienced agents with proprietary tracking software, Loqol helps sellers navigate complex disclosures and negotiations to secure the best possible net proceeds.
Learn more about how to sell without traditional commissions while retaining full-service representation.
What Makes Burlingame Attractive to Buyers Right Now
Location: 30 minutes from San Francisco via Caltrain or car. Commuters value the town's position on the Peninsula, proximity to tech hubs (Palo Alto, Mountain View), and direct airport access via 101.
Schools: Burlingame's schools rank among the top in California, a major draw for families. Burlingame High School consistently ranks in the state's top 10%.
Walkability: Downtown Burlingame Avenue offers shops, restaurants, and community feel—increasingly valuable to Bay Area buyers tired of car-dependent suburbs.
Parks and Recreation: Access to Coyote Point Park, multiple neighborhood parks, and Burlingame's tree-lined streets appeal to outdoor-oriented buyers.
Market Conditions: With Redfin's Burlingame housing market data showing persistent competition (52% above-list sales, 15-day cycles), buyers recognize the opportunity window is narrowing—urgency favors well-marketed homes.
The right agent capitalizes on these strengths in marketing and positioning your home.
FAQ: Choosing Agents and Understanding the Market
Q: Is a modern brokerage like Loqol safe for selling a $2.85M home?
A: Yes. Loqol is a full-service California brokerage (CA DRE #02261474) that provides dedicated licensed agents, comprehensive MLS exposure, and professional marketing. Our agents work on software we built ourselves, so every disclosure, deadline, and document in your sale is tracked rather than remembered — and you can see all of it, and reach your agent, in one click.
Q: What percentage commission do Burlingame agents typically charge?
A: Most traditional agents charge 5-6% total commissions (split between listing and buyer's agents). On a $2.85M home, that's $142,500–$171,000. However, commissions are often negotiable, especially for higher-price homes. Always ask agents to justify their rate based on local market knowledge and track record.
Q: Are neighborhood-specific agents worth the premium?
A: Neighborhood expertise matters more in complex markets. If you're selling in Easton Addition (rarely-listed homes, $3M–$7M+ prices), an agent like Raziel Ungar with 22 years of experience and deep local knowledge may justify a higher commission by commanding a better price. For Ray Park (more standardized homes, clearer comps), neighborhood focus is less critical.
Q: How quickly do homes sell in Burlingame right now?
A: The current median is 15 days on market, down from higher averages in previous years. This rapid cycle rewards agents who market homes immediately and effectively. When marketing your home, emphasize urgency to your agent and ask about paid digital advertising to capture buyer interest quickly.
Q: What is the difference between a 2.5% seller-side commission and a traditional 5% to 6% total commission?
A: With Loqol's 2.5% seller-side commission, you do not compromise on service. You receive a dedicated licensed agent, signage installation, in-house marketing, and a seller dashboard with full visibility into the deal. Traditional brokerages charging 5% to 6% total commission offer similar services but without the modern tracking technology that keeps your transaction organized.
Q: Should I use an agent at all, or try selling independently?
A: While For Sale By Owner sales are possible, agents bring MLS access, buyer networks, and negotiation expertise that typically result in higher final sale prices. On a $2.85M home, even a $50,000 price difference (an agent's work) justifies an agent fee. The question isn't "agent or not" but "which agent or alternative" offers the best return.
Q: How do I know if an agent's experience is relevant?
A: Ask for a list of homes sold in your specific neighborhood, in your price range, within the past 12 months. Vague claims ("I've sold hundreds in San Mateo") are common; specific local transactions prove relevant expertise. The Sternsmith Group's "#1 Team in San Mateo" ranking, for example, should be backed by verifiable recent transactions in Burlingame.
Conclusion
Burlingame's $2,972,500 median and 66.67% above-list sales rate (July 2026) make this a seller-favorable market—but only if you choose wisely. Top agents like Raziel Ungar (Compass), The Sternsmith Group, and Julie Baumann bring proven experience and marketing power. Alternatively, Loqol offers a modern, full-service approach with a 2.5% seller-side commission, combining dedicated agent representation with advanced transaction tracking.
Your choice should depend on your home's complexity, your need for modern transaction visibility, and how you want to manage your net proceeds. In Burlingame's competitive market, the difference between the right choice and the average choice is tens of thousands of dollars.
For market context and pricing trends, read Burlingame's 2026 housing market overview.
Selling in Burlingame?
Loqol is a full-service California brokerage working with sellers in Burlingame. Every Loqol agent is a licensed California agent we onboarded with prior transaction experience, and our roster has closed 100+ listings between them.
Talk to a Loqol agent about your Burlingame sale.
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