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Best Real Estate Agents in Redwood City (2026): Local Market Guide & Commission Breakdown

Best Real Estate Agents in Redwood City (2026): Local Market Guide & Commission Breakdown

The best real estate agents in Redwood City list homes at a 2026 median of about $1.8 million (Redfin), with properties selling in roughly 12 days near 105% of asking. At that price, a traditional 6% commission runs about $108,000 — while a 2.5% seller-side commission when onboarding through Loqol provides full-service representation for $45,000.

Redwood City's real estate market has shifted. In early 2026, homes are selling faster than they have in months, with a median price of $1.8M and average days on market at just 13 days. That speed matters—because choosing the right agent can mean the difference between a $100,000+ commission bill or a more competitive full-service structure.

This guide cuts through the noise. We've researched the top agents in Redwood City, compared their track records, and built a complete commission breakdown so you can see exactly what you're paying for.

Redwood City's Real Estate Market in 2026

Before diving into agent profiles, here's what sellers are facing:

Market Snapshot:

  • Median home price: $1.8M (February 2026, down 1.9% year-over-year per Redfin)
  • Average home value: $1,733,597 (Zillow, up 0.1% year-over-year)
  • Days on market: 13 days
  • Sale-to-list ratio: 103.42%
  • Inventory: Approximately 2 months supply
  • County: San Mateo

Top neighborhoods by price:

  • Redwood Shores: $2.6M median
  • Farm Hill: $2.45M median
  • Emerald Hills: Luxury hillside homes, premium pricing
  • Palm Park: $1.56M median

The market remains competitive. Homes are moving quickly, but sellers still need representation that understands Silicon Valley's nuances—and won't drain $90,000+ in commissions on a $1.8M sale.

Top Real Estate Agents in Redwood City

1. Brett Caviness & Don Straub — Caviness, Straub & Associates

Team: Caviness, Straub & Associates (Compass)

Ranking: #1 ranked team in Redwood City

Experience: 15+ years

Service area: San Carlos, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley corridor

Brett Caviness and Don Straub dominate Redwood City's market. As the #1 ranked team locally, they've built their reputation on deep community knowledge and consistent results. Their tenure in the area means they understand the neighborhood ins and outs—which schools matter, which blocks have the best views, which properties tend to sell at premium valuations.

Why they're top-ranked:

  • Established relationships with other top agents in the region
  • Strong track record in the $1.5M–$3M range
  • Market expertise across multiple Silicon Valley communities
  • Compass resources and technology backing

Commission: Typically 5–6% total (2.5–3% per side)

2. Laura Bertolacci — Sereno Group

Broker: Sereno

Rating: Highly rated on Yelp

Focus: Individual representation and dedicated client service

Laura Bertolacci brings a personal touch to Redwood City transactions. Her Yelp reviews consistently highlight responsiveness and market knowledge. She works best for sellers who value detailed market analysis and one-on-one attention.

Why sellers choose her:

  • Strong local reputation and client reviews
  • Transparent communication throughout the transaction
  • Focus on maximizing sale price through strategic positioning

Commission: Typically 5–6% total

3. Alex Wang — Rainmaker Real Estate

Brokerage: Rainmaker Real Estate

Reviews: Strong online presence

Specialty: Redwood City area transactions

Alex Wang offers solid representation with modern marketing and digital-first approach. Rainmaker's training and technology stack keep transactions moving efficiently.

Why clients recommend him:

  • Strong online reviews and local reputation
  • Tech-forward marketing strategies
  • Reliable transaction management

Commission: Typically 5–6% total

4. Gwen Wang — Compass

Brokerage: Compass

Area: Redwood City and surrounding communities

Focus: Full-service representation

Gwen Wang provides comprehensive market analysis and marketing for Redwood City sellers. Compass's resources and brand visibility can help with buyer reach.

Commission: Typically 5–6% total

5. NuTerra Real Estate Group

Recognition: Top 1% nationwide for sales (2022)

Transaction volume: $300M+ over 5 years

Service area: Redwood City and San Mateo County

NuTerra's scale and transaction volume speak to their efficiency. With hundreds of deals closed, they've systematized the selling process for consistency and speed.

Why high-volume sellers choose them:

  • Proven system for fast closings
  • Large team to handle logistics
  • National recognition and marketing resources

Commission: Typically 5–6% total

Real Estate Commission Comparison

Here's where agent choice hits your wallet. On a $1.8M Redwood City home, commission differences range from a competitive 2.5% seller-side rate to over $100,000 for traditional full-service representation.

What each brokerage model costs — and who runs your sale.
Seller Option Commission Rate Cost on $1.8M Your Net Sale Proceeds
Traditional Agent (Full Service) 5–6% $90,000–$108,000 $1,692,000–$1,710,000
Redfin (Listing-Side Discount) 1.5% listing + buyer side ~$45,000–$63,000 $1,737,000–$1,755,000
fixed fee Brokers (varies) $3K–$15K $3,000–$15,000 $1,785,000–$1,797,000
LOQOL2.5% listing side2.5% listing side = $45,000Full-service brokerage

What you're looking at:

  • Traditional agent: $90K–$108K in commissions on a $1.8M home
  • Redfin discount: ~$45K–$63K (1.5% listing side)
  • Loqol seller-side commission: 2.5% when onboarding through Loqol

How? Loqol provides a full-service experience with a dedicated licensed agent, signage, and in-house marketing for a 2.5% seller-side commission. You get full visibility into the deal while ensuring your property is positioned to attract qualified buyers.

Why Commission Matters More Than Agent Name Recognition

It's tempting to default to the biggest local name. Brett Caviness and Don Straub have earned their #1 ranking. But rankings don't change the math: if you're paying 5–6% on a $1.8M home, you're handing over nearly $100K in commissions.

The right agent question isn't "Who's the most famous?" It's: "What am I paying for, and does the value justify the cost?"

Traditional agents justify their 5–6% fee through:

  • Photography, staging, and marketing
  • Buyer showings and coordination
  • Negotiation and paperwork management
  • Market analysis and pricing strategy

Loqol provides comprehensive full-service representation for a 2.5% seller-side commission:

  • 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
  • Marketing run by Loqol's in-house marketing team

The difference: Loqol combines modern technology with dedicated human expertise. 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.

How Loqol Sells Redwood City Homes

Loqol works differently. You get a dedicated licensed agent and a modern seller dashboard. Here is how we manage your sale:

  1. Preparation & Pricing: Your dedicated licensed agent works with you to analyze recent comps and set a competitive pricing strategy.
  2. Listing Launch: Loqol's in-house marketing team runs your marketing campaign, installs signage, and lists your home on all major platforms.
  3. Transaction Tracking: 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. 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.
  4. Offer Negotiation: Your dedicated agent handles all negotiations directly, vetting buyers and working to maximize your net proceeds.
  5. Closing Coordination: Your agent manages escrow, title, inspections, and disclosures, keeping all history organized in your dashboard.
  6. Close & Fund: Your transaction closes smoothly, with all documents and histories securely archived in your dashboard.

Compare this to traditional models where details can get lost in email threads. With Loqol, you get full-service representation designed to maximize your net proceeds through superior execution.

Why this works in Redwood City's market:

  • 13-day average days on market means fast sales
  • A $1.8M median price means high stakes, where professional negotiation and compliance are critical.
  • Buyers' agents actively show Loqol listings, which are fully syndicated across all major platforms.
  • Silicon Valley buyers are tech-forward and digitally fluent

Redwood City Neighborhoods & Agent Specialization

Different neighborhoods attract different buyer profiles. Top agents specialize:

Redwood Shores ($2.6M median)

Waterfront and bay-view homes attract tech executives and families. Brett Caviness & Don Straub have significant activity here. Expect high buyer sophistication and international inquiry.

Farm Hill ($2.45M median)

Tree-lined streets and mid-century modern homes. Strong appeal to families and dual-income professionals. Good for agents with school district knowledge.

Emerald Hills

Ultra-luxury hillside properties with views. Requires agents experienced with high-end custom construction and estate sales.

Palm Park ($1.56M median)

Entry-level Silicon Valley market. Strong buyer demand, shorter marketing windows, often multiple-offer scenarios.

Downtown Redwood City

Urban townhomes and condos. Appeal to downsizers and young professionals. Good for agents with dense transaction history.

Loqol sells across all neighborhoods. Our full-service model works everywhere—whether it's a $1.5M Palm Park home or a $2.6M Redwood Shores waterfront property. Every transaction receives dedicated agent representation and complete dashboard tracking.

What to Look For When Choosing an Agent

Beyond name recognition and commission rates:

Market Transparency

Does the agent share recent comps, pricing rationale, and days-on-market data? Ask for market analysis in writing.

Technology & Marketing

Are listings on Zillow, Redfin, MLS, and buyer portals within 24 hours? Are videos and virtual tours included, or extra?

Communication Cadence

How often do you hear updates? Weekly check-ins are standard. Some agents disappear after listing.

Buyer Attraction

Which channels drive qualified buyers? Buyer agents? Open houses? Digital advertising? Track where your showings come from.

Post-Closing Support

What happens after you close? Are there unresolved title issues, missed repairs, or escrow disputes? Good agents follow up.

Fee Transparency

No surprise costs. Traditional agents sometimes bury administrative charges or marketing fees. Loqol's 2.5% seller-side commission is clearly defined and covers your dedicated agent, signage, and in-house marketing.

How Redwood City's Market Compares to Silicon Valley

Redwood City sits between Palo Alto ($2.5M+ median) and San Mateo ($1.6M median). It's positioned as more affordable than the valley's hotspots but still carries valley cachet.

Buyer profile: Tech workers, executive relocations, families seeking good schools (Redwood City High School ranked in top 10% statewide per Great Schools), downsizers from Page Mill Road.

Market drivers: Proximity to Stanford, Google Mountain View campus, Facebook Menlo Park headquarters, and Apple Cupertino. Commute times matter. I-280 and El Camino Real are primary arteries.

Seasonal trends: Spring (March–May) drives highest prices and quickest sales. Summer softens slightly. Fall picks up again. Winter is slowest, but homes often sell at list price or above due to less competition.

This is why timing your sale matters. An agent should help you capitalize on seasonal strength—and Loqol's 2.5% seller-side commission ensures you receive full-service support regardless of when you choose to list.

FAQs About Real Estate Agents in Redwood City

Q: Do I need a local agent if I'm selling in Redwood City?

A: Having someone who understands San Mateo County neighborhood dynamics, comps, and buyer profiles is highly beneficial. Loqol provides a dedicated licensed agent with local transaction experience, backed by custom software that tracks every detail of your sale.

Q: What's the difference between 5% and 6% commission?

A: On a $1.8M home, 1% equals $18,000. The difference between 5% and 6% is significant money. Many agents will negotiate to 5% on higher-value properties, but you have to ask. LOQOL is flat—no negotiation needed, no surprise.

Q: How does Loqol offer a 2.5% seller-side commission?

A: Efficiency. Our agents work on software we built ourselves, so every disclosure, deadline, and document in your sale is tracked rather than remembered. By streamlining administrative tasks, our agents can focus entirely on pricing, negotiation, and client service, allowing us to offer a competitive 2.5% seller-side commission.

Q: Do buyers' agents still show Loqol listings?

A: Yes. Loqol listings are fully syndicated to the MLS, Zillow, Redfin, and all major buyer portals. Buyers' agents are compensated according to the terms of the transaction, ensuring your home receives maximum exposure.

Q: What about marketing and buyer reach?

A: Loqol listings receive professional marketing run by our in-house marketing team, along with signage installation and full MLS syndication. In your seller dashboard, you can ask Charlie, our in-house AI, what is happening with your sale at any point and get an answer grounded in your actual deal — with your agent one click away.

Q: How long does a home typically stay on the market in Redwood City?

A: Average is 13 days. Well-priced homes in good condition sell faster. Overpriced homes linger. Pricing strategy is your agent's most important contribution. Every Loqol agent is a licensed California agent we onboarded with prior transaction experience, and our roster has closed 100+ listings between them.

Q: What neighborhoods in Redwood City sell fastest?

A: Palm Park ($1.56M median) and downtown Redwood City move quickly due to lower entry prices and strong buyer demand. Redwood Shores ($2.6M median) luxury homes have smaller buyer pools but sell when priced correctly. Farm Hill is steady year-round.

Q: Should I list in spring or wait until summer?

A: Spring (March–May) is strongest for pricing. Fewer listings, more buyers. Summer is competitive but slower. If you're selling in late 2026, spring 2027 will be your best window. However, if your home is move-ready now, don't wait. A quick sale at a good price beats timing the market perfectly and sitting on an unsold listing for months.

Next Steps: Sell Your Redwood City Home

Option 1: Traditional Agent

Contact Brett Caviness & Don Straub, Laura Bertolacci, Alex Wang, Gwen Wang, or NuTerra Real Estate Group. Prepare for 5–6% in commissions ($90K–$108K on a $1.8M sale). Expect strong local expertise and personal service.

Option 2: Loqol Full-Service Brokerage

Partner with Loqol for a dedicated licensed agent, comprehensive in-house marketing, and full visibility through our seller dashboard. Our 2.5% seller-side commission ensures you get premium representation and complete transaction tracking.

How Much Commission Do Redwood City Sellers Pay in 2026?

At a Redwood City median near $1.8 million, a traditional commission is the single largest cost of selling. Here is the listing-side math across the city's price range — traditional 5% and 6% total commissions compared to Loqol's 2.5% seller-side commission.

Listing commission at Loqol's 2.5% versus a traditional 5–6% total commission.
Home sale priceListing side at Loqol's 2.5%Total at a traditional 5%Total at a traditional 6%
$1,000,000$25,000$50,000$60,000
$1,800,000$45,000$90,000$108,000
$2,500,000$62,500$125,000$150,000
$3,500,000$87,500$175,000$210,000

Related Reading

Redwood City's housing market is dynamic. If you're selling, you should also understand the broader market context:

Redwood City Housing Market Report 2026

Loqol (Sunday Real Estate Brokerage Inc. dba Loqol), CA DRE #02261474.

Selling in Redwood City?

Loqol is a full-service California brokerage working with sellers in Redwood City. 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 Redwood City sale.

The Loqol Journal

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