Find a real estate agent in San Francisco, CA
A real estate agent helps people buy, sell or rent homes. Sellers' agents price, market and negotiate the sale. Buyers' agents find homes, write offers and guide you through inspections and closing. A good agent knows the local market, tells you hard truths about price, and explains every document before you sign.
How many real estate agents are in San Francisco?
The Census Bureau counted 686 real estate agents with employees in San Francisco, CA ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, San Francisco County has 691, or 82.6 per 100,000 residents: more than the US rate of 49.0, and 43rd of 165 large US cities per resident.
Another 1,744 self-employed businesses in real estate agents and brokers are based in San Francisco County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 94111 (65), 94109 (58), 94105 (52), 94123 (47).
Half of San Francisco's homes were built before 1945, and 62% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 686 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, San Francisco County | 82.6 US: 49.0 |
| Rank among large US cities | 43 of 165 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 87% |
| Self-employed, San Francisco County | 1,744 Census NES 2023: real estate agents and brokers |
| Median year homes were built | 1945 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 62% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 836,321 ACS 2023 |
What do real estate agents in San Francisco help with?
- Listing and selling homes
- Helping buyers find and tour homes
- Pricing and market analysis
- Writing and negotiating offers
- Coordinating inspections and appraisals
- Guiding the closing process
- First-time buyer help
- Rental and leasing help
- Relocation help
- Investment property search
How do you choose a good real estate agent in San Francisco?
- Check the agent's license with the state real estate regulator.
- Interview at least two or three agents.
- Ask for recent sales near you, at your price range.
- Read the agency agreement before signing, including length, fees and how to end it.
- Ask how they will market your home, or how they will find homes for you.
- Ask who you will deal with day to day, the agent or a team assistant.
- Commissions are negotiable. Ask how they are paid and by whom.
Real estate agents and brokers must hold a state license; you can look up an agent's license on the state regulator's website. See how licensing works for real estate agents in California.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you a full-time agent, and how long have you been licensed?
- How many homes like mine have you sold or helped buy lately?
- How are you paid, and what does that cover?
- How long is the agreement, and can I cancel it?
- How will you price and market my home?
- How often will we talk, and how?
- Do you represent both sides in some deals? How do you handle that?
Red flags to watch for
- Promising a high sale price just to win the listing.
- Pressure to sign a long agreement quickly.
- Steering you toward or away from areas based on who lives there. That is illegal.
- Not explaining fees or dual agency.
- Hard to reach during a deal.
What changes the price?
- Commission terms you negotiate
- Services included, like staging or photos
- How the buyer's agent is paid
- Type and price of property
- Market conditions
- Any transaction or admin fees
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many real estate agents are there in San Francisco?
The Census counted 686 real estate agents with employees in San Francisco, CA in 2023, plus 1,744 self-employed businesses in San Francisco County.
Do I need an agent to buy a house?
No, but an agent can help with offers, negotiations and deadlines. If you buy without one, consider having a real estate attorney review the contract.
What is the difference between an agent and a broker?
A broker has extra training and licensing and can run a firm. Agents work under a broker.
What is dual agency?
It is when one agent or firm represents both buyer and seller. It must be disclosed, and it is not allowed everywhere. Ask how they protect each side.
Real Estate Agents in nearby cities
Real Estate Agents in other cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a real estate agent.