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 $171,000 on a $2.85M home), while alternatives like LOQOL offer flat fees of just $4,399—a potential saving of $166,601. This guide compares Burlingame's top agents and introduces a modern approach to selling that puts more money in your pocket.
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:
| Broker Model | Fee on $2.85M | Your Net (Before Costs) |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional (5.5%) | $156,750 | $2,693,250 |
| Redfin (1.5% listing + buyer's agent) | ~$85,500 | $2,764,500 |
| Flat-Fee Brokers (varies) | $5,000–$15,000 | $2,835,000–$2,845,000 |
| LOQOL Flat Fee | $4,399 | $2,845,601 |
Your savings with LOQOL: $152,351–$166,601 compared to traditional agents, while keeping buyer's agent commissions competitive to ensure agent interest and showings.
The math is stark. On a Burlingame home, switching to a flat-fee model like LOQOL puts $150,000+ back in your pocket—enough to fund a significant home improvement project, invest, or simply take home more from your sale.
Check LOQOL's real-time savings calculator to see your exact savings.
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. Flat-fee brokers like LOQOL provide these services at lower cost. Neither is "better"—the right choice depends on what you value.
If you're selling a standard home with clear market comps, a flat fee 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.
5. Ask About Buyer's Agent Compensation
A critical detail: when you use a flat-fee broker like LOQOL, the buyer's agent still receives a standard commission (typically 2.5%), ensuring strong agent incentive to show and sell your home. This protects your sale timeline.
LOQOL: A Modern Alternative for Burlingame Sellers
LOQOL is a flat-fee real estate platform designed for sellers who want to keep more proceeds. Rather than paying 5-6% commissions, sellers pay a single $4,399 fee regardless of sale price.
How it works:
- Upload your home details and photos at loqol.ai
- LOQOL lists your home on MLS and partner sites
- Buyer's agents still earn standard commissions (incentivizing showings)
- You pay $4,399 total—not a percentage of your sale price
Advantages for Burlingame sellers:
- Save $150,000–$166,601 on a $2.85M home
- Buyer's agent commission remains competitive (homes still attract qualified buyers)
- Transparent pricing (no hidden costs)
- Same MLS exposure as traditional agents
- Hands-on seller control of listing details
Best for: Sellers with clear market comps, homes in strong neighborhoods (like Ray Park or Burlingame Village), and those comfortable managing some aspects independently.
May not be ideal for: Unique homes requiring specialized marketing (Easton Addition estates), sellers preferring white-glove service, or first-time sellers unfamiliar with the process.
Learn more about selling without traditional commissions.
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 flat-fee broker like LOQOL safe for selling a $2.85M home?
A: Yes. LOQOL provides the same MLS exposure as traditional brokers and includes buyer's agent commissions (typically 2.5%), so buyer's agents remain incentivized to show your home. You maintain full control over pricing, marketing photos, and listing details. The main difference is the fee structure, not the sales infrastructure. Check LOQOL's pricing to confirm details specific to your home.
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's the difference between $4,399 and $156,750 in commissions? What do I give up?
A: With traditional agents, you receive in-person staging advice, home improvement recommendations, open house hosting, and detailed closing coordination. With LOQOL's $4,399 flat fee, you manage these tasks more independently (though LOQOL provides guides and support). The trade-off is financial freedom in exchange for greater personal involvement. Both approaches work—it depends on your preference.
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 $2.85M median and 52% above-list sales rate 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, modern platforms like LOQOL offer transparency and dramatic fee savings ($4,399 flat fee) without sacrificing MLS exposure or buyer's agent incentives.
Your choice should depend on three factors: your comfort with self-management, your home's complexity, and how much you value face-to-face service. Either way, today's Burlingame market rewards preparation, clear pricing, and professional marketing—whether delivered by an agent or platform.
Ready to explore your options? Compare agents, run LOQOL's savings calculator, and make an informed decision. 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.
Equal Housing Opportunity: LOQOL operates under California Department of Real Estate License #02261474. All information provided is for educational purposes and should be verified with a licensed real estate professional or attorney.