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 fixed $4,399 fee.
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 $4,399 to over $100,000.
| 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 |
| Flat-Fee Brokers (varies) | $3K–$15K | $3,000–$15,000 | $1,785,000–$1,797,000 |
| LOQOL (Flat Fee) | Flat $4,399 | $4,399 | $1,795,601 |
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 flat fee: $4,399, no matter the sale price
On a $1.8M Redwood City home, LOQOL saves sellers $85,601–$103,601 compared to traditional agents. That's money that stays in your pocket—or funds your next home purchase.
How? LOQOL handles the listing, marketing, and buyer coordination through a flat $4,399 fee. You keep control. Buyers' agents still negotiate their own commission from the buyer's side, so you still attract full buyer representation.
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 the same services for a flat $4,399:
- Professional photography and videography
- Full listing on all major MLS platforms
- Buyer coordination and showing management
- Paperwork preparation and filing
- Marketing through Charlie, LOQOL's AI agent, which writes buyer-facing listing descriptions and handles online inquiries
The difference: LOQOL's flat model scales with volume, not percentage. More transactions, lower cost per unit. Traditional agents scale their revenue with your home's price. There's no incentive to control costs.
How LOQOL Sells Redwood City Homes
LOQOL works differently. You get a dedicated transaction coordinator and flat $4,399 fee. Here's the process:
- Intake & Pricing: You provide home details, photos, and recent comps. LOQOL's team and Charlie's analysis suggest pricing.
- Listing Preparation: Professional photography (included), description writing, MLS upload, all major platforms.
- Buyer Inquiry Handling: Charlie handles initial buyer inquiries, schedules showings, answers FAQs. Your coordinator manages showings and feedback.
- Offer Management & Negotiation: Offers arrive through your MLS and buyer agents. Your coordinator negotiates terms.
- Closing Coordination: Title, escrow, inspections, appraisals—your coordinator manages timelines and documents.
- Close & Fund: Funds arrive net of the $4,399 flat fee.
Compare that to paying $90K+ to a traditional agent for the exact same service—with no advantage in how fast your home sells or what price you net.
Why this works in Redwood City's market:
- 13-day average days on market means fast sales
- $1.8M median price is high enough to absorb listing costs through volume
- Buyers' agents still show LOQOL listings (they earn their commission from buyers)
- Silicon Valley buyers are tech-forward and digitally fluent
See your exact savings on a specific price point: Use LOQOL's savings calculator.
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 pricing advantage works everywhere—whether it's a $1.5M Palm Park home or a $2.6M Redwood Shores waterfront property. Your flat fee remains $4,399.
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 bury holding costs, marketing fees, and "administrative charges." LOQOL's $4,399 is all-in.
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—but LOQOL's flat fee means you pay the same whether you list in March or December.
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 helps. However, a good listing (professional photos, clear description, competitive pricing) will attract qualified buyers regardless. LOQOL's model works because the listing does the heavy lifting—not the agent's personal brand.
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: Why is LOQOL so much cheaper than traditional agents?
A: Scale. LOQOL doesn't employ 50 agents with different commission splits. We handle thousands of transactions through one flat model. Overhead is controlled. Profits come from volume, not taking a percentage of your home's price. Traditional agents split revenue: 50% to the brokerage, 50% to the agent, minus desk fees and marketing costs. LOQOL's economics eliminate that middle layer.
Q: Do buyers' agents still show LOQOL listings?
A: Yes. Buyers' agents earn their commission from buyers (often 2.5–3%, paid by the buyer's lender or agreed separately). LOQOL's lower listing-side fee doesn't reduce buyer agent compensation. Listings are still visible on MLS, Zillow, Redfin, and buyer apps.
Q: What about marketing and buyer reach?
A: LOQOL listings get professional photos, video tours, MLS placement, and Charlie's AI-written descriptions. Buyer agents market to their own clients. Open houses (if you want them) are managed by your transaction coordinator. You're not paying extra for marketing because it's baked into the $4,399 flat fee. Traditional agents charge 5–6% largely for marketing—but most of that marketing targets other agents, not buyers. Buyers find homes on Zillow and the MLS, not on the agent's personal website.
Q: Can I negotiate LOQOL's fee?
A: No. The $4,399 flat fee is fixed. That's the whole point—no surprises, no negotiation, no hidden charges. If you want a negotiable commission, a traditional agent is your path.
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. LOQOL includes professional pricing analysis based on recent comps.
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 Flat Fee
Get started with LOQOL. Upload your home info, photos, and address. Get an instant valuation, marketing plan, and final $4,399 fee quote. No surprises. View LOQOL pricing and get started.
Compare your exact savings:
Use our savings calculator to see what you'll net on your specific home price.
Learn more about going commission-free:
Read about flat-fee selling and how it works.
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
Equal Housing Opportunity: LOQOL and partner agents are committed to fair housing practices in accordance with federal, state, and local fair housing laws. California Department of Real Estate License #02261474.