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Mary Lou Castellanos

Mary Lou Castellanos
Real Estate Agent (Salesperson)
San Francisco - CA

Salesperson (CA: 00905399)

41 years experience

REALTOR® 1 Active Listings Serves San Francisco County, CA
View on Realtor.com

About Mary Castellanos

Mary Lou stands out as one of the leading real estate professionals in the United States, bringing a wealth of knowledge about San Francisco's intricate history, diverse neighborhoods, and distinctive real estate landscape. With over two decades of experience, she has cultivated a robust career that encompasses a wide array of properties and clientele.

Recognized among the top 25 agents at Sotheby's International Realty, Mary Lou consistently ranks in the top 2% of nearly 50,000 sales associates affiliated with NRT, the firm’s parent company. Her achievements were further highlighted on June 22, 2012, when she was named one of the nation’s top real estate professionals in The Thousand, an esteemed ranking published by The Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends.

Mary Lou has earned the confidence of discerning buyers, sellers, and peers, known for her business acumen, strong work ethic, and approachable demeanor. She is dedicated to serving a diverse clientele, from first-time homebuyers to high-profile individuals, including celebrities and corporate executives. Her extensive portfolio features over 125 bank-owned properties sold since 2008, luxury condominiums, and co-ops, including the record-setting sale of a home for $29.5 million, the highest price in San Francisco MLS history.

Her academic background in International Business, coupled with her travels to more than 45 countries, has equipped her with a deep understanding of the needs of international clients and enhanced her ability to engage with corporate entities such as Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase, HSBC, and Capital One. This expertise has garnered attention from The Wall Street Journal and various local media outlets.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mary Lou is actively involved in humanitarian and cultural initiatives. She participated in significant airlifts, including those for Vietnamese and Angolan refugees, as well as the Hadj airlifts for West Africans traveling to Mecca. A culinary enthusiast, she has founded Pantry411.com, a platform designed to help food lovers discover local ingredients and culinary experiences. Additionally, she has served as past president of Pathways For Kids and is a board member of Enterprise for High School Students, where she co-chairs the Private Collections art tour.

San Francisco County, CA Real Estate Market Analysis (Single Family Homes)

$2,067,859
Avg. Listing Price
From Mary's portfolio
3.3 / 2.6
Avg. Beds/Baths
Typical property size
2,191 sf
Avg. Square Footage
Interior living space
297
Active Listings
Current inventory

San Francisco County represents one of the most dynamic and concentrated real estate markets in the United States, where a single county encompasses an entire major metropolitan area. With 5,272 actively licensed real estate agents operating within just 47 square miles, this market demonstrates an extraordinary density of real estate professionals serving one of the world's most expensive housing markets. The county's unique geography as both a city and county creates a distinctive real estate ecosystem where agents navigate everything from Victorian homes in Pacific Heights to modern condominiums in South Beach.

What makes San Francisco County particularly fascinating is how its compact size belies the complexity of its real estate landscape. Every one of the 5,272 licensed agents maintains email contact information, reflecting the tech-savvy nature of this market where digital communication and virtual tours became standard practice long before the pandemic. The concentration of wealth, limited housing supply, and constant influx of tech workers create a market where agents must be exceptionally knowledgeable about micro-neighborhoods and zoning complexities.

Major San Francisco County, California Real Estate Markets

Unlike traditional counties with multiple cities, San Francisco County consists entirely of the City and County of San Francisco, creating distinct neighborhood markets that function almost like separate municipalities. The Financial District and South of Market (SOMA) areas drive the luxury condominium market, while neighborhoods like Noe Valley, Castro, and Mission Dolores represent some of the most sought-after residential areas. The Sunset and Richmond districts offer relatively more affordable single-family homes, though "affordable" remains relative in a market where median home prices consistently rank among the highest nationally.

Each neighborhood within San Francisco County operates with its own pricing dynamics and buyer demographics. Russian Hill and Pacific Heights cater to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, while emerging areas like Dogpatch and Potrero Hill attract tech professionals seeking newer construction and proximity to Silicon Valley companies. The Presidio area, with its mix of historic military housing converted to luxury residences, represents one of the most unique real estate submarkets in the country.

Market Dynamics and Geographic Complexity

San Francisco County's real estate market operates under some of the most restrictive zoning laws and rent control regulations in the nation, creating a complex environment where agents must navigate intricate legal frameworks. The city's famous hills, earthquake considerations, and historic preservation requirements add layers of complexity that require specialized knowledge. Surprisingly, despite its reputation for sky-high prices, the county maintains significant affordable housing initiatives and rent-controlled units that create diverse opportunities for different buyer segments.

The market's seasonality differs from typical California patterns, with fog patterns and microclimates affecting desirability throughout the year. Areas like Noe Valley and Mission District can be 15-20 degrees warmer than Richmond or Sunset districts, directly impacting property values and buyer preferences. This geographic complexity, combined with the tech industry's influence on employment patterns, creates rapid shifts in neighborhood desirability that successful agents must constantly monitor.

Why Businesses Need San Francisco County, California Agent Contact Data

The concentrated wealth and high transaction volumes in San Francisco County make it a prime target for businesses serving the real estate industry. With 5,272 agents handling some of the highest-value residential transactions in the country, this represents an exceptionally lucrative market for mortgage lenders, insurance providers, home improvement services, and luxury goods companies. The fact that all licensed agents maintain email addresses facilitates direct digital marketing campaigns to professionals who regularly work with high-net-worth clients.

Financial services companies, in particular, find San Francisco County agent networks invaluable for reaching affluent buyers and sellers who require specialized lending products, wealth management services, and investment opportunities. The county's agents often work with clients purchasing multiple properties, international buyers, and individuals with complex financial portfolios, making these professional relationships particularly valuable for businesses offering premium services and products.

Contact Information

Brokerage
Sotheby's International Realty - San Francisco Brokerage

Office Website
Office Address
117 Greenwich St
San Francisco, CA  94111
(San Francisco County)
Office Phone
415-901-1700
Office Fax
415-901-1701
Mobile
415-901-1700
Email
marylou.castellanos@************

Service Areas

San Francisco: CA

Current Property Listings

As of 1/31/2026, Mary Castellanos has 1 property for sale in San Francisco and surrounding areas.

$1,395,000

Listed 2026-01-22

1150 Lombard St Apt 18
San Francisco, CA  94109

Beds: 2.0
Baths: 2.0
Sq Ft: 1,353
Lot: 50,190 sf
Condos Map
View Full Details

Current Property Rentals

Mary Castellanos currently has no rental properties available in San Francisco and surrounding areas. Check back later.