Broker (CA: 01715177)
20 years experience
San Mateo County's real estate market stands as one of California's most dynamic and valuable sectors, driven by its strategic position between San Francisco and Silicon Valley. This peninsula county encompasses some of the nation's most sought-after residential communities, from the coastal charm of Half Moon Bay to the tech-hub sophistication of Redwood City and Palo Alto. The market's resilience stems from consistent demand from tech professionals, established families, and international investors who recognize the area's unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility.
What makes San Mateo County particularly intriguing is its diverse housing inventory, ranging from modest starter homes in South San Francisco to multimillion-dollar estates in Hillsborough and Atherton. The county's 4,103 actively licensed real estate agents—all of whom maintain current email contacts—serve a market where median home prices often exceed $1.5 million, yet properties frequently sell within days of listing. This competitive environment has created a sophisticated agent network that understands both luxury transactions and the complexities of helping middle-income buyers navigate one of America's most expensive markets.
The northern corridor, including Daly City, South San Francisco, and San Bruno, attracts buyers seeking more affordable entry points into the county while maintaining easy access to San Francisco via BART and Highway 101. These communities have experienced significant appreciation as buyers migrate south from San Francisco, creating opportunities for first-time homebuyers and investors alike. Meanwhile, the mid-peninsula cities of San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont offer established neighborhoods with excellent schools, drawing families willing to pay premium prices for stability and community amenities.
The southern region, encompassing Menlo Park, Redwood City, and the ultra-exclusive enclaves of Atherton and Woodside, represents the pinnacle of Bay Area luxury living. These markets move at lightning speed, with tech executives and venture capitalists often making cash offers sight-unseen. Coastal communities like Pacifica and Half Moon Bay provide a completely different market dynamic, appealing to buyers seeking oceanfront living and weekend retreats, though even these "alternative" markets have seen dramatic price increases as remote work has expanded housing search parameters.
San Mateo County's real estate landscape defies simple categorization, with microclimates, school district boundaries, and proximity to major employers creating distinct pricing tiers within miles of each other. A home in East Palo Alto might sell for $1.2 million, while a comparable property just across Highway 101 in Palo Alto proper could command $3 million or more. This geographic complexity requires agents with hyperlocal expertise, making the county's professional network invaluable for understanding these nuanced market segments.
The market's sophistication shows in its quick adaptation to changing conditions—whether responding to interest rate fluctuations, tech industry layoffs, or evolving buyer preferences for home offices and outdoor space. Agents here routinely handle multiple-offer situations, complex contingency negotiations, and buyers with diverse financing strategies, from traditional mortgages to stock option exercises and cryptocurrency transactions.
Companies serving the real estate industry find San Mateo County agents particularly valuable clients due to their high transaction volumes and affluent customer base. These 4,103 licensed professionals, all reachable via email, represent consistent buyers of premium services—from staging and photography to legal services and luxury marketing materials. The county's agents typically handle higher-value transactions than their counterparts in other regions, making them attractive targets for B2B service providers seeking quality over quantity.
Financial services companies, technology providers, and professional service firms benefit from connecting with this agent network because of their influence over high-net-worth clients making major financial decisions. When a San Mateo County agent recommends a mortgage broker, wealth manager, or home improvement contractor, they're often facilitating relationships worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, making these professional connections incredibly valuable for business development and market expansion strategies.
Phil Chen currently has no properties listed for sale in Burlingame and surrounding areas. Check back later.
As of 1/31/2026, Phil Chen has the following rental properties available in Burlingame and surrounding areas.
$2,900
Listed 2026-01-22
$4,850
Listed 2026-01-07