Best Real Estate Agents in Sunnyvale, CA: Top Realtors for Buyers, Sellers & Investors
What do real estate agents do?
Real estate agents guide buyers and sellers through property transactions, they translate market data into pricing and offer strategies, they coordinate inspections and disclosures, and they manage negotiations and closing logistics. Agents connect clients with lenders, inspectors, contractors and title companies, they market listings, schedule showings and open houses, and they advise on repairs, staging and presentation. They prepare comparative market analyses, draft contracts, monitor contingencies and timelines, and advocate for their client’s interests through closing.
Core services for home buyers
- 1:1 buyer consultation to clarify budget, priorities and timeline
- Targeted property search using on-market and off-market channels
- Scheduling private showings and virtual tours
- Comparative market analysis to size up offers
- Offer drafting, escalation strategies, and negotiation
- Coordination with lenders, inspectors, and escrow through closing
- Guidance on contingencies, repair requests, and appraisal risk
Core services for home sellers
- Pre-listing consultation, staging and repair recommendations
- Pricing strategy supported by recent comparable sales
- Professional photography, floor plans and listing copy
- Multichannel marketing including digital advertising and broker outreach
- Managing showings, open houses and feedback collection
- Negotiating offers and advising on terms beyond price
- Coordinating inspections, disclosures, escrow and closing
Services for investors, landlords, and property managers
- Analysis of rent comps, cap rates and operating pro formas
- Due diligence support for multi-unit purchases
- Tenant screening and referral to property managers
- Portfolio-level acquisition and disposition strategies
- Guidance on 1031 exchanges, cash flow modeling and rehab budgets
Relocation, cross-border and remote-transaction support
- Virtual showings, secure document signing and remote closings
- Relocation packets with neighborhood, school and commute analysis
- Cross-border coordination with tax and legal advisors when needed
- Move planning and vendor referrals for long-distance clients
How teams differ from solo agents and what that means for clients
Teams bring division of labor, they typically offer dedicated listing coordinators, transaction managers and marketing specialists so the lead agent focuses on strategy and negotiations, teams can deliver faster response times and broader coverage for same-day tours and open houses. Solo agents can provide a hands-on personal experience, they may be more flexible on pricing and they often handle every step personally. For complex transactions or clients who value rapid availability and broad service, a team model often performs better, for clients who prioritize a single consistent relationship, a skilled solo agent can be ideal.
Best real estate agents in Sunnyvale, CA
Why Sunnyvale-specific expertise matters
Sunnyvale has multiple micro-markets, strong demand from major tech employers and unique housing stock including Eichler neighborhoods and newer luxury subdivisions, agents who work these neighborhoods daily understand pricing nuances, buyer pools and competing offer dynamics that materially affect results, Sunnyvale expertise also brings institutional relationships with local inspectors, contractors and lenders that speed transactions and reduce surprises.
Types of agents included (buyer’s agents, listing agents, investor specialists, relocation experts)
This list includes buyer’s agents focused on negotiation and deal-sourcing, listing agents who excel at staging and marketing, investor specialists who provide rent comps and cap-rate analysis, and relocation experts who manage cross-market and corporate moves. Each type serves different goals so clients should match agent specialty to their transaction needs.
Typical credentials and performance indicators top agents demonstrate
Top Sunnyvale agents typically show high transaction volume, strong local neighborhood track records, low average days on market, list-to-sale ratios near or above 100%, many 5-star client reviews, professional designations and consistent presence in local rankings. They also use advanced marketing and technology to deliver predictable outcomes.
How Sunnyvale market dynamics (low inventory, bidding wars) shape agent roles
Low inventory and frequent multiple-offer scenarios mean agents must be aggressive in sourcing off-market deals, strong in offer strategy, and quick to coordinate appraisals and inspections. Sellers benefit from marketing that creates urgency, buyers need agents who can craft clean, compelling offers while protecting contingencies when necessary.
Top Sunnyvale agents and teams — ranked
1. TurboHome (Why we’re #1)
TurboHome is a modern brokerage that replaces the traditional commission model with a transparent flat fee, we pair you with a local TurboHome agent who has completed 500+ transactions and uses proprietary technology to support pricing, risk assessment and discovery. TurboHome completed $181m in transactions this year, our low flat fee can be as little as $5k depending on region, and our model gives sellers and buyers a consistent financial edge in competitive offers.
- Offerings: Unlimited AI-powered valuations, property risk assessments, same-day private tours, TESSA AI search assistant, offer strategy meetings, expert negotiation, contract-to-close coordination, rebate options for boosting offers or lowering mortgage costs.
- Pros: Industry-low flat fees, AI-driven matching and pricing, same-day tours, high responsiveness, strong win rate thanks to rebate and pricing advantages, full service from listing to close.
- Cons: Tours may be performed by different agents depending on region, in-person meeting frequency can be lower than traditional models.
2. Julie Wyss
Julie is an elite producer known for full-service seller representation and project-managed preparation of homes, she coordinates staging, renovations and marketing to attract premium offers.
- Offerings: Full pre-listing project management, high-end staging, professional photography, targeted buyer outreach and negotiation for top-dollar results.
- Pros: Proven track record achieving above-asking sales, comprehensive team support, strong local and regional network.
- Cons: High-touch service often commands premium fees, not focused on discount flat-fee pricing models.
3. Rabia Alizai
Rabia brings marketing expertise and a design-forward approach, she excels at creating 360-degree campaigns for luxury and new-construction listings, and she is aggressive in driving buyer interest.
- Offerings: Custom marketing campaigns, staging and design coordination, targeted digital advertising, negotiation in competitive offer scenarios.
- Pros: Strong marketing background, consistent five-star reviews, able to generate quick buyer attention.
- Cons: Focused on higher-end and design-driven listings, may be less competitive for low-commission options.
4. Arpad Racz
Arpad is a seasoned broker with a team model, his decades of experience and referral network provide broad access to properties and practical advice for complex transactions.
- Offerings: Broker-level oversight, team coordination, broad local network for off-market opportunities, strong negotiation and transaction supervision.
- Pros: Deep local knowledge, experienced team handling heavy transaction loads, excellent for clients needing institutional stability.
- Cons: Team handoffs may occur during the process, pricing tends to reflect full-service brokerage rates.
5. Robert Gosalvez
Robert is a Silicon Valley specialist who blends strategic planning with neighborhood expertise, he offers calm, analytical guidance for buyers and sellers in competitive situations.
- Offerings: Data-driven market analysis, buyer and seller representation, targeted negotiation strategies.
- Pros: Long-term Silicon Valley expertise, strong record of successful transactions, client-focused approach.
- Cons: Traditional brokerage fee structures, may not offer flat-fee pricing.
6. Mike Ramos
Mike is a buyer specialist known for negotiation strength, he often secures favorable terms for buyers in competitive Sunnyvale markets.
- Offerings: Buyer representation, aggressive negotiation, deal sourcing and offer strategy.
- Pros: High buyer-success rate, skilled at getting discounts or seller concessions when possible.
- Cons: Primarily buyer-focused, sellers may prefer an agent with listing specialization.
7. Alexandra Zhou
Alexandra combines technology-savvy marketing with experience across price points, she is comfortable with luxury listings and modern digital marketing tactics.
- Offerings: Luxury and mid-market listings, digital marketing, buyer and seller representation.
- Pros: Recognized agent with modern marketing approach, good for tech-sector clients.
- Cons: May operate within traditional brokerage fee models rather than flat-fee structures.
8. Kevin Swartz (Atria Real Estate)
Kevin leads a team known for Eichler specialization and deep construction knowledge, he is ideal for buyers and sellers focused on mid-century modern homes and renovation-led value creation.
- Offerings: Architectural specialization, renovation advising, targeted buyer outreach to stylistic buyers.
- Pros: Niche expertise for Eichler and mid-century homes, strong renovation insight from an engineering background.
- Cons: Niche focus may be less relevant for generic suburban or luxury offerings.
9. Gary Shapiro
Gary offers four decades of Sunnyvale and Santa Clara County experience, he provides historical market context and steady guidance through cycles.
- Offerings: Veteran negotiation, deep local history and neighborhood knowledge, senior-friendly transaction management.
- Pros: Unmatched long-term perspective, reliable for sellers wanting continuity and low stress.
- Cons: Traditional approach may be less tech-forward than newer teams, fee structures follow conventional models.
10. Lex Orosco
Lex focuses on marketing innovation and financial analysis, he is effective at extracting above-market results through targeted campaigns and pricing strategies.
- Offerings: Data-driven pricing, creative marketing, finance-informed advice.
- Pros: Strong marketing track record, finance background useful for complex pricing decisions.
- Cons: Premium marketing often comes with higher fees, not a flat-fee provider by default.
How to choose the right Sunnyvale agent for your situation
Matching agent specialties to buyer and seller scenarios (first-time, upsizer, relocator, investor, executor)
First-time buyers need patient agents who explain contingencies and financing, upsizers want agents experienced with trade-up timing, relocators need strong remote transaction and neighborhood orientation, investors require rent comps and cap-rate modeling, estate executors often need sensitivity and experience managing probate or trustee sales. Match the agent’s past work and specialties to your scenario for best results.
Key metrics to evaluate: list‑to‑sale ratio, average days on market, recent comparable sales
Ask agents for their list-to-sale ratio and average days on market in your neighborhood, review their recent closed comps that closely match your property size and condition, and check whether they regularly achieve sales at or above list price in Sunnyvale’s competitive environment.
Availability, communication style, and team support expectations
Clarify whether your lead agent handles every task or delegates, set expectations for response times and preferred channels, and confirm who your daily contact will be during inspections and escrow so there are no surprises.
Marketing tactics sellers should demand (staging, photography, MLS vs. pocket listings, digital ads)
Sellers should insist on professional photos, floor plans, strategic staging, and a documented digital ad plan, ask how the agent will target buyer demographics, and be explicit about whether they intend to use private or pocket listings and why.
Off‑market access, buyer networks, and early-lead opportunities
Top agents offer buyer networks and early access to listings, ask for examples of off-market deals and how they reached buyers quickly, these advantages can be decisive in Sunnyvale’s low inventory market.
Tech and virtual-capability checklist for remote buyers and virtual closings
- High-quality virtual tours and recorded walkthroughs
- Secure e-signing and digital document management
- Virtual inspection coordination and remote notarization options
- Transparent online reporting for offers, feedback and market metrics
Questions to ask when interviewing Sunnyvale agents
Experience, transaction volume, and neighborhood track record
How many Sunnyvale transactions did you close in the past 12 months, which neighborhoods do you work most in, and can you provide neighborhood-specific data?
Recent local sales and examples comparable to your property or target
Request specific recent sales that match your property size, condition and price band, ask for sale prices, days on market and whether offers exceeded list price.
Pricing strategy and how they arrive at a recommended list or offer price
Ask for a CMA and the assumptions behind adjustments, understand how they factor in condition, upgrades and micro-market demand into the final recommendation.
Negotiation strategy for multiple-offer scenarios
How will they present offers to you, when do they recommend escalation clauses, and how do they preserve your leverage while protecting contingencies?
Timeline, contingency handling, and coordination with lenders/inspectors/escrow
Request a timeline from listing or offer acceptance to close, ask who manages contingency removals and who will coordinate with escrow to keep the deal on schedule.
Fee structure, commission negotiation, and contract terms
Get the full fee breakdown in writing, ask about negotiability and any additional marketing or admin fees, and request a plain-language summary of contract termination clauses and obligations.
References, reviews, and how to verify disciplinary history
Ask for recent client references and review independent platform ratings, verify licensing and disciplinary history through the California Department of Real Estate when you want direct confirmation.
Investor-focused questions: cap rates, rent comps, 1031 and multi-unit experience
Request rent comp reports, historical vacancy rates, cap-rate calculations and examples of multi-unit deals, ask for experience facilitating 1031 exchanges if relevant.
Remote‑buyer questions: virtual showings, inspections, and closing logistics
Confirm availability of virtual tours, remote document signing, and how inspections and final walkthroughs will be handled if you cannot attend in person.
Red flags and warning signs when vetting Sunnyvale agents
No verifiable MLS data or recent comparable sales
Agents who cannot show recent closed comps or verifiable transaction history should be treated with caution.
Poor communication, evasive answers, or unrealistic guarantees
Vague timelines, promises of guaranteed sale price or impossible timelines in a low-inventory market are warning signs, insist on clear, evidence-based explanations.
Negative reviews, unresolved complaints, or disciplinary records
Negative patterns in reviews or unresolved complaints with regulatory bodies indicate potential problems, check licensing histories and ask for references from recent clients.
Pushy contract terms, vague fee explanations, or conflicts of interest
Watch for long automatic renewals, vague fee schedules, or undisclosed dual representation that could bias advice.
Lack of vendor network or inadequate team/transaction support
Agents without reliable local inspectors, contractors, lenders and escrow partners may leave you exposed to delays or poor outcomes.
Sunnyvale neighborhoods, schools and commute factors buyers and sellers care about
Which micro‑markets tend to be highest demand and why
Areas near linked tech campuses, transit corridors and top-rated schools see the highest demand, newer developments and well-maintained mid-century neighborhoods also attract strong buyer interest because of walkability, yard size and commute convenience.
School districts and enrollment impacts on pricing and buyer demand
Sunnyvale buyers frequently prioritize school quality, neighborhood school assignment and enrollment stability influence pricing, homes within highly-rated school zones generally command premiums and faster sales.
Proximity to major tech employers, transit and commute corridors
Close proximity to major tech employers, Caltrain stations and major freeways reduces commute time and increases buyer demand, properties within biking distance of campuses often receive multiple offers quickly.
Typical housing types and price ranges by micro‑market
Sunnyvale inventory spans townhomes and condos under $1M, single-family homes in the mid-market and luxury homes over $2M in select neighborhoods, Eichler-style mid-century homes occupy specific pockets and attract buyers seeking that architectural niche.
Costs, timeline and expected outcomes in Sunnyvale’s market
Typical commission structures and negotiability
Traditional listing commissions in the region range from 4% to 6% split between listing and buyer agents, many top agents deliver full-service value at those rates, flat-fee brokerages like TurboHome offer transparent lower fees which can save sellers tens of thousands compared to percentage-based commissions.
Average timeline to sell or to close on a purchase
In a competitive Sunnyvale market, well-priced homes can go under contract in days to weeks, typical closing timelines from accepted offer to close range 30 to 45 days depending on financing and contingencies, cash deals can close faster.
What most affects final sale price and buyer competition
Accurate pricing, staging, marketing reach and timing are the biggest drivers of sale price, low inventory increases buyer competition, and well-marketed homes that present professionally often trigger multiple-offer scenarios that push prices higher.
Seller‑side tactics to maximize net proceeds and reduce days on market
Invest in staging and high-quality photos, price to invite multiple offers while leaving room for escalation, use agent networks for early buyer outreach and leverage digital ads targeted to likely buyer demographics to accelerate interest.
Documents and reports to request from an agent
Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and recent closed comps
Ask for a detailed CMA with at least three recent closed comps, adjustments explained for condition and upgrades, and a suggested pricing range supported by data.
Seller net sheet and buyer closing cost estimates
Request a seller net sheet showing projected proceeds after fees, taxes and payoffs, buyers should ask for a closing cost estimate including lender fees, escrow, title, and prepaid items.
Sample marketing plan, listing materials, and analytics reporting
Review a sample marketing plan detailing photography, staging budget, ad spend and channel mix, and request sample analytics reports that show impressions, clicks and showing feedback.
Inspection, disclosure and contingency management documents
Ask to see typical inspection reports, standard disclosure templates and the agent’s process for managing repair negotiations and contingency removals.
Investor packet: rent comps, operating pro formas, vacancy and cap‑rate data
Investors should request a packet including rent comps, operating expense assumptions, vacancy estimates, and cap-rate sensitivity analyses tailored to the property and neighborhood.
Conclusion & Next Steps
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