Real Estate Brokerages in California - Top Companies

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California is home to a diverse range of real estate brokerages, each with its own unique strengths and specialties.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is one of the largest real estate brokerages in California, with over 100 offices across the state.

Keller Williams Realty is another major player in the California real estate market, with a strong focus on technology and innovative marketing strategies.

In 2020, Keller Williams Realty had over 1,000 agents working in California, making it one of the largest real estate companies in the state by agent count.

With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming for homebuyers and sellers to decide which brokerage is right for them.

Top Real Estate Brokerages in California

The top real estate brokerages in California are a force to be reckoned with. They employ thousands of salespersons and have a significant impact on the state's real estate market.

According to the California Bureau of Real Estate (CalBRE), the number of active salespersons statewide increased just 4.0% from January 2017 to January 2018. In contrast, the top 50 brokerages saw an increase of 12.5% over the same period, with the largest 10 brokerages adding 2,011 agents.

For another approach, see: Software for Real Estate Brokerages

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The top 10 largest brokerages in California are located in or near urban areas, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. These brokerages focus primarily on single-family residential (SFR) sales, with CBRE, Inc being the only top-ten brokerage to focus on commercial real estate.

Here are the top 10 largest brokerages in California, as of January 2018:

Note: The list above is not exhaustive and is based on the article section examples provided.

The Top 10 - How Do They Do It?

The largest 10 real estate brokerages in California are doing something right, as they collectively added 2,011 agents in 2018, making up nearly half of the total agents added by the top 50 brokerages.

These exceptionally large brokerages saw a majority increase their number of salespersons employed, with a total increase of 12.5% from January 2017 to January 2018.

The California Bureau of Real Estate reports that real estate agent licensing remains down significantly from the boom years preceding 2008, resulting in fewer agents to go around.

Recommended read: Real Estate Agents

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Focused and better-qualified agents are needed for today's more targeted and refined client service operations, which is why brokers are streamlining their operations and cutting back on unnecessary agents.

CBRE, Inc is the only top-ten brokerage to focus on commercial real estate, while the majority of the top 10 brokerages focus on single family residential (SFR) sales.

All top ten brokers are located in or near urban areas, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, which are poised for growth in 2018 and the future.

Smaller brokerages can benefit from diversifying their services, providing a buffer when one niche in the market is on a downswing, as seen with F.M. Tarbell's relocation services and property management services.

Real Estate eBroker Inc, an online-based brokerage, remains one of the few large brokerages continuing to grow each year during this housing recovery, thanks to its tech-savvy business model.

Successful brokers support their sales agents by offering extended training and staff support, such as Sotheby's International Realty's training for new and experienced agents in a range of transactions.

How to Find Top Agents in California

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Finding top real estate agents in California can be a daunting task, but there's a service that can make it easier: UpNest. UpNest is a no-cost platform that allows you to compare multiple agents in your area, including reviews, commission rates, and previous sales.

UpNest's network agents have been carefully vetted and often offer competitive, lower than average commission rates to customers. This can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

The California Association of Realtors' housing and economic forecast predicts a 5.2% increase in the state's median home price to $834,400 in 2022.

Top Real Estate Brokerages in California

If you're looking for top-notch real estate brokerages in California, two names stand out: The Bienstock Group and Van Wig & Associates with Keller Williams Realty. The Bienstock Group was founded in 2006 by Sheri Bienstock and has built a reputation for exceptional service.

Their expertise, local knowledge, and white-glove service deliver extraordinary results for both homebuyers and sellers. The group is a luxury specialist who sells 69% more single-family homes than the average Los Angeles agent.

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Van Wig & Associates is an award-winning group serving Lakewood, Long Beach, and surrounding areas since 1988. They're five-star rated across multiple review sites and real estate channels.

Team lead Allison Van Wig is a single-family home expert in the Long Beach and Lakewood areas, selling 72% more homes than the average Lakewood agent and 44% faster.

Top Real Estate Brokerages in California

There are many top-performing real estate brokerages in California, and it's worth noting that some have been in the business for over a decade.

The Bienstock Group was founded in 2006 and has built a reputation for exceptional service. They're a luxury specialist who sells 69% more single-family homes than the average Los Angeles agent.

Some top-performing brokerages in specific cities include The Gunderman Group in Oakland, which is one of the top-performing large real estate teams in the area. They've been in the business since 2000 and consistently rank among the top 100 Realtors in the country.

For your interest: Ca Business Taxes

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Another notable brokerage is The Geronsins Real Estate Group in Anaheim, which is a family team with over 65 years of combined experience. They sell 76% more homes than the average Yorba Linda agent.

JohnHart Real Estate is a full-service real estate firm headquartered in Los Angeles that expertly serves buyers and sellers in California. They have a proven track record of experience, support, and success.

Here are some of the top real estate brokerages in California, grouped by city:

  • Los Angeles: The Bienstock Group, JohnHart Real Estate
  • Oakland: The Gunderman Group
  • Anaheim: The Geronsins Real Estate Group

Preferred Brokers

When choosing a top real estate brokerage in California, it's essential to consider the options. Coldwell Banker Preferred Realtors is a top-performing real estate group in Bakersfield, with a five-star rating and enthusiastic client reviews.

They've been helping residents become active and connected citizens within the Bakersfield community since 1993, and are members of various local, regional, state, and national industry associations.

If you're looking for top real estate agents in Anaheim or Yorba Linda, Coldwell Banker Preferred Realtors is a great option.

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To find the best real estate agents in California, you can use UpNest, which is owned by Realtor.com. UpNest allows you to compare multiple agents in your area, including reviews, commission rates, previous sales, and more.

The top real estate companies in California, such as Coldwell Banker, have a significant presence in the state. Coldwell Banker was founded in San Francisco in 1906 and has over 75 offices in California, with a massive global network of agents.

Here are some of the top real estate brokerages in California:

  • Coldwell Banker Preferred Realtors (Bakersfield)
  • Coldwell Banker (San Francisco)
  • UpNest (statewide)

These brokerages offer competitive commission rates, advanced marketing strategies, and a network of experienced agents. By choosing the right brokerage, you can potentially save thousands on commission and find the perfect home in California.

Alain Pinel

Alain Pinel Realtors is the fifth largest residential real estate firm in the US and the largest privately owned residential real estate company in California based on its closed sales volume. They've been serving real estate clients since 1990.

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With over 1,400 agents in more than 30 offices throughout Northern California, Alain Pinel Realtors has a diverse team with in-house mortgage advisors, relocation and client services, a proprietary investment group, and an international network of referring real estate agents.

They've averaged no fewer than five awards for service per year, which is a testament to their commitment to excellence.

Local Properties and Agents

In California, local properties and agents play a crucial role in the real estate market. Many brokerages have a strong presence in their local communities.

The state's unique geography, with diverse climates and landscapes, means that local properties can vary greatly in terms of style, size, and price. For example, a coastal property in San Diego may have a very different feel and value than a mountain retreat in Lake Tahoe.

Local agents, who often have extensive knowledge of their neighborhoods, can provide valuable insights to buyers and sellers. They can help navigate the complexities of local regulations and market trends, making the home-buying or selling process smoother and more successful.

Find Top Local Properties

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If you're looking to find top local properties, you can start by checking out the top residential and commercial real estate brokerages in California.

There are numerous cities in California that have a high demand for properties, such as Anaheim, Beverly Hills, and San Francisco.

You can also search for properties in specific cities, like Bakersfield, Chula Vista, or El Cajon.

Some of the most sought-after cities in California include Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose.

Here's a list of some of the top cities to consider when searching for properties in California:

  • Los Angeles
  • San Diego
  • San Jose
  • Anaheim
  • Beverly Hills
  • San Francisco

These cities offer a wide range of properties, from luxury homes to commercial spaces, so you're sure to find something that fits your needs.

Lyon

Lyon Real Estate is a client-oriented company in the Greater Sacramento region. They have a 97% customer satisfaction rating from client surveys conducted over the past 12 months.

Their team of agents helps clients achieve their homeownership dreams, selling goals, and financial security. Lyon has achieved national and international prominence.

The firm is committed to the communities they serve, and they have a non-profit organization called the Lyon Cares Foundation. They have donated over $850,000 to local nonprofits.

You can rely on Lyon Real Estate for an agent you can fully trust.

ERA Carlile Lending

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ERA Carlile Lending is a top performer in California, ranking as one of the top large real estate teams in the state last year.

Their boutique brokerage offers a wide variety of services for buyers, sellers, and investors under one roof.

Carlile Realty is five-star rated across review sites and real estate channels, a testament to their exceptional service.

By providing most real estate services in-house, Carlile is typically able to close deals faster, offer better deals, and exceed buyer and seller expectations.

Sotheby's Santa Barbara Coastal Sale

Sotheby's Santa Barbara Coastal has multiple top-grossing agents in the country, making them a top choice for luxury real estate in California.

Their agents are local experts who are globally connected, ready to guide you on your home journey with a truly personalized experience.

Sotheby's is known for providing fantastic real estate marketing and representation, helping you showcase your property to the right audience.

Their agents participate in Conservation International's "Protect an Acre" program, giving back to the community and helping protect precious rainforest acres and the species they contain.

With their expertise and global connections, Sotheby's Santa Barbara Coastal is a trusted partner for buying or selling a home in the area.

First Team

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First Team Real Estate is a luxury real estate firm based in Irvine, serving communities all over Southern California. Founded in 1976, they've grown to a team of 2000+ agents with 30 office locations from Anaheim Hills to San Clemente.

They've been voted the best real estate company by the Orange County Register for 12 years in a row. First Team Real Estate specializes in luxury real estate, but they also have a wide range of affordable listings (under $600,000).

First Team Real Estate has been trusted to represent home buyers and sellers as the largest privately held family-owned company in Southern California. With over 95,000 successfully closed transactions in 2020, they provide an unmatched level of worldwide exposure to the world's most affluent homebuyers.

They raised a record $250,000 at the inaugural Superhero Golf Tournament this year for charity partners Team Kids. Their commitment to serving their local communities is truly admirable.

Anaheim-Yorba Linda

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Anaheim-Yorba Linda is a popular area in Orange County, California, with a diverse range of properties and agents to choose from.

The median home price in Anaheim-Yorba Linda is around $640,000, making it an attractive option for homebuyers looking for a affordable option in a desirable location.

With a strong economy and a high quality of life, it's no wonder that Anaheim-Yorba Linda is a top choice for families and individuals alike.

The area is home to a variety of neighborhoods, including Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda, and Orange, each with its own unique character and charm.

Anaheim Hills is known for its rolling hills and scenic views, while Yorba Linda is famous for its beautiful parks and outdoor recreational opportunities.

The area has a mix of old and new homes, with some properties dating back to the early 20th century and others being newly built.

Many of the homes in Anaheim-Yorba Linda are part of homeowners associations, which can provide a sense of community and help maintain property values.

Local agents in the area are knowledgeable about the market and can help you find the perfect property to suit your needs and budget.

Brokerage Companies

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California is a fantastic place to buy or sell a home, and partnering with the right real estate company can make all the difference. Here are some top-notch brokerage companies to consider:

Compass is one of the top real estate companies in California, offering a wide range of services to homebuyers and sellers.

Coldwell Banker is a well-established brand with a strong presence in California, providing expert guidance throughout the homebuying and selling process.

Lyon Real Estate is another reputable company that has been serving California clients for years, with a focus on local market expertise.

The Altman Brothers have a long history of success in California real estate, with a team of experienced agents who know the local market inside and out.

Here are some of the top real estate companies in California, in no particular order:

  1. Compass
  2. Coldwell Banker
  3. Lyon Real Estate
  4. The Altman Brothers
  5. Keller Williams
  6. Village Properties
  7. Barry Estates
  8. Big Block Realty North
  9. Berkshire Hathaway
  10. First Team Real Estate

Regional Brokerages

Regional brokerages in California are often family-owned or small businesses, with some dating back to the early 20th century.

One notable example is Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, which has a long history in the state.

Many regional brokerages have a strong focus on community involvement and philanthropy, such as the efforts of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties in supporting local charities.

FresYes Realty Group with eXp

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FresYes Realty Group with eXp Realty is one of the highest-performing large real estate teams in California.

They're also highly rated across multiple review sites, including Yelp, Google, Zillow, Facebook, and EffectiveAgents.com.

Their agents are highly rated and sell more houses faster than the average Fresno agent.

FresYes agents operate on a “Yes and” mindset, going above and beyond what's requested of them, with excitement for the challenge.

Keller Williams Silicon Valley

Keller Williams Silicon Valley is a prominent real estate brand that puts their clients first. Their team of experts views buying or selling a home as a life-changing experience.

They have a team of highly-seasoned real estate professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service for all clients.

KWSV takes great pride in the relationships they build and always work relentlessly on the client's behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals.

Hash-Mark7. Barry

Barry Estates is a family-owned luxury real estate brokerage serving San Diego and surrounding areas. They've been around since 1986 and have made a name for themselves as the top real estate team in the San Diego area.

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Catherine and Daniel Barry founded the company, and their three children have continued the family legacy. This family involvement has helped them build deep roots in the community, which is a major advantage when it comes to understanding the local market.

Their experience and knowledge of the area have enabled them to close some of the biggest deals in county history. In 2021 alone, they did over $1 billion in residential sales.

Hash Mark 8 North

Hash Mark 8 North is a Sacramento-based real estate firm serving various communities across Northern California.

They have a strong presence in areas like Rancho Cordova and Esparto, giving them a deep understanding of the local market.

As the #1 real estate team in California for most homes sold, Big Block Realty North has a proven track record of success.

Their team of experts is highly knowledgeable about the communities they serve, making them a go-to choice for homebuyers and sellers.

The Inc 500 has recognized Big Block Realty North as one of the Top 50 fastest-growing companies in the country for the past three years.

Their technology-driven, agent-centric approach has attracted some of the best realtors in the state, further solidifying their reputation as a top brokerage.

Hash-Mark10. First Team

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First Team Real Estate is a luxury real estate firm based in Irvine, serving communities all over Southern California. They've been voted the best real estate company by the Orange County Register for 12 years in a row.

They specialize in luxury real estate, but also have a wide range of affordable listings under $600,000. This means they can help you find the perfect home, regardless of your budget or preference.

First Team Real Estate has grown to a team of 2000+ agents with 30 office locations from Anaheim Hills to San Clemente.

Buying and Selling

Buying and selling a property in California can be a complex process, especially for those new to the real estate market. In California, real estate brokerages are required to be licensed by the California Department of Real Estate.

To become a licensed real estate agent in California, you'll need to complete 135 hours of education courses and pass a licensing exam. California real estate brokerages often have their own training programs for agents.

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In California, real estate transactions are typically handled by a real estate agent or broker, who will guide you through the process and represent your interests. Real estate agents in California are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

The California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) recommends that homebuyers and sellers work with a real estate agent who is a member of the organization. Many California real estate brokerages are affiliated with C.A.R. and offer exclusive services to their members.

California real estate brokerages often charge a commission fee, which typically ranges from 4-6% of the sale price. This fee is usually split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hottest real estate markets in California?

The hottest real estate markets in California are Sunnyvale, Fremont, and Santa Clara, which are known for their high demand and rapid appreciation in property values. These cities are popular among tech professionals and families, driving up housing prices and making them attractive investment opportunities.

Who is the largest real estate holder in California?

Sierra Pacific Industries is the largest private landowner in California, owned by the Emmerson family since 1949. The family's net worth is estimated to be around $5 billion.

Vanessa Schmidt

Lead Writer

Vanessa Schmidt is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for research, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the world of personal finance. Her expertise has led to the creation of articles on a wide range of topics, including Wells Fargo credit card information, where she provides readers with valuable insights and practical advice.

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