Choosing a real estate agent in San Diego can feel overwhelming — especially when a quick Google search brings up hundreds of names, all claiming to be the “best.” The truth is, the right agent isn’t just someone with a license or a polished website. It’s someone who understands the local market, listens to your goals, and knows how to guide you through each step with clarity and confidence.
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a place you’ve loved for years, or simply exploring investing in America’s finest city, this guide will help you know exactly what to look for when choosing a real estate agent in San Diego.
Understand the San Diego Market
Why local knowledge matters
San Diego is not a one-size-fits-all real estate market. Pricing, demand, and competition can vary dramatically depending on the neighborhood, school zone, proximity to the coast, or proximity to the freeway. That’s why working with a San Diego real estate agent who truly understands the market is such a big advantage.
Local knowledge helps you:
- Price a home correctly (so you don’t leave money on the table—or scare buyers away)
- Understand what a “good” deal looks like in a specific neighborhood
- Navigate competitive offer situations strategically
- Avoid costly surprises during inspections and escrow
In other words, the best decisions come from local strategy—and local strategy comes from working with a knowledgeable real estate agent.
My neighborhood-specific experience (Bay Park + Point Loma)
Two neighborhoods I work in often are Bay Park and Point Loma—and while they’re both highly desirable, they each have their own “vibes”.
- Bay Park tends to attract buyers who value central access and a strong sense of community. With steady demand, homes that are priced strategically and thoughtfully presented often move quickly. Understanding what today’s buyers are responding to in Bay Park—and how to position a home to stand out—can make a strategic difference.
- Point Loma offers a unique blend of coastal lifestyle, long-term homeownership, and distinct micro-neighborhoods. Easy access to the naval base, the energy of Liberty Station, waterfront pockets, and established residential streets all influence pricing and demand in different ways. Knowing how to evaluate—and strategically navigate—these nuances is key to strong negotiation in Point Loma.
When you’re choosing a real estate agent in San Diego, you want someone who can explain these neighborhood differences clearly—not just pull comps and hope for the best.
Look for Clear Communication and Strategy
My approach to communicating with clients
Real estate can feel complex because it is complex. There are a lot of moving parts, and it’s easy to feel uncertain if you’re not getting clear guidance. My approach is rooted in education first—because confident clients who know all of their options make better decisions.
That means I focus on:
- Explaining all of your options in plain language
- Setting clear expectations for timing, next steps, and decision points
- Staying proactive—so you’re not left wondering what’s happening or what’s next
Whether we’re discussing offer strategy, how to respond to a counteroffer, or what’s happening during escrow, my goal is the same: you should feel informed, supported, and confident—not pressured.
3–4 questions to ask during a consultation
When interviewing a real estate agent in San Diego, these questions can quickly reveal whether they’ll be a strong guide:
- How do you help clients understand their options before making a decision?
You want an agent who explains strategy—not someone who just tells you what to do. - How will we communicate, and how often?
Clear expectations upfront prevent frustration later. - What does your strategy look like once we’re in escrow?
The job isn’t done after the offer is accepted. Escrow is where guidance really matters. - How do you adjust strategy if the market shifts or something unexpected comes up?
Great agents don’t just follow a script—they adapt.
Experience with Buyers vs. Sellers
Why specialization (and a strong team) matters
Buyers and sellers need different things. A strong buyer’s agent understands negotiation, offer positioning, and how to win without overextending. A strong listing agent knows how to price, prepare, and market a home so it attracts the right buyers and sells for top value.
I work with both buyers and sellers throughout San Diego, and I tailor strategy based on your goals, timeline, and the neighborhood we’re working in.
I’m also part of PorchLight, brokered by eXp Realty, one of the top-producing real estate teams in San Diego. That matters because it expands what I can offer clients beyond a single agent’s reach.
What this means for sellers
Because of our team’s local and nationwide connections, we often have buyers already in our broader network who are looking for a home in San Diego. That can create advantages like:
- More exposure beyond public listing sites
- Stronger buyer demand and momentum early on
- A higher likelihood of connecting with qualified buyers quickly
- Potential off-market interest before a home ever hits the MLS
What this means for buyers
For buyers—especially in competitive neighborhoods—one of the biggest advantages is access. Through our network, we can sometimes connect buyers to exclusive off-market properties that aren’t widely advertised. That can mean:
- Less competition
- More breathing room to evaluate the home
- A better chance of finding the right fit when inventory is tight
In San Diego, access and timing can matter just as much as price.
Red Flags to Watch For
A major red flag is when an agent can’t (or won’t) clearly explain your options.
One of the most common mistakes I see is buyers or sellers moving forward without fully understanding what choices are available—whether it’s:
- Offer strategy (price, terms, contingencies, timing, rent-backs)
- Negotiation after inspections
- What happens if the appraisal comes in low
- How to protect yourself during escrow without losing leverage
A good real estate agent doesn’t just “handle it.” An experienced agent will walk you through your options, explain tradeoffs, and help you choose the strategy that fits your goals—not theirs.
If an agent is vague, reactive, or makes you feel rushed without clarity, that’s a sign to pause.
Why Working with a San Diego Local Makes a Difference
San Diego isn’t just where I work—it’s home. My family’s roots go back decades here, and my husband’s family has deep ties to the city as well. His great-uncles helped bring pizza to San Diego, and Pernicano’s Italian Restaurant is part of that legacy. It’s a longtime local favorite—and a great spot to add to your list if you’re craving pizza or pasta.
Now, we’re choosing to raise our family here—so for me, this market isn’t just numbers and transactions. It’s neighborhoods, community, lifestyle, and long-term value. I t’s knowing what it feels like to build a life here, invest with intention, and plan for the long term.
Outside of work, you’ll often find me at Law Street in Pacific Beach, my go-to surf spot. And if you want a real feel for San Diego beyond the real estate side, I also share local recommendations and fun things to do around the city on Instagram @marypernicano.
Ready to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent in San Diego?
If you’re buying, selling, or investing in San Diego, I’d love to help you navigate the process with clarity, confidence, and a strategy that fits your goals.
- Schedule a consultation call to talk through your timeline, options, and next steps.
- Or visit my About page to learn more about my approach and what it’s like to work together.
Choosing the right real estate agent in San Diego doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right guidance, it can feel clear—and exciting!
