The back story 1
In-depth stories behind the list.
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The back story
Buying property in California: the back story
From Pacific Heights to Montecito and the lake: how buying works in California, and where we’re adding agents.
3 of the best · California, USA
Buying Property in California
How buying works in California, and the regional brokerages we have confirmed so far. We never publish prices.
Our 3 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
What's onThis week in California
Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love California.
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San Francisco specialists
Vanguard Properties
A San Francisco brokerage with its office in Potrero Hill.
636 Vermont St, San Francisco, CA 94107Explore View on map
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Santa Barbara & Montecito
Village Properties
A Santa Barbara brokerage on State Street, covering Montecito and the Santa Ynez Valley.
1436 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Explore View on map
The full list: Property, A–Z
Show 2 of 3 places on a map
Neighbourhood
Brokerages 2
Regional specialists.
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San Francisco specialists
Vanguard Properties
A San Francisco brokerage with its office in Potrero Hill.
636 Vermont St, San Francisco, CA 94107Explore View on map
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Santa Barbara & Montecito
Village Properties
A Santa Barbara brokerage on State Street, covering Montecito and the Santa Ynez Valley.
1436 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101Explore View on map
Mortgage calculator
A rough monthly repayment before you talk to a lender. Everything is worked out in your browser; nothing you type is sent anywhere.
