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It starts with change.

You might be tired of paying rent. Maybe it's time for more space. Or you're thinking about a second home.

Change is exciting. But change means decisions. Some are straightforward. Other are layered with timing, taxes, or family dynamics. All come with consequences.

I'll guide you through those decisions while protecting your time, energy, and money - so you spend more time living your life.

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My Story


I know how important these decisions are because
I've lived them.

I relocated from Connecticut to San Francisco for a career in tech. I've rented. I've bought. I've sold. I've been a landlord. I've upgraded.

I know the excitement. I know the uncertainty. I know the weight of getting it right.

That journey led me into real estate.

I started my career in one of the toughest Bay Area markets on record, solving problems when the easy answer didn't exist and spotting opportunities others missed. Since then, my approach has evolved into a high-touch, strategic advisory service designed for people who want more than just a transaction.

For more than 15 years, I've helped professionals and families through some of life's biggest transitions - relocating across the country and the globe, buying a first home, upgrading as families grow, downsizing with intention, settling an estate, and helping parents support their kids as they get started.

Homes change. Markets shift. What stays constant is the need to focus on what truly matters.

We'll move at your pace. But when it counts, I move fast, think creatively, and help you make decisions you won't regret.

Erin H.
What My Clients Say

After I mentioned to one of my clients that we wanted to sell our house, she said, "We just sold ours and you need to meet Karen McCarthy. We loved her. She's no nonsense and a real go-getter!" My interest was piqued and we called Karen. After one meeting, it was obvious that Karen was a good fit for us. Selling your house can be a real emotional roller coaster ride at times and physically exhausting at ...

— Cynthia P.

What My Clients Say

Over the years, Karen has leased more than 30 of my units. She prices strategically, screens rigorously, and managers the process from start to finish. The result is always the same: excellent tenants, fast placements, and peace of mind.

— Will M.

What My Clients Say

Amazing personal service. Karen not took care of details for me, she coordinated the perfect team to make selling my apartment a huge success. When it came to strategy, Karen really showed why she is a top producer. Karen priced it perfectly to create a bidding war, which is no small thing for a TIC apartment. I couldn't be more pleased, and I'd highly recommend her to anyone who wants an agent who makes...

— Christopher B.

What My Clients Say

Karen managed to make the process go as smoothly a possible. She was creative in her solutions and never pushy, always putting my interests first. She always gave me a 110% and as many of us know, buying a home in SF can be challenging and frustrating and I am glad I had this experience with Karen. She is honest, well connected, knowledgeable about the city's demographics, tenant laws, mortgage financ...

— Valerie D.

What My Clients Say

My family had an elder member move into assisted living facility and needed to sell his Eureka Valley home of 40 years to pay for expenses. Karen was faced with a challenging situation as the home also had a long term protected tenant living in an unwarranted in-law. Most buyers were not willing to take on the tenant so the home had to be priced perfectly and also marketed to right buyer. Karen could not...

— Dennis T.

What My Clients Say

Karen is an amazing agent: she's a straightforward, no nonsense personality who will bend over backwards to help her clients find what they're looking for. She knows the City inside and out and went out of her way to help my husband and I navigate the current real estate market to find a home we're thrilled to be living in. She's very good at interacting with sellers' agents to find out important details...

— Lorraine S.

What My Clients Say

Karen was a pleasure to work with when buying our first San Francisco Home. We found her by luck online and could not believe how great of a fit she was for us and our personalities. She would anticipate problems before they would occur and have a solution ready to go. She was on the ball, great at keeping us informed, and we really felt like she was our personal advocate. I would definitely use Karen ag...

— Amy R.

What My Clients Say

The sale of my San Francisco property was going to be challenging and I needed someone who could think out of the box and really dedicate some effort to it, especially since I was planning to be out of the country during much of the time the property was listed. Let me say again, there was nothing easy about the sale of my property. Karen's persistence, creativity, availability, intensity and ability to ...

— Devin K.

What My Clients Say

Karen McCarthy is an exemplary real estate professional. From the minute we got in touch to closing, Karen has been unfailingly efficient, thorough, and responsive. As we are currently based largely abroad, we were initially not sure we would be able to garner enough perspective to feel comfortable moving forward. Karen surpassed all expectations, and was able to coordinate logistics for viewing and clos...

— Hm S.

What My Clients Say

Karen is frankly just fantastic all around - professional, detailed, knowledgeable, generous with her time and energy, as well as very well-networked in her space. With Karen's help and advice, I not only found the home of my dreams, but also won it in a very tight battle with other potential buyers. I also really enjoyed the process with Karen as she is so personable and pleasant - and she gives her o...

— Erin H.

Ready for What's Next?

You bring the questions.
We explore what's possible.
You choose the next step.

The Market Update You Won't Delete

One email. Once a month. Clarity for smarter moves in real estate and life.

Let's Work Together

Get assistance in determining current property value, crafting a competitive offer, writing and negotiating a contract, and much more. Contact Karen today.