SELLING HERE
What sells a San Carlos home well
San Carlos buyers compare homes closely, so preparation and pricing do most of the heavy lifting. With a Q1 2026 median single-family price around $2.88 million and roughly 35 days on market citywide, well-prepared homes at the right price can move quickly, while overpriced or under-prepared homes sit, even in desirable neighborhoods.
SELL YOUR HOME
Get top dollar for it
Viv and Mark are not only the hosts of San Carlos Life, but they are also the brokers and owners of Vabrato – a local boutique firm serving San Carlos CA real estate. But wait there’s more, Viv is an interior designer and Mark is a General Contractor.
They can show you how your San Carlos home could be upgraded so you can net more money when selling it and they can even do the upgrades for you.
BUY A HOME
Make your dream house a reality
Homes for sale in San Carlos CA are very unique; there is a great deal of variation in architecture, topography, age, views and prices.
If you’re looking to buy a home in the City of Good Living, then allow Mark and Viv to be your tour guides through this amazing town. If you need help with financing, Mark and Viv can refer you to one of their trusted mortgage brokers to help you make that dream house a reality.
MARKET UPDATES
What’s going on in real estate?
This is the place to find out! Whether it’s what homes are selling for in different neighborhoods or how much inventory is there to select from? All your market trends are available here.
REAL ESTATE
Is San Carlos a competitive real estate market?
Most of the time, yes — but it depends on what and where. A well-priced, well-prepared home in a sought-after part of town can draw multiple offers in a weekend. A dated home in a busier corridor can sit longer. Price point, condition, school assignment, and current inventory all move the needle.
Why do buyers choose San Carlos?
The short version: schools, downtown, and location. The longer version is that Caltrain, 101, and 280 are all close, the parks system is unusually good for a city this size, and you can choose between flat downtown-adjacent streets, hillside view homes, and condo and townhome options without leaving the city.
What kinds of homes are available?
Single-family homes dominate, but you'll also find condos and townhomes (more common closer to El Camino and downtown), hillside view homes on the west side, and a mix of original 1950s ranchers, fully remodeled properties, and newer builds. Lot sizes, layouts, and condition swing widely from one neighborhood to the next.
How much do homes cost in San Carlos?
Prices change with the market and vary a lot by neighborhood, condition, and view. Rather than quote a number that may be out of date by the time you read this, check our San Carlos market trends page for current medians and recent sales, then ask Mark or Viv for a property-specific take.
What should sellers know before listing?
Buyers here compare homes carefully. Before you list, get clear on pricing, decide what level of prep work makes sense (paint, light repairs, staging, or more), and have your inspections and disclosures lined up. First impressions matter — photos and the first weekend on market do a lot of the work.
What should buyers review before making an offer?
Disclosures, inspections, recent comparable sales, school assignment for that exact address, commute timing, and the home's own condition and any deferred maintenance. A local agent can flag things that don't show up in online listings, like a busy cut-through street or an upcoming HOA assessment.
Who can help me buy or sell here?
Mark Martinho and Vivienne Kelvin at Vabrato Real Estate are the team behind San Carlos Life. They handle pricing, prep, disclosures, offers, and timing for buyers and sellers across every San Carlos neighborhood. You can reach them through the contact page on this site or directly through Vabrato.
Real Estate Blog
Design to Sell Advice For Your San Carlos Home
Selling a home isn’t just about listing it on the market; it’s about making it as attractive as possible to potential buyers. By implementing strategic design updates, you not only enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal but also signal to buyers that the property has been well cared for.
Highest and Lowest Priced Homes Sold in San Carlos CA, in February 2025
For February 2025, there were a total of 13 homes sold in San Carlos, with sale prices ranging from $4,100,000 to $2,388,000. Here are the highest and lowest priced homes sold last month –
Are You Covered If Your San Carlos Home Burns Down?
Are you covered? With all the recent fires in Southern California, home insurance has been at the forefront of people’s minds and the news. One particular concern circulating is that insurers may not pay out on policies when the policy is written in the homeowner’s personal name, but the property’s title has been transferred to a trust.
Building an ADU in San Carlos: A Guide for Homeowners
With housing prices skyrocketing, ADUs are a practical way to create extra living space – perfect for aging parents, extended families, or tenants – while avoiding the high costs of traditional housing. Are you thinking of building an ADU in San Carlos? Here is a helpful guide on how to –
Highest and Lowest Priced Homes Sold in San Carlos CA, in January 2025
For the first month of the year, January 2025, there were a total of 11 homes sold in San Carlos, with sale prices ranging from $5,750,000 to $1,825,000. Here are the highest and lowest priced homes sold last month –
How to Prepare for a Wildfire in San Carlos
Hardening your home against wildfires is a critical step in protecting your property and loved ones. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) provides comprehensive guidelines on how to prepare for a wildfire –