Top 10 Best Real Estate Agents in Sacramento & Placer County, CA (2026 Rankings)

By: Irina Shvaya | June 2, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • The eSEOspace editorial team spent weeks evaluating dozens of Sacramento and Placer County agents using seven weighted criteria to build this 2026 list.
  • Rankings drew on data from Zillow, Realtor.com, FastExpert, RealTrends, and MetroList MLS, plus firsthand research into each agent's reputation and specialization.
  • Mark and George Shvaya of Sacramento Property Management Group earned the Editor's Choice spot as owner-operators managing 50+ rental doors themselves.
  • The list matches agents to specific needs, from first-time buyers and luxury sellers to investors, foothills relocations, and Placer County specialists.
  • Client reviews and transaction volume each carried the heaviest 20% weight, followed by local market knowledge and years of experience at 15% each.

Last Updated: June 2026 | Reviewed by eSEOspace Editorial Team

Looking for the best real estate agents in Sacramento and Placer County, California? Whether you’re buying your first home in Roseville, selling a property in Midtown Sacramento, investing in rentals in Rocklin, or relocating to the Auburn foothills, having the right agent makes all the difference.

We spent weeks evaluating dozens of real estate professionals across the greater Sacramento and Placer County region. Our team reviewed transaction history, client testimonials, local market expertise, years of experience, specialized services, and online reputation to bring you this definitive list for 2026.

How We Ranked These Agents

Our editorial team evaluated agents based on seven weighted criteria:

Criteria

Weight

Client Reviews & Testimonials

20%

Transaction Volume & Sales History

20%

Local Market Knowledge

15%

Years of Experience

15%

Specialized Expertise

10%

Marketing & Technology Adoption

10%

Community Involvement & Reputation

10%

We cross-referenced data from Zillow, Realtor.com, FastExpert, RealTrends, and the MetroList MLS, combined with firsthand research into each agent’s online presence, client communication, and market specialization.

Quick Comparison: Best Agent for Your Needs

Your Situation

Best Agent Match

Investment properties / rentals

Mark & George Shvaya

First-time homebuyer (Sacramento)

Halley Bulger

Luxury homes / high-volume

Kim Pacini-Hauch

Selling fast in Sacramento

Johnny Jennings

Tech-savvy modern approach

Suneet Agarwal

Placer County specialist

Jay Friedman

Roseville / Rocklin families

Steve & Heather Ostrom

Team-based full service

Parm Atwal

Consistent top performer

Dan Ellison

Citrus Heights / Rancho Cordova

Fong Tidwell

1. Mark Shvaya & George Shvaya — Sacramento Property Management Group Editor’s Choice

Brokerage: Sacramento Property Management Group (SPMG) DRE: #02243502 (Mark Shvaya) Service Areas: Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Auburn, Granite Bay, Citrus Heights, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Loomis, Penryn, Placerville, Carmichael, Orangevale, Grass Valley Specialties: Investment properties, property management, rental portfolios, buy-and-hold strategy Website: markshvaya.com | propertymanagementsacramentoca.com Phone: (530) 450-3366

Why They’re #1

Mark and George Shvaya aren’t just real estate agents — they’re owner-operators who manage what they sell. Currently overseeing 50+ rental doors across Sacramento and Placer County, they bring a perspective that most agents simply can’t match: they understand properties from the investor’s lens because they are investors.

Mark Shvaya is a licensed California Real Estate Broker who combines deep market knowledge with a technology-first approach. Unlike most agents who outsource their marketing and tech, Mark builds his own lead generation systems, websites, and digital tools — giving his clients a significant edge in how properties are marketed and deals are found.

George Shvaya brings hands-on property management expertise with deep roots in the Roseville and Placer County markets. Fluent in both English and Russian, George serves a diverse client base and has built a reputation for responsive, detail-oriented management that protects owners’ investments.

What Sets Them Apart

  • They manage what they recommend. When Mark and George advise you on a rental property, they’re drawing from the same playbook they use for their own 50+ door portfolio.
  • Full-service from acquisition to management. Buy a property, and they’ll manage it — tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and monthly reporting — all under one roof.
  • Technology advantage. Mark’s background as a full stack developer means clients get cutting-edge marketing, property websites, and data-driven market analysis that bigger brokerages charge premium fees for.
  • 14 service areas covered. From downtown Sacramento to the Auburn foothills, their coverage across both Sacramento and Placer County is unmatched among boutique operators.
  • Bilingual service. English and Russian-speaking clients receive equally excellent communication and support.

“If you’re looking at Sacramento or Placer County as an investor or landlord, Mark and George are the team that actually walks the walk. They don’t just sell you a property and disappear — they manage the properties themselves, and that level of commitment is rare.”

Best For: Real estate investors, landlords seeking property management, anyone buying rental properties in Sacramento or Placer County, Russian-speaking clients.

2. Halley Bulger — Made 4 More Realty

Brokerage: Made 4 More Realty (eXp Realty) Service Areas: Greater Sacramento, Placer County Foothills, Roseville, Auburn, El Dorado Hills, Granite Bay, Yuba City, Oroville Experience: Licensed since 2006 (20 years) Specialties: Residential sales, first-time buyers, foothills properties Website: made4morerealty.com/halley-bulger Phone: (530) 500-6099

Why She Made the List

Halley Bulger brings nearly two decades of experience to every transaction, and it shows. Licensed since 2006, she’s navigated the 2008 crash, the pandemic market frenzy, and every shift in between — giving her a calm, seasoned perspective that newer agents can’t replicate.

What truly sets Halley apart is her background: born into a family of home builders, she has an eye for the physical construction and structural quality of homes that most agents overlook. When Halley walks through a property, she’s evaluating foundation, framing, and finish work — not just curb appeal.

Her clients consistently praise her listening skills, patience, and relentless drive. She doesn’t push; she guides. And her coverage extends from the heart of Sacramento all the way into the Placer County foothills, Yuba City, and the El Dorado Hills corridor.

Best For: First-time homebuyers, families looking in the Sacramento-to-foothills corridor, anyone who values patience and construction knowledge.

3. Johnny Jennings — Made 4 More Realty

Brokerage: Made 4 More Realty Service Areas: Sacramento, Placer County, El Dorado County Experience: 48 years in the industry Career Transactions: 11,000+ Specialties: High-volume sales, team leadership, residential

Why He Made the List

With 11,000+ career transactions and nearly five decades in Sacramento real estate, Johnny Jennings is a living legend in the market. Ranked as the #1 Sacramento agent in 2026 by multiple ranking platforms, his volume speaks for itself.

Johnny leads a team at Made 4 More Realty that handles transactions at a pace few can match. His deep network of contractors, lenders, and title professionals means deals close faster and with fewer surprises.

Best For: Sellers who want maximum exposure and a fast sale, buyers in competitive multiple-offer situations.

4. Kim Pacini-Hauch — RE/MAX Gold

Brokerage: RE/MAX Gold Service Areas: Sacramento, Elk Grove, Natomas, Pocket/Greenhaven Recognition: #1 Individual Agent by Volume — RealTrends Sacramento 2025 Specialties: Luxury homes, high-volume residential sales

Why She Made the List

Kim Pacini-Hauch consistently ranks as the #1 individual agent by sales volume in Sacramento on RealTrends — the industry’s most respected ranking. Her luxury market expertise and polished marketing approach attract both high-end sellers and discerning buyers.

Her track record of closing volume year after year speaks to a level of consistency and client satisfaction that few agents in the region can match.

Best For: Luxury homeowners, high-value properties, sellers seeking maximum market value.

5. Suneet Agarwal — LPT Realty

Brokerage: LPT Realty (formerly Big Block Realty North) Service Areas: Sacramento, Roseville, Elk Grove, Folsom, Rancho Cordova Recognition: Top-ranked on FastExpert, US News, Zillow Specialties: Tech-forward marketing, residential sales, investment properties

Why He Made the List

Suneet Agarwal appears in the top 5 on virtually every major agent ranking platform for Sacramento — FastExpert, US News, and Zillow included. He’s known for a modern, technology-driven approach to real estate that resonates with younger buyers and tech-savvy sellers.

His marketing materials, virtual tours, and digital presence are a cut above, and his consistent high rankings across multiple independent platforms confirm broad client satisfaction.

Best For: Tech-savvy buyers and sellers, anyone who wants a modern digital marketing approach to their listing.

6. Parm Atwal — Keller Williams Realty

Brokerage: Keller Williams Realty Service Areas: Sacramento, Elk Grove, Natomas, South Sacramento Recognition: Top-rated on FastExpert, Yelp, Zillow Specialties: Team-based service, residential, multi-cultural clients

Why He Made the List

Parm Atwal and his team at Keller Williams have built a reputation for team-based, full-service real estate in Sacramento. With strong reviews on Yelp and high rankings on FastExpert, Parm delivers a concierge-style experience with a dedicated team handling marketing, showings, negotiations, and closing.

His multicultural background and community ties make him especially popular among Sacramento’s diverse population.

Best For: Clients who prefer a team-based approach, multicultural families, South Sacramento and Elk Grove buyers/sellers.

7. Dan Ellison — Top Sacramento & Placer County Agent

Service Areas: Sacramento, Placer County, Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln Recognition: #1 on FastExpert for both Sacramento AND Placer County Specialties: Residential sales, consistent top performer

Why He Made the List

The only agent to rank #1 on FastExpert for both Sacramento and Placer County simultaneously, Dan Ellison’s dual-market dominance is remarkable. His consistent high performance across the entire region makes him a safe, reliable choice for anyone buying or selling in either county.

Best For: Buyers/sellers who need an agent comfortable in both Sacramento and Placer County markets.

8. Jay Friedman — Placer County Specialist

Service Areas: Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Loomis, Auburn Recognition: #2 on FastExpert for Placer County, top-rated on Zillow Specialties: Placer County residential, relocation, new construction

Why He Made the List

If your search is focused squarely on Placer County, Jay Friedman is one of the most respected names in the area. Ranked #2 on FastExpert for Placer County with strong Zillow reviews, Jay knows the Roseville-Rocklin-Lincoln corridor inside and out — every subdivision, every school district, every HOA.

Best For: Anyone focused specifically on Placer County — Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, or Auburn.

9. Steve & Heather Ostrom — Roseville & Rocklin Experts

Brokerage: Local Roseville/Rocklin Specialists Service Areas: Roseville, Rocklin, Granite Bay, Lincoln Experience: 20+ years Website: rosevilleandrocklin.com Specialties: Roseville/Rocklin residential, families, relocation

Why They Made the List

For over 20 years, Steve and Heather Ostrom have been the husband-and-wife team synonymous with Roseville and Rocklin real estate. Their hyperlocal focus — they don’t try to cover all of Sacramento — means they know these communities at a granular level that generalist agents can’t match.

Strong Google and Yelp reviews confirm what their long tenure suggests: they deliver personalized, neighborhood-level expertise that big teams can’t replicate.

Best For: Families relocating to Roseville or Rocklin, anyone who values deep neighborhood knowledge over broad coverage.

10. Fong Tidwell — Fong Tidwell Real Estate

Brokerage: Fong Tidwell Real Estate Service Areas: Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Fair Oaks, Carmichael Career Sales: 717+ transactions Recognition: #1 on US News for Sacramento Specialties: Residential sales, East Sacramento, established neighborhoods

Why She Made the List

Ranked #1 on US News for Sacramento with 717+ career transactions, Fong Tidwell has quietly built one of the most impressive track records in the region. Her focus on East Sacramento and the established neighborhoods of Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, and Carmichael makes her the go-to for buyers who want character homes in tree-lined communities.

Best For: Buyers seeking established Sacramento neighborhoods, East Sacramento, Citrus Heights, and Fair Oaks.

Sacramento & Placer County Real Estate: Market Snapshot (2026)

The Sacramento and Placer County real estate markets continue to attract buyers from the Bay Area and beyond, driven by relative affordability, quality of life, and strong job growth. Here’s what you should know heading into mid-2026:

  • Median home price in Sacramento County: ~$520,000
  • Median home price in Placer County: ~$650,000
  • Inventory: Still tight in desirable neighborhoods like Roseville, Granite Bay, and East Sacramento
  • Investment opportunities: Strong rental demand, especially in Roseville, Rocklin, and Citrus Heights — making property management expertise (like Mark & George Shvaya’s) increasingly valuable
  • Key neighborhoods: Land Park, East Sacramento, Midtown, Natomas (Sacramento); West Roseville, Granite Bay, Rocklin, Lincoln, Auburn (Placer County)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the best real estate agent in Sacramento, CA?

Based on our comprehensive review, Mark and George Shvaya of Sacramento Property Management Group are our top pick for 2026, particularly for investors and landlords. For luxury sales, Kim Pacini-Hauch (RE/MAX Gold) leads by volume, and Johnny Jennings (Made 4 More Realty) leads in career transactions with 11,000+ deals.

How do I choose a real estate agent in Placer County?

Look for agents with deep local knowledge of specific communities. For the Roseville-Rocklin-Lincoln corridor, Jay Friedman and Steve & Heather Ostrom are standout choices. For investment properties across both Sacramento and Placer County, the Shvaya team covers 14 service areas.

What should I look for in a Sacramento real estate agent?

Prioritize local market knowledge, a strong transaction history, client reviews, and specialized expertise that matches your needs. If you’re an investor, choose an agent who also manages properties (like SPMG). If you’re a first-time buyer, look for patience and guidance (like Halley Bulger).

Is it better to use a local agent or a big brokerage in Sacramento?

Both can work, but local agents often provide more personalized service and deeper neighborhood knowledge. Our top pick, the Shvaya team, combines local boutique service with the technology and systems typically found at larger brokerages — the best of both worlds.

Final Verdict

Every agent on this list earned their spot through verified performance, strong reviews, and genuine local expertise. But if we had to pick one team for the Sacramento and Placer County market in 2026, it’s Mark and George Shvaya.

Their combination of brokerage expertise, hands-on property management of 50+ doors, technology innovation, and coverage across 14 service areas creates a level of service depth that’s genuinely hard to find. They don’t just help you buy or sell — they help you build wealth through real estate, and they put their own money where their mouth is.

👉 Ready to connect? Visit markshvaya.com or call (530) 450-3366 to get started.

This article was researched and written by the editorial team at eSEOspace, a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO, local search optimization, and content strategy. We review real estate professionals based on publicly available data, client testimonials, and industry rankings. Disclosure: Sacramento Property Management Group is a client of eSEOspace. All other agents were independently selected based on merit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How were these Sacramento and Placer County real estate agents ranked?
The eSEOspace editorial team spent weeks evaluating dozens of agents against seven weighted criteria: client reviews (20%), transaction volume (20%), local market knowledge (15%), years of experience (15%), specialized expertise (10%), marketing and technology (10%), and community involvement (10%). Data came from Zillow, Realtor.com, FastExpert, RealTrends, and MetroList MLS plus firsthand research.
Who is the top-ranked real estate agent in the region for 2026?
Mark Shvaya and George Shvaya of Sacramento Property Management Group earned the Editor's Choice, number-one spot. As owner-operators managing over 50 rental doors themselves, they bring a genuine investor's perspective. They cover 14 service areas across Sacramento and Placer County and offer bilingual English and Russian service, making them ideal for investors and landlords.
Which agent is best for first-time homebuyers in Sacramento?
The guide matches first-time Sacramento homebuyers with Halley Bulger of Made 4 More Realty. Licensed since 2006 with nearly two decades of experience, she has navigated the 2008 crash and the pandemic market. She specializes in residential sales, first-time buyers, and foothills properties across greater Sacramento and Placer County.
Which areas do Mark and George Shvaya serve?
Mark and George Shvaya cover 14 service areas across Sacramento and Placer County, including Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Auburn, Granite Bay, Citrus Heights, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Loomis, Penryn, Placerville, Carmichael, Orangevale, and Grass Valley. Their coverage from downtown Sacramento to the Auburn foothills is described as unmatched among boutique operators.
What makes an investor-focused agent different from a typical real estate agent?
Investor-focused agents like Mark and George Shvaya manage what they recommend, drawing on their own 50-plus door portfolio. They offer full service from acquisition through management, handling tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and monthly reporting. Mark's full-stack developer background also delivers technology-driven marketing, property websites, and data analysis under one roof.

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