2027 edition · Research reviewed November 7, 2026
A brokerage decision in San Francisco–Oakland–Hayward should start with the asset, the client and the side of the transaction. Our #1 editorial choice for a broad commercial-services brief is Kidder Mathews. We also select CBRE, Mainstay, Lee & Associates East Bay and Blatteis Realty for different requirements. The nine-criterion review gives particular weight to named local practices and useful service distinctions. The best starting point for a mixed portfolio may differ from the best specialist for one warehouse or storefront.
How we rank commercial real estate brokerage firms in San Francisco–Oakland–Hayward, CA
Our 2027 ranking uses the same nine-part methodology as our 2026 guides. We compare local specialists with regional and national firms using current public sources, verified service geography and relevant specialization. We evaluate each candidate using these nine criteria:
- Experience and reputation
- Market knowledge and specialization
- Network and connections
- Technological capabilities
- Data transparency and accuracy
- Online presence and digital marketing
- Local and global reach
- Service range
- Innovation and customer focus
Using these criteria, we identify one #1 editorial recommendation for the assignment described below and compare other qualified options. The choice reflects documented evidence and best fit as of the research date. Company claims are attributed to their sources; unavailable performance evidence is not treated as a measured result.
OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
#1 — Kidder Mathews
For 2027, Kidder Mathews is our #1 editorial recommendation among commercial real estate brokerage firms in San Francisco–Oakland–Hayward, CA.
Best fit: A commercial brief spanning transactions and related services
Our #1 for a broad commercial-services brief combines an identified San Francisco practice with brokerage, appraisal and operating resources, giving clients a practical starting point for assignments that cross service lines.
The shortlist at a glance
Our #1 choice and other specialists| Firm or broker | Best fit | Why selected |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Kidder Mathews | A commercial brief spanning transactions and related services | Its local office identifies a broad commercial service offering. |
| CBRE | Coordinating several real estate workstreams | The local office documents owner, occupier and operating services. |
| Mainstay | A boutique Bay Area transaction appointment | Its stated scope covers three commercial asset types. |
| Lee & Associates East Bay | Industrial team and corridor selection | The current roster distinguishes industrial and corporate-service roles. |
| Blatteis Realty | Urban office and retail assignments | Its independent San Francisco practice identifies both representation sides. |
Kidder Mathews — our #1 for a broad service brief
The San Francisco office identifies brokerage, appraisal, asset services and consulting across commercial property types. Kidder Mathews: San Francisco office and services Our preference is for a client who wants to compare transaction advice with the resources needed to implement a property plan. Ask the firm to nominate the actual local specialist for each task. Breadth earns a place at the first meeting, but the proposal should still distinguish the leasing appointment from management, construction or valuation services.
CBRE — a national platform with local service choices
CBRE’s San Francisco office documents both owner and occupier leasing alongside property management and capital services. CBRE: San Francisco and Bay Area services We include it as a national-platform alternative where several workstreams must be coordinated. Request a responsibility chart and separate deliverables before accepting a broad engagement. The relevant comparison is the proposed team’s work on your requirement, not the number of departments available somewhere in the organization.
Mainstay — a boutique multi-asset alternative
Mainstay identifies a San Francisco-based practice founded by Michael Simler, covering Bay Area office, industrial and retail transactions. Mainstay: Bay Area brokerage services We select it for clients who want to compare a smaller advisory structure with the larger platforms. Discuss how the firm would resource a simultaneous search or a complex owner campaign. A compact team can offer a clear point of contact, but capacity and the division of responsibilities should be agreed rather than assumed.
Lee & Associates East Bay — industrial team selection
The current industrial roster identifies Sean Offers, Jessica Mauser, Blake Dicus and colleagues with different local and corporate-service roles. Lee & Associates East Bay: current industrial team We include this practice when the assignment is primarily about an operating facility. Ask which professional knows the required corridor and which services are performed by another teammate. A Silicon Valley background alone should not substitute for evidence about an Oakland or Hayward building.
Blatteis Realty — urban office and retail property decisions
Blatteis describes an independent San Francisco brokerage offering retail, office, tenant and landlord services. Blatteis Realty: independent brokerage and services Its useful comparison is a property or business whose needs depend on the surrounding street and neighborhood. Give the team a specific representation brief and request examples involving comparable premises. Distinguish the firm’s historical experience from the people and resources being committed now.
Choose the team after choosing the task
Ask finalists to explain their strongest locations, competing appointments and the information needed before they can recommend a course of action. Compare a sample report and relevant references. Our #1 reflects service breadth and local evidence for the stated brief; it is an editorial choice, not a guarantee that one firm is the right answer for every asset or client.