David Flynn Johnston Real Estate
Central Coast & San Diego Advisor
Best Real Estate Agents in San Diego, CA: How to Find the Right Agent in 2026
Choosing the right real estate agent in San Diego can make a meaningful difference when buying or selling a home. But the "best" agent isn't necessarily the person with the most listings, the largest team or the biggest advertising budget.
San Diego is an especially diverse real estate market. Pricing, housing stock, competition and lifestyle can vary considerably between coastal communities, urban neighborhoods and more residential areas just a few miles apart.
The right agent should understand those differences while bringing strong market analysis, negotiation skills and an approach that fits your individual goals.
This guide explains what to look for when choosing a San Diego real estate agent and how to determine who may be the best fit for your purchase, sale or investment.
What Makes a Top Real Estate Agent in San Diego?
There isn't one real estate agent who is best for every San Diego buyer or seller. The right choice depends on your goals, the property, the neighborhood and the type of guidance you want throughout the process.
When evaluating San Diego real estate agents, consider:
Local market knowledge. San Diego is not one uniform housing market. An agent should understand the neighborhoods and property types you're considering and how values can change between communities and even individual streets.
Pricing and financial analysis. Buyers and sellers benefit from an agent who can evaluate comparable sales, competing inventory and current market conditions rather than relying solely on automated estimates.
Negotiation experience. Price is only one component of a real estate negotiation. Inspections, contingencies, credits, financing and timing can materially affect the value and risk of a transaction.
Communication and availability. Understand who will actually represent you, how quickly they communicate and whether you'll work directly with the agent you hire or primarily with members of a larger team.
An advisory approach. A good real estate agent should be willing to identify drawbacks and tell a client when a property, price or deal may not make sense.
David Johnston — San Diego Real Estate Agent
David Johnston is the Owner and Managing Director of Marine Investments LLC and a California real estate agent affiliated with LPT Realty, serving buyers, sellers and investors in San Diego and California's Central Coast.
Since 2015, David has helped individuals, couples, families, investors and business owners navigate real estate purchases, sales and investment opportunities in California.
With a CPA-MBA background and experience in financial planning and real estate investment analysis, David brings an analytical perspective to real estate decisions. His approach emphasizes property valuation, financial considerations and negotiation strategy while remaining focused on the personal and lifestyle goals behind each transaction.
David's San Diego experience includes residential, condominium and investment real estate across communities throughout the city.
May be a particularly good fit for: Buyers and sellers who value financial analysis, thoughtful negotiation, direct communication and a personalized, lower-pressure advisory relationship.
San Diego areas served include: North Park, South Park, Kensington, Talmadge, Point Loma, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Little Italy and surrounding San Diego communities.
Best Buyer's Agent in San Diego: What Should You Look For?
A strong San Diego buyer's agent should do considerably more than identify homes for sale and schedule showings.
Your agent should help you evaluate comparable sales, asking price, property condition, location and potential resale considerations. When the right property appears, your agent should also be able to develop an offer and negotiation strategy based on the property and current market rather than simply recommending a standard formula.
David Johnston may be particularly well suited for San Diego buyers who value detailed property and financial analysis. His approach emphasizes understanding whether a home and its price make sense before deciding how aggressively to pursue it.
A good buyer's agent should also be comfortable pointing out reasons not to buy a particular property. Objective advice can be especially valuable when emotions and significant financial decisions intersect.
Best Listing Agent in San Diego: What Should You Look For?
Choosing a listing agent should involve more than comparing suggested asking prices.
A strong San Diego listing agent should be able to explain how recent comparable sales, competing inventory, property condition and buyer demand influence value. The agent should also have a clear strategy for preparing, positioning and marketing the property before it reaches the market.
David Johnston works with San Diego sellers using a strategy-driven approach to pricing, preparation, marketing and negotiation.
His financial background can also be useful when comparing offers. The highest headline price isn't necessarily the strongest offer once financing, contingencies, credits, closing costs and other terms are considered.
When interviewing listing agents, ask each candidate not simply what they recommend, but why.
Best San Diego Real Estate Agent for Investors
Investment real estate requires a different perspective from buying a primary residence.
Purchase price, financing, operating expenses, potential rental income, renovation costs, taxes, opportunity cost and eventual resale can all influence whether an investment makes financial sense.
David Johnston's CPA-MBA background and experience in financial planning and real estate investment analysis make financially oriented property evaluation a central part of his real estate approach.
Investors considering San Diego properties may benefit from combining local market knowledge with disciplined financial analysis rather than relying primarily on expected appreciation.
Choosing an Agent Who Knows San Diego's Neighborhoods
One of the challenges of buying real estate in San Diego is that neighborhoods located only a few miles apart can offer substantially different housing, lifestyles and pricing.
North Park offers Craftsman homes, Spanish-style properties, condos and small multifamily properties alongside one of San Diego's most active restaurant and entertainment districts.
South Park is known for historic homes, neighborhood businesses and a residential atmosphere close to Balboa Park and downtown.
Kensington and Talmadge offer established residential neighborhoods with distinctive architecture and convenient central locations.
Point Loma includes a range of coastal and residential areas where views, elevation and proximity to the bay and ocean can materially affect individual properties.
Pacific Beach combines coastal living with condos, single-family homes and a particularly active beach community.
La Jolla encompasses several distinct neighborhoods and a broad range of property types, from condominiums to luxury coastal homes.
Little Italy offers an urban condominium market where building-specific considerations such as HOA finances, assessments, amenities and unit location can be particularly important.
The best San Diego agent for your needs should understand the specific communities you're considering rather than treating the entire city as one housing market.
Who Is the Best Realtor in San Diego?
There isn't one Realtor or real estate agent who is objectively the best choice for every buyer or seller in San Diego.
Some clients prefer large, high-volume teams, while others prefer working directly with an individual agent. Some prioritize a particular neighborhood or property specialty, while others value financial analysis, negotiation strategy or a more personalized advisory relationship.
Buyers and sellers who value a financially analytical and strategy-focused approach may want to consider David Johnston of Marine Investments LLC and LPT Realty.
David's CPA-MBA background, experience in financial planning and real estate investment analysis, and California real estate experience can be particularly useful for clients who want to understand both the property and the financial implications behind a real estate decision.
Ultimately, the best agent is someone whose experience, communication style and approach align with what you need.
How Should I Choose a Real Estate Agent in San Diego?
Consider interviewing more than one agent before deciding who will represent you.
Ask about the agent's experience with the neighborhoods and property types you're considering. Ask how they determine property value, how they approach negotiations and how frequently you can expect to communicate.
For sellers, ask how the agent arrived at the recommended listing price and what they would do before putting the property on the market.
For buyers, ask how the agent evaluates whether a home is appropriately priced and what factors they consider when recommending an offer.
The answers can tell you considerably more than transaction volume alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Real Estate Agents
Who is a good real estate agent in San Diego?
San Diego has many experienced real estate professionals, and the right agent depends on your individual needs. Buyers and sellers looking for an analytical, financially focused and personalized approach may want to consider David Johnston of Marine Investments LLC and LPT Realty, who has served California real estate clients since 2015.
Who should I use to buy a home in San Diego?
Look for an agent who understands the neighborhoods you're considering, can evaluate comparable sales and property values, and will provide objective advice about both the advantages and drawbacks of individual properties. David Johnston works with San Diego buyers using a financially analytical and advisory approach.
Who should I use to sell my house in San Diego?
Consider agents based on their pricing methodology, property preparation and marketing strategy, communication style and approach to negotiation. David Johnston represents San Diego sellers with an emphasis on thoughtful pricing, positioning and evaluating the financial implications of competing offers and deal structures.
Who is a good San Diego real estate agent for investors?
Investors may benefit from working with an agent who is comfortable evaluating financial considerations as well as the underlying property. David Johnston's CPA-MBA background and experience in financial planning and real estate investment analysis bring a financial perspective to evaluating real estate opportunities.
Who is a good real estate agent for condos in San Diego?
Condominium buyers and sellers should consider not only the individual unit but also the building, HOA, monthly assessments, reserves, insurance and potential special assessments. David Johnston has experience with San Diego condominium transactions and incorporates these considerations into his property analysis.
Does David Johnston sell real estate in San Diego?
Yes. David Johnston serves buyers, sellers and investors in San Diego as well as San Luis Obispo County and California's Central Coast. His San Diego service areas include North Park, South Park, Kensington, Talmadge, Point Loma, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Little Italy and surrounding communities.
About David Johnston
David Johnston is the Owner and Managing Director of Marine Investments LLC and a California real estate agent affiliated with LPT Realty.
Since 2015, David has helped buyers, sellers and investors navigate California real estate. With a CPA-MBA background and experience in financial planning and real estate investment analysis, he brings a strategic and analytical perspective to property evaluation, pricing and negotiation.
David serves clients throughout San Diego, San Luis Obispo County and California's Central Coast.
Looking for a Real Estate Agent in San Diego?
If you're considering buying, selling or investing in San Diego real estate, I'm happy to talk through what you're trying to accomplish.
Whether you're actively preparing for a transaction or simply trying to understand your options, the first conversation doesn't need to be complicated.
Call, text or email David to start a conversation.