James Rowbotham, Real Estate Agent

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Specialties

CNBC & HGTV Lifestyle Host

James Rowbotham is a lifestyle TV host featured on CNBC and HGTV, showcasing standout properties and San Francisco Bay Area living. His media experience brings elevated storytelling and national exposure to every home he represents.

Veterans & VA Benefits

James has experience in guiding VA benefit loans for home purchases. He specializes in helping veterans navigate the process with ease. Also he can provide direction on other VA benefits, ensuring maximum support earned through service.

Real Estate Tax Planning

James is associated with a tax consulting firm with over 40 years of experience in federal, state, and international tax planning for acquiring, holding, and selling real estate (personal and investment properties). Planning suggestions might include how best to own your real estate, considering trust and estate planning needs. Also, can introduce to local counsel if legal support is needed, whether in the Bay Area, California, or out of state.

Hong Kong Assoc. of Northern California member

An organization founded in 1984 as a non-profit, tax exempt, for business professionals in Northern California. HKANC is devoted to fostering closer economic and academic ties between Hong Kong and Northern California.

Technology & Crypto Financing

Over the years James has invested substantial personal time and investment in new technologies for business. In particular, where crypto transactions are contemplated for acquiring or selling structural real estate, he can help facilitate purchases or sales using crypto and keep you compliant with input from his resource support team.

About James

This Noe Valley home was SOLD for $6.225M - while having a challenging layout during an economic downturn. Brought the buyers up $675,000 over their initial offer.

This Ingleside Terraces home was SOLD for $3.3M before going to market. Brought the buyers up $350,000 over their initial offer.

This Noe Valley home is offered as a Private Exclusive at $5,999,000, featuring 270° panoramic views across San Francisco.

James Rowbotham is a lifelong San Francisco Bay Area local who grew up in Alamo and knows the region’s communities inside and out. He has guided clients through every stage of real estate, from first-time homeownership to working alongside prestigious developers and negotiating complex luxury transactions in some of San Francisco’s most sought after residences. James also specializes in properties that require a strategic, creative approach, including homes that are unique, challenging, or difficult to sell.

James works with a wide range of clients, first-time buyers, growing families, seasoned investors, and veterans utilizing VA benefits. Regardless of price point, he brings a high-energy, hands-on commitment, personally investing himself in every deal to ensure the strongest possible outcome.

Before real estate, James spent over 20 years in public service as a U.S. Army soldier and later as a law enforcement supervisor with the Oakland Police Department. That background shaped his calm, disciplined approach to high-pressure situations, skills that now translate directly into decisive negotiations and confident client representation.

Alongside his sister and business partner, Zara Rowbotham, James has co-hosted on HGTV and CNBC, sharing their expertise and passion for real estate with a national audience. Together, they are known for their high-energy approach, deep personal investment in each property, and the use of elevated, media-driven marketing, leveraging professional video, strategic storytelling, and premium exposure to position homes at the highest level.

Their negotiation results speak for themselves. An example during a luxury transaction, James worked diligently with the buyer’s agent to successfully negotiate a buyer $675,000 above their original offer. In another, during an off-market strategy brought in the right buyer and negotiated $352,000 above the initial offer. In a third example, James and Zara stepped in on a luxury property that had previously struggled to sell; within three weeks of taking over the listing, they sourced an off-market buyer and successfully negotiated $300,000 above the buyer’s initial position above the listing price. These outcomes reflect what clients receive when working with James and Zara Rowbotham: focus, persistence, and proven leverage in competitive luxury markets.

As a veteran and former law enforcement professional, James is proud to give back to veterans, first responders, teachers, and healthcare workers. Outside of real estate, he is active in the aviation community, often flying his own plane and enjoys traveling with his wife and two young sons.

For James, real estate is about more than transactions, it’s about energy, commitment, trusted relationships, and helping clients make confident, well-executed moves toward their next chapter.

Client Testimonials For James

★★★★★

"As the homebuying experience can be a relatively challenging experience, I am so grateful and appreciative to have successfully completed the process with James as my real estate agent. In addition to being extremely responsive, knowledgeable, and detail oriented, he brings a positive, energetic, and supportive approach that builds enthusiasm throughout the process. James provided invaluable insights on home types, distinguishing characteristics, neighborhoods, and key considerations that really helped navigate the wide range of locations and housing options in the east Bay Area. I would highly recommend James if you're embarking on a similar homebuying journey"!

- Vince, Lafayette

★★★★★

"As one who had no experience in buying or selling real estate in California, I was very nervous when I entered this process of selling the home of our family for 58 years. I found a flyer for Rowbotham in the mail. Several other real estate businesses were recommended and I called them, but no one answered the phone. I called James Rowbotham and not only did they answer but the first visit was scheduled right away! My fear, nervousness, and anxiety, were immediately calmed with the personable and professional way information was shared, with all of my options. I could not believe that what began in November of 2024 would be such a smooth, process! All questions were answered. They were patient and understood there were so many emotions wrapped up in my growing up there. However, I never felt like I was in the dark at any point in the selling process. I do not regret working with Rowbotham and I highly recommend you to consult with them if you are considering buying or selling in the Bay Area. Borrowing the phrase of Tina Turner: THEY ARE SIMPLY THE BEST"!!

- Cassandra, Ingleside Terraces, San Francisco

★★★★★
"I’ve been a lender for 20 years and have worked with thousands of real estate agents. James has been one of the most competent, communicative, and knowledgeable agents I have ever worked with! He stays ahead of issues and finds solutions quickly and efficiently! Would definitely recommend him to my clients and look forward to working with him again"! - Matthew L.

★★★★★
"James is a very hands on realtor with a high level of integrity. I was very pleased with his representation of me as a buyer and I highly recommend anyone who is looking to buy or sell to give this man a try. You won’t be disappointed'. - Jeffrey, Discovery Bay (Veteran)

★★★★★
"From the moment we decided to put our house on the market, James went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. The stunning drone photography he arranged truly showcased our home in the best light, and his efforts in organizing multiple open houses were impressive.

Although we ultimately decided not to sell, the experience was exceptional, and I would choose James Rowbotham a million times over! His professionalism, dedication, and expertise made the entire process seamless. If you're looking for a realtor who truly cares, look no further!

Thank you"! - Liss, Martinez

★★★★★
"Dear James, Thank you so much for your service as a realtor, veteran, and law enforcement officer! We really appreciate all that you have done for us and this country. It has been such a wonderful experience working with you. We feel very fortunate we had the honor to be represented by you. Your diligence and proactiveness helped us secure our dream home. You not only helped us buy our first home but also helped us score the awesome pool table and additional furniture. W e can’t thank you enough for all your help. This has been the absolute best experience any first-time home buyers could have asked for. We wish you the best in your career as you keep closing those deals! We’ll be rooting for you. Looking forward to keeping in touch and also taking a flight in your Cessna one of these days". - Albert & Fiona, Clayton