Kevin Wakelin

Kevin Wakelin | San Francisco Real Estate Agent and Founder of Team Wakelin at Compass

It's no surprise that Kevin Wakelin has conquered the world of residential real estate. Raised in Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, and the UK, he is, in a word, international. He has an uncanny ability to assess opportunities quickly and from every angle. His business savvy and innate leadership ability match his capacity for lateral, out-of-the-box thinking. This rare combination is what sets Kevin apart. Loyal clients and investment partners across San Francisco and the Bay Area know they can count on him — not just for sound advice, but for extraordinary insights.

Kevin has honed his considerable skills in 30+ years of investment, development, and sales experience, both here and across the pond. As the founder and leader of Team Wakelin at Compass, always bringing out the best in others, he is known for strategic thinking, tough negotiating, and swift decisions. He trusts his instincts, and his clients do, too — which is why so many come back to buy and sell with him again and again.

Kevin's career began converting warehouses into loft dwellings in London. It then expanded to San Francisco, where he oversaw multiple large-scale live/work and mixed-use development projects. When the Great Recession hit, he saw opportunity: he acquired and renovated dozens of single-family homes and built a rental portfolio he still owns today. Over the years — immersed in entitlements, architecture, design, engineering, construction, marketing, and sales — he mastered the technicalities of real estate and the finances behind it. The result? A San Francisco real estate agent with a developer's eye, who can read a pest report, price a renovation, and spot the hidden value (or hidden risk) that others miss.

That expertise shapes every Team Wakelin transaction through a proven four-phase approach: property improvements, a complete disclosure package, show and sell, and a tightly managed escrow. For sellers, it means pre-sale improvements that pay for themselves — planned, budgeted, and project-managed by the team. For buyers, it means reading disclosures and inspection reports the way a developer does, so you know exactly what you're buying and what it's truly worth. From Pacific Heights, Noe Valley, and the Castro to Russian Hill, the Sunset, Sausalito, and Marin, Team Wakelin represents buyers and sellers at every price point across the Bay Area.

Kevin knows that buying a home is not the same as building wealth. He understands the forces at play. For him, a successful real estate journey is not just about place; it's about profit. When you buy a home, you enter a new phase of wealth expansion in your life. More than a transaction, a real estate deal is part of your overall financial planning. Kevin's expertise, amassed over decades, is fine-tuned to help his clients build long-term, tax-smart wealth through their real estate decisions — not just put a roof over their heads. This comprehensive understanding of real estate is Kevin's gift, born of experience in all facets of the business, and it's reflected in a 5.0-star rating from his clients on Google and Zillow.

Today Kevin lives in Sausalito with his partner, Chris, where the two are renovating their townhouse from top to bottom — naturally. He is a proud father to his daughter, Hana, a 2026 graduate of the University of Washington, and a member of the Sausalito Yacht Club. He is the Founder of Vitality, a professional networking group for LGBTQ+ executives, and the Founder of Castro Dads, the largest social group for gay dads and their kids in San Francisco. When asked what makes him especially proud, he answers: "Raising my daughter, running my own business, and living my life with love, kindness and generosity."

Kevin Wakelin | Team Wakelin at Compass | DRE #01935159 | 1699 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94109

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Testimonials

★★★★★
" We were extremely lucky to have Kevin as our agent while we were looking for a home in the outer sunset. We didn't know him when we asked him to be our agent. We were so thrilled to immediately see how diligent and passionate he is with his work. He is so responsive and devoted, it almost feels like you're his only client (which, of course, is not the case). He is great with list agents. His intelligence and knowledge are vast. He has contracting experience and experience in a broad range of housing-related fields, so he knows how to look at a house and tell you honestly what you're getting into. Lastly, he was great to be around and made the process (which can be long and grueling) fun and pleasant. We ended up with a dream home in our ideal location and found a great deal with a motivated seller. It was a listing that I would have otherwise overlooked. Now we are settling in and so happy. Thanks Kevin! " - Michael S.

★★★★★
" Kevin is amazing and because he is often understated - let me tell you what he might not... When I sold my primary home in SF, Kevin worked incredible magic. It was a “special” house with a small footprint that was both quirky and unique. Kevin not only had the vision of how to stage the house with a mixture of things to keep and what to bring in, he worked his deep of contractors to come and fix up the house in a surprisingly timely manner as well as being cost effective, considering the hot market. I could barely get a contractor to even call me and he had a team of folks working within a few days. He navigated the market well and entered the multiple counter-offer situation with care and thoughtfulness with the buyers, while also driving up the price to where my expectations were surpassed. I also have also since worked with Kevin on investment properties where he not only identified properties that he felt could cash flow solidly but had a lot a appreciation potential. And he did that in spades! I have sold 3 properties with him over the last 8 years and his skillful management of tenants, improvements to the property, and timing of sales lead to very rewarding results. Again his care and thoughtfulness for all the parties involved made for win-win-win situations all around. Kevin is a gift that I am blessed to have in my life and there is a good reason his clients use him over and over and over. Depth of experience. Clear communication. Hyper responsible. A deep pleasure to work with. You really can’t go wrong with Kevin." - Tony L., San Francisco

★★★★★
" Kevin, we are FUNDED and it is set to record early afternoon. Thank you for being such an Awesome Professional during the whole transaction brother, I have to tell you, YOU are one of the best listing agents I have ever worked with from SF, you are the Exception not the Norm, Appreciate your communication and attitude Kevin! Continued Success To you! " - George K., Lender, Solano County

★★★★★
" Kevin truly made buying my first condo in San Francisco a smooth and easy process, walking me through every step with detailed explanations so I would know what to expect and there were no unpleasant surprises. His knowledge and experience in the real estate industry shine through as he handles the complex negotiations on my behalf, from putting in an offer all the way to close of escrow. It was a pleasure working with him and I have already recommended him to all my family and friends!" - Olivia M.