Tess Salter

Tess Salter

#1 in San Mateo | #2 in San Mateo County | #135 in US - Real Trends Medium Teams | DRE #: 01999389
tess@sternsmith.com
M: 650-678-3847
O: 650-375-1111

Revenue

- #1 agents in San Mateo for 7 straight years with partner Casey Sternsmith
- Top 5 agents in San Mateo County for 3 straight years
- Top 5 agents in 94010 (Burlingame & Hillsborough) in 2025
– 71 homes sold in San Mateo County in 2025
– 61 buyers and sellers helped in 2024
– $1.3B+ in total sales volume since 2015 with partner Casey Sternsmith
– 150+ five-star reviews from clients across the Peninsula
– Tess was recognized as a  Top 10 Agents under 40 in Gentry Magazine

Awards

- Sternsmith Group nationally ranked #133 in the U.S. by volume for their most recent reporting cycle by RealTrends in 2024. 
- Sternsmith Group ranked #44 in California for volume, per RealTrends in 2024. 
- The Sternsmith Group has 235+ five‑star reviews across Google, Zillow, and Yelp according to their site.
- The Leading 100 List (Top Performers in Bay Area Real Estate) 
- Exceptional team efficiency (Average 12 median days on market to sell homes)

Press

– Ranked as a RealTrends Verified Top Team, recognized by both transaction count and sales volume
– Nationally ranked by RealTrends — #133 in volume  (2024)
– Designated by Compass as Luxury Marketing Specialists, placing the Sternsmith Group in the top 1% of agents globally
– Featured on The Leading 100 list multiple years, celebrating the top-performing real estate teams in the San Francisco Peninsula region

Specialties

– Residential real estate expertise in single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes, and investment properties
– Cutting-edge technology and social media marketing, leveraging advanced Compass tools and digital strategies
– Facebook and Instagram Live marketing for real-time property exposure and buyer engagement
– Pre-market preparation and renovation guidance to help homeowners achieve the highest possible sales price
– Customized, property-specific marketing approaches tailored to each listing
– Strategic buyer acquisition methods designed to bring qualified buyers to the table
– Finance-driven approach backed by extensive experience in economics, accounting, and financial analysis
– In-depth knowledge of San Mateo County market areas, neighborhoods, and schools
– Strong contract negotiation skills ensuring optimal outcomes for buyers and sellers

Education

UCSB (Business Economics) 
CTI Leadership Program
CTI Coaching Program
UC Berkeley Intercampus Art History Transfer
PowerSpeaking (Presentation Skills) 

Charity

- Served as PARCA Auxiliary President (2024–2025) and continues on the PARCA Board (2019–2025), helping raise critical funds for programs benefiting adults and children with developmental disabilities
- Served on the West Elementary School Site Council for Hillsborough School District (2023-2025)
- Chaired, Menlo Park Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society, leading fundraising efforts to support cancer research and patient care

About Tess

With more than $1.3B in sales, Tess Salter is one of the top real estate agents in San Mateo County, consistently recognized for exceptional performance, deep market knowledge, and unwavering client advocacy. From 2018–2025, Tess and her partner, Casey Sternsmith, have been the #1 agents in San Mateo and ranked among the top 5 agents in San Mateo County for three consecutive years.

With more than a decade of experience, Tess is known for her elite negotiation skills, creative problem-solving, and calm, strategic guidance. She brings extensive expertise across San Mateo, Burlingame, Hillsborough, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood Shores, Redwood City, San Bruno, Millbrae, and South San Francisco.

A Proven Track Record of Results

  • 71 homes sold in San Mateo County in 2025

  • 61 buyers and sellers helped in 2024, representing over $125M in sales (RealTrends)

  • $1.3B+ in total sales volume since 2015 with partner Casey Sternsmith

  • 150+ five-star reviews from clients across the Peninsula

  • #1 agents in San Mateo for 7 straight years

  • Top 5 agents in San Mateo County for 3 straight years

  • Tess was recognized as a “Top 10 Agents Under 40” by Gentry Magazine

Tess specializes in both on-market and exclusive off-market opportunities, offering clients access to unique, often unavailable homes and buyers. She is known for structuring winning offers, managing complex negotiations, and guiding clients through every step with clarity, transparency, and confidence.

The Sternsmith Group: Two for the Price of One! 

Tess works side-by-side with her sister, Casey Sternsmith, a 22-year industry veteran and founder of the Sternsmith Group. Together, they deliver a “two-for-the-price-of-one” advantage—ensuring clients have constant communication, full availability, and strategic leadership from two top agents.

Their partnership provides:

  • Client accessibility

  • Seamless transaction support

  • Data-driven pricing and market strategy

  • High-level negotiation backed by decades of combined experience

  • Compass-powered marketing, staging, and analytics

Their team is known for treating every client like family and consistently delivering top results.

A Modern, Technology-Driven Approach

Using Compass’ leading technology along with her extensive background in sales, market analysis, and negotiation, Tess provides her clients with innovative and creative solutions for every situation. She works around the clock to ensure that each client receives the personal attention, strategic guidance, and dedicated support needed for a smooth, efficient, and successful transaction—all delivered with the highest level of integrity.

Local Roots & Personal Background

A Burlingame and Hillsborough native and sixth-generation San Franciscan, Tess brings unmatched local insight and a deep understanding of Peninsula neighborhoods. She studied finance, accounting, and art history, strengthening her analytical, investment-focused, and design-driven approach to real estate.

Community Commitment

Outside of real estate, Tess is dedicated to serving her community. She served as the PARCA Auxiliary President (2024–2025) and continues on the PARCA Board, helping raise critical funds for programs benefiting adults and children with developmental disabilities. Tess is also an active volunteer in the Hillsborough School District—regularly helping in her two boys’ classrooms and having served on the West Elementary School Site Council.


Visit My Website
www.sternsmith.com

Tess Salter’s Listings

a front view of a house with a garden
a view of a building with sitting area and furniture
a view of a swimming pool with sitting area and furniture
a front view of a house with a garden
a view of a house with a potted plant and a large tree
a view of hallway with wooden floor
a view of a dining room with furniture and window
a view of a dining room with furniture and chandelier
a view of a hallway view with wooden floor and staircase
a living room with fireplace furniture and a large window
a living room with furniture a flat screen tv and kitchen view
a living room with furniture
a large white kitchen with a large window
a large kitchen with a table and chair
a very nice looking living room with a dining table and chairs
a view of a dining room with furniture
a kitchen with stainless steel appliances granite countertop a stove a sink and a refrigerator
a kitchen with a stove and a microwave
a kitchen with a refrigerator and furniture
a living room with furniture and a shelf with books
a view of entryway
a living room with furniture and a wooden floor
a living room with furniture
a view of balcony
a spacious bathroom with a granite countertop tub sink and mirror
a large bathroom with a double vanity sink toilet and shower
a view of walk in closet with clothes and shoes
a view of walk in closet with clothes and shoes
a bedroom with a large bed and a large window
a bedroom with a large bed and a flat tv screen on dresser
a bathroom with a granite countertop sink toilet and shower
a bedroom with a bed a dresser and book shelf
a bathroom with a granite countertop sink a toilet and a mirror
a living room with furniture and a flat screen tv
a view of a dining room with furniture window and wooden floor
a bathroom with a granite countertop sink toilet and shower
a utility room with dryer and washer
a living room with furniture a table and bookshelf
a living room with furniture and a wooden floor
a kitchen with stainless steel appliances granite countertop a sink and cabinets
a view of entryway
a kitchen with stainless steel appliances a stove top oven and a refrigerator
a bathroom with a sink toilet and shower
a outdoor space with furniture and a fireplace
a outdoor space with patio couch and glass windows
a patio with a table and chairs under an umbrella
a close view of washer and dryer
a view of a swimming pool with an outdoor seating
an aerial view of a house having outdoor space
an aerial view of a house with a swimming pool
$5,188,000 | 1208 Bernal Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010
$5,188,000 | 1208 Bernal Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010
1/52
Listed By CompassPending ( Do Not Show )

$5,188,000

4
Bedrooms
4,297
Square Feet
0.14
Acres

1208 Bernal Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010

a living room with furniture and a large window
a kitchen with a dining table chairs and refrigerator
a front view of a house
a living room with furniture a flat screen tv and a fireplace
a living room with furniture and a fireplace
a close view of stove
a kitchen that has a sink and a stove
a large kitchen with a large stove a sink a rug and windows
a dining room with furniture and window
a living room with furniture and a potted plant
a living room with patio furniture and a potted plant
a backyard of a house with table and chairs
a view of a house with backyard and sitting area
a bedroom with a large bed and a window
a bedroom with a bed and a window
a bathroom with a shower and a sink
a bathroom with a toilet a sink and mirror
a living room with furniture and wooden floor
a living room with furniture and a large window
a living room with furniture and a large window
a bedroom with a bed and a night stand
a bed room with a bed and a large window
a bathroom with double vanity sinks double vanity tub and a mirror
a bathroom with a bathtub and a shower
a bathroom with a granite countertop sink mirror bathtub and shower
a view of walk in closet with empty racks
a bedroom with a bed and a window
a bathroom with a granite countertop sink and a mirror
a bathroom with a bathtub and a shower
a bedroom with a bed a table and potted plants with the outer view
a utility room with dryer and washer
a living room with furniture and a large window
a living room with furniture kitchen view and a table
a bathroom with a sink toilet and shower
a living room with furniture and a table
a view of a patio on the roof deck
a view of a house with a outdoor space
a front view of a house
$2,999,900 | 3103 Mena Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403
$2,999,900 | 3103 Mena Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403
1/40
Listed By CompassVirtual Tour

$2,999,900

4
Bedrooms
2,884
Square Feet
0.06
Acres

3103 Mena Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403

a front view of a house with a garden
a view of a hallway with wooden floor and staircase
a living room with furniture fireplace and a large window
a living room with furniture and a window
a living room with furniture and a fireplace
a front view of a house with wooden floor and a potted plant
a view of a dining room with furniture and chandelier
a dining room with furniture a chandelier and wooden floor
a kitchen with a sink stove and refrigerator
a kitchen with a sink cabinets and wooden floor
a kitchen with a sink stove and cabinets
a view of a dining room with furniture window and outside view
a kitchen with granite countertop a table chairs stove and cabinets
a dining room with furniture and window
a living room with furniture and a large window
a view of an outdoor from window
a living room with furniture and a large window
a living room with furniture and a large window
a living room with furniture and a large window
a bathroom with a granite countertop sink and a mirror
a living room with a large window
a view of swimming pool with outdoor seating and plants
a view of staircase with wooden floor and floors
a living room with furniture a mirror and a large window
a bedroom with a large bed and a large window
a view of living room
a bathroom with 2 sink toilet and a mirror
a bathroom with a toilet a sink and mirror
a bedroom with a bed and a chandelier
a bedroom with three beds and a window
a bathroom with a sink toilet and a mirror
a white bath tub sitting next to a white wall
a view of a hallway with wooden floor and staircase
a bedroom with a bed and furniture
a bed room with a bed and a painting on the wall
a living room with furniture and a flat screen tv
a living room with furniture and a flat screen tv
a utility room with cabinets washer and dryer
a view of a house with backyard porch and sitting area
a view of a house with swimming pool and sitting area
a front view of a house with a yard
a picture of flowers
a front view of a house with a yard
a view of a patio with table and chairs and potted plants
a front view of a house with a yard
$2,295,000 | 341 Sylvan Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403
1/46
Listed By CompassPending ( Do Not Show )

$2,295,000

3
Bedrooms
2,530
Square Feet
0.15
Acres

341 Sylvan Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403

a front view of a house with a yard
a view of living room filled with furniture and wooden floor
a living room with furniture a fireplace and a floor to ceiling window
a living room with furniture and a large window
a living room with furniture and a large window
a living room with furniture a fireplace and a floor to ceiling window
a living room with furniture and a wooden floor
a view of a dining room with furniture window and wooden floor
a view of an empty room with a potted plant
a kitchen with stainless steel appliances granite countertop a sink and a large window
a view of a patio with table and chairs and potted plants
a view of a dining room with furniture a kitchen and chandelier
a kitchen with a stove a sink and a refrigerator
a room with natural light
a bedroom with a bed and a large window
a bedroom with a bed and a large window
a spacious bedroom with bed and wooden floor
a bathroom with a granite countertop sink a large mirror and a shower
a bathroom with a shower
a bedroom with a bed and wooden floor
a bedroom with a bed and a window
a bathroom with a sink toilet and shower
a bedroom with a bed and wooden floor
a utility room with sink dryer and washer
a outdoor view with sitting space
a view of a patio with table and chairs potted plants and large tree
front view of a house with a yard
a view of a garden
a view of a backyard with sitting area
a view of a patio with couches and a table and chairs with wooden fence
a view of a patio with couches table and chairs and potted plants
a backyard of a house with lots of green space
a view of a flower
a view of an outdoor space with seating
a view of an outdoor sitting area with furniture
$1,999,000 | 572 Seahorse Lane, Redwood Shores, CA 94065
1/36
Listed By CompassPending ( Do Not Show )

$1,999,000

3
Bedrooms
1,540
Square Feet
0.14
Acres

572 Seahorse Lane, Redwood Shores, CA 94065

a view of a house with a tree
a view of a room with wooden floor and a potted plant
a view of living room
a living room with furniture and a flat screen tv
a living room with furniture and a lamp
a living room with fireplace furniture and wooden floor
a view of entryway with wooden floor
a living room with furniture potted plant and a large window
a view of balcony with couch
a outdoor living space with furniture
a view of a chair and table on the deck
a view of a city
a view of a city
a balcony with wooden floor and fence
a living room with furniture and a large window
a dining room with furniture and window
a living room with furniture and a large window
a open dining room with stainless steel appliances furniture a large window and a kitchen view
a kitchen with stainless steel appliances kitchen island granite countertop a refrigerator a sink a stove and white cabinets
a kitchen with granite countertop a sink stainless steel appliances a counter space and cabinets
a bathroom with a sink a mirror and next to a window
a kitchen with a stove and white cabinets
a view of a dining room with furniture window and outside view
a bathroom with a bathtub and a shower
a bedroom with a bed and a window
a bedroom with a bed and a window
a living room with furniture and a window
a bedroom with a bed and a night stand
a bathroom with a sink mirror and shower
a en suite bathroom with double sink and a mirror
a bathroom with a sink and a mirror
a bedroom with two beds and a large window
a view of a bedroom with a window
a bathroom with a sink a toilet a mirror and shower
a bedroom with a bed and a window
a bedroom with a bed and a mirror
a view of a balcony with chair and city view
a backyard of a house with table and chairs under an umbrella
front view of a house with a garage
a view of a swimming pool with a patio
a backyard of a house with table and chairs under an umbrella
a view of a yard
$1,898,000 | 1243 Talbryn Drive, Belmont, CA 94002
$1,898,000 | 1243 Talbryn Drive, Belmont, CA 94002
1/44
Listed By CompassPending ( Do Not Show )

$1,898,000

3
Bedrooms
1,390
Square Feet
0.31
Acres

1243 Talbryn Drive, Belmont, CA 94002

a view of a swimming pool next to a lake with tall buildings
a view of city and mountain
a living room with furniture and a flat screen tv
a living room with furniture and a view of kitchen
a kitchen with stainless steel appliances granite countertop a sink stove and refrigerator
a large kitchen with lots of counter space
a view of a workspace with furniture
a living room with furniture and a flat screen tv
a view of empty room with wooden floor
a utility room with dryer and washer
a bedroom with a bed and a window
a bathroom with a sink double vanity and a mirror
a view of walk in closet with clothes and shoes
a bedroom with a bed and cabinet
a bathroom with a sink toilet and a mirror
a front view of a house with garden
a view of a back yard of the house
a view of a room with gym equipment
a room with lots of furniture and a view of kitchen
1/19
Compass Coming Soon

$1,300,000

2
Bedrooms
1,368
Square Feet

400 Mariners Island Boulevard, Unit 308, San Mateo, CA 94404

Tess Salter’s Transactions

Past Sales
a big yard with lots of green space and trees

$8,850,000

4
Bedrooms
5,780
Square Feet
0.71
Acres

720 Eucalyptus Avenue, Hillsborough, CA 94010

front view of a house with a yard

$5,955,000

5
Bedrooms
3,280
Square Feet
0.60
Acres

25 Citrus Court, Hillsborough, CA 94010

a front view of a house with yard porch and outdoor seating

$5,485,000

4
Bedrooms
3,545
Square Feet
0.42
Acres

310 Ranelagh Road, Hillsborough, CA 94010

a front view of a house with a garden

$5,480,000

5
Bedrooms
3,730
Square Feet
0.55
Acres

333 Bridge Road, Hillsborough, CA 94010

$5,078,000 | 1120 Tournament Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010

$5,078,000

7
Bedrooms
4,956
Square Feet
0.58
Acres

1120 Tournament Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010

a front view of a house with a yard table and chairs

$4,725,000

5
Bedrooms
5,045
Square Feet
0.51
Acres

2850 Churchill Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010

a front view of a house with garden

$4,500,000

4
Bedrooms
4,950
Square Feet
2.68
Acres

1260 Kenilworth Road, Hillsborough, CA 94010

an aerial view of a house having swimming pool garden and patio

$4,320,000

5
Bedrooms
2,690
Square Feet
0.59
Acres

20 Mosswood Road, Hillsborough, CA 94010

a front view of a house with a yard

$4,200,000

5
Bedrooms
3,170
Square Feet
0.47
Acres

2411 Easton Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010

$4,130,000 | 55 Rockridge Road, Hillsborough, CA 94010

$4,130,000

5
Bedrooms
3,750
Square Feet
0.50
Acres

55 Rockridge Road, Hillsborough, CA 94010

a front view of a house with swimming pool having outdoor seating

$4,130,000

4
Bedrooms
2,530
Square Feet
0.52
Acres

45 Warmwood Way, Hillsborough, CA 94010

a front view of a house with a garden

$4,100,000

4
Bedrooms
2,380
Square Feet
0.22
Acres

615 Hurlingham Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402

front view of a house with a yard

$4,100,000

4
Bedrooms
3,310
Square Feet
0.53
Acres

1500 Oak Rim Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010

a front view of a house with a yard and potted plants

$4,050,000

3
Bedrooms
2,470
Square Feet
0.58
Acres

1115 Southdown Road, Hillsborough, CA 94010

a view of a house with pool and chairs

$4,000,000

3
Bedrooms
2,440
Square Feet
0.47
Acres

250 Brentwood Road, Hillsborough, CA 94010

a view of a house with a yard

$3,720,000

4
Bedrooms
3,905
Square Feet
0.89
Acres

305 Moseley Road, Hillsborough, CA 94010

front view of a house with a yard

$3,700,000

4
Bedrooms
2,790
Square Feet
0.14
Acres

1132 Drake Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010

-

4
Bedrooms
3,790
Square Feet
0.64
Acres

980 Woodland Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010

Past Rentals
a view of outdoor space and yard

$11,500

5
Bedrooms
3,730
Square Feet
0.55
Acres

333 Bridge Road, Hillsborough, CA 94010

a front view of a house with a garage

$8,200

4
Bedrooms
2,400
Square Feet
0.11
Acres

2499 Alpine Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025

a front view of a house with garden

$7,100

3
Bedrooms
2,542
Square Feet
0.05
Acres

3114 Contreras Drive, San Mateo, CA 94403

a front view of a house with wooden stairs

$7,000

4
Bedrooms
2,526
Square Feet
0.20
Acres

106 Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403

a front view of a house with a yard

$6,950

3
Bedrooms
2,280
Square Feet
0.18
Acres

2917 Baze Road, San Mateo, CA 94403

a front view of a house with a yard

$6,700

4
Bedrooms
2,790
Square Feet
0.22
Acres

9 Rockwood Court, San Mateo, CA 94403

a front view of a house with garden

$6,500

4
Bedrooms
2,220
Square Feet
0.22
Acres

490 East 28th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403

$6,200 | 1812 Fernwood Way, Belmont, CA 94002

$6,200

3
Bedrooms
1,960
Square Feet
0.14
Acres

1812 Fernwood Way, Belmont, CA 94002

a house view with a garden space

$6,200

3
Bedrooms
1,960
Square Feet
0.14
Acres

1812 Fernwood Way, Belmont, CA 94002

a front view of a house with garden

$5,700

3
Bedrooms
1,710
Square Feet
0.22
Acres

372 East 28th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403

$5,600 | 1604 Quesada Way, Burlingame, CA 94010

$5,600

3
Bedrooms
1,720
Square Feet
0.15
Acres

1604 Quesada Way, Burlingame, CA 94010

$5,200 | 655 Barneson Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402

$5,200

3
Bedrooms
1,710
Square Feet
0.13
Acres

655 Barneson Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94402

a front view of a house with a yard

$5,000

2
Bedrooms
1,604
Square Feet
0.21
Acres

3111 South Delaware Street, San Mateo, CA 94403

a front view of a house with a yard

$4,750

2
Bedrooms
1,350
Square Feet
0.10
Acres

437 Burns Lane, San Mateo, CA 94403

a view of a house with a small yard and plants

$4,600

3
Bedrooms
1,318
Square Feet

25 Mcaker Court, Unit 115, San Mateo, CA 94403

a view of a house with a small yard and plants

$4,500

3
Bedrooms
1,318
Square Feet
1.18
Acres

25 Mcaker Court, Unit 115, San Mateo, CA 94403

front view of a house with a yard

$4,500

2
Bedrooms
1,350
Square Feet
0.18
Acres

2912 Shoemaker Dr., San Mateo, CA 94403

an aerial view of residential building with outdoor space

$4,400

3
Bedrooms
1,330
Square Feet

842 Juno Lane, Unit 74, Foster City, CA 94404