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 view of a hallway with wooden floor and staircase
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 fireplace
a view of a dining room with furniture window and outside view
a living room with furniture a large window and dining table
a living room with furniture and a large window
a living room with furniture and a flat screen tv
a living room with furniture and a flat screen tv
a view of a dining room with furniture window and outside view
a living room with furniture and a large window
a kitchen with stainless steel appliances granite countertop a stove and a sink
a large kitchen with stainless steel appliances granite countertop a lot of counter space and wooden floor
a kitchen with a sink and a window
a kitchen with stainless steel appliances granite countertop a stove a sink a refrigerator a dining table and chairs
a large kitchen with a table and chairs
a view of a kitchen with kitchen island granite countertop a large window cabinets and stainless steel appliances
a bathroom with a sink a toilet a large mirror and shower
a bathroom with a sink a toilet and a window
a bedroom with a bed and a large window
a spacious bedroom with a bed and a large window
a living room with furniture and a table
a view of a balcony with wooden floor and fence
a view of a swimming pool with a yard
a view of a bedroom with furniture and window
a large bathroom with a large tub sink and double vanity
a spacious bathroom with a tub sink and mirror
a view of a bedroom with furniture and windows
a view of a room with a window
a bedroom with a bed and furniture
a bedroom with a bed and glass window
a bathroom with a granite countertop sink a mirror a bathtub and shower
a bedroom with a bed and window
a spacious bedroom with a bed and a tv
a bathroom with a granite countertop sink mirror and a bathtub
a bedroom with a bed and couch
a spacious bedroom with a large bed and a large window
a spacious bathroom with double sink and shower
a spacious bathroom with double sink a large mirror and a bathtub
a kitchen with white cabinets and white appliances
a view of a patio with table and chairs potted plants and floor to ceiling window
a view of a swimming pool with lawn chairs and plants
a view of a white house with swimming pool
a view of a house with swimming pool and furniture
a view of a bench in the backyard
a view of outdoor space and garden
a view of swimming pool with a garden and plants
a terrace view with a garden
a view of a swimming pool with a chairs and tables
a view of a house with swimming pool and furniture
$6,750,000 | 300 Uplands Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010
$6,750,000 | 300 Uplands Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010
$6,750,000 | 300 Uplands Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010
$6,750,000 | 300 Uplands Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010
$6,750,000 | 300 Uplands Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010
$6,750,000 | 300 Uplands Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010
$6,750,000 | 300 Uplands Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010
$6,750,000 | 300 Uplands Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010
1/58
Listed By CompassPending ( Do Not Show )

$6,750,000

5
Bedrooms
3,800
Square Feet
0.42
Acres

300 Uplands Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010

$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
$2,499,000 | 953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070
1/48
Listed By CompassOpen: 5/19 11:00AM - 01:00PM

$2,499,000

4
Bedrooms
1,856
Square Feet
0.13
Acres

953 Lupin Way, San Carlos, CA 94070

$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
$2,088,000 | 3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002
1/41
Listed By CompassVirtual Tour

$2,088,000

4
Bedrooms
1,821
Square Feet
0.13
Acres

3307 Bay Court, Belmont, CA 94002

$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
$1,299,000 | 28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402
1/15
Listed By Compass

$1,299,000

2
Bedrooms
1,700
Square Feet

28 West 4th Avenue, Unit 11, San Mateo, CA 94402

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

$5,188,000 | 1208 Bernal Avenue, Burlingame, CA 94010

$5,188,000

4
Bedrooms
4,297
Square Feet
0.14
Acres

1208 Bernal Avenue, Burlingame, 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

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

$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 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

-

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