Brian Santilena is a California REALTOR® with 28 years of residential real estate experience, serving Oakland, Piedmont, Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, El Cerrito and Western Contra Costa County. A REALTOR® with Vanguard Properties, Brian has successfully represented clients in the sale of more than 400 homes throughout the East Bay. He is also a licensed California Contractor (License #742235), providing clients with valuable insight into construction, property condition, renovation potential, and the factors that influence long-term property values and investment returns
Brian specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate competitive East Bay real estate markets with practical advice, clear communication, and personalized representation. Before joining Vanguard Properties, he served as Branch Manager of Prudential California Realty in Piedmont, where he not only managed a successful office but also mentored agents through hundreds of residential transactions. That combination of hands-on sales experience, brokerage leadership, and construction knowledge allows him to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and guide clients through even the most complex transactions.
Unlike real estate “teams” that can spend be more marketing themselves rather than your property, Brian intentionally limits the number of clients he represents at one time. Every client works directly with him from the initial consultation through closing. He believes that experienced representation, accessibility, and accountability are among the most valuable services a real estate professional can provide.
Whether preparing a home for sale, evaluating inspections and disclosures, developing pricing and marketing strategies, negotiating multiple-offer situations, or helping buyers compete in a fast-moving market, Brian provides thoughtful guidance based on decades of local experience. His network of trusted inspectors, contractors, engineers, designers, stagers, photographers, landscapers, and legal professionals gives clients access to experienced resources while maintaining a single point of contact throughout the transaction. When you hire Brian, you get Brian.
Brian has built his business primarily through repeat clients and referrals by focusing on professional integrity, responsive communication, and results. He is committed to providing every client with knowledgeable representation, honest advice, and a level of personal service that earns long-term relationships and recommendations.
