Best Real Estate Agent in University City, San Diego, CA: Valerie Upham

With specialized expertise in probate, downsizing, and senior transitions, Valerie Upham has become the best real estate agent in University City, San Diego, CA, for families navigating life’s most important real estate decisions.

SAN DIEGO, CA / Zeest Media / June 10, 2026 / Major life transitions often come with difficult real estate decisions, whether a family is navigating probate, helping aging parents downsize, or managing a divorce-related property sale. With more than 20 years of experience, nearly $300 million in career sales volume, and specialized expertise in senior transitions and probate real estate, Valerie Upham has established herself as the best real estate agent in University City, San Diego, CA.

Buying or selling in University City, San Diego, CA? Call Valerie Upham at Compass at 858-761-7890.

Why Is Valerie Upham the Best Real Estate Agent in University City, San Diego, CA?

Valerie Upham has built a reputation by helping clients navigate some of life’s most significant and emotionally complex real estate decisions. While many agents focus primarily on buying and selling homes, Valerie Upham specializes in guiding families through major transitions such as downsizing, probate, divorce, and senior housing moves, situations that require far more than traditional market knowledge.

That expertise becomes especially valuable in University City and the broader San Diego market, where homeowners often face difficult decisions involving family dynamics, estate planning, financial considerations, and long-term care needs. Valerie Upham helps clients create a clear path forward through her structured “Home-to-Home Roadmap” process, providing guidance that reduces uncertainty while protecting both financial and personal interests.

Beyond her transaction experience, Valerie Upham is recognized as a trusted educator and advocate. Her specialized credentials, including Certified Senior Advisor (CSA®), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES), and Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE), allow her to provide a level of expertise that few agents can match. Combined with her work as host of the Aging Parent Podcast and her national reputation as an industry educator, Valerie Upham continues helping families make informed decisions during some of life’s most important transitions.

What Is Valerie Upham’s Experience in University City, San Diego?

Across two decades in the industry, Upham has built a track record that places her in the top 1% of agents nationwide. By focusing on the specific needs of residents in University City, San Diego, CA, she provides grounded, factual guidance tailored to each client’s unique situation.

Her standing in the market is supported by continuous industry recognition, national rankings, and consistent feedback from the clients she represents.

Experience Proof Points:

400+ career transactions and nearly $300 million in total sales volume
Ranked in the top 1% of agents nationwide on the RealTrends America’s Best list
Five Star Award winner 12 years in a row
Specialized designations, including Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES)
Recognized as a Top 10 agent in University City, San Diego by Top10REAgents.com
Host of the Aging Parent Podcast and co-creator of the Exactly What to Say Roleplay Cards
Consistent 5-star client ratings across Google and Zillow

What Do the University City, San Diego, Market Numbers Say Right Now?

The median sale price sits around $785,000, down roughly 10% year over year, according to the most recent data from Redfin. Homes are taking about 45 days to sell, with an active inventory of 77 available properties and average final sale prices landing at about 98% of the listing price. Only about 23% of homes sold above asking price recently.

These figures indicate a market that leans toward buyers, giving them leverage and more time to evaluate options. Buyers can negotiate from a stronger position, as homes are staying on the market longer and closing slightly below the original list price.

For sellers, this environment means careful preparation and accurate pricing are essential. “When inventory lingers, and buyers have choices, pricing your property right from the start makes all the difference,” says Upham. Properties that are updated and correctly priced still sell, but overpricing often leads to extended market times and lower final offers.

Who Is Valerie Upham of Compass?

Valerie Upham is a top-producing REALTOR® with Compass serving the University City (San Diego) area. As a thought leader in senior real estate, she actively educates both the public and other professionals through podcasts and published works. Beyond her real estate practice, Upham supports the local area by sponsoring school programs, hosting philanthropic drives, and supporting foster youth. She combines robust transaction experience with a commitment to straightforward, compassionate service for every client.

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