Beautiful San Diego skyline at sunset

Find Your Place in
San Diego

Born and raised here. 8 years helping San Diegans buy and sell homes.

Rusty Rau, San Diego Real Estate Agent smiling in professional attire

Meet Rusty Rau

I was born and raised in San Diego, and this city has always been a huge part of who I am. Growing up, my mom worked in interior design, and I spent a lot of time tagging along to her job sites. At the time, I didn't realize it, but those early experiences sparked a genuine appreciation for homes, neighborhoods, and how people live in the spaces they choose.

As I got older, I naturally gravitated toward people-focused work and found my strengths in connecting with clients, understanding their needs, and guiding them through one of life's biggest decisions. Real estate isn't just about transactions for me—it's about helping people find where they belong.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer navigating the competitive San Diego market, a family looking to upsize, or an investor seeking the right opportunity, I bring patience, market expertise, and honest guidance to every relationship.

Buyer's Agent
Listing Agent
Military/Veterans
Luxury Homes
New Construction
Investment Properties
Let's Connect

Success Stories

Charming Normal Heights craftsman home with white exterior

Won in a 12-Offer Situation

3542 Meade Ave, Normal Heights, CA 92116

Daniel and his wife were competing against 11 other offers in Normal Heights. Through strategic offer writing and direct communication with the listing agent, we secured their dream home without significantly overpaying.

12 Competing Offers
7 Days to Close
$15K Under Budget
Modern Oceanside home with beautiful landscaping

Sold $45K Over Asking

1875 Mira Costa Dr, Oceanside, CA 92056

Paul's home in Mira Costa, Oceanside needed the right marketing strategy. With professional staging, photography, and a carefully timed listing, we generated multiple offers and sold well above asking price.

$45K Over Asking
5 Days on Market
8 Offers Received

What Clients Say

"Rusty has the expertise, knowledge and motivation to make your buying/selling needs go better than you expect! I'm not kidding! I was truly blessed to have found Rusty to help me with my home sale."
Paul S. Sold a home in Mira Costa, Oceanside
"Rusty did an amazing job. He wasn't pushy, he listened and he responded in a timely manner. He was super patient with us. He had strategies to help us get our house!"
Amanda D. Bought a home in Clairemont Mesa East
"We met Rusty and Richard at an open house that we just happened upon. We had been looking for a home for almost a year. They expertly guided us through the entire process with professionalism and care."
Gina P.
"All of the prior highly positive reviews are spot on. Rusty and Richard teamed to help us sell and buy our house. They expertly helped us work through a challenging situation with skill and dedication."
Verified Client Bought and sold a home in Rancho Bernardo
"The process of purchasing my first home was very overwhelming. But I'm glad I had a very knowledgeable, personable and patient agent on my team. Rusty not only helped me find my dream home but made the whole experience enjoyable."
Marvin G. Bought a home in Carmel Valley

How I Can Help

Buying a Home

Navigate the competitive San Diego market with confidence. From pre-approval to closing, I'll guide you every step of the way.

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Selling Your Home

Maximize your home's value with strategic pricing, professional marketing, and expert negotiation to get you the best results.

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Recently Sold

Recent wins for my clients

Modern single-family home in Encinitas with palm trees SOLD
$1,125,000

Encinitas

$25K over asking

Luxury home with pool in Carmel Valley SOLD
$1,450,000

Carmel Valley

6 days on market

Contemporary oceanview home in La Jolla SOLD
$2,495,000

La Jolla

Represented buyer

Deal of the Week

Every week, I scour the San Diego market to find one standout property - a home that's priced right, move-in ready, and won't last long. This is the kind of deal I'd tell my friends about.

Why This Home?

  • $100K price drop in 2 weeks - motivated seller
  • Priced below market ($678/sqft vs $697 avg)
  • 10/10 GreatSchools rating (Scripps Ranch High)
  • Owned solar + new HVAC - move-in ready

Neighborhoods

Common Questions

Answers to questions I hear most often from buyers and sellers

Have a question that's not answered here?

Ask Rusty