Local Expertise, Global Connections

I grew up in the Northern Bay Area exploring Marin’s ridgelines, beaches, and redwood trails. After years living in San Francisco and Berkeley, I returned to Marin to raise my family close to the outdoor places that shaped me—hiking on Tam, riding the trails of Tamarancho, and surfing the coastline. Today, I bring that lifelong regional experience to my work with the Golden Gate Group, the #1 team at Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty, helping clients navigate this remarkable area with clarity, nuance, and confidence.

Guiding With Calm, Clarity, and Confidence

My first job was as a commercial whitewater rafting guide, taking people safely down Class IV+ rapids on rivers throughout the California foothills. That experience still shapes how I work with clients: prepare thoroughly, mitigate inherent risks, stay calm under pressure, and guide people through moments that are both exciting, unfamiliar, and high-stakes. I approach every relationship with honesty, authenticity, and a data-driven mindset—so you always feel supported and well-informed at every step.

Hands-On Experience and a Builder’s Eye

With more than a decade of renovating and managing my own real estate portfolio, I’ve developed a builder’s eye and a deep appreciation for what makes a home—and an investment—work. I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves to help you assess potential, uncover opportunities, and envision what a property could become. And when you need specialized insight, I bring a trusted network of designers, contractors, architects, and tradespeople to the table.

A Background in Impact and Leadership

Before becoming a full-time real estate agent, I spent my career leading Social Impact and Sustainability programs at LinkedIn and Autodesk and managing community initiatives at Keep Tahoe Blue and Save the Bay. That work strengthened my skills in project management, communications, negotiation, and collaboration—and it taught me the importance of clarity, purpose, and service. I hold a B.A. in Economics and Environmental Science from Colby College.

Community-Minded and Outdoor-Inspired

I bring an impact-first mindset to my work, grounded in the belief that strong communities grow from thoughtful stewardship of people, homes, and the natural environment. I currently serve on the Board of Environmental Traveling Companions, a nonprofit that expands access to outdoor adventures—like whitewater rafting and sea kayaking—for people with disabilities and underserved youth, and coach the Marin Academy mountain bike team. 

Client Testimonials

  • Barbara W.

    We had a wonderful experience throughout our entire California home buying adventure, thanks to the great work of Seth Chanin. Our search was in Marin County and Seth was the perfect agent. Having grown up in Marin and lived there for a good chunk of his life, he has a wealth of knowledge of not just the real estate market but the entire geography, lifestyle and culture of the area.We really appreciated his insights into the homes we were considering. We felt that he was pointing out both the positive and negative elements of each property in a very honest and transparent way, and his knowledge of the ins and outs of construction and renovation also allowed him to give us great suggestions and insights into what might be possible with each property. You really won't go wrong if you use Seth as your agent.

  • Winston L.

    I had an incredible experience working with Seth Chanin on my first home purchase. As a lifelong resident of Marin County, Seth brought unmatched local knowledge that helped me understand the market and find the right property. He was thoughtful and sensitive to our requirements and search criteria, taking the time to understand what mattered most to us. His communication was always prompt, clear, and reassuring—something I truly appreciated as a first-time buyer. He skillfully guided me through a challenging negotiation with the sellers and provided honest, informed advice when assessing the home’s condition and identifying areas for improvement. I felt supported every step of the way and couldn’t have asked for a better agent or advocate.

  • Dan A.

    As a residential builder in the greater SF area, I can attest to Seth's practical building experience, design eye, and wide-ranging knowledge in the residential space. He's able to see the potential for all types of properties and works with families to understand their needs and plan for the future. While working with my wife and me, Seth found properties that other agents missed due to a lack of imagination, and helped weed out others with sagging roof lines, foundation issues, and water damage that other real estate agents glossed over in an attempt to make a sale. He knows when a house has good bones and has first-hand experience in practical renovations and space improvements, so he knows what it takes to make a house into a home. Seth is smart, charming, and trustworthy and exactly who you want on your team guiding you through an important purchase and life decision.

  • Colleen M.

    My partner and I had a fantastic experience working with Seth when we began looking for our first home in Marin. From the start, he fully understood our particular needs and simultaneously provided a pragmatic and data-driven approach to the process. He gave us the opportunity to feel both heard and informed, and he offered invaluable strategic guidance from understanding the market to navigating the offer process. On a personal level, Seth is a pleasure to work with, and his encouraging attitude, diligence, and clear communication made what would typically be a challenging undertaking a very positive experience!

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