About JL

John Townsend

John Townsend

Lead Agent

Get To Know Me

My name is John "JL" Townsend. I am the lead agent for The Townsend Group at Compass. I am a native of San Francisco with over 15 years of residential brokerage experience. As a full service agent, I represent buyers and sellers across the Bay Area with a focus on San Francisco, Marin and Wine Country. Whether you're looking to diversify your investment portfolio, secure a home for your family, purchase your first condo, or find a perfect weekend getaway, know that each is not just a transaction but a commitment—of heart, energy, and resources. My role is to align your financial investment with your life investment.

My experience and network will help navigate you through the real estate landscape of San Francisco as only a native can.
Matt and Karla
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

JL was an absolute dream to work with. As sellers that were no longer in the area, he managed the entire process on our behalf and went the extra mile whenever necessary. His communication is incredible- consistently made sure to keep us updated every step of the way and always available for even the smallest question. We truly felt that our best interest was always top of mind for him and he handled eve...

— The LeFort Family

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

I can't overstate how appreciative we are for your patience, advice, and guidance. To use a very poor football metaphor: Your partners were instrumental in getting us across the goal line, but not only did you drive us down the field, you got us into the stadium and taught us the rules of the game. We would never have gotten this house without you. We'll be forever be grateful.

— The Hirsch Family

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

We needed to sell in a hurry to buy a family house that was about to go to market. John had helped us design our home and then helped to sell it in what we cannot see as less than record time. Went to market on a Friday and were ratified by Monday evening. It saved us huge amounts of stress being able to have a deal we needed to get done in order to keep multiple generations of the family happy. Thanks JL!

— The Wagner Family

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

I appreciate the time, energy, and personal attention that JL put into the search for my first home. He provided an objective approach and his efforts led to an off-market purchase that fit my criteria. JL's relationships within the brokerage community, coupled with lifelong San Francisco experience, made him a natural choice to work with. I couldn't be happier with the outcome.

— Brady S.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

We worked with JL Townsend to sell our home in San Francisco, and we couldn't have been more pleased. We met with a couple of realtors before John, but we knew instantly that he was the one for us. He is very honest and hands on. John was very responsive to our needs and was always available when we needed him to be. John brought a great photographer and videographer to showcase our home. He also brought...

— Helene O.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

When we wanted to sell our long-time home, a pair of flats in San Francisco's Inner Richmond, JL Townsend took charge. He had a buyer before the building hit the market and arranged a 1031 exchange for the rental portion that yielded an outstanding commercial property investment. We couldn't be more pleased with what JL did for us.

— Rad & Linda D.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

In only six years, JL has helped us accomplish two of our biggest lifelong goals - owning a beautiful home in which to raise our growing family, and owning an investment property in San Francisco. He is our friend, our realtor, and our trusted business partner.  

— Luke & Britt O.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

The marketing collateral they created, and the open houses they managed brought us a number of interested parties. We would recommend The Townsend Group to anyone who was interested in the services of a highly professional team of realtors.

— Charles C.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

John townsend took charge. He had a buyer as soon as the building hit the market and arranged a 1031 exchange for the rental portion that yielded an outstanding commercial property investment. We couldn't be more pleased with what john did for us.

— Seller

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

Within six years, John helped us accomplish two of our biggest life long goals - owning a beautiful home in which to raise our growing family, and owning an investment property in san francisco. We couldn't believe how easy he made it.

— Buyer

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

John Townsend helped us find our new home, a lovely Nob Hill condo. We think it’s perfect. John is a native San Franciscan knows the local real estate market. He quickly sees the strengths and weaknesses of a listing. When looking at properties with him, he would point out negatives that we might not initially see, e.g., extensive litigation with an HOA. He did not waste our time in showing us properties...

— Matt and Karla

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Notable Sales

Pending

2649 Greenwich Street
$4,695,000

2649 Greenwich Street, San Francisco, CA 94123

  • 5 BEDS
  • 4 BATHS
  • 2,928 Sq.Ft.

Sold

1220 Jones Street # 501
$4,000,000

1220 Jones Street # 501, San Francisco, CA 94109

  • 3 BEDS
  • 3 BATHS
  • 2,720 Sq.Ft.

For Sale

Off Market | Renovated Sonoma Getaway
Price Upon Request

  • 4 BEDS
  • 3 BATHS
  • 2,722 Sq.Ft.

For Sale

1020 Union Street # 12
$3,295,000

1020 Union Street # 12, San Francisco, CA 94133

  • 3 BEDS
  • 4 BATHS
  • 2,707 Sq.Ft.

Sold

2849 Gough Street
$2,680,000

2849 Gough Street, San Francisco, CA 94123

  • 3 BEDS
  • 3 BATHS
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Find Your Home's Worth

Home Valuation

Work With Us

The Townsend Group are dedicated to helping you find your dream home and help navigate you through the real estate landscape of San Francisco. Contact us today to start your home searching journey!

Let's Connect
Get in Touch
Contact Details

THE TOWNSEND GROUP

(415) 601-2227

[email protected]



891 Beach St

San Francisco CA 94109

John Townsend | CA DRE# 01716201