Meet the AtHomeInSF Team...

Rafael Galiano

While his actual experience with buying and selling properties runs over 11 years,
Rafael Galiano's passion for real estate is more accurately described as a lifelong love.
Since he was a child, his life revolved around buildings and spaces. In his teens, Rafael worked as a builder for his father's successful custom home and remodeling business in South Florida.

Growing up around the building business shaped Rafael's affinity for interior and exterior spaces.
Later, he went on to work for 10 years as a home warranty agent, cementing his expertise in the business side of real estate. After success in buying and selling properties in personal transactions, Rafael followed the natural progression to become a licensed agent, now displaying his instinctive talent for real estate on behalf of his clients.

As an expert in so many fields, Rafael's clients not only get an agent who can assess the value of properties, but also someone who helps clients see the potential of any space through his experience in the remodeling business or his passion for interior design and gardening.

Rafael is the rare intersection of business sense, practical building know-how and a keen interior and exterior design skills. While his building expertise and his eye for design come in handy, his best skill is his ability to surpass his client's expectations. For Rafael Galiano, it is his remarkable attention to detail in serving his client's needs that truly sets him apart from the rest.

Sally Thompson

Sally Thompson pursued her dream of working in Bay Area Real Estate early on in her career. She received her undergraduate BA degree in Marketing at Santa Clara University and her CA Real Estate license simutaneously- all while working two jobs! She went on to work as a full-time New Home Sales Specialist for a Palo Alto based Eco-Friendly builder and later as the right hand for a Top-Producing Agent in San Francisco.

Past clients and Realtors agree that Sally's creative marketing and strong negotiation skills, and above all, her love of San Francisco are apparent in every part of her business. Her integrity and care for her clients are evident in every transaction.

Sally works closely with her business partner, Rafael Galiano, as part of the AtHomeInSF team. Combined the two are a strong and capable team that believe that every listing or purchase, no matter how big or small, deserve the same level of communication and attention to detail. She welcomes the opportunity to work with you!


Client Testimonials

It started like the lyrics of Journey's Don't Stop Believin'... you know, something about small town boy, meeting city girl, smiling across a bar and it goes on, and on, and on... but minus the midnight train and Detroit references.

That was a year or so ago... and now, it was time for the boyfriend and I to move onto the next stage of relationship - house buying.

We went into the house hunting process fairly well informed, but regardless it was still our first time and we were so glad to have the services of Rafael Galiano (and his associate Sally) at Vanguard Properties to guide us newbies through a very complex - and darn confusing - process.

Rafael possess the energy and passion you want to see in a real estate agent. He genuinely love homes, the property market and his knowledge of the SF market shows. For us, Team Rafael took on the role of educator, realtor, mentor and friend. He was able to work within our neighbourhood preferences, price range and desirables. In exchange, we were decisive buyers and did our homework (by reading and reacting to all the informative materials Team Rafael sent us promptly).

Believe it or not, it only took us 1.5 weeks from the time Rafael sent us the neighbourhood comparable to making an offer on a house (which the sellers accepted).  

However we feel the biggest value Rafael and Sally have provided is their after offer services - by working closely with our broker, checking in to make sure we don't lose our nerve, a very thorough follow throught, right to Sally hand delivering us the new house's keys on her way home from work one night after closing!!! The team has also made some excellent recommendations on contractors.  For all of the above... we are extremely grateful.

Obviously I have not worked with other realtors before, but Rafael and Sally's level of professionalism and service is everything I would ask for (and more) from vendors I deal with in my daily line of work.

Our new home ROCKS - enough said!                  

Joyce L. December 2010

I have bought and sold real estate in SF through Rafael, and would never use another agent.  His attention to detail is amazing!

Shawn Z. February 2010

Rafael is a fantastic agent!  I was a first-time buyer, and Rafael met me for coffee twice to get to know me and figure out what I was looking for before he ever started offering suggestions or taking me to appointments.  He listened to what I was adamant about, but he made suggestions about nieghborhoods and types of properties I should consider before narrowing my options.  I really appreciated that he never pressured me to consider options outside my price range - in fact, he found the perfect place for me and it wasn't even at the top of my limit!  Rafael worked around my crazy work schedule, met me late and on weekends, and during escrow he and his fantastic assistant, Sally, met me at all hours when I needed access to the new place to consider paint colors.  And even after I moved in, Rafael took it upon himself to get the developer to fix a few little things that needed fixing after the sale, and when installation of my window shades was delayed, he came over on a weekend to rig a temporary fix.  Rafael totally goes "above and beyond" the normal agent's duties.  Highly recommended!

Sarah Peterman February 2010

Rafael know San Francisco like the back of his hand.  He was extremely helpful and knows how to listen to our needs.  He was a delight to work with and found us a great place to live.  I'd highly recommend anyone new to the area to at least call Rafael and talk to him.  You'll be glad you did.

Michael B. October 2008

"Working with Rafael was the best decision we made buying our home. From the first moment we met, Rafael was very engaged, proactive and personable. Being deeply involved with our needs and demonstrating extensive knowledge about the market's movements, he helped us find our perfect first home. Rafael went above and beyond when the time came and took the extra steps necessary to get our offer accepted even though it wasn't the highest bid. His personal touch and dedication are something that every professional should strive for." Adam & Eli Past Clients December 2005.

“In my 16 years of knowing Rafael Galiano, I have always placed him in the top echelon of people I know. His honesty, sincerity, dedication, ethics, and vision have consistently held him in the top of his field. He cares deeply about his clients’ results, which is why many of them have become his friends. His reputation bespeaks the many qualities that have made him a success, both personally and in business. Mary Stewart, Pres. Stewart Builders, Inc. Pres. Haywood Co. Homebuilders Assn., N.C.

“I have great confidence in Rafael’s ability to understand and translate the needs of the client. Satisfying their interests is his number one priority.     When an executive and their family relocates to a new area, it is very important for them to feel comfortable and form a bond of trust with a real estate agent. I am confident that clients are able to do this with Rafael. People trust that his number one goal is their satisfaction.      I have never met anyone who has the ability to deliver great service as much as Rafael. He is an excellent communicator, and he inspires trust in his clients. He’s the best I have seen.” Carolyn Duvall Vice President, Employee Relations

“Rafael would be the first person I would call for a real estate transaction because I know he’s not about “the sale”, he’s about the experience – about making sure that you find the right house for you.” -Gwen Gallagher, President President, Old Republic Home Warranty

“If your looking for someone with imipeccable taste who will take the time to get to know you and find the perfect property for your needs and tastes, Rafael is your guy.” -Lieb Dodell Vice President, Axis Professional Insurance San Francisco