About Gretchen Swall

As a top-producing real estate advisor with 17 years of experience, Gretchen Swall brings a rare blend of precision, discretion, and strategy to every transaction. Her clients—executives, founders, and multigenerational families—rely on her to deliver seamless, high-touch service and exceptional results in Silicon Valley’s most competitive markets.

Gretchen personally manages every step of the process, offering her clients a single point of contact from preparation to close. Known for her thoughtful approach and calm execution, she brings deep market fluency, refined marketing instincts, and unmatched attention to detail.

Her previous career as a Managing Director at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch sharpened her ability to navigate complexity and think several moves ahead. Whether preparing a landmark listing, uncovering an off-market opportunity, or advising on market timing, Gretchen’s clients trust her for advice grounded in data, experience, and care.

Based in Los Altos and connected throughout the Stanford Circle cities, Gretchen works almost exclusively by referral. She has cultivated a national and local agent network through Compass that opens doors—often before they’re public.

Outside of work, she’s a proud mom of two high school athletes, a former NCAA lacrosse player, and a dedicated dog lover. You’ll often find her at football games, water polo matches, or sourcing inspiration for her next beautifully staged listing.

Gretchen Swall offers the diverse experience and qualifications that few of her peers can match. Excelling as an Investment Banker for Merrill Lynch in New York City for nearly 20 years, and achieving the distinction as Managing Director, Gretchen thrives in the fast pace and high demands of business. Always intrigued by architecture, interior design, and real estate, the transition to representing buyers and sellers in the competitive Silicon Valley market was a natural fit.

Gretchen’s connectivity in the local community enhances her clients’ success. She and her husband, a Bay Area native, relocated from New York City to Los Altos in 2001. She savors the suburban lifestyle now and is actively involved in her children’s school as a volunteer in the classroom. When away from her work as a full-time Realtor, you’ll often find her walking the Stanford Dish trail, working out in a spin class, or enjoying a coffee break in downtown Los Altos or Palo Alto.