82% of home sellers with an agent said that their agent organized and prepared the documents. Also, 70% of sellers praised their agents who determined when should the homes be listed for sale.
The advantage of an experienced real estate agents is, they have every tip in the market. You may find a lot of real estate agents near you but not just anyone will fit the bill. You should hire top real estate agents who educate you about market conditions and negotiation.
With Houzeo, you can get professional services by top real estate agents. You will also get help in organized paperwork and accurate home valuations.
Reviews: 10 Top Real Estate Agents in 2024
We’ve analyzed millions of real estate transactions and client reviews to identify the best real estate agents and Realtors. Here is a list of the top 10 real estate agents.
🏅 Rankings: Top 10 Real Estate Agents
- Daniel Demers: Best Overall
- Jared English: Best for Home Sellers
- Tod Franklin: Best for Short Sales
- Jason Oppenheim: Best for Luxury Properties
- Mauricio Umansky: Best for Property Management
- Jade Mills: Best for Super Luxury Homes
- Carlos Alvarez: Best for Relocation
- Ben Caballero: Best Local Coverage
- Aaron Kirman: Best for High-Valued Properties
- Serena Broadman: Best for Condos and Townhouse Markets
1. Daniel Demers
BEST OVERALL
Experience: 14+ years
5.0/5.0
(152 reviews)Daniel Demers is a Flat Fee REALTOR licensed in 10 states. He offers virtual full-service packages in partnership with Houzeo. He’s focused on using technology to improve the home seller’s and buyer’s experience.
For Home Sellers
- Flat Fee Listing – $399: Sellers can list on MLS for a flat fee and save thousands in commissions.
- Fully Online: Powered by Houzeo.com, Dan Demers can help you manage your listing online.
For Home Buyers
- Offer/Counteroffer: Buyers can make an offer on properties listed on Houzeo.com.
- Closing Cost Calculator: Buyers can use Houzeo’s Closing Cost Calculator to estimate closing expenses.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Daniel Demers for his prompt customer service and experience in more than 10 real estate markets.
» Daniel Demers: Check out the services offered by Dan Demers via Houzeo.com
- Transaction Sides: He has sold 935 properties in the last 12 months.
- Experience: Daniel has also spent several years in traditional real estate practice before joining the “flat fee MLS” model.
- Houzeo Agent Advantage: You can get access to a 100% online platform that facilitates easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and offers.
In our research, we found no red flags with Dan Demers.
Dan Demers offers flat fee broker services in 10 states: Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Top Real Estate Agents: If Dan doesn’t cover your zip code, you can consider other local agents at your location.
Daniel Demers has 5 stars ratings on Houzeo.
» Daniel Demers, Sell Your Home Services: Find out what customers are saying about Dan Demers.
2. Jared English
BEST FOR HOME SELLERS
Experience: 17+ years 5.0/5.0
(91 reviews)Jared Andrew English is a Flat Fee REALTOR licensed in 12 states. He offers virtual full-service packages via Houzeo. He is known for closing the sale of multiple million dollar plus properties, navigating through 17 offers for one listing.
For Home Sellers
- Flat Fee Listing – $299+: Sellers can list on MLS for a flat fee and save thousands of dollars in commissions.
- Full Automation: Powered by Houzeo.com, J. Andrew English can help you manage your listing online.
- Showings: Sellers can set up their own showing calendars, and manage showings easily.
For Home Buyers
- Submit an Offer/Counteroffer: Buyers can make an offer on properties listed on Houzeo.com.
- Closing Cost Calculator: Buyers can use Houzeo’s Closing Cost Calculator to estimate closing expenses.
- Mark as Favorites: Buyers can mark the properties they searched as favorites via the mobile app.
👉 Our Take: We recommend J. Andrew English as he is one of the top real estate agents and has experience in more than 12 real estate markets.
» Jared Andrew English Realtor: Check out the services offered by Jared English via Houzeo.com
- Transaction Sides: He has sold 605 properties in the last 12 months.
- Experience: He has owned/sold his own investment properties throughout the Western United States and uses this experience to help his clients succeed.
- Houzeo Agent Advantage: You can get access to a 100% online platform that facilitates easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and offers.
In our research, we found no red flags with Jared.
Jared offers flat fee broker services in 12 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
Top Real Estate Agents: In case Jared doesn’t cover your zip code, you can consider other top agents from this table.
Jared English has 4.9 stars ratings on Houzeo reviews. You can also read about out reviews on Congress Realty.
» Jared Andrew English, Congress Realty: Find out what customers are saying about Jared Andrew English Realtor.
3. Tod Franklin
BEST FOR SHORT SALES
Experience: 19+ years 5.0/5.0
(151 reviews)Tod Franklin is a Flat Fee Realtor in Texas. His firm DFWCityHomes is a full-service Flat Fee MLS listing company. It helps buyers and sellers in Texas to save thousands of dollars with affordable services.
For Home Sellers
- Flat Fee Listing – $249+: Sellers can list on MLS for a flat fee and save thousands in commissions.
- Full Automation: Powered by Houzeo.com, Tod Franklin can help you manage your listing online.
For Home Buyers
- Buyer Rebate: Tod offers a 1% buyer rebate as an incentive for home buyers. This is subject to certain conditions being met.
- Closing Cost Calculator: Buyers can even use Houzeo’s Closing Cost Calculator to estimate their expenses for purchasing their home.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Tod Franklin as he is one of the most preferred Texas Realtors. His knowledge of the Texas real estate market and professionalism ensure a smooth journey for his clients.
» Tod Franklin, DFWCityhomes: Check out the services offered by Tod via Houzeo.com
Tod and his firm DFWCityHomes helps buyers and sellers in Texas to save thousands of dollars with affordable services.
- Transaction Sides: He has sold 124 properties in the last 12 months.
- Experience: Tod’s DFWCityhomes specializes in residential, multi-family, residential land, and farm-ranch land. For more than 19 years, they have successfully closed 1,113 properties worth $409 million.
- Houzeo Agent Advantage: Access to a 100% online platform that facilitates easy listing, fast changes, online showings, and offers.
In our research, we found no red flags with Tod.
Coverage: He is licensed in Texas and offers his services via DFWCityhomes.
Top Real Estate Agents: In case he doesn’t cover your zip code, you can consider other local agents in your locality.
Tod Franklin has 5.0 stars ratings on Google reviews.
» Tod Franklin, DFWCityhomes: Find out what customers are saying about Tod Franklin Realtor.
4. Jason Oppenheim
BEST FOR LUXURY PROPERTIES
Experience: 14+ years 4.9/5.0
(37 reviews)Jason Oppenheim is a Realtor in West Hollywood, CA. He specializes in selling luxury properties as a Hollywood real estate agent.
With Jason you can expect full commission of 5% – 6% if you opt to list or buy with The Oppenheim Group.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Jason Oppenheim for his expertise in selling luxury property in the California real estate market. He has closed more than $3 billion in sales in the Golden State.
Jason Oppenheim is a top luxury realtor recognized as the #1 Real Estate Agent in the Hollywood Hills by the Wall Street Journal. He is also recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as Top Real Estate Agent in Los Angeles.
- Global Exposure: Jason can list and market your home on top real estate websites in over 60 countries.
- Off-Market Property Access: Jason has access to many off-market properties along with upcoming listings.
- Transaction Sides: Jason has closed more than $3 billion in sales and has $300 million in active listings currently.
Jason has access to 100 international real estate syndication portals, showcasing your listing to over 175 million prospective buyers.
In our research, we found no red flags with Realtor Jason Oppenheim.
Jason is one of the top Realtors in California for luxury homes. He has an experience of 14 years and extensive knowledge of the local real estate market.
Jason has an excellent rating of 4.9 stars rating from 51 reviews on Zillow.
5. Mauricio Umansky
BEST FOR LUXURY PROPERTIES
Experience: 23+ years 5.0/5.0
(19 reviews)Mauricio Umansky is the founder of The Agency. He specializes in property management and is recognized by Inman as a top luxury brokerage. Mauricio is recognized as the #1 Top-Producing Real Estate Agent in California by Wall Street Journal. His name appears in the #5 Top-Producing Real Estate Agent in the U.S.
You can expect to pay a full commission of 5% – 6% if you opt to sell/buy with Mauricio. You get access to The Agency’s entire database of listings by signing up.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Mauricio Umansky as he has closed more than $4 billion in sales and provides top-notch services.
Mauricio works at a global level giving the buyers and sellers maximum exposure. He also provide free moving consultation services. Having founded the billion-dollar brokerage, The Agency, Mauricio and his team offer world-class technologies and top marketing strategies.
- Transaction sides: Mauricio has closed more than $4 billion in sales, and has sold most homes in the country priced above $20 million.
- Best in class services: The Agency provides the services of relocation, escrow, home inspection, mortgages, warranty, and more.
The Agency has over 100 offices and over 2,000 agents across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and Europe.
In our research, we found no red flags with Mauricio.
Mauricio Umansky has been reviewed highly for his availability for client queries, professionalism and customer approach.
Top Real Estate Agents: In case Mauricio doesn’t cover your zip code, you can consider other local agents in your area.
Mauricio Umansky has 5.0 stars ratings on Zillow.
6. Jade Mills
BEST FOR SUPER LUXURY HOMES
Experience: 30+ years
4.6/5.0
(7 reviews)Jade Mills is a luxury Realtor, operating throughout Los Angeles. She is known as the $8 billion-dollar woman due to her reputation of $8 Billion sales in LA & Beverly Hills.
With Jade you can expect to pay a full commission of 5% – 6% if you opt to sell/buy with her.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Jade for her expertise in Los Angeles Real Estate. She has a team of seasoned professionals who are devoted to serving your real estate needs.
Having sold real estate properties worth $8 billion, Jade has earned a reputation as the top real estate agent in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.
- Market Exposure: Jade has exclusive international partnerships with top luxury brokers worldwide. Your property listing gets global exposure.
- Expert Services: Jade Mills and knowledgeable experts cater to luxury property owners in the Los Angeles real estate market.
- Transaction Sides: She has sold over $8 billion worth of properties till now.
Jade ranks as the #1 Agent Worldwide for Coldwell Banker and the #5 agent worldwide for all brokerages. She is a Global Luxury Ambassador for Coldwell Banker. She is also the Co-Chairman of the International Luxury Alliance.
In our research, we found no red flags with Realtor Jade Mills.
Jade has nationwide recognition as well as an international appeal for being a seasoned professional.
Top Real Estate Agents: If Jade doesn’t cover your zip code, you can consider other local agents in your area.
Jade Mills has 4.6 stars ratings on Google Reviews.
7. Carlos Alvarez
BEST FOR RELOCATION
Experience: 29+ years 5.0/5.0
(1 review)Carlos Alvarez serves in Louisiana and is affiliated with RE/MAX Realty. He specializes in relocation and new construction of properties.
For Home Sellers
- Free CMA Reports: Carlos offers free reports of comparative market analysis. He helps you get your home’s estimated value according to current market trends.
For Home Buyers
- Real-Time Alerts: Carlos provides the latest technology where you receive real-time alerts. It makes home search easier.
- Mobile App: The app gives you access to homes available at your fingertips. You can save your search history and schedule showings.
👉 Our take: We recommend Carlos Alvarez as he has an experience of 29+ years in the real estate market.
Alvarez has achieved a lifetime achievement award for helping over 1,000 families buy/sell their homes.
Transaction Sides: Carlos Alvarez has closed 276 sales in the last 12 months.
Achievements: Ranked #1 by REAL Trends for the maximum number of sales and volume in Louisiana.
In our research, we found no red flags with Carlos Alvarez.
Coverage: Carlos Alvarez is licensed in Louisiana.
Top Real Estate Agents: In case Carlos doesn’t cover your zip code, you can consider other local agents in your area.
Carlos Alvarez has 5.0 stars ratings on Zillow.
8. Ben Caballero
BEST FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Experience: 43+ years
4.9/5.0
(28 Reviews)Ben Caballero operates in Texas and specializes in property management, consulting, and new home sales. He is the founder and CEO of HomesUSA.com. Ben holds the Guinness World Record for the Real Estate Agent with the most home sale transactions in a year.
For Home Sellers
- Free Price Discrepancy Report: Receive a free price comparison report analysis.
- Marketing Strategies: Customized strategies including real estate photography, market monitoring, online reports, real-time updates, etc.
For Home Buyers
- Quick Finder: Search for houses with advanced filters like price range, property type, no. of bedrooms, etc.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Ben as he is one of the top real estate agents and has an experience of 40+ years.
Ben is the first Realtor to exceed $1 billion and $2 billion in home sales in a single year.
Transaction Sides: Ben has closed 4,660 sales in the last 12 months. Between 2004 and 2023, he has had 61,126 home sales totaling $23.866 billion in volume.
Achievements: Ben got the Most Innovative Real Estate Agent by Inman News in 2013. He has reached unprecedented levels of sales with technology. He developed a proprietary SaaS marketing management platform, HomesUSA.com, to aid him in servicing his clients.
He has also been named as Real Estate Industry Influencer in 2017.
In our research, we found no red flags with Ben.
He is licensed in Texas and provides his services via HomesUSA.com.
Top Real Estate Agents: In case Ben doesn’t cover your zip code, you can consider other local agents in your area.
Ben Caballero has 4.9 stars out of 5.0 ratings on Zillow.
9. Aaron Kirman
BILLION DOLLAR SALES
Experience: 20+ yearsAaron Kirman represents the luxury home sales in California. He has also founded Aaron Kirman Group. It has a team of over 80 agents and a staff of 15.
With Aaron you can expect the full commission of 5% – 6% if you opt to list or buy with him.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Aaron Kirman for his expertise in dealing luxury properties. He has the largest market share of luxury listings in the US with over $2.2 billion in active luxury inventory.
Aaron Kirman is one of the best Realtors for selling luxury homes in the Golden State.
- Transaction Sides: Aaron has crossed over $16 billion in career sales.
- Estate Dynamics Technology: Aaron has developed a technology that presents the best characteristics of a home to attract potential buyers.
- Schedule Showings: You can directly schedule a showing for a house through Aaron’s website.
Achievements: Aaron Kirman was ranked in the top 5 luxury real estate agents in the US by the Wall Street Journal.
In our research, we found no red flags with the Aaron Kirman Group.
Aaron Kirman is one of the best luxury real estate agents in Beverly Hills.
Top Real Estate Agents: In case Aaron doesn’t cover your zip code, you can consider other local agents in your area.
No credible reviews found on trustworthy websites like Google and Yelp.
10. Serena Broadman
BEST FOR CONDOS AND TOWNHOUSE MARKETS
Experience: 21 years
3.7/5.0
(3 review)Serena Boardman is an elite record-setting agent/broker in America’s luxury real estate market. She specializes in condominium and townhouse markets.
For Home Sellers
- Far-Reaching Exposure: Through her local expertise and vast global network, Serena’s listings attain maximum exposure.
For Home Buyers
- Off-market Property Access: Serena has access to many off-market properties along with upcoming listings.
👉 Our Take: We recommend Serena Boardman for her expertise in listing management services as well as dealing in luxury properties.
Transaction Sides: Serena has crossed over $2.6 billion in luxury home sales. In addition to major sales, Serena’s time is dedicated to selling properties in a variety of price ranges like $5M to $15M range
Achievements:
- Serena Boardman is ranked #1 agent in America by the Wall Street Journal.
- Three times record holder for doing the most expensive sales in Manhattan.
- Ranked #1 Agent in Manhattan by The Real Deal.
In our research, we found no red flags with Serena Boardman. She covers condominium and townhouse markets, on the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Downtown New York City.
Top Real Estate Agents: In case Serena doesn’t cover your zip code, you can consider other local agents in your region.
Serena Boardman has 3.7 stars ratings on Google.
Top Real Estate Agents and Brokers Near Me
Here’s a list of top real estate agents. You can find the best one near you from this list:
Types of Real Estate Agents and Brokers
There are five main types of agents:
| Types of Agents | Commission Rates | Scope of Services |
| Flat Fee MLS Agents | Upfront fee of $199 to $999 | All services on la carte basis. |
| Flat Rate Agents | Approx. $2,000 to $8,000 | Services at a discounted fee compared to the traditional agents. |
| Low Commission Agents | Less than 3% of selling price | Services like closing and negotiation are not available. |
| Virtual Full-Service Agents | Fixed upfront fee or a commission | All services are available online. |
| Traditional In-Person Agents | 2.5% to 3% of selling price | You will get all services in-person. |
What is the Average Fee of Top Real Estate Agents?
The average real estate agent commission ranges somewhere between 5% to 6%. However, this commission is split between the listing agent and the buyer agent as follows:
| Agent | Commission |
| Listing Agent | 2% to 3% |
| Buyer Agent | 2.5% to 3% |
| Total | 4.5% to 6% |
Now, the current median home selling price is $432,903. If we estimate the average commission rate to be 5% then you pay a hefty $21,645 in commissions alone!
The buyer agent’s fees and the listing agent’s commissions could vary depending on:
- The Agent: An agent’s experience greatly influences commission rates. Hollywood real estate agents, for example, have experience of dealing with high-end properties and managing record-setting deals. It leads them to charge a higher fees.
- The Real Estate Company: Luxury real estate firms charge a heavy percentage for their premium services. They deal in high-end properties and work as per your choices. On the other hand smaller firms with the limited services charge lesser fees.
- The Location: The geographic location of the property can affect commission rates. Real estate agents in California or top Realtors in Florida may charge higher rates compared to other regions.
» Who Pays the Real Estate Agent Fee: Read to know how real estate commissions work.
Agents vs. Realtors vs. Brokers
| Title | Definition |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Agents | They can work either independently or as an employee under another broker. This suggests that all real estate agents are not brokers while some of them may act as brokers. |
| Real Estate Broker | A licensed real estate agent with a brokerage firm is known as a broker. He can also employ the other agents. They receive the total commission and split it with their agents. |
| Realtor | Any broker or a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is a Realtor. They too can work independently or represent a brokerage. |
How to Choose a Real Estate Agent?
Here are 5 simple things to look for while choosing the right agent:
1. Agent’s Experience and Industry Knowledge
Real estate agents have the experience to find whether a house is overpriced or underpriced. The best Realtors with an experience of more than 5 years in real estate market can provide you with quality services.
The best brokers should have an experience of knowing the neighborhood they cover. Also, if you’re a buyer, your broker must be able to locate properties within your price range.
2. Agent’s Negotiation and Offer Management Skills
Sometimes sellers get 12+ offers. Those buyers do everything to appeal to the sellers. Agents’ negotiation skills can assist the sellers to choose the best option.
80% of homeowners find it helpful when their agents led the negotiations with all the buyers. The top real estate agents near you must be excellent at managing multiple offers and closing for the best offer.
3. Agent’s Marketing Skills
It requires professional skills like photography and staging to market a home. Such skills make your home a coveted one among the buyers. 78% of sellers found it helpful when their agents marketed the properties.
The top Realtors and real estate agents are capable to promote your home and amplify its features to the buyers. They can help you hire professional home staging companies and real estate photographers.
4. Services Offered by the Agent
Buying or selling a house requires extensive paperwork and documentation. An agent must be proficient in paperwork like seller disclosures, title insurance, and closing process.
They should be able to assist you in on time completion of paperwork for selling a house.
Should You Sell via a Real Estate Agent Over FSBO?
If you want to cut down on commissions by an average of $10,000 and still get a great sale price for your home, you can sell For Sale By Owner. If you list on the MLS as FSBO, you get all the services of paperwork, and can attract multiple buyers for just a flat fee.
Homes listed on the MLS through FSBO websites sell faster and for 15% higher prices. You can sell your home without a Realtor as FSBO with Houzeo’s Gold Plan and get average savings of around $8000-$12,000.
Know How to List on the Houzeo MLS in 5 Easy Steps
We’ve got you covered. Check out how you can list your home on the MLS with Houzeo.
How to List on MLS With Houzeo?
5 Easy Steps to List on MLS with Houzeo as FSBO
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why it is one of the best website For Sale By Owner in America.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find the top Realtors in Los Angeles, CA?
You can find the best Realtors in LA here. Houzeo has identified and marked top Realtors and agents in Los Angeles.
How real estate agents are paid?
Most real estate agents earn real estate commissions on home selling price. The commission is usually 5% to 6% of the selling price. These fees are directly paid to the agents after the purchase or sale of the property.
How does the luxury real estate market look like in 2024?
The luxury real estate market will be strong in 2024. There will be a lot of options and the best locations available for luxury homes for sale. Places like Florida South Coast and Newport Beach are among the next major market to go through the roof.
Who pays the real estate agent's fees?
The seller generally pays all the real estate agent commissions. It costs approximately 6% of total sales fees.
While the buyer doesn't have to worry about these commissions, they do have to pay closing costs. Some agents and companies even offer buyer rebates.
Related
what does a real estate agent do, difference between real estate agent and broker, difference between realtor and real estate agent, general agent real estate, real estate agents brokers, list real estate agents, licensed real estate agents, real estate agent listings, real estate agents listing, luxury real estate agents, duties of a real estate agent, best commercial real estate agent, Realtor vs real estate agent
