Top 10 Most Famous Real Estate Agents

There are exceptional individuals who have not only mastered the art of real estate property sales but have also become household names. Most successful real estate agents have a significant following and admiration from both clients and fans. From Los Angeles to New York, these agents have established themselves as powerhouses in the real estate market by consistently delivering remarkable results and setting new standards of excellence.

Let’s explore the top 10 real estate agents in the U.S. who have made their mark in the industry through their unique approach, exceptional skills, and impressive track records. We will also be giving you tips on how to replicate this success for yourself.

1. Mauricio Umansky

Brokerage Affiliation: The Agency
Target Market Location: Globally in 10 countries
Niche Market: Luxury real estate
Notable Property Sale: Playboy Mansion

Mauricio Umansky is the co-founder and CEO of The Agency, a luxury real estate brokerage based in California. Mauricio’s journey in real estate began early on. He grew up in Mexico City, where his father was a successful businessman. Inspired by his father’s work, Mauricio ventured into the real estate industry and quickly made a name for himself as one of the most famous real estate agents. He started his career in real estate in 1996 and founded The Agency in 2011, which has since become a renowned brokerage with a global reach.

Headshot of Mauricio Umansky (Source: The Agency)

With a passion for high-end properties, Mauricio has an impressive reputation in the industry. His niche lies in luxury real estate as a trusted adviser to affluent clients seeking exceptional properties. Mauricio’s success can be attributed to his extensive knowledge of the market, strong negotiation skills, and personalized approach to each client’s needs. He has been involved in numerous high-profile deals and several multimillion-dollar estates in Los Angeles. Mauricio’s ability to cultivate strong relationships with clients has positioned him as one of the top real estate agents in California.

Mauricio Umansky’s Strategies to Incorporate Into Your Business:

The luxury market demands impeccable service and the utmost discretion. Strive to deliver a personalized, white-glove experience to your clients.
Networking is key in the luxury real estate market. Connect with influential individuals and build relationships with professionals catering to high-net-worth clients, such as luxury property developers, architects, interior designers, and wealth managers.
Familiarize yourself with the unique needs and expectations of affluent buyers and sellers. This knowledge will allow you to position yourself as an expert in the luxury market and provide valuable insights to your clients.

2. Fredrik Eklund

Brokerage Affiliation: Douglas Elliman
Target Market Location: New York
Niche Market: Luxury residential properties
Notable Property Sale: Schumacher boutique condominium

Fredrik’s journey in real estate began when he moved to New York City in 2003. Initially, he started as an entrepreneur, establishing a successful internet company. However, his passion for real estate led him to transition into the industry in 2005. Fredrik’s innate sales skills and magnetic personality quickly set him apart from his peers. These skills propelled him to become one of the leading agents on the reality TV show “Million Dollar Listing New York.”

Headshot of Fredrik Eklund (Source: Douglas Elliman)

As one of the most successful real estate agents, Fredrik specializes in luxury residential properties as a top agent at Douglas Elliman. He has earned a reputation for securing some of the most prestigious deals in Manhattan. Fredrik’s success lies in his ability to create a captivating narrative around each property he represents, showcasing their unique features and potential. His marketing ability, combined with a relentless work ethic, has led him to achieve record-breaking sales and become one of the most sought-after agents in New York City.

Fredrik Eklund’s Strategies to Incorporate Into Your Business:

Create a professional website that showcases your services, expertise, and listings.
Establish yourself as a knowledgeable and trustworthy professional by offering value through educational seminars, workshops, or informative blog posts.
Have a strong elevator pitch ready. Identify your niche market, specialization, or key strengths that make you stand out.

Examples of listing marketing presentations on flyer or tablet.

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Read more about Market Leader and other marketing companies in our article 6 Best Real Estate Marketing Companies in 2023.

3. Jason Oppenheim

Brokerage Affiliation: The Oppenheim Group
Target Market Location: California
Niche Market: Luxury properties in Los Angeles
Notable Property Sale: 8408 Hillside Ave

Jason Oppenheim is the founder and president of The Oppenheim Group. He has established himself as a prominent figure in the luxury real estate market, particularly in Los Angeles. With a focus on high-end properties, Jason has successfully represented clients in the sale and acquisition of some of the most prestigious estates in the city. His expertise lies in luxury properties, and he has built a strong reputation for his meticulous attention to detail, market knowledge, and strong negotiation skills.

Headshot of Jason Oppenheim
(Source: The Oppenheim Group Real Estate)

Jason and his brother, Brett Oppenheim, are both real estate agents and stars of the popular Netflix series “Selling Sunset.” Jason’s journey in real estate began after he earned his law degree and worked as an attorney. His passion for real estate led him to transition into the industry, and he founded The Oppenheim Group in 2008. With his business acumen and deep knowledge of the market, Jason quickly established the firm as a leading player in the luxury real estate market.

Jason Oppenheim’s Strategies to Incorporate Into Your Business:

Keep a close eye on market cycles and fluctuations to identify favorable times to encourage clients to buy a house.
When it’s a seller’s market with low inventory and high demand, it may be an opportune time to share with clients that they should list a property and maximize the potential for a quick and profitable sale.
Stay informed about changes in market trends, pricing patterns, and supply and demand dynamics. Utilize reputable sources, such as local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data, industry reports, and economic indicators, to gain insights into market conditions and help clients make informed decisions.

4. Josh Altman

Brokerage Affiliation: Douglas Elliman
Target Market Location: California
Niche Market: Luxury properties in Beverly Hills and Bel Air
Notable Property Sale: $100 million dollar listing in Marina Del Rey

Josh Altman moved to Los Angeles after college to pursue a career in real estate. Initially, he started as a real estate investor and flipper. Josh is an influential figure in the real estate industry specializing in luxury properties in Beverly Hills and Bel Air. His niche lies in the representation of high-net-worth individuals, assisting them in the acquisition and sale of multimillion-dollar estates. Josh’s success can be attributed to his unmatched determination and strong negotiation skills.

Headshot of Josh Altman (Source: Altman Brothers Real Estate)

Josh’s journey in real estate began when he joined Hilton & Hyland, a prestigious brokerage in Los Angeles. He quickly made a name for himself, closing significant deals and establishing strong relationships with clients. Josh’s dynamic approach and ability to adapt to changing market conditions have propelled him to have such a successful career in real estate. He joined Douglas Elliman in 2010, where he continues to thrive and set new benchmarks in luxury real estate.

Josh Altman’s Strategies to Incorporate Into Your Business:

Establish a strong network of real estate professionals, including agents, wholesalers, and property managers. They can provide valuable leads and insights on off-market properties, distressed properties, or properties with renovation potential.
Prioritize renovations that offer a good return on investment, considering both cost and market appeal.
Before purchasing a property, conduct comprehensive market research and analysis to ensure you are investing in the right location.

5. Cathy Franklin

Brokerage Affiliation: The Corcoran Group
Target Market Location: New York
Niche Market: Luxury properties in Manhattan
Notable Property Sale: 109 East 79th

Cathy Franklin has received many accolades for her career in real estate. She has consistently been recognized by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and Real Trends as one of the top 1% of agents in the U.S. She joined The Corcoran Group and honed her skills to build a strong foundation in the luxury real estate market. Cathy’s commitment to helping clients achieve their real estate goals has contributed to her long-standing success in the industry.

Headshot of Cathy Franklin (Source: Corcoran)

Cathy specializes in luxury properties in Manhattan, New York. She is the most famous real estate agent with over three decades of experience. Cathy has established herself as a trusted adviser to high-profile clients seeking upscale homes in the city. Cathy’s ability to understand the unique needs of her clients and guide them through the complex real estate process has earned her a reputation as a top agent in Manhattan. She is the proud owner of an exquisite 1806 Georgian farm, which also serves as the location for Hillrock Estate Distillery.

Cathy Franklin’s Strategies to Incorporate Into Your Business:

Take an inventory of your skills, experiences, and areas of expertise within real estate to identify your niche. Identify what sets you apart from others and the specific knowledge or talents you bring to the table.
Conduct thorough market research to identify emerging trends, underserved areas, or niche markets within real estate.
Define your ideal target audience based on demographics, interests, and specific needs. Consider who you enjoy working with and who could benefit the most from your expertise.

6. Ryan Serhant

Brokerage Affiliation: SERHANT.
Target Market Location: New York
Niche Market: Luxury properties in Manhattan and Brooklyn
Notable Property Sale: World’s tallest penthouse

Ryan Serhant is the founder of SERHANT., a highly accomplished real estate agent specializing in luxury properties in Manhattan and Brooklyn. He is one of the top real estate agents in the U.S., and is known for his unmatched energy and relentless drive—helping Ryan build a reputation as one of the top agents in New York City. His niche lies in the representation of high-profile clients and the sale of high-end residential properties.

Headshot of Ryan Serhant (Source: SERHANT.)

Ryan gained recognition beyond real estate through his appearances on the reality TV show “Million Dollar Listing New York” and his book “Sell It Like Serhant,” which is a bestseller. He also is extremely active on social media platforms like Instagram.

Ryan’s journey in real estate began when he joined a small brokerage in New York City. His determination and relentless pursuit of success led him to establish his own firm, SERHANT. Ryan’s passion for real estate has propelled him to become one of the most prominent and influential agents in the city.

Ryan Serhant’s Strategies to Incorporate Into Your Business:

Position yourself as a trusted authority by sharing valuable content related to the real estate industry. Write blog articles, create informative videos on Instagram, or host live Q&A sessions that offer insights on homebuying, selling, staging, market trends, and local community information.
Social media is a two-way communication channel, so actively engage with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and inquiries in a timely manner. Leverage social media tools to help you encourage conversation with prospective clients by asking questions, running polls, and soliciting feedback.
Real estate is highly visual, so leverage social media marketing companies to help you showcase high-quality photos and videos of your properties. Use professional photography, virtual tours, and drone footage to highlight the unique features and selling points of each property.

Drag-and-drop template creator (Source: Constant Contact)

Constant Contact is a powerful email marketing and engagement platform that empowers businesses to build meaningful connections with their audience. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Constant Contact enables businesses to create, send, and track professional email campaigns. Real estate agents can engage with customers through automated workflows and utilize various marketing tools to drive customer loyalty and growth.

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7. Jade Mills

Brokerage Affiliation: Coldwell Banker Realty
Target Market Location: California
Niche Market: High-end residential properties in Beverly Hills
Notable Property Sale: The Chartwell Estate

Jade Mills is an esteemed real estate agent affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty. Jade began her real estate career in 1979 and quickly rose to prominence due to her dedication and passion for the industry. She specializes in high-end residential properties in Beverly Hills. With over three decades of experience, Jade has established herself as one of the leading agents in the luxury real estate market. Her niche lies in representing affluent clients seeking exclusive properties in one of the most desirable locations in Los Angeles.

Headshot of Jade Mills (Source: Jade Mills Estates)

Jade’s success can be attributed to her exceptional market knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and unwavering commitment to her clients. She has achieved numerous record-breaking sales and has been involved in high-profile transactions. Some of her accolades throughout her career include being recognized as the number one real estate agent in the world by Coldwell Banker.

Jade Mills’ Strategies to Incorporate Into Your Business:

Dedicate time to research and analyze market trends, statistics, and data. Utilize resources, such as real estate reports, industry publications, and online platforms, that provide market insights.
Engage with other real estate professionals by attending industry events or joining professional associations. Collaborating with industry peers can provide a broader perspective on the market and help you stay informed about new developments and opportunities.
Invest in ongoing education and professional development to stay ahead in a dynamic market. Attend seminars, workshops, and webinars to enhance your understanding of real estate principles.

Sample lead profile (Source: Zillow)

To help agents generate leads and grow their business, Zillow is used by many famous real estate agents. It provides a comprehensive database of property listings, allowing users to search for homes, apartments, and other real estate properties. Since Zillow is the go-to resource for homebuyers, sellers, and renters, it’s a great opportunity for real estate agents to list their listings or participate in the Zillow Premier program to purchase leads.

Visit Zillow

8. Josh Flagg

Brokerage Affiliation: Douglas Elliman
Target Market Location: California
Niche Market: Luxury properties in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Holmby Hills
Notable Property Sale: $6.2 million Montcalm property in Hollywood Hills, California

Josh Flagg is a highly regarded real estate agent specializing in luxury properties. With an aptitude for sales and a keen eye for unique opportunities, Josh has achieved remarkable success in the competitive Los Angeles market. Josh has set numerous sales records and has a reputation for his ability to navigate complex transactions with ease. He has records for the highest sale in the history of Brentwood Park.

Headshot of Josh Flagg (Source: Douglas Elliman)

Josh’s real estate journey began at a young age when he was still in high school. He gained widespread recognition through his appearances on the popular TV show “Million Dollar Listing.” His exceptional track record has positioned him as the top volume agent in Los Angeles and the second-highest agent in terms of sales in the entire state of California.

Josh Flagg’s Strategies to Incorporate Into Your Business:

Establish a robust online brand and presence through a well-designed website, active social media profiles, and engaging content.
Clearly articulate what sets your business apart from competitors and identify the unique value you bring to clients. Communicate this value proposition consistently across your branding materials and marketing efforts to differentiate yourself in the market.
Gain in-depth knowledge of the luxury real estate market in your area. Understand the unique demands and trends specific to high-end properties.

9. Joyce Rey

Brokerage Affiliation: Coldwell Banker Realty
Target Market Location: California
Niche Market: Luxury real estate in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills
Notable Property Sale: Nimes Road

Joyce Rey has an impressive career spanning over four decades. Joyce has established herself as a trailblazer in the industry. Her expertise is in luxury real estate representing clients looking for exceptional properties in prime locations. In 1979, she established Rodeo Realty, a prestigious real estate firm exclusively specializing in the sale of properties valued at $1 million and above.

Headshot of Joyce Rey (Source: Joyce Rey)

Joyce’s remarkable career is marked by a series of record-breaking sales, making her one of the top-selling real estate agents. In 1978, she achieved an unprecedented feat by becoming the first agent to sell a home worth $4 million. This exceptional sale involved a house owned by the iconic duo Sonny & Cher. During the 1990s, Joyce made history once again as the buyer and seller agent on a $30 million property. It set a record for the highest-selling property in Bel Air for that decade. In 2010, she secured her place in real estate history by selling the highest-priced residential property in the United States at an impressive $72 million.

Joyce Rey’s Strategies to Incorporate Into Your Business:

Actively prospect and network to generate listings by reaching out to potential sellers, attending community events, building relationships with local businesses, and utilizing online platforms.
Develop a compelling listing presentation that showcases your expertise, market knowledge, and unique value proposition.
Create a detailed listing marketing plan that outlines your strategies for promoting and maximizing exposure for each property.

10. Cindy Ambuehl

Brokerage Affiliation: Christie’s International Real Estate
Target Market Location: California
Niche Market: Luxury homes in Los Angeles
Notable Property Sale: 1116 Napoli Dr.

Cindy Ambuehl is affiliated with Christie’s International Real Estate and specializes in luxury homes around Los Angeles. Cindy brings a unique perspective to the real estate industry with her strong background in acting and modeling. Prior to her real estate career, Cindy had a successful career as an actress, appearing in television shows such as “JAG” and “Seinfeld.”

Headshot of Cindy Ambuehl (Source: Christie’s International Real Estate)

Cindy’s foray into real estate began after she transitioned from acting to pursuing her passion for luxury homes and interior design. Cindy has consistently achieved impressive rankings within the real estate industry. She was ranked as the #20 agent in California and #40 agent in the nation based on her sales volume.

Her exceptional performance has earned her recognition as one of Los Angeles’ Top 100 Real Estate Agents by the Los Angeles Business Journal. She was also one of Hollywood’s Top 30 Real Estate Agents by The Hollywood Reporter.

Cindy Ambuehl’s Strategies to Incorporate Into Your Business:

Establish a consistent and visually appealing brand aesthetic that reflects your business values and target audience. Use consistent color schemes, typography, and staging furniture to create a cohesive and memorable brand.
Prioritize functionality and user experience in your interior design projects. Understand your client’s needs and design spaces to make them aesthetically pleasing but also practical and functional.
Employing curb appeal as a strategy is crucial for attracting buyers as it enhances the visual appeal of a property, which can significantly increase interest and market value.

5 Tips on How to Become a Successful Real Estate Agent

Most famous real estate agents require a unique combination of skills, knowledge, and determination. It’s essential to develop a strategic approach that sets you apart from the competition, whether you’re just starting your career or are experienced. From building strong relationships to honing your negotiation skills, these agent tips will provide you with actionable tools to thrive in a dynamic real estate career and be like the top realtors.

Here are five valuable tips that can help you on your journey to becoming a successful real estate agent:

Build a strong network: Networking is crucial in the real estate industry. Cultivate relationships with colleagues, clients, and professionals in related fields, such as mortgage brokers and attorneys. Attend industry events or join professional associations to expand your network and gain valuable referrals.
Develop a unique personal brand: Differentiate yourself from the competition by creating a compelling personal brand. Define your unique value proposition and identify your target market. Craft a professional and engaging online presence. This includes a well-designed website and active social media profiles to showcase your expertise and attract potential clients.
Continuously educate yourself: Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and legal regulations. Invest in ongoing education and professional development to enhance your skills and knowledge. Obtaining a real estate mentor can also assist with your success. By staying informed and up to date, you position yourself as a trusted and reliable resource for your clients.
Master the art of communication: Effective communication is essential in real estate. Develop excellent listening skills to understand your client’s needs and preferences. Clearly communicate complex information in a way that is easily understood by your clients. Promptly respond to inquiries and keep all parties involved informed throughout the transaction process.
Provide exceptional customer service: Going above and beyond for your clients is a key differentiator to making you a successful real estate agent. Strive to exceed expectations by delivering exceptional customer service. Be responsive, attentive, and reliable. Show genuine care for your client’s needs and provide them with a positive and memorable experience. Satisfied clients are more likely to refer you to others and become repeat customers.

By implementing these five agent tips, you can position yourself for success in the real estate industry. Most successful real estate agents have a strong network, and developing a unique brand and exceptional customer service will set you apart and help you thrive in this competitive field. Success in real estate is a journey. Having dedication, perseverance, and a strategic approach will assist you in achieving your goals and building a rewarding career as a real estate agent.

Read more success strategies in our article 13 Essential Tips on How to Be Successful in Real Estate.

Bottom Line

The success stories of these famous real estate agents serve as a source of inspiration and valuable lessons for new agents entering the industry. Their achievements are a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. Each agent has carved their own niche and established themselves as leaders in their respective markets. By studying their journeys, new agents can gain insights into the strategies, qualities, and values that have propelled these agents to the pinnacle of success.