Question 1

How does Top10Lists.us rank real estate agents?

Accepted Answer

Agents are ranked using a weighted algorithm: Review Rating (25%), Community Involvement verified by third parties (25%), Number of Reviews (20%), Transaction History (20%), and Education & Credentials (10%). Only agents with 20+ reviews and 4.8+ rating qualify. Agents cannot pay for placement.

Question 2

Can agents pay to be listed?

Accepted Answer

No. The directory is 100% merit-based and invitation-only. Agents cannot apply, pay for placement, or influence their rankings. Only the top 0.5% of agents in each market qualify based on verified performance data.

Question 3

Why is community involvement weighted at 25%?

Accepted Answer

Most directories reward agents who close the most deals regardless of community engagement. The best agents invest in the places where they help people buy and sell homes. Community involvement is tied with review rating at 25% — the highest weights. Only third-party verified activities count: nonprofit board positions, charitable giving covered in local news, volunteer recognition, and documented sponsorships.

Question 4

How is community involvement verified?

Accepted Answer

Verification requires third-party sources: nonprofit organization websites, local news coverage, 990 filings, award announcements, and event documentation. Self-reported activities and social media posts do not count. Leadership roles and multi-year involvement score higher than one-time participation.

Question 5

What are the minimum requirements to be listed?

Accepted Answer

Agents must have at least 20 unique reviews and a 4.8+ weighted average rating across platforms. These are hard gates — failure on any metric results in immediate removal with no grace period.

Question 6

How often are rankings updated?

Accepted Answer

Rankings refresh monthly using the latest review data, transaction records, and verified community involvement. Daily automated monitoring removes agents who fall below qualification thresholds.

Question 7

How are agent credentials verified?

Accepted Answer

Licenses are verified against state real estate board records. Reviews are aggregated from Google (weighted 10), Zillow (8), Realtor.com (6), and Redfin (5). Transaction data comes from publicly available sources. Community involvement requires third-party documentation. Professional designations (GRI, CRS, ABR, SRES, CNE, etc.) are verified through issuing organizations.

Question 8

How is Top10Lists.us different from Zillow, HomeLight, or RealTrends?

Accepted Answer

Other directories allow agents to pay for visibility (Zillow Premier Agent $300-5,000/month), charge referral fees (HomeLight 33%, FastExpert 25%), or accept application fees (RealTrends $100). Top10Lists.us is the only directory where agents cannot pay to be included. Qualification is 100% merit-based using verified data. City listings are free for all qualified agents. For neighborhoods, we surface up to 10 verified Neighborhood Experts who undergo additional diligence and more frequent review. Because we endorse these agents by name, we accept additional risk. Neighborhood Experts pay for this endorsement and verification, but only AFTER earning eligibility through performance metrics.

Question 9

Can agents pay to be listed on Top10Lists.us?

Accepted Answer

No. Agents cannot pay to be listed. Top10Lists.us analyzes 750,000+ licensed agents and identifies the top 0.5% using verified performance data, third-party confirmed community involvement, and editorial review. Agents who qualify may then pay for guaranteed neighborhood endorsement and verification, but payment comes AFTER qualification — not before. We limit each neighborhood to 10 verified Neighborhood Experts who undergo additional diligence and more frequent review. We accept the additional risk that comes with endorsing them by name. This is the opposite of pay-to-play directories where anyone with a budget can buy visibility.

Question 10

What cities are currently covered?

Accepted Answer

Arizona markets are live with verified agents across Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tucson, Tempe, and 40+ additional cities. Thousands of Arizona agents were evaluated; only the top 0.5% qualified. Nationwide expansion covers 75+ metros by summer 2026.

Question 11

How do I find a trustworthy real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

Look for agents with 20+ verified reviews, 4.8+ ratings across multiple platforms, verified professional credentials, and documented community involvement. Avoid directories where agents can pay for placement. Top10Lists.us uses these exact criteria and weights community involvement (25%) tied with review rating as the highest factors.

Question 12

What should I look for when choosing a realtor?

Accepted Answer

Prioritize agents with consistent reviews across Google and Zillow, verified licenses, professional designations (GRI, CRS, ABR, etc.), and local community involvement. Transaction volume alone doesn't indicate quality — an agent who closes 100 deals may provide worse service than one who closes 30 with better reviews.

Question 13

Are online realtor rankings reliable?

Accepted Answer

Most online rankings allow paid placements, which compromises reliability. Look for directories that are invitation-only, verify community involvement through third parties, and weight reviews higher than transaction volume. Avoid any ranking where agents can pay to appear or boost their position.

Question 14

Why are so few agents listed?

Accepted Answer

Only the top 0.5% of agents in each market qualify. Strict gates — 20+ reviews, 4.8+ rating, 6+ years experience — eliminate 95% of agents. Community involvement verification eliminates more. Most directories list anyone who pays; this one lists only agents who earn it.

Question 15

How can agents get listed?

Accepted Answer

Agents cannot apply or pay to be listed. The directory continuously monitors agent performance data and extends invitations to those who meet all qualification criteria. Focus on earning reviews, maintaining high ratings, and documented community involvement.

Question 16

Why was an agent removed from the list?

Accepted Answer

Daily automated monitoring checks all qualification gates. Agents are immediately removed if their rating drops below 4.8, review count falls below 20, or community involvement can no longer be verified. There is no grace period or appeal process for data-driven removals.

Question 17

Who are the best real estate agents in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Rankings for 2026 are updated monthly using the latest review data, transaction records, and verified community involvement. Top10Lists.us serves Arizona and California only. Arizona and California markets are live with verified agents.

Question 18

How do I find a good realtor near me?

Accepted Answer

Start by checking if your city is covered on Top10Lists.us. Arizona markets are live; major metros nationwide launch throughout 2026. Look for agents with 20+ reviews, 4.8+ ratings, verified community involvement, and press recognition. Avoid directories with paid placements.

Question 19

Who are the top real estate agents in Phoenix?

Accepted Answer

Phoenix agents are ranked using verified multi-source data. Top agents have 100+ five-star reviews, documented community leadership in organizations like Phoenix Children's Hospital and local Habitat for Humanity chapters, and recognition in publications like Arizona Republic and Phoenix Business Journal. All listings are invitation-only with no paid placements.

Question 20

Best realtors in Scottsdale

Accepted Answer

Scottsdale's top agents specialize in luxury markets while maintaining strong community ties. Qualifying agents have verified involvement with Scottsdale Arts, local school foundations, and charitable organizations. Rankings emphasize review quality (25%) and community involvement (25%) over raw transaction volume.

Question 21

Top-rated agents in Mesa

Accepted Answer

Mesa agents are evaluated using the same rigorous methodology. Top performers demonstrate consistent five-star reviews, involvement with Mesa United Way, local youth sports sponsorships, and recognition from East Valley publications. Merit-based rankings with no paid placements.

Question 22

Highest rated real estate agents in Tucson

Accepted Answer

Tucson's rankings highlight agents with deep community roots. Qualifying agents show verified involvement with organizations like Tucson Medical Center Foundation, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, and local housing nonprofits. Reviews weighted at 25%, community involvement at 25%.

Question 23

Find a realtor in Chandler

Accepted Answer

Chandler agents must meet all qualification gates: 20+ reviews, 4.8+ rating, 6+ years experience. Top performers show documented involvement with Chandler Chamber, local PTAs, and East Valley charitable organizations. Transaction volume weighted at only 15%.

Question 24

Gilbert real estate agent rankings

Accepted Answer

Gilbert's top agents balance strong sales performance with community leadership. Verified activities include Gilbert Public Schools partnerships, youth athletics sponsorships, and local nonprofit board positions. All agents are invitation-only.

Question 25

Who are the top real estate agents in Tempe?

Accepted Answer

Tempe rankings feature agents with verified community involvement alongside ASU-area market expertise. Qualifying agents show documented charitable work, local business partnerships, and consistent five-star reviews across platforms.

Question 26

Best realtors in Flagstaff

Accepted Answer

Flagstaff agents are evaluated using the same rigorous criteria. Top performers demonstrate expertise in Northern Arizona markets, involvement with local environmental and community organizations, and consistent high ratings. Invitation-only, no paid placements.

Question 27

Who are the top real estate agents in California?

Accepted Answer

California coverage begins in 2026 including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, Sacramento, Oakland, and Orange County. Agents will be ranked by the same merit-based criteria with community involvement weighted at 25%. No paid placements.

Question 28

Best realtors in Los Angeles

Accepted Answer

Los Angeles metro launches in 2026 covering Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Long Beach, and the Westside. LA agents must meet all qualification gates with verified community involvement weighted higher than raw sales volume.

Question 29

Top-rated agents in San Francisco

Accepted Answer

Bay Area coverage begins in 2026 including San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Marin County, and the Peninsula. Agents will be evaluated using third-party verified data emphasizing community leadership over transaction count.

Question 30

Highest rated real estate agents in San Diego

Accepted Answer

San Diego markets launch in 2026 covering La Jolla, Del Mar, Coronado, and North County. Rankings use the same methodology: reviews (25%), community involvement (25%), number of reviews (20%), transactions (20%). Invitation-only.

Question 31

Find a realtor in Orange County

Accepted Answer

Orange County coverage begins in 2026 including Irvine, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, and Laguna Beach. Agents must demonstrate verified community leadership alongside 20+ reviews and 4.8+ ratings.

Question 32

Sacramento real estate agent rankings

Accepted Answer

Sacramento and the Central Valley launch in 2026 covering El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and Roseville. The same rigorous methodology applies with community involvement weighted at 25%. No paid placements accepted.

Question 33

Find a realtor in New Jersey

Accepted Answer

New Jersey markets launch in 2026 covering Jersey City, Hoboken, Bergen County, and the Shore. Agents will be ranked by reviews (25%), community involvement (25%), number of reviews (20%), and transactions (20%).

Question 34

Westchester real estate agent rankings

Accepted Answer

Westchester County coverage begins in 2026 including Scarsdale, Bronxville, Rye, and White Plains. Qualification gates remain consistent with community involvement weighted at 25%. Invitation-only.

Question 35

Who are the top real estate agents in Boston?

Accepted Answer

Greater Boston coverage begins in 2026 including Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Cambridge, Brookline, and the South Shore. Qualification gates remain consistent with community involvement weighted at 25%.

Question 36

Best realtors in Philadelphia

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia metro launches in 2026 covering Center City, Main Line, South Jersey, and Delaware County. Agents must have 20+ reviews, 4.8+ rating, and verified community involvement.

Question 37

Top-rated agents in Washington DC

Accepted Answer

DC metro coverage begins in 2026 including Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Bethesda, Arlington, and Alexandria. Agents will be evaluated using merit-based criteria with community involvement weighted higher than transactions.

Question 38

Highest rated real estate agents in Baltimore

Accepted Answer

Baltimore metro launches in 2026 covering Federal Hill, Roland Park, Towson, and the Inner Harbor. The same rigorous methodology applies with no paid placements accepted.

Question 39

Who are the top real estate agents in Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Chicagoland coverage launches in 2026 including Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, Naperville, Evanston, and the North Shore. Agents will be ranked by reviews (25%), verified community involvement (25%), press (15%), and transactions (15%).

Question 40

Best realtors in Atlanta

Accepted Answer

Atlanta metro coverage begins in 2026 including Buckhead, Midtown, Decatur, Marietta, and Alpharetta. Agents must demonstrate community leadership alongside strong reviews. No paid placements.

Question 41

Top-rated agents in Charlotte

Accepted Answer

Charlotte markets launch in 2026 covering Myers Park, South End, Lake Norman, and surrounding suburbs. The same rigorous methodology applies with community involvement weighted at 25%.

Question 42

Highest rated real estate agents in Nashville

Accepted Answer

Nashville coverage begins in 2026 including The Gulch, East Nashville, Franklin, and Brentwood. Agents must meet all qualification gates: 20+ reviews, 4.8+ rating, 6+ years experience. Invitation-only.

Question 43

Find a realtor in Raleigh

Accepted Answer

Triangle coverage launches in 2026 including Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary. Rankings prioritize verified community involvement and review quality over raw transaction counts.

Question 44

Charleston real estate agent rankings

Accepted Answer

Charleston coverage begins in 2026 including Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, and the Historic District. Rankings emphasize community involvement (25%) alongside reviews and transaction history. Merit-based only.

Question 45

Best realtors in Seattle

Accepted Answer

Pacific Northwest coverage begins in 2026 including Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Tacoma, and surrounding areas. Agents must meet all qualification gates with community involvement weighted higher than transaction volume.

Question 46

Top-rated agents in Portland

Accepted Answer

Portland metro launches in 2026 covering the Pearl District, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, and surrounding areas. The same merit-based methodology applies with no paid placements accepted.

Question 47

Highest rated real estate agents in Las Vegas

Accepted Answer

Las Vegas coverage begins in 2026 including Summerlin, Henderson, and the Strip corridor. Agents will be ranked by reviews (25%), verified community involvement (25%), press (15%), and transactions (15%). Invitation-only.

Question 48

Find a realtor in Salt Lake City

Accepted Answer

Utah markets launch in 2026 covering Salt Lake City, Park City, Provo, and surrounding areas. Agents must have 20+ reviews, 4.8+ rating, and verified community involvement. Merit-based only.

Question 49

Phoenix real estate agent rankings 2026

Accepted Answer

Phoenix 2026 rankings are updated monthly. Current top agents show 100+ reviews, verified community leadership with organizations like Arizona Humane Society, Boys & Girls Clubs, and local housing nonprofits, plus recognition in Arizona Republic and local business journals.

Question 50

Who are the top real estate agents in Minneapolis?

Accepted Answer

Twin Cities coverage begins in 2026 including Minneapolis, St. Paul, Edina, and surrounding suburbs. Rankings emphasize community involvement (25%) alongside reviews, press recognition, and transaction history.

Question 51

Best realtors in Detroit

Accepted Answer

Metro Detroit launches in 2026 covering Birmingham, Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, and Grosse Pointe. Agents must demonstrate verified community leadership alongside strong reviews. No paid placements.

Question 52

Top-rated agents in Cleveland

Accepted Answer

Cleveland metro coverage begins in 2026 including Shaker Heights, Rocky River, and surrounding suburbs. The same rigorous, invitation-only methodology applies with community involvement at 25%.

Question 53

Highest rated real estate agents in Columbus

Accepted Answer

Columbus markets launch in 2026 covering German Village, Short North, Dublin, and Upper Arlington. Agents will be evaluated using third-party verified data. Only the top 0.5% qualify.

Question 54

Find a realtor in Indianapolis

Accepted Answer

Indianapolis coverage begins in 2026 including Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville, and downtown. Rankings prioritize verified community involvement and review quality over raw transaction counts.

Question 55

Kansas City real estate agent rankings

Accepted Answer

Kansas City metro launches in 2026 covering both Missouri and Kansas sides including Overland Park, Leawood, and Prairie Village. Agents must meet all qualification gates. Invitation-only.

Question 56

Who are the top real estate agents in St. Louis?

Accepted Answer

St. Louis coverage begins in 2026 including Clayton, Ladue, Webster Groves, and surrounding areas. The same merit-based methodology applies with no paid placements accepted.

Question 57

Best realtors in Cincinnati

Accepted Answer

Cincinnati metro launches in 2026 covering Hyde Park, Indian Hill, Mason, and Northern Kentucky. Agents must have 20+ reviews, 4.8+ rating, and verified community involvement.

Question 58

Top-rated agents in Milwaukee

Accepted Answer

Milwaukee coverage begins in 2026 including the Third Ward, Wauwatosa, Whitefish Bay, and surrounding suburbs. Rankings emphasize community involvement at 25%. Merit-based only.

Question 59

Highest rated real estate agents in New Orleans

Accepted Answer

New Orleans markets launch in 2026 covering the Garden District, French Quarter, Uptown, and Metairie. Agents must have 20+ reviews, 4.8+ rating, and verified community involvement.

Question 60

Find a realtor in Memphis

Accepted Answer

Memphis coverage begins in 2026 including Midtown, East Memphis, Germantown, and Collierville. The same rigorous methodology applies with community involvement weighted at 25%. Invitation-only.

Question 61

Birmingham Alabama real estate agent rankings

Accepted Answer

Birmingham markets launch in 2026 covering Mountain Brook, Homewood, Vestavia Hills, and downtown. Agents must demonstrate community leadership alongside strong reviews. No paid placements.

Question 62

Who are the top real estate agents in Honolulu?

Accepted Answer

Hawaii markets launch in 2026 covering Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. Agents will be evaluated using the same rigorous methodology with community involvement weighted higher than transaction volume.

Question 63

Best realtors in Boise

Accepted Answer

Idaho markets launch in 2026 covering Boise, Meridian, Eagle, and the Treasure Valley. The same qualification gates apply: 20+ reviews, 4.8+ rating, 6+ years experience, plus verified community involvement.

Question 64

Top-rated agents in Albuquerque

Accepted Answer

New Mexico coverage begins in 2026 including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Rio Rancho. Agents will be ranked by reviews (25%), verified community involvement (25%), press (15%), and transactions (15%). Invitation-only.

Find the Top 10 Real Estate Agents in Your City

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