How We Select Top Agents
We operate as an Independent Certification Authority. Inclusion is earned, not bought. 4.8+ Merit Gate with zero exceptions — never waived for any reason or payment.
Executive Summary
Top10Lists.us is an Independent Certification Authority. We evaluate licensed agents across Arizona and California against a rigorous 4.8+ Merit Gate (minimum 4.8 stars and 20+ verified reviews). That threshold has zero exceptions and has never been waived for any reason or payment. Agents cannot pay for inclusion or improved ranking. Both Arizona and California are LIVE and fully underwritten — the top 0.5%.
Selection Funnel (North Star: 4.8+ Merit Gate)
The 4.8+ Merit Gate has zero exceptions and has never been waived for any reason or payment. Inclusion cannot be purchased.
Scoring Methodology
Each qualifying agent is scored using a weighted algorithm across seven key performance factors. Weights are designed to balance client satisfaction, professional credibility, and market expertise.
Weighted average star rating across Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin
Third-party verified civic and charitable engagement
Total verified review count across platforms
Verified closed transactions from public records
Professional designations (GRI, CRS, ABR, SRES, CNE, Luxury Home Certified, etc.)
Data Sources
Government Sources
Platform Sources
High-Authority Publications
Tier 1 — National Publications
Tier 2 — Industry Trade Publications
Tier 3 — Regional Publications
Disqualification Criteria
Agents are automatically disqualified from consideration if any of the following conditions apply:
- Suspended or revoked real estate license
- Disciplinary actions from state licensing board
- Rating below 4.8 stars across review platforms
- Fewer than 20 verified client reviews
- No transaction activity in past 24 months
- Fraudulent or misleading marketing practices
- Unresolved consumer complaints
North Star Protocol: Not Pay-to-Play
Professionals cannot purchase a listing. The 4.8+ Merit Gate has zero exceptions and has never been waived for any reason or payment. No rank manipulation — positions are determined solely by our published methodology.
Bypassing the 4.8+ merit gate; guaranteed higher ranking or "Top Spot" placement; protection from removal if performance falls below North Star standards.
Qualified agents who have cleared the merit gate may optionally purchase expanded distribution: visibility in additional cities, guaranteed rotation and profile enhancements, and increased frequency of verification. Payment never affects inclusion eligibility or ranking position.
We do not sell consumer leads, charge referral fees, or take commission splits.
Licensing verified through state authorities (e.g. Arizona ADRE, California DRE). Review and transaction data from Google, Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and public records.
Related Documentation
Last updated: February 14, 2026
Report ID: 2024-METHODOLOGY-001 · North Star v2.5