Key facts
- Over 50,000 agents and teams earned a spot on the 2026 RealTrends Verified rankings.
- Top performers emphasize consistency, culture, and client focus.
- The Gary Mercer Team reported $264 million in volume and 431 transactions.
- The Perry Group achieved $892.80 million in sales volume and 1,547 transaction sides.
- James Harris's team ranked No. 2 nationally for sales volume among large teams with $938.0 million.
The 2026 RealTrends Verified rankings reveal that success in the real estate industry is achieved through a variety of approaches, with over 50,000 agents and teams earning recognition. While business models and philosophies differ significantly, common threads of consistency, a strong team culture, and an unwavering client focus bind these top performers.
Gary Mercer Sr.'s team in Pennsylvania achieved $264 million in volume and 431 transactions, with Mercer emphasizing consistency and sticking to fundamental practices regardless of market conditions. Similarly, Joe McNally of REMAX Together in Michigan highlighted the importance of daily commitment and consistency, attributing a significant portion of his business to word-of-mouth referrals built over two decades.
The Ivan & Mike Team, an ultra-luxury group in South Florida, recorded $298.32 million in sales volume, noting that while it was a transitional year with headwinds, the market remains active. The team structure is highlighted as a competitive advantage, with leaders like Mercer advocating for team environments to generate leads and support agent development.
The Perry Group, a large enterprise team in Utah, exemplifies the team model by comprising 250 licensed professionals across five offices, closing 1,547 transaction sides totaling $892.80 million. Their COO, Emily Martin, credits clear systems that allow agents to focus on client connections. TruAdvantage Team in Pennsylvania focuses on building structured paths for agents and maintaining high performance standards within a competitive and supportive culture.
James Harris of Harris & Partners in Beverly Hills leads a "lean and mean" team, prioritizing a smaller group of "superb agents" to foster camaraderie and provide hands-on support. The David Banks Team in Maine, which started with an internship and grew into a national contender, emphasizes a collaborative spirit where everyone benefits from closed deals, regardless of who initiated them. The Horak Group, a family business in Missouri, thrives on mutual liking and dedication, often working late to achieve goals. Noble Black & Partners in New York, after a decade at Douglas Elliman, moved to Corcoran, citing the company's culture as a key factor in their decision.
Technology is viewed as a tool rather than a sole solution. The Horak Group invests in people and dedicated marketing support rather than chasing every new technological trend. Anchor Real Estate, founded in 2020, also focuses on transaction sides and sales volume, indicating a pragmatic approach to growth.