Top 10 Real Estate Pioneers from the USA for 2025

As we step into 2025, the real estate industry continues to thrive, propelled by remarkable individuals who set the standard for excellence, integrity, and community impact. These pioneers are not just selling homes; they’re building lasting connections, empowering clients, and redefining what it means to be a trusted advisor in real estate.

In this exclusive roundup, we celebrate the Top 10 Real Estate Pioneers from across the USA. From coast to coast, each of these agents brings a unique blend of expertise, dedication, and innovation to their craft. Their contributions go beyond transactions—they’re enriching the communities they serve, introducing clients to opportunities, and transforming dreams into reality.

Aimee McBrier, a full-time Realtor at Pathfinder Realty in Georgia, brings over 20 years of real estate expertise to Coweta County and the surrounding areas. Specializing in residential properties, Aimee has been a consistent member of the Million Dollar Club from 2004 to 2024. Her recognition as ‘One of Atlanta’s Top Dependable Agents’ by Atlanta Magazine in 2007 underscores her commitment to client satisfaction.

A lifelong Newnan resident, Aimee’s ties to the community span six generations, providing her with unmatched local knowledge. Her superior service has earned her a spot in the Circle of Excellence’s Top 10 Realtors in 2021 and 2023 and frequent features in Real Producers Magazine of Atlanta. 

Aimee’s approach to real estate blends her extensive experience with a personable touch, making her clients feel at ease throughout the buying or selling process. Her persistent yet patient nature ensures that every transaction is handled with care, fairness, and enthusiasm. Married to a Coweta County firefighter and mother of three, Aimee is deeply invested in her community, working hard to meet the real estate needs of her clients.

Maggi Kelly Costello, an Associate Broker at LIV Sotheby’s International Realty in Colorado, shines with selflessness and service. Holding a degree in Interior Design and a background in business ownership, she brings a unique blend of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to her real estate practice. Maggi moved to Colorado over 25 years ago and honed her impeccable customer service skills at Nordstrom, which she now channels into her real estate career.

Serving Boulder County and Breckenridge/Summit County, Maggi is committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring her clients feel valued and understood. Her expertise in interior design allows her to help clients see the potential in every property, making her an ideal partner for homebuyers and sellers.

Maggi’s partnership with her husband, Michael Costello, a seasoned custom home builder, further enhances her offering. Together, they create high-quality living spaces that marry exquisite design with masterful craftsmanship.

Deeply rooted in her Christian faith, Maggi views each transaction as a blessing, striving to build lasting relationships with her clients. Supporting The Association for The Recovery of Children with every transaction, Maggi’s ultimate goal is to honor God through her work, delivering outstanding service and creating joyful client experiences.

Ashley Behrens, an Associate Broker and Realtor at The A-Team Luxury Real Estate Group powered by RE/MAX Edge in Colorado, exemplifies real estate expertise and dedication. She is also currently the managing partner of a Colorado-based development corporation, Homeland Development Solutions.

With over 15 years of experience successfully purchasing and flipping investment properties, Ashley has a keen understanding of the Denver region’s market. Her clients benefit from her unrivaled insights, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment, earning her the prestigious 100% Club Award from RE/MAX in 2023 and 2024 for facilitating over $20m in property transactions. 

Originally from Virginia, Ashley co-founded and led United States Homeland Investigations, a multi-million-dollar corporation, leading to accolades like Enterprising Woman of the Year and recognition as one of Virginia’s Top 40 Business Owners Under 40. A dedicated community member, she also co-founded a non-profit supporting wounded military members and has served on various corporate and community boards.  

Known for her authenticity and signature cowgirl hat and boots, Ashley shines on social media, where she connects deeply with her audience. Alongside her A-Team partners, her contributions to local charities and hosting innovative open houses and local events highlight her commitment to uplifting people and the community. From home renovations to staging to personalized service and being available to her buyers and sellers 24/7, Ashley Behrens and her real estate A-Team partners always go above and beyond for their clients.  

Holly Marcus, founder and team lead at LIV AZ Group @ HomeSmart International, is a leading name in Arizona’s competitive real estate market. With nearly two decades of corporate experience at companies like Monster.com and Sage Software, Holly brings a unique blend of sales, marketing, and technology expertise to her real estate practice. She is a top 5% agent at HomeSmart, known for her problem-solving skills and personalized approach to each transaction. Holly guides clients through every aspect of buying or selling a home, from navigating bidding wars to advising on repairs and staging.

Her success goes beyond real estate; she is an active community leader. Holly has served on the Academies of Math and Science governing board for over a decade, helping underserved communities. 

She also fundraised for the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona in 2023. Holly’s leadership extends into her new role with the Central Arizona Association of Realtors (CAAR) Board of Directors. Her commitment to excellence in her profession and community solidifies her as one of Arizona’s top agents. For Holly, real estate is an art form, requiring trust, timing, and adaptability, much like a well-executed dance.

Janet Voyda-Romero, the Broker/Owner of The Creative Realty Group in Colorado, brings over 25 years of real estate expertise to her role. With a passion for nurturing competent and confident real estate agents, she provides personalized, one-on-one support to ensure their growth and success. Janet’s certifications in Divorce and Probate underscore her ability to handle complex transactions with sensitivity and proficiency, offering comprehensive assistance for clients navigating these challenging situations.

Janet is committed to client education, ensuring transparency and understanding throughout the real estate process. Her approach empowers clients, helping them feel confident in their decisions, whether buying, selling, or dealing with specialized scenarios. The Creative Realty Group, a female-owned company, operates with the highest code of ethics, emphasizing empathy and knowledge to enhance the customer experience.

In a constantly evolving industry, Janet’s innovative solutions address the complexities of today’s real estate market. Her firm offers creative options and strategies to sell homes quickly and at top dollar, along with providing home warranties to new buyers for added protection. By fostering transparency and trust, Janet Voyda-Romero is redefining the real estate landscape, making it more reliable and client-focused.

Kim Waters, a Realtor at The Norton Agency in Georgia, has been a force in Northeast Georgia’s real estate market for over 36 years.

Kim’s attentive listening and adept negotiation skills have made her a trusted expert in the region, while her marketing prowess and influential online presence secure maximum exposure for sellers. Specializing in residential and luxury estate properties, she has built a reputation for delivering exceptional service, with a particular emphasis on estate sales  and downsizing for mature adults.

As a licensed pilot, Kim offers a unique advantage by showcasing properties via plane and boat, adding a distinctive touch to her real estate services. Her ability to adapt during the recent global events resulted in her best career year, showing how her resilience and expertise can reap rewards for her clients.

Kim’s family has deep roots in North Georgia, and she continues the tradition by working alongside her husband and sister. Beyond real estate, Kim is active in the community, serving in various leadership roles, including President of the Hall County Board of Realtors. Her involvement and altruism extend to civic organizations, showcasing her commitment to the region she calls home.

David Keyte is the Founder and Primary Broker of Bend Relo at eXp Realty in Oregon. Since founding Bend Relo in 2018, David has dedicated himself to guiding clients through the transformative process of selling or buying homes. His team, composed of multiple seasoned agents, is renowned for its negotiation skills and ability to find the perfect homes tailored to clients’ needs.

David’s unique approach to real estate stems from his passion for achieving shared victories with his clients and providing lifetime service to their families. This endurance has resulted in David assisting over 500 families in Central Oregon, fostering numerous friendships along the way. His outstanding performance has consistently placed him in the top 1% for sales volume in the MLS for five consecutive years.

What sets Bend Relo apart is its tech-forward approach, effectively serving clients in an era where remote work allows people more freedom in where they live. This innovative strategy has allowed Bend Relo to capture a significant market share in its titular city, which is top-ranked by Outdoor Magazine.

Whether relocating to or within Central Oregon, David Keyte and Bend Relo provide a five-star real estate experience, ensuring each move is smooth and fulfilling.

Kim Langelaar of Parker, Colorado, shines in real estate with a unique blend of expertise and personal engagement. As CEO of her thriving firm, Kim merges deep professional knowledge with a compassionate touch, making her a top choice among clients statewide. Her career spans diverse roles including mediation, coaching, and motivational speaking, integrating real estate seamlessly with life coaching for transformative client experiences.

Kim boasts impressive credentials: certifications in Real Estate Negotiation, Success Coaching, and Pricing Strategy Advising, plus graduation from the Colorado Association of REALTORS Leadership Academy. Recognized with a Diamond Circle Award from the South Metro Denver REALTOR® Association, Kim exemplifies excellence and dedication.

Beyond her professional accolades, Kim is active in the Mediation Association of Colorado and contributes to the Turelli Foundation, where she uses her mediation skills to support families in conflict. Her upbeat demeanor and strategic empathy foster strong client relationships, ensuring every client feels valued and understood.

In Colorado’s competitive real estate scene, Kim Langelaar stands out for her integrity, expertise, and heartfelt dedication. Her holistic approach continues to inspire and elevate her clients toward success and happiness.

Matt Simonds is a top-performing Realtor at Bolst Real Estate in Georgia, renowned for his deep understanding of Atlanta’s real estate market.

A native Atlantan, Matt has lived in many of the city’s neighborhoods, giving him an unmatched knowledge of the local landscape. After a successful career in the sports equipment industry, where he honed his negotiation and customer service skills, Matt transitioned to real estate, initially working on the investor side of the market. This experience gave him valuable insights into property evaluation, maintenance, and investment potential.

Now, Matt focuses on helping clients and families navigate the complexities of buying and selling homes. His unique approach marries the emotional aspect with practical financial analysis, ensuring his clients make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals. As a top 5% performer in the Atlanta Realtor’s Association, Matt is committed to his clients’ success, offering personalized service and making the process enjoyable.

Beyond his real estate expertise, Matt is dedicated to giving back to the community. He contributes to Bolst Works, a 501(c)(3) organization fighting homelessness in Atlanta. Meanwhile, his thriving relationships with his peers open up previously inaccessible opportunities for buyers.

Kayla Wyatt brings over ten years of dedicated real estate experience to eXp Realty, LLC in Alabama, where her high energy and Southern charm make her a trusted and reliable professional. Kayla values the trust her clients place in her, working tirelessly to exceed their expectations with each transaction. Known for her commitment, she has often joked that what others call being a “workaholic,” she simply calls passion. If it weren’t for bills, she’d do this work for free!

From her earliest days, Kayla’s passion for real estate has been clear. While other kids were watching cartoons, she was fascinated by shows like Trading Spaces. Her journey began with a sales role at Abercrombie & Fitch at 16, followed by experience selling Tru Green Lawn Care, which ultimately led to a career-defining role at Century 21 Brandt Wright Realty.

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, Kayla’s expertise, dedication, and love for real estate make her the ideal partner. Reach out today to discuss how she can help make your real estate dreams a reality!

Top 10 Real Estate Pioneers from the USA for 2025, it’s evident that each of these professionals brings a transformative approach to the industry. Their unwavering commitment, innovative strategies, and personalized care make them more than just real estate agents—they’re pillars of their communities, advocates for their clients, and visionaries leading the way in a dynamic field. By fostering connections, empowering their clients, and delivering outstanding service, these top-tier agents have proven that true success is built on trust, passion, and dedication.