A Breakdown of the Market Leaders from the Market Leaders Report 

REAL Trends 500 Market Leaders Report

Each year, REAL Trends publishes a supplement to the REAL Trends 500 Brokerage Rankings called the Market Leaders Report. This popular report ranks the nation’s leading brokerage firms by both sides and volume in their respective markets.  We strive to expand the scope of these rankings in each edition, and in the 2018 report (which uses the calendar year 2017 numbers) we examined over 125 metropolitan markets in 46 states.

Every year we see a combination of the usual suspects who continue to dominate their markets, firms jockeying for position in close battles and some new faces doing their best to give the usual suspects a run for their money. 2017 was no different.

Breaking Out the Firms

Market Leaders allows us to break out the production of national behemoths NRT and HomeServices of America, as well as segment the production of regional powerhouses like Hanna Holdings. These firms are among the leaders in many of the markets in which they operate, with HomeServices, in particular, making its presence known in several key markets as a result of its acquisitive 2017.

HomeServices’ acquisitions of Long & Foster, Houlihan Lawrence, and Gloria Nilson either added its name or increased its presence in several major markets in the Mid-Atlantic region, New York City’s northern suburbs and New Jersey.

Networks Represented

The national franchises also remained stout on the Market Leaders leaderboards, which isn’t surprising given their affiliates comprise some 76 percent of the REAL Trends 500. At least one firm from one of the Realogy brands (Coldwell Banker, Century 21, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, Sotheby’s International Realty and ERA), Keller Williams, RE/MAX, or Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices were represented in nearly all reviewed metropolitan markets.

Keller Williams was again the big winner among the national franchises, continuing its assault on the industry. Measured by transaction sides, Keller grew its share to 22 percent of the REAL Trends 500, behind only Realogy at just over 25 percent (which includes NRT). Keller Williams now has 170 firms represented in the REAL Trends 500. With most experiencing positive year-over-year growth, their positions in their respective markets have strengthened.

The Independents

Let’s not forget the independents. Independent brokerage firms were also well represented in the Market Leaders Report, with the likes of Pacific Union, Allen Tate, @properties, Real Estate One and others exhibiting strong showings in their respective markets.>