Real Estate Elite 2026 Spotlights the Agents Making the Biggest Deals From Coast to Coast

The Altman Team
Douglas Elliman

The team hit a $1.2 billion sales volume for 2025 by covering all of the hot markets in Southern California. Some top current listings include 24331 Coto De Caza Dr., Coto De Caza ($125 million), 1200 Bel Air Road, Bel Air ($99 million) and 120 Montecito Ranch Lane, Summerland ($69 million).

Storytelling: “We use AI-powered tools to create cinematic property videos that blend real footage of the home with AI-generated elements, elevating lighting, staging, pacing and narrative to present each property at its most aspirational level. This AI-driven storytelling represents the evolution of luxury real estate marketing, especially for trophy listings where the buyer pool may be one in several thousand, designed to spark imagination, drive global awareness, and emotionally connect with the right buyer long before they ever step on the property,” says Josh Altman.

Christie’s Intl. Real Estate, Southern California

L.A.-based Ambuehl’s 2025 sales volume of $387 million in total closed and pending transactions commands attention, and she notes that she is already on pace to surpass that figure in 2026. According to her year-end roundup report, she closed on a $32 million Brentwood property, a $31 million Malibu estate and several more north of $15 million. The former actor is active on podcasts and other platforms, and advocates for women in real estate.

The Agency

Some of Arana’s 2025 transactions include a $25 million sale in Malibu in the Serra Retreat enclave, which is a fully sustainable farm estate, and the sale of 1050 Stradella in Bel- Air for $25 million. The Los Angeles luxe estate agent also repped Doug Emhoff and former VP Kamala Harris on a recent purchase in Malibu.

Putting AI to work: “I use AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance my marketing, streamline communication, and create high-quality property descriptions and market reports. It helps me present listings in a more compelling and strategic way,” he says.

The Corcoran Group

With a 2025 sales volume of $505 million, Gotham-based Black makes sure his high-profile clients — which include Alan Cumming and Bethenny Frankel — can get the best. Notable 2025 sales: 443 Greenwich St., #PHG ($39 million); 1120 Fifth Ave., #PHB ($14 million); and 111 Murray St., #PH2: ($25 million).

What buyers want: “There isn’t one single feature buyers are looking for, which is what makes the job interesting,” Black notes. “It depends on the individual buyer. For some, it’s a turnkey, fully furnished home; for others, it’s price, location or great amenities; and for others’ views or outdoor space. Our role is to help buyers prioritize and understand what matters most to them.”

The Corcoran Group

A high-profile veteran of the New York City real estate scene, Chiang’s 2025 sales include the Gilded Age mansion at 973 Fifth Ave. ($46 million), the only fully restored Stanford White-designed mansion on Fifth Avenue; and 6-8 East 82nd St. ($29 million), adjoining townhouses. Current listings include the 37-foot-wide, nearly 13,000 sq.-ft. James P. Warburg Mansion at East 70th St. ($26.8 million).

Buyers’ market: “My clients have all kinds of specific preferences in terms of design, amenities or location,” Chiang says. “Some want a penthouse overlooking Central Park for the sweeping views and others want a grand townhouse for the privacy it affords. However, the one thing luxury buyers have in common is they all want a property that’s unique and spectacular. Something that is impossible to replicate is the most desirable feature of all.”

The Corcoran Group

New York-based Cohen represented the sale of 535 West End Ave., at $21 million, to Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup Host Committee, a limestone townhouse at East 75th St.($11 million) and a host of other big-ticket luxury properties.

New tool: “AI has become a useful backstage tool, organizing market data and sharpening how we present complex pricing,” he says. “Where it has limits is judgment. Significant transactions depend on timing, relationships and understanding motivation on both sides. AI can process information efficiently, but it cannot read a room.”

Compass

With sales highlights including 28719 Grayfox ($80 million) and 28808 Cliffside ($31.7 million), SoCal coastal specialist Cortazzo’s 2025 sales volume hit $702 million. But he also makes philanthropic causes a priority, including the Malibu Boys & Girls Club and Point Dume Marine Science School, as well as
other organizations.

Human touch: “Real estate is built on relationships and thrives because of the people who engage in them. My perspective is that AI should enhance human efficiency without ever replacing the communication, respect, and connection vital to a transaction,” he says. “I utilize [the Compass] end-to-end technology platform to leverage AI, which connects every stage of the process. By utilizing tools like the Compass One dashboard and AI-driven pricing strategies, I can accurately anticipate market shifts and identify follow-up opportunities that keep deals on track and ensure I am available to my clients when they need me most.”

The Agency

L.A.-based Dazzan points to the sale of 27218 Escondido Beach Road, a recently completed beach house that closed at $17.6 million. The Malibu community specialist also highlights 30010 Andromeda, a new construction he is listing for $13.6 million.

Tech targeting: I have recently started using a new technology my friend launched called NextLM, which is an AI tool to find buyers and sellers looking specifically in my market that are statistically ready to either purchase or sell a home. The program gives detailed information about each lead and the amount of time they spent on certain websites and exactly what they are searching for. It’s a great way to cultivate targeted marketing to prospects that are more likely to convert to transactions due to their behavior online,” he says.

Eklund|Gomes Team

The superstars, with over $3 billion in total transactions in 2025, fly on the edge of technology. “We are the only team in the world that has our own AI real estate specialist open to everyone, even our competitors. Her name is Maya and highly publicized,” they say in a statement. Celeb clients include Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker and Jennifer Lawrence, served by what they call a “nationwide super team with a network in New York, California, Texas and Florida real estate.”

Must-haves: “Wellness amenities. The newest hottest word is wellness-concierge, a specialist that takes care of all your wellness needs, longevity, peptides, red light, even experimental and newly released brain enchantments.”

Compass

A sought-after voice for media outlets like CNBC, NBC and CNN, L.A.-based Forster Jones hit $459 million in 2025 sales volume. Leading with innovation, her team’s creative marketing staff even won an advertising industry award in the public relations category. Clients include Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, Candy Spelling, Marcus Persson and Barbra Streisand.

Market insight: “More than ever, buyers are looking for the irreplaceable and unique. This is always true at the luxury level, of course, but we also see this at lower price points. We have recently received multiple offers when selling historical properties valued under $2 million, proving that even in a mixed market where price reductions are common, uniqueness wins the day,” she says.

Coldwell Banker

Some of Frankel’s celeb clients include Jennifer Lawrence, Debra Messing, Emma Roberts, Ali Larter and Patrick Stewart, “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” cast member Amanda Frances as well as other top showbiz names. Frankel consistently ranks as a top L.A. producer.

Work smarter: “I’m increasingly incorporating AI into how I market my listings and serve my clients. It’s an invaluable tool for helping me write listing copy, create virtual staging to help buyers envision a space and target the right potential buyers more effectively. AI allows me to work smarter and deliver a higher level of service,” says Frankel.

Christie’s Intl. Real Estate, Southern California

In 2025, Fridman closed over $412 million in total sales, handling such properties as the $17.5 million sale of the Hidden Hills estate of Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli. He repped Kim Kardashian in the acquisition of a property and was selected to list Kris Jenner’s residence, made famous on “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.”

Gotta have soul: “There are numerous incredibly beautiful and important estates in Los Angeles; however, in the last few years I have noticed that the most important factor is a house that actually feels like a home with functionality and livability, character and soul,” he says.

Compass

In 2025, Gambino saw his best year ever, with more than $530 million in sales, while his team saw its footprint grow to include New York, Miami, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the North Fork and the Hamptons. With a starry client list, Gambino made such deals as 942 N. Alpine Dr., Beverly Hills ($51.7 million), where he repped the buyer.

Home truths: As for what buyers are looking for, “It really depends on the market. In Los Angeles, fire-resistant features have become a top priority. In Miami, buyers are focused on overall weatherproofing. In New York, there’s always strong demand for more space, which has driven value-focused buyers to areas like Brooklyn Heights and the North Fork,” he says

Compass

With a client list laden with A-listers and C-suite heavyweights, and a knack for turning out sales ($470 million in 2025), L.A.-based Glass brings deep experience to the field. Last year, Ginger teamed up with Bob Shapiro, founder of the Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug and Alcohol Prevention, to establish Realtors for Drug Prevention. This initiative allows Realtors to collect furniture, sports and gaming equipment and more from listings and sell at auction in support of the foundation’s programs for
inner-city yout

Efficiency unit: “I use AI to identify listing history faster and to write descriptions that provide detailed analytics to target the most likely buyers and demographics. AI also provides buyer data in a rapid and efficient way to focus my showings effectively on points that matter to the buyer,” she says.

Douglas Elliman

Gotham’s Griffith regularly appears on local and national TV, offering her expertise on the real estate market. Some of her top 2025 deals include 53 West 53rd St., #65 ($46.6 million), the Surrey, #12C ($28 million) and 215 East 19th St., #16B ($13.7 million).

Tech tool: “In New York City, where pricing, inventory and buyer demand can shift block by block, AI has become an invaluable analytical tool,” Griffith says. “I use it to interpret real-time market data, track micro-neighborhood trends, and evaluate comparable sales with greater speed and precision. That allows me to advise clients, many of whom are navigating complex transactions or discreet acquisitions with highly strategic pricing and timing recommendations.”

The Corcoran Group

The “Million Dollar Listing New York” and “Selling the City” veteran clocked up $422 sales volume in 2025. Gold represented the buyers of the penthouse at 1 Great Jones Alley ($24 million sale) and a full floor at the Steinway Tower ($24 million sale). Sam Worthington, Anne Hathaway, Baz Luhrmann and Sean Avery number among his clients.

Safe space: “Today’s luxury buyers want a home that feels like a sanctuary,” he says. “The goal is a space that’s beautifully designed but also deeply functional for how they actually live. Ultimately, people are looking for authenticity and quality, the kind of details that stand the test of time rather than chase trends.”

Carolwood

Significant deals that contributed to the L.A.-based agent’s $938 million sales volume include 630 Nimes Road ($110 million); 2650 Benedict Canyon Dr. ($28 million); and 127 Burlingame Ave. ($23 million). He is also one of the founders of Breezy.com, an AI operating system for real estate professionals. “AI does not hustle or build trust, but it removes friction and increases precision. This is exactly why I set out to build the tool that didn’t exist, an AI-powered operating system designed specifically for agents that brings together data, workflow and client relationships in one place, streamlines daily execution, and gives them back time to focus on deals and people,” he says.

Important value: “After the recent fires, the one feature buyers are asking about more than anything is fire resilience. It’s no longer just about views or finishes, it’s about protection,” he says.

Carolwood

The SoCal duo represented Brad Pitt in a $12 million Outpost Estates deal — the highest sale in Outpost Estates of 2025 — and Fear of God founder Jerry Lorenzo . In a $10 million sale (they also repped the buyer). They sold the $5.2 million Steel House in Los Feliz to Austin Butler, representing seller Pitt.

Future-casting: “In an increasingly data-rich market, we use AI selectively behind the scenes to monitor ever-evolving shifts in demand, pricing and timing. Paired with our experience, it sharpens how we position and anticipate movement, particularly in the luxury space, where change is often gradual and nuanced,” says Mogharrabi.

The Katzen Team, Douglas Elliman

The Gotham real estate powerhouse regularly shares her market insights with national media outlets, while handling deals including $15 million sale of the penthouse at Jardim and the $16 million sale of a penthouse at 150 E. 78th, among many deals north of $10 million.

Client service: “We use AI as a support layer to enhance decision-making — it doesn’t replace judgment, it sharpens it. These tools allow us to synthesize massive amounts of information quickly, from pricing trends at a micro-neighborhood level to shifts in buyer behavior and longer-term market patterns. It’s a kind of clarity that truly helps us guide clients with clarity instead of noise,” Katzen says.

The Corcoran Group

With a client list of high-net-worth individuals from around the globe, New York-based Kern’s notable sales of 2025 are topped by the record-setting $82.5 million of the 45th floor of 220 Central Park South; she repped seller Byron Allen. In December, she sold 15 Central Park West, 29A for $22 million.

Property appeal: “Buyers are never looking for one feature; instead they come with a long list. But at the end, there is always something that resonates — it could be the view, the ceiling heights, the size of the rooms, the renovated kitchen or just the timeless vibe of what has been there before that appeals to them. There is always something for everyone,” she says.

Christie’s Intl. Real Estate, Southern California

L.A.-based Kirman closed more than $1.5 billion in sales for high-profile clients in 2025. He also spearheaded a dedicated digital-currency real estate division at Christie’s, with a specialized team of lawyers, analysts and crypto experts to guide crypto-exclusive transactions. He’s got a portfolio of homes whose sellers are willing to accept cryptocurrency worth a total of more than $1 billion. Three listings in the division include: Bel-Air’s La Fin ($99 million), Beverly Hills’ Nightingale ($63 million) and the internet-famous Invisible House in Joshua Tree, whose mirrored facade makes it look as if it’s vanished in the desert.

Digital age: “Traditional real estate has been way too slow to embrace the crypto revolution that I’ve seen close deals for years,” Kirman said at the time of the division’s launch. “We’re changing that narrative by creating a sophisticated platform that bridges the gap between digital wealth and physical assets.”

The Agency

The New York City-based Lewin represents a wide range of clients from showbiz, publishing, C-suite honchos and artists. The former attorney leans on his ability to be discreet, although his representation of the buyer of Graham Norton’s carriage house, a historic treasure, garnered attention.

Close to the vest: “In New York, the most sought-after feature isn’t a view or square footage — it’s discretion,” he says. “My celebrity and high-net-worth clients value a home that allows them to live fully without the spotlight following, where every detail is handled quietly and efficiently. Privacy isn’t just an amenity; it’s the foundation of a seamless, stress-free experience in the city’s competitive luxury market.”

Carolwood

L.A.-based May racked up $388 million in 2025 sales volume, with such deals as the Manor in Holmby Hills, in which she repped the buyer for $110 million property. Among other notable deals, she repped the seller in the $51.75 million sale of 942 N. Alpine Dr. in Beverly Hills, and the sellers in the $31.5 million sale of 218 Strada Corta Road, Bel-Air.

Just right: “Buyers want homes that adapt to their lifestyle. That means seamless indoor-outdoor flow, spaces that can function as an office, gym or media room, and layouts that feel open yet intimate. In the luxury market especially, people are prioritizing livability over formality,” says May.

Plus Real Estate Group

McKillen co-founded Plus Development and Plus Real Estate Group in 2024; his company’s portfolio ranges from Los Angeles to Orange County to San Francisco and hot spots like Aspen and Montecito and more. Active listings include 20 Harbor Island in Newport Beach, available for the first time in 70 years, at $59 million; 520 Stonewood Dr. in Beverly Hills, at $38 million. Like almost every professional working with luxury real estate, discretion is key to keeping clients happy.

Coldwell Banker

With over $9 billion in lifetime sales, Mills is prominent in Southern California real estate. As co-chair of the Intl. Luxury Alliance, a network of professionals focused on the highest level of client service and business integrity, Mills has cultivated global relationships, reaching buyers worldwide.

Tool time: “I use AI the same way I would use any business tool. AI helps me research market data, analyze trends, and organize information quickly so I can give my clients well-informed guidance. The strategy and voice are always mine. AI makes me more efficient, which allows me to spend more time where it truly matters, with my clients, showing property and negotiating deals.”

The Oppenheim Group

Star of the Emmy-nominated OG real estate series “Selling Sunset” and “Selling the OC” (both on Netflix), Oppenheim racked up over $400 million in 2025 sales volume throughout Southern California. Some of his marquee pacts include re-listing Ye’s Malibu home at $35 million.

What do buyers want? “AI and live monitoring security systems,” he says.

The Hudson Advisory Team, Compass

The Gotham-based team points to the success of 220 East 9th St. As a compelling success, having been involved in the project since its beginning. They privately sold close to the entire building in eight weeks. Another win? The $26.5 million sale of PH37 at 520 West 28th Street in Zaha Hadid’s New York City residential building.

What sells? “In Manhattan, today’s buyers are placing a clear premium on amenities, a trend we see being fueled by generational wealth transfers and more lifestyle-driven purchasing decisions,” they say. “That demand is playing out most notably in the new development space, where thoughtfully designed product continues to outperform the market. These amenities in many cases offer ‘hotel living,’ including pools, fitness, theaters, kids’ playrooms, spas, restaurants and even podcast studios.”

Carolwood

The former star of Bravo’s “Million Dollar Listing” represented the seller on $110 million 630 Nimes Rd. in Bel Air pact. That added to his $900 million sales volume last year. High-profile clients of the SoCal powerhouse include filmmaker Kevin Williamson and Blackstone president/COO Jonathan Gray.

Human touch: “I use AI in a very limited and practical way. My business is built on relationships, instinct and experience at the highest level of the market, so I don’t rely on AI to replace that. I do use it for note- taking, organizing information and summarizing long email threads or reports so I can stay efficient and focused on my clients. It’s a tool for streamlining the back end, not driving the strategy,” Parnes says.

Westside Estate Agency

L.A. luxe specialist Rappaport had the highest median sale price in 2025 and the smallest number of deals, according to the Real Deal’s 2025 broker ranking. The WEA co-founder saw a median sale price of $24 million. Current WEA listings include the Angelo Estate ($135 million), 729 Bel Air Rd. ($95 million) and 9904 Kip Dr. ($79 million). In 2025, Carolwood Estates co-founder and CEO Drew Fenton and Rappaport — whose star-studded clients include clients have included David Geffen, Brad Pitt, Ellen DeGeneres, Ryan Seacrest and Tom Brady — represented Australian billionaire James Packer in his $110 million purchase of a Bel-Air estate.

Serhant

In 2025, the founder and CEO of N.Y.C.’s Serhant not only racked up more than $1 billion in sales volume, but he also starred in Season 2 of Netflix hit “Selling Manhattan” and appeared as himself on “…And Just Like That.” He led his firm in the bubbling market of South Florida, and represented Barstool’s Dave Portnoy in the purchase of his Florida Keys home for $27.75 million.

Tech embrace: “Serhant is the only AI-native real estate firm in the country. Our platform automates operations, enhances pricing and marketing and gives every agent the leverage of a full support team. Technology powers the process. People drive the outcome,” he says.

Trove Partners, Compass

With high profile clients including Sofi Tukker, Connie Britton, Jonathan Van Ness, Mason Gooding, Joe Mantello and Milly Alcock, the Gotham-based Trove team sealed notable deals such as a flurry of townhouses in the Upper East Side ($29 million), Greenwich Village ($19 million), West Village ($18 million), Cobble Hill ($13 million) and Chelseas ($15 million).

Market watch: “We’re proud of the momentum we built last year by delivering for clients in an increasingly complex New York market. The city is more bifurcated than we’ve ever seen. Top-tier trophy assets continue to command record pricing while the broader market faces tighter financing and greater price sensitivity,” says Koeneke.

Compass

A former professional soccer player who previously worked as an announcer for ESPN during the World Cup, N.Y.C.-based St. André closed the $60 million sale of 150 Charles St. (residence 9A), while the St. André team is in the sales process at luxury condo project 125 Perry St., which looks to deliver record prices per square foot for a West Village condo.

Taste makers: “Buyers are looking for residences with more privacy. Discrete, boutique buildings that blend into the streetscape of popular neighborhoods are highly sought after and command top of market pricing,” he says.

Douglas Elliman

For celebrities (like Kaley Cuoco) and other high-net-worth individuals looking for privacy and luxury in the highly sought-after SoCal neighborhoods of Calabasas and Hidden Hills, Marc, Hanna and Sara Shevin are the first (and usually) only stop. Current top listings include 24255 Bridle Trail Road ($39 million), 24105 Hidden Ridge Road ($30 million) and 5824 Jed Smith Road ($26 million).

What sells: “Many of our buyers are now prioritizing multigenerational living,” says Marc Shevin. “They are looking for homes offering a large guest suite or a guest house, and homes with amenities the whole family can enjoy together. Our buyers are now thinking long-term, and they want a home t

Compass

Active in their community after the devastating 2025 fires in Pacific Palisades, Smith and Berg have provided hundreds of hours of one-on-one consultations with affected property owners, financial donations and the launch of PalisadesHomesites.com, which connects owners and buyers with guidance and market insights. Current listing highlights include 3415 Sweetwater Mesa Road, Malibu ($29 million) and 10386 Strathmore Dr., Little Holmby ($20 million).

Keep out: “Privacy has become the ultimate currency in luxury real estate. High-net-worth buyers want gated drives, layered landscaping, and security that keeps their lives off-stage. When we sold ‘Call of Duty’ creator Dave Anthony’s $22 million Bel-Air estate, its seclusion was the deciding factor for the buyer. And in Brentwood, a neighbor paid double the asking price for two adjacent homes we listed as a development opportunity, simply to protect their privacy. Few forces in today’s market are stronger,” says Berg.

Douglas Elliman

David and Anna Solomon bring decades of experience to Los Angeles’ Westside. Known for their discretion, they are currently representing a home in Beverly Hills whose previous owners include boxer Floyd Mayweather and the Sultan of Brunei. Current top listings include 917 N. Crescent Dr., Beverly Hills ($31 million), and 1550 Casale Road, Pacific Palisades ($11 million). “The one feature that everyone wants is vibe,” David Solomon says.

Business is covered: “We use an AI system called Plaud that basically acts as a full-time personal assistant taking notes on our business at all times (pending the client is OK with it) that breaks down all our conversations into action items that our entire team gets to see so nothing ever falls through the cracks or is missed,” he says.

The Beverly Hills Estates

A boutique with a big footprint, in 2025, the Beverly Hills Estates closed $3 billion in sales volume. In the wake of the 2025 wildfires, they also launched the Palisades Estates, created to help families navigate relocations, sales and rebuilding decisions. Top active listings include 607 Siena Way ($135 million) and 7661 Curson Terrace ($125 million).

Tech talk: “I use AI in my everyday business and just in life to help in any questions I might have or add to a thought process. I always lead with intuition or knowledge that I’ve obtained from doing my own research and then from there, I will often lean on AI for enhancement,” Rayni Williams says, with Branden adding, “I use AI occasionally, but a computer can’t do the hard work for you, especially when it comes to understanding … the vibe that makes a home the right fit for your client.”

Serhant

Zaitzeff, whose sales volume hit $310 million in 2025, supplied lots of memorable moments on Season 2 of “Selling Manhattan,” including a $60 million all-cash condo deal that left the agency’s Ryan Serhant stunned (momentarily at least). Zaitzeff’s celeb clientele includes Martha Stewart, Ben Stiller, David Yurman, J Balvin and Jon Bon Jovi.

What sells: “The one feature people consistently want is private outdoor space. In a city where space is scarce, being able to step outside or leave a door open is a huge value add. This in addition to more wellness amenities such as infrared saunas and cold plunges,” he says.