HousingWire Daily The companies moving up the RealTrends Verified rankings
Apr 16, 2026
Tracey Velt, Real Estate Editor at HousingWire who tracks brokerage rankings and market shifts, digs into which firms are climbing the RealTrends Verified list. She highlights fast-growing brokerages, the rise of teams and independents, the clash between brand aggregation and local strength, and the controversy around private off-MLS listings and disclosure. Short, sharp, and full of industry movement.
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Top Four Brokerages Remain Dominant While Independents Climb
- The top four brokerages (eXp, Anywhere, Advisors, Compass/HomeServices of America) remain locked at the peak of RealTrends Verified rankings.
- Several fast-growing independents like LPT Realty and Real Brokerage are rising into the 5th–15th slots, shifting competition toward the middle market.
LPT Realty Jumped By Betting On Teams And Flexibility
- LPT Realty jumped from number 10 to number 7 in transaction sides by embracing teams and flexible agent compensation.
- CEO Robert Palmer, with mortgage-company roots, deliberately separates mortgage services from his brokerage operations.
Franchises Add Up To Make Keller Williams The Top Brand
- When franchise production is aggregated, Keller Williams leads the brand rankings and LeadingRE moved up to third.
- Independents collectively gained nearly 2% market share, showing consolidation hasn't ended local competition.