Edited by Leah LeMoine, Craig Outhier, Madison Rutherford & Aimee Smith
To curate this year’s list of the Valley’s top residential real estate agents, we surveyed PHOENIX magazine subscribers for their insights on agents who helped them buy or sell a home – or both – over the past 20 years. Grading the agents in five different practice areas, from closing skills to design expertise, the respondents also offered written testimonials on the agents in question, many of which are included below. PHOENIX editors evaluated the surveys, added our own candidates to fully represent the geographic and cultural sweep of the Valley, and created a final list. To help you find the right agent, we’ve also included the neighborhoods in which each tends to specialize, though most agents will work anywhere in the Valley.
Frank Aazami
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s
Arcadia, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale
frank@pcgagents.com
Known for his positivity and professionalism, the former Top 40 radio host’s sales acumen spans from eight-figure mansions to modest tract homes. “Frank and team worked hard to get what I needed in a timely and professional manner,” one client says. “From start to finish, everyone on this amazing team was exceptional,” touts another.
Tranatta Adeyanju
eXp Realty
Mesa, Sun City, Surprise, West Valley
tranatta@thepenroseteam.com
Specializing in houses, condos and manufactured homes, Tranatta Adeyanju is “passionate about turning dreams into addresses.” Her winning combination of integrity, market insight and personalized service has guided clients through their buying and selling journeys in neighborhoods across the Valley.
Tim Alderson
LAUNCH
Scottsdale
timothy.alderson32@gmail.com
Tim Alderson’s passion for his native Scottsdale and its residents is the former MLB pitcher’s guiding principle as a realtor. “Tim is the best! So kind, patient and extremely helpful in connecting us with contractors to ensure our home is ready to be placed on the market,” one satisfied seller recalls.
Chris Altman
Keller Williams
Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Tempe, West Valley
chrisaltman@kw.com
Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, downsizing or investing, My Phoenix Real Estate managing broker Chris Altman is “professional, understanding, insightful, incredibly thorough and supportive every step of the way,” according to one recent review from a first-time buyer.
Jordan Ayan
LAUNCH
Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale
jordan@thelifestylecollect-ion.com
With 25 years of buying and selling experience in the Valley, Jordan Ayan is “an exceptionally professional agent,” one former client says. “I can confidently say his service is unparalleled and significantly surpasses our past experiences with other agents.”
Katrina Barrett
Walt Danley Local Luxury Real Estate
Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale
katrina@localluxuryre.com
As a third-generation real estate brokerage owner with a background in finance, Katrina Barrett uses her personal experience with investment properties, commercial real estate, flips and new builds to customize her services to each client.
Rick Beck
The Agency
Arcadia, Biltmore, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale
rick@rickbeckrealestate.com
Rick Beck started his real estate journey buying and selling homes in the Hollywood Hills. Now with nearly 40 years of real estate experience, he specializes in single-family residences, luxury homes and REO properties throughout the Valley. His client list boasts CEOs, celebrities and professional athletes.
Brian Bouterie
Realty Executives
Phoenix
bootman1@aol.com
A prolific realtor since 1991, Brian “Boots” Bouterie is “extremely communicative and responsive” with “knowledge and expertise of the market area,” one client says. “I would highly recommend Brian [if you’re] looking to buy or sell a home.”
Lisa Brown
HomeSmart
Arcadia, Biltmore, Phoenix
lisabrownazhomes@gmail.com
“Lisa Brown is amazing and very detailed,” one client says of this two-decade Valley real estate veteran, who distinguished herself as HomeSmart’s top-producing agent in the Piestewa Peak area for the past four years while achieving Double Diamond Club Member, which places her in the “top 1 percent of all realtors statewide,” according to her website.
Anthony Celaya
The Brokery
Chandler, Mesa, Tempe
anthony@theavdeeteam.com
The East Valley specialist “is trustworthy, knowledgeable and reliable. He was available for every question that came up and was our biggest advocate in the home-buying process,” a recent client says. “It was a huge comfort having him by our side every step of the way and knowing he always had our best interests in mind.”
Walt Danley
Walt Danley Local Luxury Real Estate
Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale
walt@waltdanley.com
“I never pull the trigger on any real estate purchase in any state without running it by Walt,” one client says of the Valley realty vet and his eponymous brokerage. “He has experience and skills I have never seen, [and] his experience and integrity permeate his agents.”
Frank DiMaggio
LAUNCH
Paradise Valley, North Valley, Scottsdale
info@azhomes.com
The one-time professional baseball player and relative of Yankee record-holder Joe DiMaggio is breaking his own records in Phoenix real estate. As managing partner of Launch and CEO of MDF Development, Frank DiMaggio’s annual sales have consistently approached or exceeded $100 million.
Stacy Dragos
Century 21
Phoenix, Scottsdale, West Valley
info@stacydragos.com
After retiring from a fulfilling career in education in 2016, Stacy Dragos jumped headfirst into her real estate journey, where she specializes in luxury residential and commercial properties and consistently ranks No. 1 among Century 21 agents in Arizona.
Alli Dubberly
eXp Realty
Chandler, Gilbert, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe
alli@allidubb.com
Alli Dubberly is a second-generation realtor and relocation specialist with deep knowledge of the Phoenix market. “Real estate is her life, and it shows in every encounter I had with her,” a former client says. “She is forward-looking, a great closer, and has an excellent understanding of current and future market trends.”
Patricia Garrity
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s
Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale
patricia.garrity@russlyon.com
As a certified relocation professional and luxury home marketing specialist, Patricia Garrity has been dedicated to determining and exceeding each of her client’s unique expectations for nearly 30 years. “Patricia went above and beyond in every aspect of the transaction, ensuring that the property was marketed strategically to attract the right buyers,” says a condominium seller.
Jen Gillham
Goddes Homes
North Valley, Scottsdale
jen@goddeshomes.com
Jen Gillham understands the excitement and stress that comes with buying or selling a home and has been helping Valley clients navigate the process for a decade. As a longtime resident of Scottsdale, she also brings nuanced insights into the area and its neighborhoods.
Scott Grigg
Grigg’s Group/The Altman Brothers
Paradise Valley
scott@thealtmanbrothersgriggsaz.com
Native Phoenician and ASU alum Scott Grigg launched Grigg’s Group in 2009 and has since sold more than $2 billion in real estate and routinely ranks in the top 1 percent of luxury realtors in Arizona. “I always believe in doing the best for our clients the first time, and the referrals will come,” he says.
Vikki Gorman
Realty Executives
Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale
vikkigorman@outlook.com
The former Miss Yuma and repeat PHOENIX Top Agent “went above and beyond to help us find our home,” one buyer says. “She is great about her communication and always made us feel like a top priority!”
Scott & Debbie Jarson
azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson
Arcadia, Biltmore, Carefree, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale
info@azarchitecture.com
This husband-and-wife team owns the state’s only real estate firm that specializes in the sales and marketing of architecturally unique homes. Since 1990, Arizona’s distinct architecture and design has remained at the forefront of the Jarsons’ work.
Laura Jewett
Platinum Living Realty
Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale
lljewett@gmail.com
For more than two decades, Laura Jewett has stood out in Phoenix’s real estate industry for her expert negotiating skills and extensive handyman contacts. “Laura was patient and thorough in our search for a home in the Valley,” a recent buyer says. “In addition to being a great realtor, Laura is a very good person and contributes to the community through various not-for-profit agencies.”
Curtis Johnson
eXp Realty
Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe
curtis@curtisjohnsonrealty.com
This buyer and seller specialist endorsed by Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran provided “a ton of helpful info and good ideas the entire time we worked with him,” according to a former client. “I’d recommend him to anyone who asked me.”
Raegen Johnson
Real Broker
Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale
raegen@raegenjohnsongroup.com
UC Berkeley graduate and former investment banker Raegen Johnson uses her background in statistics, marketing and negotiating to meet her clients’ diverse needs. “She is the absolute best. She helped us get our home in the middle of a pandemic. There’s nothing she can’t do,” one client says.
Shalyn Kearney
Walt Danley Local Luxury Real Estate
Arcadia, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe
shaysellsaz@gmail.com
Recognized as one of the Scottsdale Association of Realtors’ 40 Under 40 Real Estate Agents, Shalyn Kearney is known for her keen attention to detail and commitment to clients, whether they’re a seasoned seller or first-time homebuyer.
Christine Labelle
LAUNCH
Arcadia, East Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale
christine@teamlabelleaz.com
“Christine is a great real estate agent,” says a repeat client. “Whether it be buying/selling a home or selling vacant land, she is my go-to person for anything real estate-related.” The Arizona State University graduate is also a council member of the Town of Paradise Valley.
Shelly Lane
LAUNCH
Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale
shelly@sellingnorth-central.com
With nearly two decades of expertise representing buyers and sellers in Central Phoenix, this fourth-generation Phoenician “is not only an expert on market conditions, but she was patient, informative and compassionate throughout my entire first-time homebuying process,” one client extolls.
Heather Maclean
LAUNCH
Arcadia, Biltmore, Camelback Corridor, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale
heather@areasuccess.com
Born and raised in Phoenix’s Biltmore area, Heather MacLean is passionate and knowledgeable about the neighborhoods of her upbringing. Before co-founding LAUNCH by Compass, she was honored as the No. 1 female agent for Realty Executives Arizona.
Meg Mara
LAUNCH
Scottsdale
megmara18@gmail.com
Meg Mara’s many years of experience in the Denver and Phoenix property markets fuel her enthusiasm and expertise in investment properties and second homes for snowbirds in the Scottsdale area. “Meg is the sweetest, most genuine person… such a pleasure to work with!” a client says.
Denise Monteforte
Realty Executives
Fountain Hills, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale
monteforte@cox.net
This certified relocation specialist ranks in the top 10 at Realty Executives and has accrued dozens of recommendations from current and former clients. “She makes you feel that you are the only client she has. Her relationship skills are above reproach. We would recommend her to anyone,” one glowing review reads.
Jeremy Moore
LAUNCH
Cave Creek, Chandler, Gilbert, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Tempe
jeremy@jeremymoorerealty.com
Jeremy Moore applies his selling and negotiating experience from stints at a global sales firm and as a sommelier at a fine wine company to his lucrative real estate career. “We had the best experience with Jeremy for our first home,” one clients enthuses.
Aimee Nairn
LAUNCH
Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale
aimee@aimeenairn.com
Known for making herself available and maintaining meaningful relationships with clients after closing, Aimee Nairn is a personable and professional real estate pro with more than two decades of experience. Her career stats include more than 200 homes sold and $125 million in sales.
DeAnna Nelson
The Property Boutique
Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix
deanna@tpbaz.com
As The Property Boutique’s owner and designated broker, DeAnna Nelson brings nearly 20 years of experience with foreclosures, investments, new construction and first-time buyers and sellers. According to one client, she is a “great realtor [that] gave very transparent feedback, not just looking to close a deal.”
Brock O’Neal
West USA Realty
Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise
brock@theonealteam.com
Ranked in the top 1 percent of West USA agents, Brock O’Neal leverages his extensive knowledge of the Phoenix area and strong work ethic to help an array of clients – from growing families to professional athletes.
Jason Penrose
eXp Realty
Buckeye, Camelback East, Paradise Valley, Sun City, Surprise
jason@thepenroseteam.com
A licensed realtor since 1999 and a licensed broker since 2007, Jason Penrose has sold more than 2,400 homes throughout his extensive tenure in Valley real estate. “Every interaction with him and his staff has been a great experience,” says a recent client.
Tiffany Pettit
West Desert Group/W and Partners
Cave Creek, Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix
tiffany@tiffanypettit.com
Tiffany Pettit is the team lead of the West Desert Group at W and Partners, which won the brokerage’s Team of the Year in 2024. “Tiffany is the agent that knows everyone and has such an extensive knowledge of the real estate market,” a colleague notes.
Debbie Pontikas
RETSY
Arcadia, Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale
debbie@pontikasteam.com
“She has helped me not only with the transaction but afterwards,” a former client says of the Rice University alumna. “She helped me line up a contractor [and] advised me on adding value to the property by finishing out a closet to become a half bath. I cannot recommend Debbie and her team enough.”
Kelly Griffin Porter
RE/MAX Fine Properties
Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Phoenix
kellygriffenporter@gmail.com
“My significant other and I do quite a few real estate projects every year. Kelly was the most amazing person I’ve worked with,” one client says of the former Phoenix Home & Garden ad executive. “The process was so seamless with her, she really made it easy.”
Rebecca Hidalgo Rains
Integrity All Stars
Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Queen Creek
team@integrityallstars.com
The Integrity All Stars designated broker started her career in 1993 helping Hispanic clients purchase HUD- and VA-owned homes. She is Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource (SFR) certified and has been recognized as the No. 1 Latina real estate agent in Arizona as well as one of the top 20 Latina realtors in the country.
Jean Ransdell
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s
Carefree, Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Scottsdale
jean@jransdell.com
According to a client of the University of Delaware graduate, “Jean is very thorough, knowledgeable and personable. She’s been in the industry for over 15 years and her expertise is some of the best out there! Hands down, she’s the agent you want on your side.”
Mayra Reyes
Casa Mia Group/W and Partners
Avondale, Buckeye, Glendale, Goodyear, Laveen, Litchfield Park, Phoenix, Tolleson
info@casamiagroup.com
This bilingual Pricing Strategy Advisor was one of the top-selling independent real estate agents in the state in 2024, accumulating more than $6 million in sales across 19 properties. “I was so blessed to have found Mayra when I was ready to sell my home,” says one client.
Tiffany Carlson-Richison
Realty ONE
Apache Junction, Buckeye, Carefree, Cave Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Glendale, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Tempe, Scottsdale
tiffanycarlsonrealtor@gmail.com
“Tiffany was great to work with… she has a good knowledge of all neighborhoods in the area,” touts one client. “She went above and beyond by helping obtain the AC warranty when the seller threw it away.” The 20-year East Valley specialist has also served as chair of ICAN YPN (Improving Chandler Area Neighborhoods Young Professionals Network) benefiting underprivileged youth.
Brandon Rogeness
West Desert Group/W and Partners
Cave Creek, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Phoenix, West Valley
barogeness@gmail.com
“Brandon is very personable and passionate about what he does. Always ensures his clients’ needs are heard and met,” a buyer says of the Midwest-born realtor and content creator. Known for his sartorial flair, Rogeness is fluent in Spanish.
Mario Romero
Romero & Co./The Melcher Agency
Glendale, Mesa, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Peoria, Scottsdale, Tempe
mariotromero@earthlink.net
“Mario and his team are amazing… I love the Downtown area, and he and his team know it like the back of their hand,” one client says of this veteran Valley agent with more than four decades of real estate experience.
Linda Salkow
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties
Cave Creek, Scottsdale
lsalkow@gmail.com
“Linda has been our realtor through home purchase, home sale and several seasons of rentals. We have been delighted by the results she has provided. No realtor works harder for her clients,” a returning client says of this “luxury living expert” specializing in Scottsdale golf properties.
Lauren Schellhase
HomeSmart
Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe
laurenschellhase@gmail.com
Lauren “Sonoran Lauren” Schellhase is “the coolest, kindest, most competent agent out there,” according to one former client. “Her professionalism, expertise and care are unmatched,” says another.
Joshua Shaver
Russ Lyon Sotheby’s
Arcadia, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale
joshua.shaver@russlyon.com
Born and raised in Phoenix’s affluent Paradise Valley community, Joshua Shaver provides his clients with concierge real estate services like professionally produced marketing videos, home staging and hosted broker tours.
Michael Snooke
Realty ONE
Scottsdale
michael.snooke@gmail.com
Originally from South Africa, Michael Snooke provides a “global perspective with local expertise.” The results-driven realtor “is dependable, thorough and, most importantly, he cares about his clients,” according to an endorsement from a recent buyer.
Phil Tibi
Arizona Biltmore Realty/LAUNCH
Arcadia, Biltmore, Paradise Valley, Phoenix
phil@thetibigroup.com
Native New Yorker Phil Tibi started his Valley real estate career in 1991 and has a knack for creative marketing. “This man and his team are the most professional agency I’ve ever dealt with,” a grateful client says. “Thank you… for selling us the best home ever!”
Cindy Valadez
Integrity All Stars
Chandler, Buckeye, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Surprise, Tempe, Tolleson
ckvaladez@gmail.com
Cindy Valadez has 27 years of experience and more than 1,000 closed transactions under her belt. “Cindy sold my townhouse in Uptown Phoenix and negotiated the purchase of a home in North Phoenix,” a longtime client says. “She is true blue, patient, thorough, experienced [and] focused. One of the very best out there.”
Ginny Wright
The Wright Team/W and Partners
Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park
ginny@thewrightteamaz.com
Last year, Ginny Wright was honored by JPMorgan Chase as one of 100 Women to Know in America. A colleague nominated her for “running a great team who is all about community involvement, giving back and sharing market knowledge.”
