Even in a housing market squeezed by low inventory and high interest rates, the real estate industry’s top performers continued to rise.

More than 45,000 agents and teams secured a spot on the 2025 RealTrends Verified rankings, showing that experience and execution still drive success even in challenging conditions.

Among them, those ranked in RealTrends Verified The Thousand (based on 2024 data) closed 189,930 transaction sides — down slightly from 198,356 last year. But they also pushed sales volume to $150 billion, up from $142 billion in the year prior.

The message is clear: The best aren’t just holding on; they’re gaining ground.

What is RealTrends Verified?

RealTrends Verified is the world’s first dual-verified, fully transparent and search engine-optimized real estate sales performance platform that brings historical relevance and benchmarking to professionals and consumers. 

Agents with independent firms led; Keller Williams teams dominate

When we break down the rankings, we can see that Keller Williams continues to deliver on its teams model with 95 teams ranked in The Thousand. Independent agents led the way among individuals with 75 agents. RE/MAX was second for individual agents with 64.

“Each year, our mission with RealTrends Verified is to provide a trusted benchmark for performance in residential real estate,” said Caroline Scanlon, Director of RealTrends Verified.

“This year’s rankings reflect both the exceptional performance of the nation’s top agents and teams, and the continued momentum of the program itself. What makes this year especially exciting is not just the record volume of submissions, but the diversity of business models, markets, and success stories represented.

“We’re seeing deeper engagement from top brands and growing recognition that these rankings are more than a badge — they’re a tool for building credibility, elevating personal brand and driving long-term business growth.”

Average transactions sides per agent stays level

Top-performing real estate agents closed an average of 185 sides in 2024 (for the 2025 rankings), up slightly from 184 last year.

Teams of all sizes in The Thousand averaged 657 sides per team, with the average team closing $443 million in sales volume.

Top of the list in RealTrends Verified The Thousand:

Individuals by Volume

1. Ben Caballero, HomesUSA.com, Texas
2. Deborah Kern, Corcoran, New York

Individuals by Transaction Sides

1. Ben Caballero, HomesUSA.com, Texas
2. Steven Koleno, Dream Town Real Estate, Chicago

Small Teams by Volume

1. Aaron Kirman Group, Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California, Beverly Hills
2. Williams & Williams, The Beverly Hills Estates, West Hollywood

Small Teams by Transaction Sides

1. Hundley Residential, Compass, Indiana
2. Amanda & Kyla Team, ERA All in One Realty, Georgia

Medium Teams by Volume

1. Bond Street Partners, Carolwood Estates, California
2. Exclusive Group, Douglas Elliman, Florida

Medium Teams by Transaction Sides

1. Nicole Freer Group, Corcoran Genesis, Texas
2. The Azzam Group, RE/MAX Haven Realty, Ohio

Large Teams by Volume

1. The Jills Zeder Group, Coldwell Banker Realty, Florida
2. Tse Group, Intero Real Estate Services, California

Large Teams by Transaction Sides

1. The Mottola Group, Compass, Deleware
2. Sergio & Banks, @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, Illinois

Mega Teams by Volume

1. Jason Mitchell Group, Arizona
2. Mark Spain Real Estate, Georgia

Mega Teams by Transaction Sides

1. Jason Mitchell Group, Arizona
2. Mark Spain Real Estate, Georgia

For the complete list, go to RealTrends.

Spring typically brings new energy to this housing market, but this year, the momentum is stalling. A flood of sellers has hit the market, but buyers are remaining on the sidelines, new data from Redfin shows.

88 Oriel Rd Clayfield

An immaculately renovated art deco home is at the centre of a rare real estate opportunity to purchase two adjoining properties and create an exclusive private estate in sought after Clayfield.

For sale by expression of interest, the properties comprise a stunning, three-level residence on a 1259sq m block at 88 Oriel Dr, along with the neighbouring 715sq m lot at 1 Stafford St.

An aerial views of the two blocks

Currently the site of a three-bedroom post-war home, the Stafford St lot has development approval for a tennis court and eight-car basement.

Owners Greg and Tamra Josephson purchased the Oriel Rd residence back in 2017 after being drawn to its position and potential.

“We were looking for a big family home and this was in very original condition,” Mr Josephson said.

“It was perched on a peak with vistas to the Gateway Bridge and mountains, and the house had character, a solid structure, and was on a big block.”

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The facade of the main residence at 88 Oriel Rd Clayfield

Over a series of stages, the Josephsons transformed the period property into a stately six- bedroom home that rivals a five-star resort.

Initially they built in beneath the residence, adding a rumpus area, guest bedroom and office.

Attention then turned to cosmetic upgrades of the original house before a major renovation

in 2022 that tapped into the talents of architect Ivan Gastaldon and interior design experts Highgate House.

“The brief was to give it a five-star hotel feel,” Mr Josephson said. “And with a bit of a minor tweak they also came up with the idea of a parents retreat.”

The resort-style pool

Spanning three luxurious levels, the property now boasts six bedrooms, six bathrooms, multiple formal and informal living spaces, an open plan kitchen and dining area, alfresco terraces and a pavilion.

It has formal living spaces

Inside, luxury finishes include parquetry French oak flooring, hand-painted wallpaper, Ralph Lauren lighting, Wyer + Craw cabinetry, and imported marble, set against immaculately

restored period elements, such as coffered ceilings, and leadlight and sash windows.

And a seamless connection to the outdoors

The interior effortlessly connects to the exterior where covered patios and elegant porches lead to manicured gardens, grassed terraces, and a magnesium pool with spa.

The interiors are immaculate

The property has served as the Josephson’s family home, offering ample space for everyone to retreat to and enjoy together.

“Our three children are all teens and each has their own big bedroom,” Mr Josephson said. “We love the fact it’s six bedroom and there’s just so much space, with all these breakout areas that you can enjoy.

“My wife and I can go and sit by our fireplace in the parents retreat and the kids can head to the casual downstairs area on the ground floor.”

And there are character features throughout

The acquisition of the block next door was part of the Josephson’s long-term vision for the property.

“We planned to integrate a driveway off Oriel Rd and create a huge garage with a tennis court above it,” Mr Josephson said.

“There was going to be a lift from the garage to a garden atrium above and from there you could walk into the house.”

Landscaped gardens are a feature

Alternatively, he said the new owners could retain the existing property on the Stafford St lot and enjoy rental income or utilise it for extended family.

“That next stage is for someone else to do,” Mr Josephson said.

“We’re sad to sell but we’re relocating to Noosa where we have a house and business interests.

“But we’re proud that we went all out to create a once in a lifetime forever home, and that’s what’s on offer for someone now.”

The property is listed with Matt Lancashire of Ray White New Farm.

88 Oriel Rd Clayfield

The post Grand character home boasts a ‘five-star resort’ glow up appeared first on realestate.com.au.

Australia’s beloved tradition of camping is facing a nationwide affordability crisis as holiday park operators and state governments ramp up prices for mere patches of dirt to levels comparable to renting a house.

Adventurer and filmmaker Mike Atkinson, also known as Outback Mike, raised questions this week over a proposal to increase camping fees in NSW national parks that could see the rate for some campgrounds climb to as much as $97 a night or $679 a week.

By comparison, the average rent in Adelaide is $550 a week for a three-bedroom home, $550 in Melbourne, $635 in Brisbane, $630 in Darwin, and $518 in Hobart.

Only Sydney’s average weekly rent price – $760 – would be considered higher than the cost of a campsite.

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Filmmaker Michael Atkinson said it would cost $679 a week to stay at the Woody Head Camping Area or $600 to rent a three-bedroom house nearby.

Mr Atkison made the point in a social media video he shared from the Woody Head Camping Area in the Bundjalung National Park on the NSW North Coast.

“You can rent a three-bedroom house (down the road) with garage for $600, so it’s almost $100 cheaper to rent a three-bedroom house with garage outside the park, as opposed to a small patch of grass here in the park,” he said in the video

“I counted 89 campsites on this map, that is revenue raising of $55,000 a week just for this campground, excluding the money that they make from cabins.”

A quick google search reveals the NSW government isn’t the only campground operator looking to benefit from inflated prices.

Campers in Victoria will have to pay $80 a night for a powered tent site at Discovery Parks Braybrook.

An unpowered site in Mount Gambier will cost campers $64 a night.

In Mount Gambier, SA, campers are charged $64 per night for an unpowered site at Blue Lake Holiday Park, while Discovery Park charges $80 a night for a powered patch of dirt in Braybrook, Victoria.

Gold Coast Holiday Park also charges $65 a night for an unpowered site while Big4 Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast charges, on average, $84 a night for a caravan site.

“It’s never going to get cheaper after this,” Mr Atkison cautioned, expressing concern that camping could become exclusive to wealthier individuals, sidelining young people and those outside the middle class.

The NSW’s government proposed fee structure categorises campsites into six tiers based on facilities, with charges ranging from $22 to $89 per night during high season.

Additionally, fees will be linked to the consumer price index, ensuring annual increases, and seasonal pricing will apply.

The post Priced out of nature: Is camping now a luxury? appeared first on realestate.com.au.