Are you ready to rent out, sell, or snag your dream home? You’re probably on the hunt for a trusty real estate agent, appraiser, or broker to guide you. But here’s a hot tip most people don’t know: It’s the brokerage(s) behind these pros, and not just the individual realtors themselves, that’s really making the difference!
It’s all about their know-how, service quality, and the cool tools they bring to smooth out your real estate adventure. Underneath the surface that you see, there are massives network of companies, platforms, and people that run the industry. Don’t sweat it, though, cause we’ve got your back! Wihtout further ado, read on to check out our roundup of the best real estate companies in the U.S.
Keller Williams Realty
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Texas, Keller Williams Realty is recognized for its innovative approach and company culture. This enterprise is now considered the largest real estate brokerage in the U.S., helping clients buy or sell properties nationwide while also providing extensive training to industry professionals and interested individuals through Keller Williams University and personalized coaching via KW MAPS.
Keller Williams provides a number of services to real estate agents, brokers, sellers, and buyers. Some of its main services are residential and commercial real estate brokerage, relocation management, and property management. The company empowers its agents with a highly practical and comprehensive tool called KW Command that helps them with:
- Customer relationship management;
- Marketing automation;
- Transaction management; and,
- Data and analytics.
As of March 16, 2023, over 174,000 real estate agents were operating under Keller Williams Realty, contributing to its substantial market share of approximately 11.3% in the U.S. Dominating more than one-tenth of the entire U.S. market definitely helps Keller Williams make the cut as one of the best real estate companies in the U.S.
Re/Max
Real Estate Maximums, commonly referred to as Re/Max, was founded by Dave Liniger and Gail A. Liniger in 1973. What started as a family business, RE/MAX is now a globally recognized real estate franchise that provides its clients with services such as:
- Residential purchase and sales;
- Commercial real estate services;
- Relocation services;
- Leasing services;
- Mortgage assistance;
- Property management; and,
- Investment property purchases and sales.
While most companies offer a 70/30 commission split to agents, Re/Max offers a 95/5 commission split in return for a monthly desk fee. According to Leadsdeposit.com, as of January 2024, over 80,000 agents across the U.S. and Canada were working with RE/MAX with the addition of over 64,000 agents operating in other countries under the company’s name. Indeed, with a such an international reputation and operating reach, RE/Max is one of the best real estate companies in the U.S.
Coldwell Banker Realty
Founded by Colbert Coldwell in 1906, Coldwell Banker is one of the oldest real estate companies in the U.S. that also operates beyond borders. The company was initially built in the aftermath of a national emergency that is to address the challenges that arose after the devastating earthquake that struck San Francisco in 1906. Coldwell Banker now boasts 118 years of service that started in the U.S. and now covers multiple countries across the globe. The company’s top services include:
- Home appraisal;
- Property sale and purchase;
- Mortgage and financing services;
- Home warranty and assurance;
- Relocation services;
- Property management; and,
- Real estate research and training.
Being the oldest real estate company in the U.S., Coldwell Banker has expanded its reach impressively. With around 3,000 offices in 49 countries, it employs about 50,000 agents in the U.S. alone and approximately 100,000 agents globally.
Century 21 Real Estate
Arthur E. Bartlett founded Century 21 Real Estate in 1971. The company is highly regarded by first-time home sellers for providing comprehensive assistance with contract reviews, handling offers, and navigating the closing process. Known for its strong brand recognition, Century 21 offers services such as:
- Residential & commercial real estate;
- Mortgage services;
- Property management;
- Franchise growth and development; and,
- Relocation services.
With a network of 142,000 agents, brokers, and support staff, the company is now operating in every state of the U.S. as well as over 80 countries worldwide. Being one of the best real estate companies in the U.S. is certainly befitting an enterprise that has expanded its services to almost half the countries around the world in fifty years.
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services is arguably the largest family-owned real estate brokerage in the United States, which was also established as a family business by Howard and Anne Freyvogel in 1957. Just like its contenders, the company offers a full range of real estate services, including:
- Home sale and purchase;
- Mortgage services;
- Homeowners insurance;
- Property transaction guarantee; and,
- Title and escrow services.
The company has a significant presence in the U.S. real estate market, operating more than 500 offices with around 15,000 agents across 13 states. In 2023, Howard Hanna closed $37.1 billion in sales volume, making it a major player in the industry.
Redfin
Redfin is a rather young player among the top dogs of the U.S. real estate industry. David Eraker, Michael Dougherty, and David Selinger founded Redfin in 2002. Unlike other real estate companies that consider a commission split for their agents, Redfin pays its agents a set monthly salary to reduce the costs associated with property deals. Known for its innovative use of technology in real estate deals, Redfin has quickly become a household name in the real estate industry.
On a similar note, if you’re interested in the applications of technology in real estate, why not take a look at the best real apps in 2024?
Redfin’s main services at this time include:
- Residential real estate brokerage;
- Mortgage organization;
- Home appraisal;
- Property transaction; and,
- Listings and property search.
Despite significant challenges in recent years, including a $1.2 billion loss in 2021 and a $23 million net loss in Q4 2023, Redfin is still considered one of the best real estate companies in the U.S. due to its innovative technology, extensive online presence, and commitment to offering lower service fees, which continue to attract a large customer base. An astonishing report by Redfin in 2023 tells that “the average Redfin agent closed over 27 deals in 2023!” In comparison, this number for other brokerages in the U.S. is nine deals per agent.
Weichert, Realtors
Founded by Jim Weichert in 1969, Weichert, Realtors began as a single office in Chatham, NJ. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest independently owned real estate companies in the U.S. of A. By 1991, the company had already expanded its operations all over the Northeastern states of the U.S. and soon found its way to other areas as well. Today, their services include:
- Mortgage pre-approval;
- Property management;
- Property listing and sales;
- Home warranties; and,
- Franchise development.
Weichert now has over 480 offices across the country with over 18,000 associates operating under its name. In 2023, the company won the Referral Performance Award, bestowed unto them by the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE) for, in the words of LeadingRE President/CEO Paul Boomsma, “excellence when it comes to delivering quality service to relocating clients.”
Long & Foster Real Estate
When searching for the best real estate companies in the U.S., you’ll likely encounter many lists, but it’s almost certain that Long & Foster Real Estate will be featured on every single one. The company, with 22B real estate sold and more than 38K transactions completed in 2023, was founded by P. Wesley Foster and Henry Long in 1968. Some of the services provided by Long & Foster Real Estate include:
- Property listings & transaction;
- Rental services;
- Property management;
- Real estate investing; and,
- Home mortgages.
Today, with more than 9,000 agents operating in over 200 offices across the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the U.S., Long & Foster Real Estate stands as a leading force in the industry, renowned for its local expertise and comprehensive services.
Sotheby’s International Realty
Samuel Baker established Sotheby’s International Realty in 1976. The company takes its name from the renowned Sotheby’s auction house in England. Building on the auction house’s esteemed reputation for luxury goods, Sotheby’s International Realty has successfully extended that legacy into the realm of luxury real estate. Today, it provides luxury real estate services such as:
- Luxury home sales;
- Rentals; and,
- Real estate brokerage.
Sotheby’s main office is located in Madison, NJ, but they have over 25,000 associates operating in over 80 countries worldwide. In 2023, the company, which has categorized its services based on city, continent, and, this one’s quite interesting, different lifestyles (such as waterfront, fly-in, private island, equestrian, and more), achieved a global sales volume exceeding $143 billion.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS), the youngest major real estate company on our list of the best real estate companies in the U.S., was founded in 2012. Initially established by Oliver Chace, the company quickly gained prominence and was later acquired by the business genius Warren Buffett, becoming part of his Berkshire Hathaway family of companies. BHHS offers a number of services including:
- Property management;
- Luxury property sales;
- Property and casualty services;
- Home warranties; and,
- Home sale and purchase.
The company has now over 45,000 agents and 1,350 offices operating in and outside of the U.S. In 2023, BHHS reported a remarkable sales volume of over $154.7 billion, securing a 12% market share in the industry and solidifying its position as a leader in the global real estate market.
You – And Your Agent – Are in Good Hands!
When renting, buying, or selling a property, who takes charge of your case greatly matters. However, what’s more important underneath is which brokerage they are working for, as some brokerages provide superior market knowledge, better resources, and a more extensive network that dramatically empowers the agent, which, in turn, can significantly enhance the outcome of your transactions.
Our list of the best real estate companies in the U.S. is designed to help you identify those who have consistently demonstrated service excellence and have a proven track record of satisfying client needs in the markets. With each of these ten enterprises, not only are you in good hands, but so is your agent!
