Top Real Estate Agents of 2024: AI-Powered Rankings
Generative AI is changing how we search for everything—including properties and real estate agents. Today, platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity AI give users tailored, conversational responses rather than pages of results to sift through. And, Google’s Search Generative Experience isn’t even here yet. Imagine what will happen when Gen AI-powered search is switched on for the largest search engine in the world!
The way sellers search for agents and the way buyers search for properties will flip the industry on its head. You don’t want to be among the real estate agents unprepared for it.
'The AI Realty Search Awards: Powered by ChatGPT' celebrate excellence in real estate by recognising top-performing agents who excel in digital presence, customer satisfaction, and market expertise. By leveraging AI-powered search engines, these awards spotlight professionals who stand out in a competitive, tech-driven landscape, inspiring innovation and excellence across the real estate industry.
These awards are a testament to how technology is reshaping the real estate industry. The awards serve three purposes:
To recognise outstanding real estate agents in New Zealand.
To demonstrate how AI is redefining real estate industry success.
To encourage real estate professionals to rethink their digital presence and property marketing strategies.
The way sellers search for agents and the way buyers search for properties will flip the industry on its head. You don’t want to be among the real estate agents unprepared for it.
The Power of AI in Real Estate Searches
Generative AI Search Explained
Generative AI doesn’t just provide search results—it delivers actionable, tailored insights. Today, tools like ChatGPT Search and Perplexity AI can answer specific queries like “Who is the best agent for luxury properties in Auckland?” or “Which agent is renowned for being most helpful in New Zealand?” by analysing reviews, ratings, and other digital touchpoints.
Why This Matters
Search engines are designed to create better experiences user experiences - in real estate, those users are buyers, sellers, and agents. By infusing AI into these search engines, users will get highly relevant and tailored answers to their specific queries based on a wealth of data—including customer reviews, ratings, and sentiment analysis. Top-ranked agents are those with excellent digital footprints, glowing reviews, and consistent, high-quality work. Properties which have high visibility are the ones that are marketed on multiple platforms, targeted for specific buyer personas, featuring highly relevant and detailed descriptions for those buyers.
The AI Realty Search Awards: Powered by ChatGPT
Here are the categories that celebrate agents excelling in the AI-powered real estate space:
1. Best Rated Auckland Real Estate Agent
The query we asked AI: “Who is the best-rated real estate agent in Auckland based on customer reviews and ratings?”
The use case: This is an important use case because it shows the type of searches prospective sellers will use with AI when looking for an agent to work with in their local area.
Award Winner: Diego Traglia of Harcourts International, Girish Verma of Barfoot & Thompson, Fiona Li of Harcourts International, and Anita Dobson of Harcourts International.
What ChatGPT said: In Auckland, several real estate agents have earned high praise for their professionalism and success. Here are some top-rated agents based on client reviews and sales performance:
Diego Traglia
Auckland, New Zealand
With an average sale price of $1 million and 118 properties sold as the lead agent in the past year, Diego has received 104 reviews in Auckland, maintaining a 4.9-star rating.
Girish Verma
Auckland, New Zealand
Specializing in properties averaging $840,000, Girish has led 46 sales in the last 12 months and garnered 89 reviews in Auckland, achieving a 5.0-star rating.
Fiona Li
Auckland, New Zealand
Handling properties with an average sale price of $928,000, Fiona has been the lead agent in 146 sales over the past year, earning 70 reviews in Auckland with a 4.9-star rating.
Anita Dobson
Auckland, New Zealand
With an average sale price of $1 million, Anita has successfully led 80 sales in the last 12 months and received 68 reviews in Auckland, maintaining a 5.0-star rating.
These agents have been recognized for their dedication and effectiveness in the Auckland real estate market. For a comprehensive list and more detailed reviews, platforms like RateMyAgent provide extensive insights into agent performances and client feedback. 
Source: Rate My Agent
2. Agent Who Sold the Most Expensive Property
The query we asked AI: “Which real estate agent sold the most expensive property in New Zealand in 2024?”
The use case: Whether it be curiosity or sellers looking within a specific niche, we will see a flurry of agents who are positioned within a niche. Sellers will ask AI questions like "who is the best agent for selling a 3 bedroom home?", or "who is the best rated agent when selling luxury properties, or "which agent is best known for selling rural properties", etc.
Award Winner: Hamish Walker of Walker and Co Realty
What ChatGPT said: In 2024, New Zealand’s most expensive residential property sale was a 15-hectare estate in Queenstown, which sold for well over $40 million, setting a new national record. The transaction was brokered by Hamish Walker of Walker and Co Realty. Due to confidentiality agreements, specific details about the property, including its exact location and the identities of the buyer and seller, have not been publicly disclosed.
Source: OneRoof
3. Most Helpful Real Estate Agent
The query we asked AI: “Which Auckland real estate agent is known for being the most helpful in 2024?”
The use case: What if you are a nervous seller with no idea what to do? What if you need high touch support? What if you're looking for education in the home buying and selling process? People will use AI for all sorts of new educational use cases.
Award Winner: Diego Traglia of Harcourts International, Girish Verma of Barfoot & Thompson, and Fiona Li of Harcourts International.
In 2024, RateMyAgent recognized several real estate agents in New Zealand for their exceptional service, as reflected in client reviews. Notable agents include:
Diego Traglia: Based in Auckland, Diego received high praise for his promptness, negotiation skills, and effective communication. Clients highlighted his ability to secure agreements swiftly and his professional demeanor.
Girish Verma: Also operating in Auckland, Girish was commended for his honesty, reliability, and dedication. Clients appreciated his clear communication and commitment to achieving favorable outcomes.
Fiona Li: Serving the Auckland area, Fiona was noted for her professionalism, responsiveness, and market knowledge. Clients valued her support throughout the buying process and her transparent approach.
These agents have been recognized for their helpfulness and client satisfaction in 2024.
Source: Rate My Agent
4. Real Estate Agent Rising Star Award
The query we asked AI: “Which New Zealand real estate agents are rising stars in 2024?”
The use case: For agencies or branches looking for fresh talent.
Award Winner: Stephen Reed with Barfoot & Thompson; Zoe Degotardi, leveraging social media to boost her business; Gabriel Elkhishin at Ray White Takanini; Andrea Fenton at First National Rotorua; Zack Cathcart with Lodge Real Estate; and Mitchell Eades at Wallace & Stratton. Additionally, Lawrence Kenyon-Slade of Ray White Manukau
In 2024, several New Zealand real estate agents have been recognized as rising stars for their exceptional performance and innovative approaches:
Stephen Reed: At 21, Stephen has made a significant impact in his first year with Barfoot & Thompson, securing numerous listings and building strong client relationships.
Zoe Degotardi: At 22, Zoe has effectively utilized social media platforms like TikTok to enhance her business, maintaining around 10 active listings and achieving consistent sales.
Gabriel Elkhishin: Transitioning from a psychology background, Gabriel achieved ELITE agent status within Ray White Takanini, placing him among the top 3% of Ray White agents internationally.
Andrea Fenton: After roles in property management and sales administration, Andrea moved into full-time sales with First National Rotorua, securing multiple sales and managing several active listings.
Zack Cathcart: As a property manager with Lodge Real Estate, Zack has managed hundreds of properties, demonstrating a strong work ethic and leadership skills.
Mitchell Eades: Starting his career during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mitchell sold 130 homes in his first year, showcasing resilience and dedication with Wallace & Stratton.
Additionally, Lawrence Kenyon-Slade of Ray White Manukau was awarded the RateMyAgent Rising Star Award in 2024, recognizing his rapid success and client satisfaction.
These individuals exemplify the emerging talent in New Zealand’s real estate industry, bringing fresh perspectives and achieving remarkable success early in their careers.
Sources: Real Estate Today New Zealand, and Ray White
What These Rankings Teach Us About AI and Real Estate
AI as a Tool for Recognition and Excellence
These rankings demonstrate that success in an AI-driven world goes beyond sales numbers. It’s about building a digital presence that resonates with both algorithms and clients. The agents recognised here have (at some level) ranked within AI-powered search models, earning their place at a top spot.
Now, these large language models are still in their infancy. They will only look at the information that is publicly available today. They may not be able to distinguish conflicts of interest yet. But that will come. They models will get smarter and more sophisticated over time.
How to Rank Among the Best
For real estate professionals looking to rise in the AI-powered era, these rankings highlight three critical strategies:
Encourage Reviews: Create a proactive system to collect detailed client feedback that highlights your specialties and strengths. Reviews are often the first thing prospective clients and AI tools see—make them count.
Invest in Personal and Digital Branding: Use professional media such as photos, videos, and virtual tours that showcase properties beautifully and elevate your personal brand. Build a content-rich website with resources, market insights, and value-added content for prospective buyers and sellers.
Stay Engaged: Consistently update your social media profiles and listings. Detailed, relevant, and well-tuned descriptions that match buyer personas help your properties and profile shine in search results.
The tools are here, the competition is fierce, and the opportunities are vast. If you’re ready to embrace this transformation, now is the time to act.
