Top 10 Elite Real Estate Moguls from New York and Maryland for 2024

In the ever-evolving world of real estate, a select group of elite professionals stands out, shaping the market and setting new benchmarks for success. As we look ahead to 2024, New York and Maryland have become key hubs for real estate development, attracting investors and fostering innovation. These states are at the forefront of exciting new projects and trends that are reshaping the industry landscape.

Within these vibrant markets, some of the most influential figures in real estate continue to make their mark. Their expertise, vision, and strategic thinking have played a crucial role in driving growth and creating opportunities. As these leaders navigate the dynamic real estate environment, they set new standards of excellence, ensuring that New York and Maryland remain pivotal to the industry’s future.

Gregory Fanning is a distinguished Real Estate Agent with The Property Pros Team at eXp Realty in New York.

Known for his relentless drive, Gregory consistently delivers industry-leading results, making him a top performer. His unique approach sets him apart: he ensures homes are sold swiftly at current market values while ardently advocating for his buyer clients’ needs and rights.

Gregory’s accolades include being the top agent at his agency for three consecutive years, winning the Silver Medallion Award in both 2022 and 2023, and being honored as Rookie of the Year and Rising Star in 2022. His success and dedication contribute to his agency being voted one of the best places to work and the fastest-growing international real estate company.

Those seeking honesty and efficiency in their transactions benefit hugely from Gregory’s straightforward, no-nonsense communication style. His commitment to transparency and exceptional service makes him a breath of fresh air in real estate.

Ideal for buyers, sellers, and investors focused on flipping houses or long-term investments, Gregory Fanning is a trusted expert who continuously goes the extra mile to ensure smooth and successful real estate transactions.

Pam Harrison, of RE/MAX Executive in Maryland, is a seasoned Realtor with over 35 years of experience. Originally from Wisconsin, Pam’s life journey has taken her across the globe, including residences in Iran, Turkey, and Switzerland, before settling in Maryland. She has built an illustrious career in real estate, holding roles such as agent, administrative assistant, and executive assistant.

A mother of five, grandmother of 14, and great-grandmother of three, Pam embodies compassion and dedication. She is passionate about community service, chairing the Community Service Committee for 15 years and co-chairing the Anne Arundel County Food Bank.

Leadership and excellence are hallmarks of Pam’s career. She served as President of the Anne Arundel County Association of Realtors in 2017 and the Women’s Council of Realtors in 2012. She was also recognized as Realtor of the Year in 2012 and 2019 for Anne Arundel County and earned the prestigious NAR Good Neighbor Award in 2016.

Pam’s client-focused approach, driven by referrals from satisfied past clients, ensures personalized service from the beginning to beyond closing. With prestigious credentials like At Home With Diversity (AHWD), she guarantees ideal outcomes in every transaction.

Diana Washabaugh is a distinguished Realtor at KW Metro Center in Maryland, specializing in the vibrant Southern Maryland market.

Since launching her real estate career in 2017, Diana has brought a unique blend of dedication, expertise, and a deep connection to the community she serves. With a background in music education, she leverages her teaching skills to guide clients through every step of the real estate process, ensuring they make informed decisions to build financial wealth.

Diana’s commitment to her clients goes beyond transactions. Her service-centered approach, rooted in faith-filled principles, ensures a personalized experience for each client, whether they’re first-time buyers, military families, or luxury waterfront property seekers. Her achievements include the Diamond Achievement Award (2021), the highest number of closed units at KW Metro Center in 2022, and multiple HomeSnap Excellence awards for client service.

As a member of Keller Williams’ top 20% mastermind group and the Million Dollar Club, Diana continues to lead the industry with her seamless client care. Her community-driven approach keeps her clients connected long after closing, earning her a thriving referral base. Diana Washabaugh is not just a Realtor; she’s a trusted advisor and advocate for her clients’ best interests.

Chris Schumaker is a seasoned Realtor and the driving force behind Chris Schumaker & Associates at RE/MAX Executive in Maryland.

With 30 years of experience in the Chesapeake Bay real estate market, Chris is renowned for her deep local knowledge, exceptional service, and innovative approach to real estate. Born and raised in the Chesapeake Bay area, she intimately understands the region’s unique properties and market dynamics, making her a trusted authority for buyers, sellers, and investors alike.

Chris’s expertise extends beyond traditional real estate practices. She leads a dynamic team that leverages cutting-edge technology and data-driven strategies to deliver unparalleled results. Every client receives a tailored experience with professional staging, advanced digital marketing, and high-quality visual presentations, ensuring each property shines courtesy of an in-house marketing specialist and digital marketer.

A trailblazer in the industry, Chris disrupts the conventional real estate model by embracing innovation and prioritizing client satisfaction. Her commitment to the community is eminent in her deep-rooted connections and active engagement, thriving in the many gatherings she organizes with clients. With over $120 million in sales, Chris and her team are dedicated advocates, offering personalized service that builds trust and fosters lasting relationships in the Chesapeake Bay region.

Lauren Zaccaria, Associate Real Estate Broker at Houlihan Lawrence in New York, is a formidable force in the real estate sector. With over 22 years of experience, Lauren has made significant strides in Westchester and Putnam counties, guiding the Lauren Zaccaria Real Estate Team to exceptional heights. Her remarkable achievements include closing 922 homes with a total volume exceeding $304m, cementing her Multi-Million Dollar Top Producer status.

Lauren’s expertise is backed by an impressive array of designations, including Graduate of Real Estate Institute (GRI), Certified Buyer Representative (CBR), and Military Relocation Professional (MRP). Her dedication to excellence and client satisfaction has consistently ranked her among the top agents, including being the #1 Agent in Chappaqua since 2020, #2 in her company of over 1,450 agents, and America’s Best Realtor since 2013.

Known for her innovative strategies and exceptional negotiation skills, Lauren transforms real estate transactions into seamless adventures. Her holistic approach ensures stress-free relocations and successful outcomes for clients.

Beyond her professional prowess, Lauren is a mentor, trainer, and community contributor, building lasting relationships with clients and peers alike. Lauren Zaccaria is the ultimate partner for those seeking a real estate journey filled with expertise and personalized care.

Jen Ball, a Licensed Associate Broker at HUNT Real Estate ERA in New York, brings a wealth of expertise and a deep-rooted connection to upstate New York to her real estate practice.

Born in Glens Falls and raised in Lake George, Jen has an intimate knowledge of the local area, which she leverages to help clients find their perfect homes. Since starting her real estate career in 2006, she has distinguished herself with a client-centered approach and a passion for her community.

A consistent top producer, ranking in RealTrends’ Top 100 in New York State for Individual Sales from 2018 to 2023, Jen has been one of her region’s leading agents for more than a decade. Her achievements are a testament to her dedication and the resonance of her marketing strategies, which create a personal connection with clients by featuring her beloved pets.

Beyond real estate, Jen firmly believes that giving back to her community is the key to success. She volunteers for local search and rescue efforts for missing pets, Tri-County United Way,  donates to various pet rescues and makes it her mission to help families in need being their secret Santa during the holidays. Her hands-on approach includes helping clients clean and stage their homes to maximize marketability, earning their trust and appreciation. Jen Ball’s combination of local expertise, marketing savvy, and community contribution make her a standout in upstate New York real estate.

Enas Latif, a Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker and the founder of the Enas Latif Sales Team in New York has over 22 years of experience in the real estate industry. Based in the Buffalo-Niagara region, Enas has earned a reputation as a top-performing realtor, known for her deep market knowledge, exceptional negotiation skills, and unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.

Enas’s expertise is backed by a range of prestigious credentials, including the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation, and certifications as a Certified Buyer Representative (CBR), Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®), and Certified Relocation Specialist. These qualifications underscore her ability to navigate complex transactions and provide tailored solutions for a diverse clientele, from first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors.

Under Enas’s leadership, the Enas Latif Sales Team has consistently ranked among the top performers at HUNT Real Estate and within the Buffalo-Niagara region, reflecting her dedication to excellence and client-centric service. Whether buying or selling, clients trust Enas to guide them through the process with ease, meeting and exceeding their real estate goals.

Enas Latif is a top choice for a seamless and successful real estate experience in Western New York.

Stacy Levey, Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker at William Raveis in Chappaqua, New York, exemplifies real estate expertise through her extensive experience and impressive accomplishments.

With over 22 years in the industry, and over $450 million in sales volume, Stacy perennially demonstrates a deep understanding of the market, particularly luxury properties, single-family homes, and corporate relocations. Numerous client testimonials and accolades attest to her success, including the Platinum Award, honoring the top 3% of sales agents company-wide, and recognition as one of America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents in New York’s Hudson Valley.

Stacy’s dedication to her clients is evident in her approach to real estate. Her positive energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to understanding her clients’ needs enable her to identify the best opportunities in the market. Stacy’s clients consistently praise her for her responsiveness, accessibility, and expert guidance.

Having relocated multiple times herself, Stacy possesses a unique insight into the complexities of relocation, allowing her to expertly assist clients with navigating similar challenges. Her deep connection to Westchester County and her professional expertise make her a trusted advisor in the local real estate market. Beyond real estate, Stacy enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, and traveling. 

Mulugeta Dessies journey is a story of relentless determination and integrity. Originally from Ethiopia, Mulugeta’s path wasn’t typical. After earning an MBA in Finance and a PhD, he spent seven years teaching at U.S. universities. However, he longed for more—both financially and personally.

His drive to succeed led him to real estate, where his financial expertise gave him a distinct advantage. Mulugeta wasn’t just selling homes—he was analyzing market trends, guiding clients through complex decisions, and using his deep understanding of numbers to make real estate accessible and profitable.

Within two years of entering the field, Mulugeta’s success surpassed his academic salary, prompting him to pursue real estate full-time. Since then, he’s built a reputation for honesty, trustworthiness, and dedication, becoming a top producer recognized by Bethesda and Washingtonian magazines. 

Relationships are at the heart of Mulugeta’s approach—his ‘Client for Life’ philosophy centers on service long after the sale. Whether guiding clients through the home-buying process or assisting with post-sale needs, Mulugeta goes above and beyond, “success is in the extras.”

Ultimately, his success allows him to provide for his family and give back to the community—values that flourish throughout his life and career.

Julia Neal is a distinguished Realtor at The W Home Group in Maryland, recognized for her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences and unparalleled customer service since 2015.

Focused on clear communication, setting realistic expectations, and maintaining a solution-based mindset, Julia ensures a seamless home buying or selling process for her clients. Her top-tier negotiation skills and dedication to client success have propelled her into the top 1% of Realtors in Maryland.

With a unique approach to real estate built around her clients, Julia is a true team player and community champion. Her creativity, organization, and outstanding communication skills are vital tools she employs to provide her clients with the best possible experience.

Julia’s achievements have earned her features in Top Agent Magazine, Baltimore Magazine, the Pat Hiban Real Estate Podcast, and recognition as a rising star by Baltimore Real Producers. She has also been honored as one of Baltimore Real Producers’ 30 under 30 and a top 100, solidifying her status as a leading professional at her brokerage and in her real estate community. Above all, Julia Neal believes that by giving her all and lifting others, she can make a positive impact on the world.

Whether you’re looking to invest, buy, or simply admire the expertise these professionals bring to the table, they are redefining the standard for success in this dynamic industry. Their commitment to excellence and ability to navigate the complexities of the market make them stand out in the competitive landscape.

As we continue to watch their progress in 2024, one thing is certain: the real estate market in New York and Maryland is in excellent hands. Thanks to their innovation, dedication, and passion, these professionals are shaping a bright future for the industry in these regions.