Highlighting Promising Real Estate Professionals Under 40

Chris Heller, Licensed AgentApril 7, 2022

While there are many notable titans in the industry, there’s also a long list of rising stars. Those who are paving the path for the next generation of agents. There are many who deserve to be highlighted for their phenomenal work, so we’re celebrating these hard-working professionals.

Through the years, they’ve become top producers, listers, and sellers. They’re all masters at client communication and relationship building. Their futures are bright, and there are many successes still to come as they keep climbing their way to the top.

We’ve come up with a list of the best of the best under 40.

Kimberly Zeidner

Talia McKinney

A licensed Real Estate Salesperson and a top agent on The Serhant Team of Nest Seekers International, Talia McKinney believes that success is built upon the strength of the relationship. It is this belief that guides Talia in every interaction she has with her clients, and it is her innate ability to form these connections that allows both her and her clients to succeed in an oftentimes capricious New York real estate market.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Talia was recruited to run track at a state college and went on to help her team become state champions. After graduating she moved to New York City. Along with her remarkable athletic background, she brought with her a degree in Communications and Public Relations, and during her first few years in the city she explored careers in fashion public relations, event planning, and hospitality. Yet, despite her time in those industries, real estate was something that had always drawn her in.

Today, having already spent years compiling a long record of listings and sales, Talia continues to be excited by the challenges and relationships that real estate has to offer. She has used her experience from previous jobs to connect with her clients on a personal level that puts them at ease throughout the entire process of buying, selling, or investing in a home. Her thoroughness, attentiveness, and commitment distinguish her from typical agents. The relationship is what matters most to her, because she knows that the relationship is the bellwether for overall success and satisfaction.

When she isn’t running around Manhattan selling condos and co-ops, or dashing to an afternoon townhouse showing in Brooklyn, Talia can be found volunteering at Achilles International, NY Cares, or the Boys and Girls Club. She competes in triathlons and marathons—what better way to train for the next sprint to an open house?—and is also an avid world traveler, having been to over 35 countries.

Alex Young

Having just celebrated three years in the business, and one full year as a solo agent, Alex won his area’s readers choice award for Best Real Estate Agent for 2020.

Since entering the business, he’s made it his goal to always grow year-over-year, with this year pacing to hit that goal with 45 total transactions.

Over 95% of Alex’s business comes from sphere of influence or referrals.

He has spent less than $150 on any external marketing or advertising in the 3+ years of the business.

As it relates to business, he runs everything on his own except for a professional photographer for listings and a per-deal transaction coordinator; this, in combination with his low expenses, allows his business to run near or above 85% profitability.

Alex’s mission statement for The Bow Tie Group:

“My philosophy is simple: your dream, made simply for you. By combining clear communication and modern technology, my goal is to bring your dream to you, simply. Whether it’s buying a first home or investing in alternate revenue streams, I’m here to help realize those dreams simply and easily.”

Julianne Holt

Julianne Holt is fairly new to the industry as she’s just in her 4th year of sales.  At the completion of her 3rd year, she was ranked in the top 5 of her brokerage for the most transactions closed that year and has been among the top 5% of producers out of 120 agents at her firm, every year, for the last 4 years.  She attributes her success thus far to simply creating relationships.  Every client, every deal, every person is a chance to build trust and rapport.  For her, these are the foundations of any transaction.

She also prioritizes personal growth.  She currently has her designations and certifications as a SRS, ABR, SRES, and Negotiation Expert. She tries to read one business related book each month and has set goals for future seminars or events that she thinks she will benefit from. She is currently in the process of obtaining her broker salesperson license.  Most recently, she was nominated for a position with Nevada Real Estate Division’s work group to help reform aspects of their continued education.   The continued learning drives her to always know more, and Julianne says “when she knows more, she can do more.”

Kelsey Martin