Finding the right agent in a competitive real estate market can make all the difference. The top real estate agents in Illinois and Missouri for 2024 have not only proven themselves as the best in their states but have also distinguished themselves as leaders in the Midwest region. These premier professionals have demonstrated exceptional market knowledge, unparalleled customer service, and a track record of successful transactions that set them apart from the competition.

Each agent on this list has been chosen for their expertise, dedication, and performance. From bustling urban markets like Chicago and St. Louis to charming suburban and rural communities, these top real estate agents in Illinois and Missouri bring a wealth of local insights and strategic acumen to every deal. Their ability to navigate complex transactions and negotiate favorable outcomes has earned them a reputation for excellence among clients and peers.

Whether buying your first home, investing in property, or selling a cherished residence, partnering with one of these top real estate agents ensures you’re working with the best in the business. In the following entries, we spotlight the top 10 real estate agents in Illinois and Missouri to partner with in 2024, celebrating their achievements and highlighting the unique qualities that make them the go-to experts in their field.

1. Maureen Moran

Maureen Moran is a seasoned Realtor with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate in Illinois, specializing in Chicago’s Near North Side neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, and River North. With nearly three decades of experience, Maureen has helped over 400 families and sold more than $100m in real estate.

Maureen’s expertise is marked by her deep market knowledge and principled negotiation skills. She holds prestigious designations, including SRS, ABR, SRES, and RSPS, enabling her to cater to diverse client needs, from first-time homebuyers to retirees seeking second homes. Her dedication to staying informed about market trends and legal updates ensures her clients receive top-notch advice.

A long-time resident of Lincoln Park, Maureen has built robust relationships within the brokerage community and with local resource partners, enhancing her ability to serve clients effectively. Her approach, characterized by honesty, active listening, and a positive attitude, has turned many clients into lifelong friends.

Licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin, Maureen also serves clients in the Lake Geneva area, where she owns a home. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her alignment with @properties Christie’s, the #1 brokerage firm in Chicagoland and #8 nationwide. Whether buying or selling, Maureen Moran provides expertise and integrity.

2. Daniel Maurer

Daniel Maurer, a distinguished Broker at Berkshire Hathaway Chicago, brings an impressive blend of business acumen and deep local roots to his real estate practice.

With a career that began in 2002, Daniel has extensive experience in the Chicagoland area. His journey includes earning an MBA with honors and a significant stint in corporate marketing before returning to real estate—the field where his passion truly lies.

Daniel’s professional ethos is built on honesty, effective communication, and thorough industry knowledge. His commitment to ethical standards and responsiveness makes him a trusted advisor in a fast-moving market. Having weathered personal challenges like a cancer diagnosis and rigorous treatment, he has a unique perspective on resilience and dedication to finding the way forward.

Daniel is also a member of the Leading Edge Society, which marks him among the top 12% of brokers within the vast Berkshire Hathaway network. His deep familial ties to Glen Ellyn, stemming back to the mid-1800s, enrich his service, giving clients a respected guide through the complexities of real estate transactions. Whether navigating multiple offers or maximizing home values, Daniel ensures a professional and personalized approach to each client’s needs.

3. Georgia Denise Rossel

Georgia Denise Rossel, a seasoned Broker Sales Associate at Alexander Realty Inc. in Missouri, brings 40 years of expertise to the real estate industry.

Specializing in guiding clients through the momentous leap of purchasing a home, Georgia is known for her exceptional communication skills, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish. She customizes plans tailored to client needs and market circumstances, underscoring her commitment to excellent customer service and adept contract negotiations.

In the past 24 months, Georgia has handled transactions within the $115k to $250k price range, showcasing her versatility and ability to cater to various market segments. Her extensive experience and deep real estate market knowledge make her a trusted advisor.

Georgia serves a broad area, including Ballwin, Chesterfield, Florissant, Hazelwood, Lake St. Louis, Maryland Heights, St. Charles, St. Louis, St. Peters, and Wentzville. Her dedication to her clients and her vast experience in these communities have established her as a prominent figure in Missouri’s real estate market, where she continues to help individuals make the most significant investment of their lives.

4. David Heck

David Heck, the Lead Broker and Founder of “Lake-City Home Advisors” with @Properties in Illinois has established a remarkable track record in Chicago’s real estate market.

With over $150m in sales and a decade in the real estate business, David has been consistently recognized as a Top Producer in Chicago from 2017 through 2020. A Windy City native, David has extensive experience in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, enhancing his ability to guide clients through complex transactions in these diverse markets.

Originally a commercial pilot, David’s part-time passion for real estate evolved into a full-time career in 2015. His unique approach combines his deep knowledge of construction from personal renovations and flips along with his experience and strong negotiation skills, helping clients make informed decisions and experience smooth transactions during their real estate investments. 

David’s dedication to personalized service stands out in an industry that is veering toward a one-size-fits-all future. Alongside his wife, also a broker, and their two young children, David continues to profoundly influence the Chicago real estate scene, contributing to @Properties’ repeated reputation as the #1 brokerage in Chicago.

5. Brett Reinhart

Brett Reinhart, Owner, Broker, and Realtor at 1% Lists Buy & Sell Realty in Missouri, boasts two decades of experience in the real estate industry. His deep-rooted passion for real estate and genuine care for clients distinguishes him from his peers. Brett’s unique approach combines empathy and professionalism, ensuring clients feel valued and understood throughout their real estate journey.

A Springfield native since 1998, Brett’s expertise has earned him numerous accolades, including Rookie of the Year from the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors, and multiple Lifetime Sales Achievement Awards. Recognized by Tom Ferry as a top 1% Realtor in both Missouri and the United States, Brett has been instrumental in over 1,000 closed transactions, showcasing his dedication and skill in the field.

Recently, Brett obtained his broker’s license and launched his own company, 1% Lists Buy & Sell Realty, with two close friends. This innovative franchise offers an affordable 1% listing 

6. Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson, a standout Realtor at Russell Boyt Real Estate Group, is a lifelong Columbia resident with an unrivaled depth of local knowledge. With a robust foundation in property management and short-term rentals, she expertly managed over 250 properties, enabling her to navigate complex transactions with finesse.

Jessica caters to a diverse clientele, specializing in helping newcomers integrate into Columbia, making their transitions welcoming and exciting. Her enthusiasm for introducing clients to Columbia turns the stress of moving into a positive experience.

Her community engagement extends to her popular YouTube channel, “Living in Columbia Missouri,” which showcases local events and offers real estate insights, and her Facebook group ‘Columbia Missouri What’s Going On,’ with over 10,000 members, keeping the community connected and informed.

Her academic background in Special Education, crowned with a PhD, empowers her to connect deeply with clients, advocate effectively on their behalf, and ensure their decisions are informed and confident.

Jessica Simpson is more than a Realtor; she’s a community advocate and local market expert dedicated to making your real estate dreams a reality and helping you fall in love with Columbia just as she has.

fee, disrupting the local market by providing a cost-effective, high-quality alternative to traditional real estate services. Brett’s genuine spirit and commitment to long-term client relationships make him a trusted choice for buyers and sellers within a 100-mile radius of Springfield.

7. Christina Swyer

Christina Swyers is a distinguished real estate agent serving the vibrant communities of St. Louis, MO, and its surrounding areas. Born and raised locally, she possesses an unrivaled understanding of the market dynamics, enabling her to provide invaluable insights and personalized guidance throughout the home buying or selling journey.

As a licensed realtor with eXp Realty, one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing brokerages, Swyers leverages her extensive knowledge and industry expertise to seamlessly navigate the complexities of the St. Louis City, St. Charles, and Jefferson Counties real estate markets. Her professionalism, coupled with a genuine passion for helping individuals and families achieve their real estate goals, sets her apart in the industry.

With deep-rooted community connections and a dedication to staying abreast of the latest trends, Swyers delivers tailored strategies that align with her client’s unique needs and preferences. 

Whether guiding first-time homebuyers or assisting seasoned sellers, she approaches every transaction with unwavering integrity and a commitment to exceptional service. Swyers’ proven track record of success and reputation for exceeding expectations make her the trusted partner for those seeking an unparalleled real estate experience in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

8. Mari Van Meter

Mari Van Meter, a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices American Heritage in Illinois, understands that a home is more than just a place to live—it’s the foundation of a lifestyle. Whether clients are looking to sell their property swiftly at the best price or are searching for the perfect, spacious new home, Mari’s personalized approach ensures a seamless and fulfilling transition.

Mari offers exclusive access to off-market and pre-listed properties, a service tailored for buyers seeking unique homes that align with their specific needs. Her finely tuned network of contacts ensures clients can reach their dream home before it even hits the market. Capping it off is her ‘Love Your Home Guarantee,’ in which she pledges to sell the property for free if the buyer is not completely happy.

For sellers, Mari employs a mix of advanced digital marketing strategies and traditional techniques, including targeted online advertising, bespoke social media campaigns, high-quality print media, and strategic networking. Her efforts are all designed to maximize property visibility and attract well-qualified buyers, enhancing the potential for a swift and profitable sale. Mari compensates her client at closing if she doesn’t sell the home within the agreed timeframe, providing ultimate peace of mind.

9. Belinda Olson

Belinda Olson is the Lead of Team Olson Properties at Keller Williams Platinum Partners in Missouri, holding an impressive career as a Senior Sales Consultant. Her real estate journey began in 1994 and is marked by commitment, knowledge, and dedication, earning her respect in the Kansas City area real estate market.

With a solid background in new home sales, short sales, foreclosures, single-family homes, and condos, Belinda has honed her skills to provide top-notch service. A proud graduate of Westport High School, she has also earned the title of Senior Real Estate Specialist. Her philosophy revolves around treating each client as a gift and helping them find their perfect home easily and efficiently. 

An expert in investment opportunities and senior housing, Belinda holds numerous designations, including ABR, SFR, and HRC. She was among the first in the Kansas City area to earn the CSHP designation, assisting seniors in transitioning to more manageable living situations.

Belinda’s connection to the community is profound, cherishing lifelong friendships with her clients. As a mother of three and grandmother of five, Belinda understands the significance of finding the right home for creating treasured memories.

10. Jeffrey Abbott

Jeffrey Abbott moved to Frankfort in 1999, Jeffrey primary goal was to raise his family in a community known for its excellent public schools, strong athletic programs, and proximity to Chicago. They have been blessed with three boys who keep us very active in the community, reinforcing our deep connection and commitment to the area.

Jeffrey has developed an in-depth knowledge of the neighborhoods in the Lincoln-Way area. He graduated from Drake University in 1995 with a BA in Psychology, a field that has given me valuable insights into understanding people’s needs and motivations. Jeffrey’s career began in Industrial Sales and Information Technology, where he honed his skills in sales, negotiation, and technology.

His journey into real estate was sparked by my own experiences with buying and selling homes. After navigating several real estate transactions, he realized that my unique combination of skills could greatly benefit others. He decided to become a full-time real estate broker, blending my sales expertise, negotiating prowess, and technological acumen to serve his clients better.

In just two years, Jeffrey became one of the top-producing agents in the Lincoln-Way area. Over his 10 years and 7 months in the real estate industry, he has had the pleasure of helping numerous families buy and sell homes, with transactions ranging from $113K to $610K in the past 24 months.