New York remains one of the most active real estate markets in the country, fueled by continued capital inflows and changing consumer priorities. Population shifts, business relocations, and lifestyle-driven moves are reshaping demand across the state, increasing the need for highly skilled real estate professionals who understand both local nuance and statewide trends. Navigating regulatory complexity and identifying emerging opportunities have become central to success in this environment.
Heading into 2026, leading real estate agents throughout New York stand out for their strategic insight, responsiveness to economic change, and client-first approach. From seasoned industry leaders to a new generation of high-performing advisors, these professionals are redefining service standards across residential and commercial sectors alike, reflecting the breadth and diversity of New York’s housing landscape.
Dancing Through the Market: Yarden Ronen-van Heerden’s Rise in Westchester Real Estate
In the competitive world of Westchester County real estate, Yarden Ronen-van Heerden stands out for reasons that go far beyond impressive sales numbers. A former contemporary dancer turned associate broker at Compass Real Estate, Yarden brings an artist’s intuition and a human-centered approach to a field often defined by transactions and timelines. “People often underestimate the complexity of this work,” Yarden says. “It’s not just about sales, it’s about guiding clients through one of life’s most important decisions.” That guiding philosophy has earned Yarden a reputation as one of the region’s rising stars. Based just north of New York City, he has developed a keen understanding of the area’s fast-shifting market, where century-old Colonials meet sleek new construction, and each neighborhood tells a different story. Clients are drawn to Yarden’s mix of candor, creativity, and calm, qualities that have translated into record-breaking sales and lasting relationships.
Before entering real estate, Yarden spent years on stage as a professional dancer, later serving as the executive director of a Manhattan dance center. The skills from that chapter, discipline, collaboration, and creativity, proved unexpectedly transferable. “Dance taught me how to move through uncertainty with grace,” he explains. “In real estate, that’s everything.” Since making the leap during the COVID-19 era, Yarden has quickly carved out a space as one of Compass’s most dynamic agents.
His artistic background continues to shape their approach: each property is seen not just as a listing, but as a composition, something to be balanced, staged, and ultimately brought to life. Now, with a record year behind him and momentum building, Yarden is part of a new generation reshaping public perception of what a real estate professional can be: transparent, empathetic, and deeply attuned to the human stories behind every transaction. As 2026 approaches, one thing is clear: Yarden Ronen-van Heerden isn’t just selling homes. He is helping redefine the art of real estate itself.
Philip Eggleton: Guiding Buyers to Unique Properties in New York’s Trout Town USA
Philip Eggleton, an associate broker at United Country Eagle River Realty, has been a prominent figure in Roscoe, New York, real estate since 1998, becoming a broker over a decade ago. Situated in the scenic Catskill Mountains, just two hours northwest of New York City, Roscoe is renowned as “Trout Town USA” and the birthplace of fly fishing in North America. This unique appeal draws a distinct clientele, predominantly seeking second homes, vacation properties, and investment opportunities like Airbnbs, primarily from the Metro New York, Northern New Jersey, and Connecticut areas.
What truly sets Philip and his team apart is their specialized approach to unique properties, including an innovative auction service. Unlike conventional sales of distressed or foreclosed assets, Philip leverages auctions for distinctive rural, recreational, and agricultural properties that offer something special, such as fishing lodges, waterfront estates, and homes with breathtaking views that have often been off-market for extended periods. This strategy, part of the extensive United Country network celebrating over a century in business, allows them to attract a nationwide audience of sportsmen, investors, and farmers looking for exclusive Catskill Mountains properties that merge rural tranquility with upscale living.
Philip’s expertise is evident in his impressive track record, as showcased by a recent sale of a 15-acre property with over 200 feet of private water on the East Branch of the Delaware River, a prime wild trout fishery. This $680,000 property, sold to an eager buyer from Long Island before even reaching an open house, highlights Philip’s deep understanding of the market and his ability to connect discerning buyers with their ideal outdoor havens. Beyond real estate, Philip’s passion for the area extends to co-running Trout Town Adventures and Guide Service, offering fishing and outdoor instruction. This personal connection reinforces his commitment to helping clients not just buy property, but also embrace the distinctive lifestyle that Roscoe, New York, offers.
How Builders Edge Is Disrupting Luxury Real Estate Through Technology
Christian Tirone and John Urchak are at the forefront of innovation in luxury home construction and real estate development. As the visionary leaders behind Builders Edge, this dynamic duo has carved out a niche specializing in high-end single-family residences across key markets across the United States, with a large presence in NJ, NY, Fl, and Maui, Hawaii. Based out of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, their firm is renowned for its architecturally distinctive, custom-built estates and a strategic approach that is reshaping the industry. With Christian’s three decades of experience and John’s diverse executive background, Builders Edge brings unparalleled expertise to every project.
What truly sets Builders Edge apart is its pioneering integration of cutting-edge construction technology. Christian, with his background in computer science, developed a proprietary software platform that leverages advanced data analytics to identify high-potential property acquisitions and accurately predict sale probability. This algorithmic approach automates every facet of the luxury home construction process, from initial sourcing and project management to budgeting and scheduling. John’s operational prowess ensures these sophisticated systems are seamlessly executed, dramatically streamlining development timelines and maximizing efficiency for their partners.
This unique blend of technological innovation and hands-on building expertise positions Builders Edge as a true disruptor in the luxury real estate sector. The firm currently boasts over $100 million in projects, a testament to its success and the efficacy of its systems. Christian and John’s mission extends beyond just building homes. They empower general contractors, real estate investors, and developers to take ownership of high-value projects, providing full operational support and strategic guidance. By cutting project timelines from a typical 12 months down to seven, Builders Edge enables partners to achieve quicker turnovers and substantial profits, fostering a new era of efficiency and growth in the industry.
The Best There Is
The New York real estate professionals highlighted for 2026 reflect the depth of talent influencing the state’s evolving property market. Coming from a wide range of career backgrounds and experience levels, they share a common focus on ethical practices, strong client representation, and performance-driven outcomes amid intense competition.
