Today a Realtor friend reached out and asked, “How are you not on this list of top producers in Oklahoma?”
Easy answer: Because I didn’t pay to be on the site. Some awards are earned. Others are... invoiced.
There’s a running joke in the real estate world that if you throw a rock in any direction, you’ll probably hit someone who’s ranked “Top 1% of Realtors in America.” And not just once—but according to seven different websites, each requiring a headshot, a short bio, and, most importantly, a credit card.
Welcome to the golden age of pay-to-play Realtor rankings, where if you can afford a monthly subscription, you too can be crowned the “#1 Luxury Agent” in your zip code (fine print: as long as you’re the only agent who paid in that category).
Let’s break it down.
The “Exclusive” Invitations That Hit Your Inbox Weekly
You’ve seen them. The emails come with subject lines like:
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“You’ve Been Selected as a Top 10 Agent in Your Area!”
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“Claim Your Spot on Our 2025 Real Estate Power List!”
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“Your Market Dominance Hasn’t Gone Unnoticed! (Also, it’s only $199/year.)”
They’re usually accompanied by a shiny digital badge, a pre-written press release, and a framed certificate you can hang next to your “Best Agent in Midwest City Who Paid for This Award” plaque.
Because nothing says credibility like a certificate printed in Comic Sans.
The Real Cost of Being #1
What do these ranking platforms actually require? It’s simple:
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Pay the fee
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Submit your headshot
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Answer a few vague questions like “What’s your favorite part of helping clients?”
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Boom. You’re now a “Top 5 Social Media Agent in the State of Oklahoma.”
“Top Social Media Agent”… Based on What, Exactly?
Let’s talk about these social media titles. Some of these platforms are handing out “#1 Social Media Agent in Oklahoma” badges like they’re participation ribbons at a youth soccer game.
You want to verify if someone is actually crushing it on social? Here’s a wild idea—go look at their follower count.
I once saw someone proudly post they were “#1 Real Estate Agent on Social Media in Oklahoma”… and they had 1,100 followers. That’s barely enough to fill a high school gym, let alone influence a statewide audience.
And while we’re at it—most of the agents posting “hot new listings” on social aren’t even the listing agents. They’re just resharing someone else’s property with a tiny fine-print disclaimer at the bottom. Why not work hard and get your own listings to promote? Wild concept, I know.
Meanwhile, agents with 10K, 20K, or even 50K+ followers are too busy actually selling real estate to care about some paid-for title.
Here’s a tip: If your “#1 Social Media Agent” badge comes from a website no one’s ever heard of and requires a credit card to unlock, maybe… just maybe… it’s not that official.
Category Confusion: There's a Ranking for That!
In this brave new world, you don’t even need to be productive—you just need a micro-niche.
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Didn’t sell anything last year? Don’t worry, you’re still “Top New Agent Under 5’8” with a Labradoodle in the 73034 zip code.”
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Closed one deal in the last 12 months? Congrats, you’re the “#1 Listing Agent on Elm Street (North Side Only).” Congrats Freddy!
There are so many micro-categories now, I’m expecting to see “Top Realtor Who Drives a White Yukon Denali and Likes Dr. Pepper” by next week.
Here’s a Crazy Idea… Use MLS Data
Want to know who’s actually producing? Just pull the MLS data.
Actual, factual numbers that reflect sales volume, listings, closings, and client success. It’s wild, I know—but instead of paying $29.99/month to be “Elite Gold Pro Plus Agent,” we could just… use the data we already have.
Imagine ranking agents based on transactions instead of typography.
Wait… Who Are These People?
As I scroll through these “Top 500” lists, I can’t help but notice I’ve never even heard of 75% of the agents on them. And I don’t mean that sarcastically—but if you’re going to promote that you’re ranked #488 on a pay-to-play platform like it’s an Olympic medal… wow. Huge congrats. Did they send you a tote bag, too?
And listen—I hope this doesn’t come across as arrogant, but here’s the reality: The public doesn’t care.
Seriously. The only people looking at these “Top 500” rankings… are other Realtors.
It’s like shouting in an empty room and being proud of the echo.
Confession Time
Yes, I admit it—years ago I was guilty of this. I paid for a digital badge after getting one of those flattering “You’ve Been Selected” emails.
But here’s the truth: it didn’t do anything for me. No leads, no value, no real recognition. To me, it didn’t seem authentic—and I regretted it.
No, I didn’t frame the certificate or promote it (thankfully). It felt off from the start, like trying to win a marathon by ordering a medal online.
Lesson learned. Real credibility isn’t bought—it’s built. One client, one deal, and one reputation at a time.
Final Thoughts (and a Friendly Eye Roll)
To all the agents proudly displaying their badges—if that recognition motivates you, more power to you. We all market ourselves differently, and we all grow at our own pace.
But for those chasing real, lasting credibility—just remember: trust is built through results, service, and relationships. The real “ranking” comes from repeat clients, respected peers, and a reputation that doesn’t need a badge to prove it.
And if you're ever really curious about who the top luxury Realtor in Oklahoma is? Next time, just ask ChatGPT. (No subscription required.)
At the end of the day, we’re all navigating the same industry—one that requires hustle, resilience, and heart. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in this business for decades, the best recognition you’ll ever receive comes from the people you serve and the legacy you build.
Keep working hard. Keep doing right by your clients. And stay true to who you are—because real success isn’t something you pay for. It’s something you earn.
Here’s to all the agents out there showing up with integrity, every single day.
Wyatt Poindexter - The Agency Oklahoma
