The coronavirus pandemic accelerated many trends.
At the top of the list is Kansas City real estate. The market was already hot, but the pandemic flipped on the turbochargers.
The average sale price in close-in KC in 2020 hit $220,000 according to Redfin, up more than twenty percent from the previous year. The current year is young, but the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors has the average sale price in the larger region at $240,000 while homes are only on the market for thirty-five days, a steep decrease from sixty-two days the previous year.
We are again recognizing the agents who make the market go. The majority of this list is based on sales figures provided by the agents or brokers. But because we know that the best agent is the one that helps you buy or sell your home, this year we also conducted a reader poll to identify agents who enjoy the strongest recommendations among the people they’ve worked with. Those agents are marked “Readers Choice”. Agents that qualified for the Top Agents list based on both sales volume and reader recommendations are marked “Readers Choice and Sales”. (This list is editorial content made using an impartial process that did not favor advertisers—the extended listings included are advertisements.)
Individual Agents
Aly Plunkett
Ann Nixon
Ashley Dwyer
Bettina O’Brien
Bill Newman
Brian Courtney
Cathy Maxwell
Charlie Potchad
Chris Grider
Christi Clark
Connie Barton
David Slawson
Dawn Stuntzman
Debbie Carrier
Debbie White
Geina Birchfield (Readers Choice)
Gina Dennis
Gwen Plattner
Heather Philip
Janine Korgie
Jason Spalitto
Jeffrey Jensen
Jessica Jasa
Jodie Brethour
It’s hard to spill the beans about someone who has 173 reviews on Zillow. The earth-shattering scoop is: 100% of Jonas Barrish’s reviews are 5-star. He’s also tops on Google and Nextdoor. Highly recommended, but it doesn’t stop there. Most of the reviews are gushing, effusive and rhapsodic.
There’s this: “I feel sorry for anyone who doesn’t use him or, worse yet, is on the opposite side of Jonas in a transaction.”
And this: “This guy is surgical in his approach to everything. His ability to negotiate is unparalleled.”
Some succinct: “Jonas was extremely responsive at all times of the day. Like, we’re talking instantaneous.”
Others shocking: “He told us a number he thought he could sell our house for, and my wife and I laughed it off as ridiculous. Too high. Fast forward a few months, and he sold our house for even more than the crazy quote he gave us.”
Many punctuated emphatically: “Our appraiser told me that Jonas was the most helpful seller’s agent he had worked with in 25 years!”
That’s Jonas on paper. To meet him in person, is to appreciate the industry legend he’s becoming.
He’s persuasive, shreds complex tasks into digestible bits, and has mastered the Herculean feat of making real estate fun. Moreover, as you settle in to enjoy one of his transcendent Manhattan cocktails, he may point out that he doesn’t communicate telepathically (he’s known for his crystal ball ads on the Plaza), listen to Justin Bieber, or eat just one potato chip, but he will elevate your spiciness a notch or two.
His goal is laser focused: to be all-in for every client.
He offers, “Do you know know how many times I actually do the job for both my own client and the listing agent on a house? It’s more than it ever should be. Which means my client has a major advantage. Count me among the itty bitty group that gives a huge damn. I’m there for my clients. Winning for my clients is everything.”
You’re less likely to hear about the top accolades that line his walls, keynote speeches he serves up to elevate the industry, and positions of honor he’s selected to by peers.
His dearest trophy is written word: “Anyone not using Jonas is making a huge mistake (and must not like making or saving money). I truly pity any Realtor up against him in a negotiation.” [Advertisement]
913-626-4708, jonasbarrish.com
Julie Gadwood
Kana Steinmeyer
Katie Heschmeyer
Krystle Espinoza (Readers Choice)
Krystle Espinoza is a licensed REALTOR ® in both Missouri and Kansas. Recognized as one of the Kansas City area’s top agents, her love for Kansas City and the surrounding areas grow stronger every year. With several years of real estate and escrow closing experience, she made a commitment to learn everything she could in order to serve her clients with the highest standards.
“I have bought a number of different houses over the last 20+ years and have never had such a fantastic experience as I have had with Krystle. Buying a property in another city and state, and in the market I was unfamiliar with was always going to be a bit of a challenge, but Krystle made it a personal goal to find a fantastic house for my daughter as she attends college. She is incredibly knowledgeable about this market and was able to give us great advice. We toured many properties together and her friendly, always upbeat personality was refreshing to be around. I can honestly say that she really cares about her clients. I could not recommend her any more highly.”
Krystle chose to align with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes and has been a national and local award winner every year since, including the National Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gold Award for 2020. She is experienced and trained to help veterans, buyers and sellers who are relocating, and locals pursuing their home goals. Krystle’s priority will always be about making the process of buying and selling real estate as seamless as possible for her clients. [Advertisement]
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes
816-377-4600 | 816-883-2464
kespinoza@kansascityhomes.com
www.HomeSweetKC.com
Linda Martin
Lisa Bunnell
Lori Thomas
Mary Fate
Melissa Josenberger
Nicole Shipley
Nicole Westhoff
Nikie Jo Glasbrenner
Patty Hummel
Penny Borel
Peter Colpitts
Randi Pereira (Readers Choice)
Rebekah Schaaf
Rita Dickey
Ryan Reed
Sal Termini
Sandy Murphy
Sara Bash Reda
Sara Stucker
Sara Sweeney
Shara Collins
Sharon Barry
Sharon Barry began her career in real estate in 2009 and is currently licensed with Reece Nichols in Prairie Village. Her specialties include working with clients looking to buy and sell in this exciting seller’s market and to help them navigate the intricacies of buying in a time where inventory is low, and demand is high. Sharon also has a vast knowledge of working in the new construction market and finds it especially rewarding to help clients build their dream homes. She is best known for her current role as co-community manager at the Twin Villas of Meadowbrook Park. Sharon calls Meadowbrook Park the “crown jewel” of our town and considers herself extremely fortunate to have been a part of the development since its inception. Sharon’s clients say that she really cares about their dreams and goals and that her communication, follow-through and attention to detail make navigating their real estate endeavors an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Sharon is knowledgeable and works extremely hard for her clients. Her ability to advise and negotiate makes her a trusted partner to all the people she works with. [Advertisement]
7455 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS
913-424-0904, sharonbarry.reecenichols.com
Sheri Dyer
Sherry Westhues
Sirenna Beyer
Suzanne Golomski
Tammy Duncan
Tiffany Allen
Teams of 2
Anderson Dreiling Group
Brimacombe & Cohen
Budke & Budke
Dana Benjamin Team
George Medina Team
KC Homes 365 Team
The KC Homes 365 Team has extensive experience in Kansas City real estate and has helped thousands of home buyers and sellers throughout the metro since 1982.
And with that experience comes knowledge. The knowledge to position sellers to get the most out of their sale through complimentary home staging, innovative marketing, and expert pricing, or to provide exhaustive research and smart strategies so that buyers find the right home at the best price in today’s competitive landscape.
Looking for the latest market updates, need a referral to a trusted home service or an introduction to a great agent for an upcoming move out of state? The team can be a valuable resource for that as well.
If you’d like smooth and easy to describe your next real estate endeavor, Scott Strevell and Micah Roos are ready to offer the guidance you need so you can buy or sell a home with confidence. [Advertisement]
Keller Williams Partners, Inc.
6850 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66211
913-258-2000, team@kchomes365.com, kchomes365.com
Lola Kelly Team
Malina Homes (Readers Choice and Sales)
The Malina Real Estate Team successfully navigated 2020 by helping nearly 90 families safely handle their diverse real estate needs. In the process, these dedicated real estate pros became one of Kansas City’s top teams for 2020, an honor earned by their focus on exceptional service and clear communications. As the year unleashed its unpredictable ups and downs, the Malina Real Estate Team steadfastly helped clients protect their health and well-being—and their largest financial investment.
To best serve clients—in any year—the team takes a unique approach to business. Malina Real Estate is comprised of several distinct divisions: suburban homes, homes on land, and land for development/investment properties.
Micquelyn Malina, team lead, grew up in the Johnson County area and showed horses competitively throughout her youth. While attending Rockhurst University, Micquelyn attained her real estate license to assist her parents, Gary and Joyce Pannell, in their real estate business. After graduating from Rockhurst with a degree in marketing, Micquelyn quickly found her passion in coaching clients through the real estate process and, 25+ years later, still loves it. A respected real estate leader, she helped establish the Keller Williams Realty International Land Division and continues to sit on their agent leadership board. She is also an accredited member of Keller Williams Luxury Division and frequently leads training courses for other realtors.
Looking to expand the business, Micquelyn brought on Kate Harness as Director of Operations in 2018. Kate draws on years of experience working closely with investors, developers, and other real estate professionals. Kate uses her keen eye for details to simplify success for all involved.
By 2019, the business had grown so much that Micquelyn hired Eric Thomas as an additional agent. Eric brings expertise in customer service to every interaction, helping the team’s buyers and sellers at the highest level. Every client the Malina Real Estate Team works with receives their promise of a five-star customer service experience through open and honest communication, and care and guidance for the large investment being made. To give back to our community, the team also has every client choose a local charity at closing and makes a donation on their behalf. They also host special client events and contests throughout the year.
In their spare time, Micquelyn, Kate, and Eric all enjoy traveling, family time, playing with their dogs, and of course, our beloved Kansas City sports teams! [Advertisement]
6850 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS
913-645-5130, malinahomes.com
Monte Boultinghouse Team
Page Homes KC
Red Door Group
Roberts Team
Shelia Hampton Team
Sold By Colby Team
Sonja Stoskopf and Associates
Stelzer Goodman Team (Readers Choice and Sales)
Expect better! Our unparalleled passion for customer service is the key to our success. From our first introduction to the day of close, we bring energy and control to the home buying and selling process. We are proud of our sales performance, exceptional referral rate, and long history of satisfied clients. We would love to work with you!
“The Stelzer Goodman Team was knowledgeable, hardworking, and trustworthy. Beginning with our first meeting, it was clear they had my best interest in mind. Their integrity and focus on the client was unmatched. I could not have asked for a better partner to guide me through the sale process.” [Advertisement]
Stelzer Goodman Team Better Homes and Gardens Plaza Office
435 Nichols Road, Ste. 300, Kansas City, MO
816-410-5487, stelzergoodman.kansascityhomes.com
TamraTrickeyTeam
Tarantino Properties
Team Fultz
The Fay Team (Readers Choice and Sales)
The Greg Trester Team
The Holmes Team
The John Simone Team
Vinny’s Realty Group (Readers Choice)
Zimmerlin Caldwell Team
Teams of 3-5
Destination Home Team (Readers Choice and Sales)
Kathryn Thomas Team
Kirk Home & Land
Leading Edge Homes
Mac Homes
Macoubrie Zimmerman and Co.
Michelle Cook Real Estate Group
Moore Homes
Shanan Group
Stacy Porto Real Estate
Terri Marks Team
The Allison Rank Team
The Cone Team
The Ellen Murphy Team
The Gail G Dicus Group
The Gamble Group
The Grieve Group
The Haley Epps Team
The Haley Epps Team was one of the Top 2020 teams at Reece Nichols. One of the things that sets their team apart is that they are very focused on being a white glove/concierge real estate team, priding themselves on taking exceptional care of their clients and making sure that they have the most wonderful experience possible. It’s all of the little things that go along way, like turning lights on and off for showings, providing staging expertise, exceptional photography and marketing, as well as staying in really great contact throughout the process. They also want to be their clients’ ‘go-to person’ for anything and everything even after the sale. The Haley Epps Team works in Johnson County and throughout the Kansas City Metro Area, helping both buyers and sellers. [Advertisement]
15133 Rosewood St., Leawood, KS
913-905-7600, haleyepps.reecenichols.com
The Hendrix Group (Readers Choice and Sales)
The Lyman Staton Group
The Madden Myers Team
The Rob Lacio Team
The Shannon Lyon Group
The Small Real Estate Team
The Stephens Group
The Transition Team
The Van Noy Group
Wehner Real Estate Group
Wolfe~Sweeney & Courtney
Yacos & Associates (Readers Choice and Sales)
Teams of 6-10
Andy Blake Group (Readers Choice and Sales)
Austin Home Team
Groves/Johnston Team
Jennifer Harvey Team
LOCATE KC
Roger Deines Group
The Collective (Readers Choice and Sales)
The Donner Group (Readers Choice and Sales)
The Gresham Group
The Susan Fate Real Estate Group
Teams of 10+
Bash & Co. (Readers Choice)
Edie Waters Team
Eric Craig Real Estate Team
The Eric Craig Real Estate Team specializes in the Northland. Our real estate team helps people all over the Greater Kansas City area. We put our clients first to ensure a quality experience when selling your home or buying a new one! Whether you are looking for a specific type of home, location or school district to fit your needs, our team uses some of the most innovative and advanced technology to provide you with the best and most accurate information available.
Our office opened in Smithville, Missouri in February 2016 with only three employees Eric, Andrea and Jamie. We have since grown to a team of 22. As a team, we are very involved in the community. Every year since 2018, we have partnered with Harvesters to host an annual food drive benefiting the entire Kansas City Northland. We take pride in giving back to our local school district as well as hosting lots of client and community events.
Eric Craig is a top selling realtor in Missouri. In 2015, he earned Re/max’s distinguished Realtor of the Year Award. As a team, we were the #1 real estate team in total sales in the Northland for both 2018 and 2019. We were also featured as a #2 top producer in 2020 in Kansas City magazine.
Our philosophy is simple: Clients come first always. We maintain constant communication with our clients to keep them informed and to ensure they receive the highest level of service throughout the entire buying or selling process. We take great pride in the relationships we build and work relentlessly to help clients through the process of selling their current home or buying a new home for the best price.
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, you need a team that will put your needs first and represent you with honesty and integrity. Let our team of real estate experts help you find your new home. [Advertisement]
106 W. Main St., Smithville, MO
816-726-8565, ericcraigrealestateteam.com
Huff Group
Lynch Real Estate
Malfer & Associates (Readers Choice and Sales)
The Koehler Bortnick Team
The Rob Ellerman Team
Tradition Home Group (Readers Choice)
