Matthew Sharman, team leader of The Sharman Team at Real Broker NY LLC, has been recognized in three categories of the 2026 RateMyAgent Awards: County Winner, Agent of the Year for Livingston County, New York; City Winner, Agent of the Year for Conesus Lake; and State Winner, Top 10 Agent in New York. These awards are notable because they are determined not by sales volume but by verified client reviews attached to completed transactions, making them a direct reflection of customer satisfaction.
The RateMyAgent Awards, a brokerage-agnostic program launched in the United States in 2021, aim to highlight agents who excel in client experience. By focusing on verified feedback from real transactions, the awards provide a more nuanced view of an agent's performance than traditional metrics like total sales or listings. This approach aligns with a broader industry trend where online reviews and reputation management are becoming increasingly important for consumers making significant financial decisions.
Sharman's practice specializes in waterfront and lake-access properties across Conesus Lake, Honeoye Lake, Silver Lake, and the western Finger Lakes, as well as the greater Rochester market and the GLOW region. His team's expertise includes the technical details that differentiate waterfront properties: usable frontage, water depth, lake bottom composition, lot orientation, dock condition, and shared-access agreements. These factors are critical for buyers seeking a property that meets their specific needs, such as boating, swimming, or privacy.
“These awards are decided by clients, not by a spreadsheet, and that is what makes them mean something to me,” said Sharman. “Every review behind them came from someone who trusted our team with a decision that mattered – a family buying their first place on the water, or a seller letting go of a cottage that has been in the family for forty years.” This sentiment underscores the emotional and financial stakes involved in real estate transactions, and the importance of an agent who can navigate both the practical and personal aspects.
The significance of Sharman's achievement extends beyond his personal accolades. It signals a shift in how real estate professionals are evaluated, with an increasing emphasis on client satisfaction and transparent feedback. For consumers, this means that when they see an agent recognized by RateMyAgent, they can trust that the recognition is based on the experiences of previous clients, not just on the volume of business the agent has conducted. This can help buyers and sellers make more informed choices when selecting an agent, particularly in competitive markets like the Finger Lakes region.
Sharman's recognition also highlights the importance of local expertise in specialized markets. His deep understanding of the western Finger Lakes, gained through years of experience and family history in the region, allows him to provide clients with detailed, accurate information that can make a significant difference in their purchasing decisions. As the real estate market continues to evolve, agents who can offer this level of specialized knowledge and prioritize client relationships are likely to stand out.
The RateMyAgent Awards are given annually, and Sharman's three awards place him among the most highly reviewed real estate professionals in New York State. This recognition is a testament to his team's commitment to excellence and their ability to build lasting relationships with clients. As the industry moves forward, the importance of verified client reviews is likely to grow, making awards like these even more relevant for consumers and professionals alike.
