Matthew Sharman, team leader of The Sharman Team at Real Broker NY LLC, has been named the 2026 RateMyAgent Agent of the Year for Livingston County and Conesus Lake, and a Top 10 Agent in New York State. The awards, announced August 28, 2026, are based on verified client reviews attached to completed transactions, rather than on sales volume alone. This distinction underscores a growing trend in the real estate industry toward valuing client satisfaction as a key metric of professional success.
The RateMyAgent Awards, a brokerage-agnostic program launched in the United States in 2021, rely on feedback from clients who have actually worked with an agent. This means Sharman's recognition reflects the quality of the client experience, not just the number of properties sold. In a market where many awards are based on production figures, this client-driven approach offers a different perspective on what makes an agent effective. It suggests that in an increasingly competitive real estate landscape, client trust and satisfaction are becoming as important as transaction volume.
Sharman leads a team specializing in waterfront and lake-access properties across Conesus Lake, Honeoye Lake, Silver Lake, and the western Finger Lakes, along with the greater Rochester market and the GLOW region (Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, and Wyoming counties). His practice focuses on the technical details that differentiate one waterfront property from another: usable frontage, water depth, lake bottom, lot orientation, dock and breakwater condition, and shared-access and easement arrangements. This expertise is particularly relevant as buyers become more discerning. "Buyers on Conesus Lake are more selective than they have ever been," Sharman said. "They deserve someone who can tell them exactly what they are buying, down to the foot of frontage."
The significance of Sharman's achievement extends beyond personal accolades. It signals a shift in how real estate professionals are evaluated. In an era where online reviews influence consumer decisions across industries, the real estate sector is increasingly recognizing the power of verified client testimonials. For buyers and sellers, these awards provide a reliable indicator of an agent's ability to deliver a positive experience. For agents, they emphasize the importance of building strong client relationships and earning trust through transparent, knowledgeable service.
Sharman's local roots and family history in the region add depth to his practice. Born and raised in the area, he works alongside his father, who has been a licensed agent for five decades. This continuity offers a long-term perspective on market trends and how historical factors influence property values today. "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," Sharman said. "Getting that right takes local knowledge and a lot of homework."
The RateMyAgent platform, which operates in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, has become a resource for consumers seeking vetted professionals. Its annual awards are among the few that prioritize client feedback as the primary criterion. Sharman's inclusion as a top 10 agent in New York State places him among an elite group of professionals who have consistently exceeded client expectations. As the real estate market continues to evolve, the emphasis on verified reviews is likely to grow, making awards like these a valuable benchmark for both consumers and industry professionals.
