Matthew Sharman Earns Three 2026 RateMyAgent Awards for Client-Reviewed Excellence

The 2026 RateMyAgent Awards have recognized Matthew Sharman, team leader of The Sharman Team at Real Broker NY LLC, with three honors: Agent of the Year for Livingston County, Agent of the Year for Conesus Lake, and a Top 10 Agent in New York State. These awards are distinctive in the real estate industry because they are based on verified client reviews tied to completed transactions, rather than on sales volume or self-reported production. This methodology shifts the focus to the quality of the client experience, a metric that is increasingly valued by consumers seeking trustworthy representation.

The RateMyAgent Awards, launched in the United States in 2021, are brokerage-agnostic, meaning any agent can be recognized regardless of their company affiliation. Winners are determined solely by the feedback clients provide after a transaction closes, making the recognition a direct reflection of customer satisfaction. For Sharman, this is particularly meaningful. "These awards are decided by clients, not by a spreadsheet, and that is what makes them mean something to me," he said. "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. Getting that right takes local knowledge and a lot of homework."

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 (Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, and Wyoming counties). His approach is rooted in the technical nuances that distinguish one waterfront property from another: usable frontage versus recorded frontage, water depth and lake bottom composition, lot orientation, dock and breakwater condition, and the shared-access and easement agreements that govern neighboring owners' water use. This expertise is increasingly critical as buyers become more discerning. "Buyers on Conesus Lake are more selective than they have ever been," Sharman added. "They deserve someone who can tell them exactly what they are buying, down to the foot of frontage."

Sharman's deep local roots contribute to his effectiveness. Born and raised in the region, he works alongside his father, who has been a licensed real estate professional in the area for five decades. This continuity provides the team with a long-term perspective on how the western Finger Lakes market has evolved and how historical factors influence current property values. It also underscores a commitment to personalized service that resonates with clients, as evidenced by the reviews that propelled him to these awards.

The implications of these awards extend beyond individual recognition. They signal a shift in how real estate professionals are evaluated, prioritizing client satisfaction and the quality of guidance over sheer transaction counts. For consumers, this trend offers a more reliable way to identify agents who are not only productive but also genuinely effective in navigating complex markets like waterfront properties. As the real estate industry continues to evolve, the RateMyAgent model may encourage more agents to focus on fostering positive client relationships, ultimately benefiting buyers and sellers alike.