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 on August 28, 2026, are based on verified client reviews tied to completed transactions, not on sales volume alone. This distinction places Sharman among the most highly reviewed real estate professionals in the state, signaling a broader industry trend toward prioritizing client experience over mere transaction counts.
The RateMyAgent Awards, a brokerage-agnostic program launched in the U.S. in 2021, rely on feedback from clients who have actually worked with the agent. This methodology ensures that the recognition reflects the quality of service as perceived by homebuyers and sellers, rather than just the number of properties sold. Sharman's triple win in 2026 underscores the growing importance of customer satisfaction metrics in evaluating real estate professionals. For consumers, this means that awards like these can serve as a more reliable indicator of an agent's competence and dedication, helping them make informed choices in a competitive market.
Sharman leads a team that 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 practice is built on technical expertise that sets waterfront properties apart: usable frontage, water depth, lake bottom quality, lot orientation, dock and breakwater condition, and shared-access agreements. This attention to detail is crucial for buyers who are increasingly selective about their purchases. Sharman notes, "Buyers on Conesus Lake are more selective than they have ever been. They deserve someone who can tell them exactly what they are buying, down to the foot of frontage."
The significance of these awards extends beyond personal accolades. They reflect a paradigm shift in how real estate success is measured. Traditionally, top agents were often recognized by sales volume, a metric that can be influenced by market conditions and property values. However, RateMyAgent's focus on client reviews levels the playing field, allowing agents who excel in customer service to gain recognition even if they handle fewer or lower-priced transactions. This approach aligns with a broader consumer movement toward transparency and peer-reviewed services, as seen in platforms like Yelp or TripAdvisor. For the real estate industry, this could encourage agents to invest more in communication, negotiation, and post-sale support, ultimately benefiting clients.
Sharman's local roots and family history in the region add another layer of significance. Born and raised in the area, he works alongside his father, who has been a licensed agent for five decades. This continuity provides a long-term perspective on how the western Finger Lakes market has evolved, which directly impacts property values today. For instance, understanding historical shoreline changes or zoning adjustments can be critical in assessing a parcel's true worth. This depth of knowledge is something clients are willing to pay for, and it is reflected in their reviews.
The implications of Sharman's recognition are twofold. For consumers, it offers a trusted resource in a complex market, particularly for those seeking waterfront properties where nuanced details can make or break a purchase. For the industry, it reinforces the value of client-centric practices and the power of verified reviews. As more agents and brokerages take note, we may see a broader shift toward service quality as a primary differentiator, which could raise standards across the board.
In a real estate landscape where data and technology are increasingly central, the human element remains paramount. Awards like RateMyAgent's, which are decided by clients rather than spreadsheets, remind us that successful transactions are ultimately about trust and satisfaction. Sharman's achievement is a testament to that principle, and it sets a benchmark for others in the field.
