Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions most people will ever make. It can be stressful, emotional, and overwhelming. That is why working with someone you trust matters more than anything else.
The agents on this list have earned that trust over years of showing up for their clients. Some have backgrounds in education, law, or corporate leadership. Others grew up in the communities they now serve. What they share is a commitment to honesty, clear communication, and putting their clients first. They answer late-night calls, fight for better prices, and stay connected long after closing day. They advise clients to hold back when emotions run high and step in to solve problems before they become obstacles. Some have helped first-time buyers navigate a market that feels out of reach. Others have guided families through major life transitions with patience and care. These are agents who treat every transaction like it matters, because to the people they serve, it does.
Paul “PJ” Kiernan: 22 Years of Straight Shooting and Local Expertise on the Shore
Paul “PJ” Kiernan has been selling real estate on the shore since 2004. Growing up in the area he now serves, PJ brings a level of local knowledge that only comes from actually living in a community, not just working in it. That firsthand understanding helps his clients make informed decisions that go beyond what the data alone can tell them.
PJ has built a reputation for being straightforward and reliable. Other agents genuinely want to work with him because they know he will follow through and bring deals to closing. “I treat everyone with a level of respect and integrity,” he said. “Even other agents want to work with me on deals because they know I’m a straight shooter. That gives me the upper hand, especially on bidding wars.”
One thing that sets PJ apart is his approach to property valuation. He doesn’t just look at comparable sales. He understands the nuances and special features that might make a buyer willing to pay more than what the numbers suggest on paper. “Sellers know that I will give them an accurate value of their home,” he explained. “Not just what it might show its worth on paper.”
His results reflect that approach. PJ has been ranked in the REMAX Top 10 in New Jersey and has earned multiple Platinum Awards. He also holds a certification in New Construction, which allows him to serve clients across different segments of the market.
For PJ, the work comes down to one thing: putting his clients’ interests first. Whether he is helping a seller get top dollar or negotiating aggressively for a buyer, he brings the same level of care and dedication to every transaction.
Imani Staton: Teaching Background Meets Trailblazing Work in Emerging Markets
Imani Staton brings a unique combination of skills to real estate. Before entering the industry, she worked as an elementary school teacher, and that experience still shapes how she works with clients today. Whether someone is buying their first condo or exploring commercial investments, Imani breaks down complex contracts and zoning regulations until everything makes sense.
She is also one of the first Realtors in New Jersey to specialize in alternative wellness real estate. While others in the industry hesitated, Imani took the time to learn the intricate zoning laws and compliance requirements that come with this emerging market. That early commitment has positioned her as a go-to resource for clients navigating a space that many still find unfamiliar.
This year has been her biggest yet in terms of sales, and she has done it while raising her daughter, who has been coming along to work since she was just three weeks old. For Imani, balancing motherhood and a demanding career is simply part of the job.
Community also matters to her. She organized a food drive that collected over 1,100 items for local families, a reflection of how she views her role beyond just closing deals.
Imani approaches real estate with clarity, patience, and a willingness to go where others have not. Clients who work with her get someone who genuinely wants them to understand every step of the process.
Jillian Cerbone: Local Knowledge and a Client First Approach on Long Beach Island
Jillian Cerbone grew up in Bayville, New Jersey, and has always called the Jersey Shore home. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Rowan University. Before entering real estate, she worked as an Assistant Manager at Sherwin-Williams, where watching customers carefully consider choices for their homes sparked her interest in the industry.
Since then, Jillian has guided numerous families through buying and selling, with her most notable transaction involving a luxury property along Long Beach Island’s coastline. She holds the NAR Commitment to Excellence endorsement and has earned multiple RE/MAX awards.
What stands out most is how she approaches each deal. Last summer, a client was searching for a vacation property on Long Beach Island. After losing two offers to all-cash buyers, they found a property listed at $999,000. The client was ready to offer the full asking price when another competing offer came in. Jillian advised him to hold back. “I advised him not to get emotional and that we go in at $950,000,” she said. They won at that price. “He told me in all of his years and real estate transactions, I am the only agent who has ever advised him to go below the number he was thinking, based on facts and local knowledge.”
Jillian is intentional about not taking on too many clients at once. She gives each person her full attention and maintains constant communication, even when there are no immediate updates. Much of her recent work has focused on first-time homebuyers navigating a market that can feel out of reach. “Nothing makes me happier than when my first-time homebuyers finally get their keys and tell me how fun and easy the process was,” she said.
Outside of work, Jillian spends time with her husband Nick and their rescued dog, Moose. They explore restaurants, hike, and visit the beach.
For Jillian, the work is personal. “I want to go to sleep every night knowing I am doing the best for my clients and fighting for what is right for them.
Susan Bai: 25 Years of Guiding Clients Through Life’s Biggest Transitions
Susan Bai has spent over 25 years in real estate across northern New Jersey, but her path to the industry was far from typical. She practiced law for six years in New York City before earning her real estate license in 1999. That legal background gave her a foundation in contracts and negotiation that continues to serve her clients today.
What sets Susan apart is her personal understanding of what it means to move. By age 40, she had relocated more than a dozen times across continents. That experience gave her a deep appreciation for the emotional weight that comes with leaving one home and starting fresh in another. Her clientele spans cultures and countries, and she connects with people across different languages, values, and traditions.
Susan works primarily with two groups. For seniors, she helps navigate the challenge of downsizing after decades of accumulated belongings and memories. She walks alongside them with practical resources and trusted partners, helping simplify what can feel like an overwhelming process. When multiple properties are involved, she provides strategies to reduce tax burdens and create an estate that is easier for the next generation to manage.
For first-time and younger buyers, Susan focuses on the long-term value of ownership. She guides them through building equity early and shows how real estate can become a foundation for financial security.
Outside of work, Susan sings in a nonprofit choir that performs Handel’s Messiah annually at Carnegie Hall and recently toured Poland. She is also an avid ballroom dancer, with a particular love for the waltz and Argentine tango.
In 2026, Susan plans to launch two educational seminars: one for Baby Boomers on minimizing capital gains taxes, and another for young adults on intentional life planning and building wealth through real estate.
Timothy Cowley: A Background in Service and a Focus on Relationships
Timothy Cowley came to real estate from a career in medical management, and that background shaped how he works with clients today. Helping people through important moments in their lives is something he has always done, and buying or selling a home is no different. “Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial and personal investments people make, and I take that responsibility seriously,” he said.
What stands out about Timothy is his focus on the people behind each transaction. He takes the time to understand each client’s situation, goals, and concerns before jumping into strategy. “My clients place their trust in me to guide them through this process, and I honor that by staying informed,” he explained. He stays current on market trends and real estate law so he can offer guidance that is both practical and thoughtful.
Some of his most rewarding work has involved families in urgent need of a move. Whether it is finding the right lender, connecting clients with special financing programs, or coordinating a relocation from across the country on a tight timeline, Timothy rises to meet those challenges. “When you help someone in such great need, it’s more personally rewarding than any monetary income,” he said.
His results reflect that approach. Timothy has earned the Million Dollar Club award for monthly sales and is currently the top agent at his brokerage, with year to date sales volume nearing $8 million. He is now building his own team and has launched a new website to support that next step.
For Timothy, the real measure of success comes after closing. Former clients stay in touch, invite him to family events, and share life updates. “To me, those ongoing relationships are the greatest measure of success,” he said.
Richa Garg: An Educator’s Approach to Luxury Real Estate
Richa Garg spent years as an educator before entering real estate, and that background still shapes how she works with clients today. “I disrupt the industry by bringing an educator’s mindset to real estate,” she said, “empowering clients with knowledge instead of just guiding them through transactions.”
With over 15 years of experience serving Short Hills, Millburn, Livingston, Summit, Chatham, and surrounding areas, Richa has closed more than $350 million in transactions. But what makes her unusual is the combination of skills she brings to the table. She is not only a Realtor but also a real estate developer with formal training in interior design. That blend allows her to see a property not just as it is, but as it could be.
For sellers, Richa uses her design background and experience building luxury homes to highlight a property’s most marketable features. She positions homes strategically to stand out and achieve the best return. For buyers, especially those new to the country, she breaks down a process that can feel overwhelming. As an immigrant herself, she understands the unique concerns families face when navigating the American real estate market for the first time.
Her results have earned consistent recognition. Richa has received the NJAR Circle of Excellence every year from 2013 to 2024, with multiple years at the Platinum Level. She has been named Top Individual Agent across the entire Weichert company multiple times and is ranked in the Top 1% across GSMLS. NJ Monthly has continuously featured her as a 5 Star Agent.
For Richa, the goal is always the same. “A smooth, informed, and confident transaction that leaves clients feeling not just satisfied, but truly at home,” she said. That focus on education and empowerment is what sets her apart.
Gerard Petrocelli: 12 Years of Showing Up When It Matters
Gerard Petrocelli has spent 12 years in real estate across Ocean County, and his approach comes down to one thing: being available. “I pride myself on my communication skills and having my phone ready for a call at any time, 8 AM to midnight,” he said. He understands that questions and concerns do not always come up during business hours, and he makes a point to be there when clients need him.
For Gerard, communication is not just about answering calls. It is about keeping every party informed throughout the transaction. Too often, clients find themselves waiting on updates from attorneys or title companies without knowing where things stand. Gerard saw that gap early in his career and made it his priority to fill it. “I provide proactive communication to keep all parties informed and move things toward closing,” he explained. That direct approach gives clients clarity and peace of mind at every step.
His consistency has not gone unnoticed. Gerard has earned the NJAR Circle of Excellence award for eight consecutive years, and in 2024, he received the Gold Circle of Excellence distinction. That kind of recognition reflects not just skill but sustained effort over time.
Gerard also uses tools like Zillow Showcase to give his listings premium placement and visibility. It is one more way he works to give sellers an edge in a competitive market.
But beyond the awards and the marketing, what clients remember most is how Gerard treats them. He understands that every transaction represents a major decision in someone’s life, and he meets people with patience and honesty. His integrity extends to other agents as well, which helps create smoother transactions for everyone involved.
For Gerard, real estate is about showing up, staying in touch, and doing the work that earns trust.
Nancy Kowalik: Two Decades of Service and Proven Results in South Jersey Sales
Nancy Kowalik has spent more than 20 years in South Jersey real estate and has closed over a billion dollars in sales during that time. But for Nancy, the work has always been about more than numbers. “I consider myself a marketing company that sells real estate,” she said, describing the approach that has placed her in the top 1% of agents in the United States.
That philosophy shapes how her team operates. Nancy creates comprehensive marketing strategies after helping stage each home, crafting a narrative that tells the story of the property. Her in-house appointment setters connect immediately with potential buyers, and her team of agents coordinates every step from there. It is a system built around maximizing each person’s strengths.
Her results have earned consistent recognition. Nancy has received the Five-Star Award through Forbes for 11 consecutive years. In 2021, she made the Forbes 5000 list as one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation. More recently, she received the 2025 Pulse Award for leadership in the Philadelphia market. Her brokerage recently celebrated 10 years as an independent firm and remains the number one real estate company in South Jersey by number of homes sold.
Nancy also understands one of the biggest challenges her clients face: needing to sell a current home while buying the next one. Her solution is direct. She guarantees the sale of their home or will buy it herself. “We just have to agree on price and timing,” she said.
Outside of real estate, Nancy has served as a Girl Scout Leader and Joint Land Use Chair, and she actively supports local small businesses. Two of her children now work alongside her, building what she calls a legacy business rooted in service.
Stephanie Liskowitz: Fortune 500 Experience Meets Hands-On Real Estate Investment
Stephanie Liskowitz spent 25 years as an executive in the pharmaceutical and advertising industries, holding positions at SanofiAventis, AstraZeneca, and Ogilvy & Mather. When she moved into real estate, she brought that corporate background with her. “A fresh approach and a client-centric approach coming from 25 years as a pharmaceutical and Advertising Executive at Fortune 500 companies,” she said.
What really sets Stephanie apart is her experience as a real estate investor. She has personally purchased, renovated, sold, and rented more than 16 homes. That hands-on work gives her a practical understanding of what her clients go through. “As a real estate investor with years of buying, selling, and renting my own real estate portfolio, I have a strong financial skill set, ensuring good investments and payouts for buying and selling my client assets,” she explained.
Her marketing background shows in how she presents properties. Stephanie uses enhanced photography, videography, and virtual staging to make listings stand out. She has also adopted virtual renovation techniques that help buyers see a property’s potential before any work is done.
Because she flips homes herself, Stephanie has built a network of trusted contractors and professionals. “I have a stable of resources that enable my clients to achieve their vision on their home purchase,” she said.
Stephanie understands that real estate transactions often happen during major life changes, whether someone is downsizing, going through a divorce, or starting fresh. Her goal is to make the process easier while helping clients get the most from their investment.
Her consistency has earned recognition. Stephanie has received the Platinum Circle of Excellence award for six consecutive years during her nine years with Keller Williams, reflecting sustained results and client trust.
Melissa Reynolds: Second Generation Realtor With a Focus on Partnership Over Transactions
Melissa Reynolds is a second-generation Realtor and leader of Carton Reynolds Group in New Jersey. Before entering real estate, she built a career in corporate training, personnel management, and large-scale project management. Those skills now shape how she works with clients. In 2013, she joined forces with her mother, Peg Carton, whose reputation for trust and excellence helped lay the foundation for what CRG has become.
For Melissa, real estate is personal. “Always anticipating the next step and being ready with an action plan no matter what the situation is,” she said. That preparation shows when problems arise. She recalled one closing day when a seller’s hot water heater exploded in a finished basement. “Without missing a beat, I had the situation remediated and a brand new unit installed in time for closing,” she said. Her team maintains an extensive network of inspectors, electricians, plumbers, contractors, and other professionals ready to respond quickly.
Melissa approaches every client the same way, whether they are purchasing a luxury property or buying their first condo. She prioritizes transparency and aims to build relationships that last well beyond closing day.
Her results reflect that consistency. Within the Garden State Multiple Listing Service, Melissa ranks in the top 1% of more than 15,000 active agents. Her listings sell in an average of 23 days, 12 days faster than the regional average. She holds more than 130 five-star reviews on Zillow and has earned the NJ Realtors Circle of Excellence at the Platinum level every year from 2020 through 2024.
For Melissa, success is not measured by volume. It is measured by the trust she earns and the relationships she builds along the way.
Summary
Real estate is personal. It is not just about properties or prices. It is about families finding a place to build their lives, people navigating major transitions, and first-time buyers figuring out a process that can feel impossible.
The agents featured here understand that. They answer calls late at night. They advise clients to offer less when it makes sense. They stay in touch long after closing, showing up at family events and checking in just because. Some have helped clients save tens of thousands of dollars. Others have built networks of contractors and professionals ready to solve problems at a moment’s notice. They break down complicated contracts until everything makes sense. They fight for better deals even when clients are ready to pay full price. They keep every party informed so no one is left wondering what happens next. What connects them is a simple belief: that doing right by people is what this work is really about. That is why trust matters.
