I want to be honest with you about something. Recognition in this industry comes in a lot of flavors. Some of it you can pay for. Some of it is based on who you know. And some of it is purely based on numbers.
RealTrends America's Best Real Estate Agents, published in partnership with the Wall Street Journal, falls in that last category. You cannot buy your way onto this list. You cannot network your way onto it. The only thing that gets you there is verified sales volume, and the only agents who make it are those who rank in the top 1% nationwide.
I have been on that list every single year from 2019 through 2025. Seven consecutive years.
In 2019 and 2020, the Annie Clougherty Team ranked in the Top 500 for all of California and the Top 0.5% of agents nationwide. From 2021 through 2025, I have been ranked in the Top 100 real estate agents in the state of California. California has more licensed real estate agents than any other state in the country. Top 100 out of that pool is a number that means something.
To put the national picture in context: there are approximately 1.5 million licensed real estate agents in the United States. RealTrends recognizes the top fraction of that group based on closed transaction volume alone. No votes. No applications. No fees. Just results.
Over more than 20 years in coastal Orange County, my team has closed over $1 billion in career sales. That volume spans Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Coast, and beyond. Every year on that list represents real clients, real closings, and real results in markets where the stakes are high and the margin for error is small.
I am also proud to have been named a FastExpert Top 15 Agent in Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and Corona del Mar for both 2025 and 2026. Like RealTrends, FastExpert rankings are performance based. Agents cannot pay to improve their standing.
Two independent, performance based recognitions. One consistent track record across coastal Orange County.
If you are thinking about buying or selling in Newport Beach or anywhere along the coast, I would love to talk. You can reach me directly at (949) 873-7649 or visit annieclougherty.com.
Cheers,
Annie Clougherty
Founding Agent, SERHANT. Orange County
CA DRE# 01716801
FAQ
How many years has Annie Clougherty been named to RealTrends?
Seven consecutive years, every year since 2019 through 2025.
What does the RealTrends ranking mean?
It places Annie in the top 1% of approximately 1.5 million licensed real estate agents in the United States based on verified sales volume alone.
Where does Annie Clougherty specialize?
Annie Clougherty is a Founding Agent with SERHANT. serving Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, and Laguna Beach in coastal Orange County, California.
Can agents pay to be on the RealTrends list?
No. RealTrends rankings are based entirely on verified closed transaction volume. There is no application, no fee, and no vote.
What areas does Annie Clougherty specialize in?
Annie specializes in coastal Orange County real estate including Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, and Newport Coast.
