In the Phoenix real estate market, you’ll find many agents seeking out your business — but not all of them are making waves and going beyond. We've scoured the industry, sifting through hundreds of professionals to bring you our list of 10 rising stars who are shaping the future of real estate in the Phoenix metro area. Our selection criteria included impressive business growth, notable awards and accolades, and significant community impact. These agents demonstrate not just skill and ambition, but also a genuine commitment to their clients and communities.

The Redy difference

At Redy, we understand that finding the right real estate agent is crucial to a successful home sale. That's why we've created a platform that connects sellers with motivated, skilled agents with talents like the ones featured in this list. Redy is the only platform where real estate agents compete for the privilege of selling your home, offering you a unique cash incentive upfront. This innovative approach ensures that you're working with an agent who is truly invested in your success.

As you'll see from our featured rising stars, there are many types of real estate agents out there – each with their own specialties, backgrounds, and experiences. Whether you're selling a luxury property, a downtown condo, or a family home in the suburbs, there's an agent out there who's perfect for your needs. Redy makes it possible to find that perfect match, allowing you to compare proposals, credentials, and cash incentives from eager, determined agents who are ready to go above and beyond for your home sale. 

Better yet, after reviewing your options, you can select which agents you want to talk to from the comfort of your home, on your terms. We protect your info at every step, which means no spam calls or solicitations.

Now, let's meet the 10 rising stars who are making their mark on the Phoenix real estate scene:

Samantha Witherwax

Born in Maui but raised in Phoenix, Samantha developed a deep connection to her hometown that fuels her passion for the local property market. Initially pursuing broadcast journalism, Samantha's career path took an unexpected turn when she discovered her calling in real estate. 

Guided by her uncle, a seasoned professional with over two decades in the industry, Samantha has made the most of her six years of experience in the industry. Licensed in Arizona, Samantha focuses her expertise on the Greater Phoenix Area, handling a diverse range of transactions and prioritizing exceptional service for her clients.

Rising star status:

Samantha was named to the National Association of Realtors’ 30 Under 30 list in 2023, a testament to her exceptional skills and contributions. In 2022, Samantha achieved an impressive individual sales volume of $13.6 million across 27 transactions. 

Samantha’s strong social media presence also sets her apart. Leveraging her background in journalism, she launched a unique "Home of the Week" Instagram video series. This innovative project, which has produced over 100 videos since November 2020, not only showcases properties but also educates potential buyers about the diverse offerings across different price points in various neighborhoods. Samantha's commitment has earned her a place among the top 1% of Realtors in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area

Website: https://samanthawitherwaxrealtor.com/

Social handles:

• Facebook

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

Marleny Gomez

A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Marleny Gomez earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies with an emphasis on Organizational Communication, graduating Cum Laude. Before entering real estate, Marleny spent over 18 years in Healthcare Management and Patient Advocacy, developing skills that translate seamlessly into her current profession. As a Marine Corps Veteran, she brings discipline, integrity, and a strong commitment to service to her work. Marleny's approach is rooted in clear communication, personalized attention, and a deep understanding of her clients' needs, serving a diverse clientele across the Valley of the Sun.

Rising star status: 

In 2023, Marleny was awarded the Phoenix Magazine Agents Choice Award as Industry MVP. Marleny is a member of several prestigious associations, including the West & SouthEast REALTORS® of the Valley, Arizona Association of REALTORS®, National Association of REALTORS®, Women's Council of Realtors Arizona, Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals, and the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals.

Her leadership roles within these organizations showcase her rising influence in the field. Notably, she served as the 2021 Regional Vice President at WeSERV West Valley Chapter and held key positions in the Women's Council of Realtors Arizona and NAHREP Greater Phoenix. Marleny's involvement in these roles demonstrates her commitment to advancing the real estate profession and supporting her peers.

Website: https://desertsunrealestategroup.com/

Social handles:

• Instagram

• Facebook

• TikTok

Joshua Hill

Joshua Hill is a seasoned real estate professional with deep roots in the industry, representing the third generation of his family to pursue this career path. Having spent most of his life in Arizona, Joshua possesses an intimate understanding of the local real estate landscape. His unique perspective is shaped by his multifaceted experience as a buyer, seller, investor, and agent, allowing him to witness and navigate the Valley's growth firsthand. Joshua currently resides in Midtown Phoenix with his wife, where they share a passion for renovating their historic home, enjoying live music, and exploring downtown on their bicycles.

Rising star status:

Joshua's commitment to excellence and his impact on those around him were recognized in 2024 when he was awarded the prestigious Stephanie E. Gonzalez Award from North & Co. This annual accolade is bestowed upon an individual who exemplifies selflessness and accessibility within the company. The award celebrates those who demonstrate tenacity, commitment, and hard work, but most importantly, it recognizes individuals who make a significant positive difference in the lives of everyone they encounter.

Website: https://thehillgroupaz.com/

Social handles:

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

Courtney Weston

Courtney Weston is a true Arizona native with a comprehensive understanding of the state's diverse communities. Her experience living in various cities across Arizona, including Peoria, Tempe, Maricopa, Gilbert, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, and Mesa, gives her a unique insight into the local real estate market. 

Courtney's career in real estate began during her college years at Northern Arizona University, where she interned for Emily Duarte, the founder and CEO of Duarte Real Estate Group. After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Marketing, Courtney briefly worked as a traveling sales consultant before pursuing her long-time goal of becoming a full-time real estate agent.

Rising star status:

In just a little over three years in the industry, Courtney's has earned the Scottsdale REALTORS® Forty Under 40 award not once but twice — first in 2023, and then again in 2024. This recognition highlights her as one of the top young professionals in the local real estate market, acknowledging her expertise, dedication, and impact on the industry.

Website: https://www.duarteregroup.com/

Social handles:

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

• TikTok

Maritza Cortazar-Megui

Maritza Cortazar-Megui is a force in the Arizona real estate market, balancing her roles as a mother, wife, and local community influencer with her thriving career as a Coldwell Banker Realty-affiliated agent. 

With five years of experience in the industry, Maritza has quickly established herself as a top performer. Her approach to real estate goes beyond transactions; she views homeownership as a pathway to long-term wealth and generational prosperity. This philosophy drives her commitment to making homeownership accessible to all and creating lasting relationships within her community.

Rising star status:

Maritza’s performance has consistently placed her in the top 5% of Coldwell Banker Realty agents globally. Her excellence has been further acknowledged through a series of awards from Coldwell Banker, including the Bronze award in 2020, Diamond award in 2021, and the prestigious President's Circle recognition in 2022.

On a national scale, Maritza has been recognized as one of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) Top 250 agents. She has also been featured in Homeowner Magazine as a top 40 under 40 agent, highlighting her as one of the industry's rising stars.

Martiza also serves as a Board Director for the Phoenix Association of Realtors and as the Marketing Director for NAHREP Southeast Chapter.

Website: https://www.coldwellbanker.com/az/phoenix/agents/maritza-cortazar/aid-P00200000FSjz7WzRoGTJTcwucKZA3AZukQLAHk6

Social handles:

• Instagram

• TikTok

Shannon Gillette

Shannon Gillette is a prominent figure in Arizona's residential real estate scene, boasting over 15 years of experience. Known for her extensive market knowledge, negotiation skills, and strong work ethic, Shannon has established herself as one of the state's leading real estate professionals. Her innovative approach to marketing, particularly her use of technology and video, has earned her widespread respect among clients and peers alike. 

A native of Chandler, Shannon possesses an intimate understanding of Phoenix's Southeast Valley neighborhoods. She now resides in Queen Creek with her husband, three boys, and two rescue dogs, maintaining strong ties to the local community.

Rising star status:

Shannon ranks among the top 1% of Arizona Realtors and has been named one of the top Realtors in the country for her innovative use of Instagram and video marketing to sell homes at premium prices. Shannon was named one of the top 40 agents under the age of 40 by the Southeast Valley Association of Realtors for three consecutive years (2017, 2018, and 2019). Additionally, she was nominated for the Phoenix Business Journal's "Favorite Realtor" award.

Shannon's team, The Gillette Group, was also awarded in the large team category at the 2024 WeSERV 40 under 40 awards.

Website: https://www.gillettegroupaz.com/

Social handles:

• Instagram

• Facebook

• TikTok

• X

• YouTube

Derek Tschilar

After a successful eight-year stint in the car business, Derek made a bold career shift into real estate. His transition was inspired by Grant Cardone's "The 10X Rule," which had previously helped him overcome challenges in car sales. Derek's entry into real estate began at Keller Williams, where he honed his skills through intensive cold calling and setting listing appointments. Now based in Scottsdale, he operates as an independent agent, blending traditional lead generation techniques with modern strategies like paid advertising. Derek's approach focuses on understanding each client's unique needs, providing personalized guidance through buying and selling processes, and delivering tailored solutions to ensure successful transactions.

Rising star status:

Since becoming a Realtor in 2022, Derek was awarded Rookie of the Year 2023 at Realty ONE Group Scottsdale while also receiving a Rookie of the Year 2023 award from the Arizona School of Real Estate and Business. 

Website: https://www.phoenixareahousesearch.com/

Social handles:

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• TikTok

Jason Serikaku

Jason Serikaku is a Realtor with 9 years of experience in the Greater Phoenix Metro Area. As the leader of Phoenix Home Collective, Jason specializes in guiding clients through the purchase, sale, marketing, and negotiation of residential homes and condos. His expertise spans across various neighborhoods including Downtown, Central Phoenix, North Central, Arcadia, North Phoenix, and neighboring cities such as Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, and Tempe. Jason's approach to real estate is client-centric, focusing on clear communication, smart strategies, and superior negotiation skills to create a rewarding and stress-free experience for his clients.

Rising star status:

In 2024, Jason’s team the Phoenix Home Collective was recognized as a top-producing team at Realty ONE group. Jason has assembled a comprehensive team of professionals to ensure every aspect of a real estate transaction is handled with expertise. This includes a dedicated Transaction Coordinator, an interior designer for maximizing buyer appeal, professional photographers and videographers for stunning property presentations, and partnerships with trusted lending, escrow, and inspection services.

Website: https://phoenixhomecollective.com/

Social handles:

• Instagram (Personal)

• Instagram (Business)

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

Sophia Satow

Sophia Satow's journey into real estate began with her background in interior design, which led her to pursue a career in property sales. Originally from France, Sophia fell in love with Arizona after relocating, embracing everything the state has to offer - from its unique desert landscape to its vibrant entertainment, art, culture, and outdoor lifestyle. This personal connection to the area fuels her passion for helping others find their perfect home in Scottsdale. Sophia's expertise spans from assisting clients in finding their ideal residence to helping sellers market their properties effectively and guiding investors towards lucrative opportunities. Outside of her professional life, Sophia maintains an active lifestyle, enjoying activities such as hiking, golfing, yoga, and deep sea diving, as well as spending quality time with her family.

Rising star status:

During her three years in the industry, Sophia Satow has quickly established herself as one of Scottsdale's trusted luxury property experts. Sophia's dedication and exceptional performance have earned her the prestigious Phoenix Business 40 under 40 award and recognition as a Top agent at Realty Executives. Sophia was named a 2023 finalist for Rookie of the Year in the Agent's Choice Awards by Phoenix Agent Magazine. 

Website: https://www.bestrealtorsaz.com/

Social handles:

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

• TikTok

Aaron Bils

Aaron Bils, a Realtor with Kristin Graziano Group, Locality Real Estate, is a Scottsdale native with deep roots in the Arizona real estate market. Born and raised in Park Scottsdale, Aaron's journey has taken him through various parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area, including Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and North Central Phoenix, before returning to his hometown. This firsthand experience of living in different neighborhoods has given him a comprehensive understanding of the local real estate market. Aaron's educational background includes business management studies at Arizona State University, complemented by ongoing professional development in real estate and economics. 

Rising star status:

Aaron purchased his first home at the young age of 20, an experience that inspired him to pursue a career in the field. With seven years in the industry, Aaron earned a spot on the National Association of Realtors' prestigious "30 under 30" list for 2023. Aaron has also been recognized as being in the top 5% of HomeSmart agents and the top 3% of Arizona agents. 

Aaron's commitment to professional growth is evident in his pursuit of advanced designations, including GREEN and Accredited Buyer designations, as well as the Graduate, REALTOR® Institute designation. 

Website: https://kristingrazianogroup.com/

Social handles:

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

These rising stars represent the future of real estate in Arizona – innovative, client-focused, and driven to succeed. But they're just a small sample of the talented agents you can connect with through Redy. Whether you're drawn to an agent's local expertise, their marketing savvy, or their commitment to community, Redy helps you find the perfect match for your unique needs.

Remember, selling your home any other way leaves money on the table and invites strangers to your door. With Redy, you can see how much experienced agents would pay upfront as a commitment and investment to your home sale. Together, we'll unlock the hidden value of your home listing for the very first time.

Ready to find your rising star? Visit Redy today and discover the difference the right agent can make.

Jenna Inouye is a professional freelance writer specializing in the areas of real estate, technology, and finance. Her professional experience extends to her work in property management, accounting, and brick-and-mortar retail, as well as a substantial background in journalism and thought leadership for businesses and high-net-worth individuals.