Top Realtors and Real Estate Agents in Palm Desert, CA

    Rankings based on verified MLS transaction data. Last updated May 2026. No pay-to-play.

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    Brandy Nelson profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (4)

    Brandy Nelson

    Equity Union

    22 Years of experience

    51+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 0.61%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $235.7M

    All-Time Sales

    $170K - $3.4M

    Price Range

    7%

    Negotiated Off List

    Michael Fogarty profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (5)

    Michael Fogarty

    Bennion Deville Homes

    25 Years of experience

    24+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 0.92%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $167.5M

    All-Time Sales

    $480K - $2.4M

    Price Range

    5%

    Negotiated Off List

    Cory Alan profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (33)

    Cory Alan

    eXp Realty of California, Inc.

    46 Years of experience

    18+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 1.53%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $137.2M

    All-Time Sales

    $350K - $2.5M

    Price Range

    5%

    Negotiated Off List

    Darci Hope profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (21)

    Darci Hope

    Berkshire Hathaway Home Services CA Properties

    11 Years of experience

    41+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 1.64%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $116.4M

    All-Time Sales

    $440K - $2M

    Price Range

    4%

    Negotiated Off List

    Amirah Halum profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (14)

    Amirah Halum

    Compass | Halum Real Estate Group

    12 Years of experience

    44+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 1.84%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $199.3M

    All-Time Sales

    $410K - $3.5M

    Price Range

    5%

    Negotiated Off List

    Ryan Gaertner profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (12)

    Ryan Gaertner

    Coldwell Banker Global Luxury

    23 Years of experience

    7+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 2.04%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $142.2M

    All-Time Sales

    $390K - $3.6M

    Price Range

    Sylvia Gaffney profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (10)

    Sylvia Gaffney

    Desert Sands Realty

    27 Years of experience

    19+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 2.25%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $117.6M

    All-Time Sales

    $210K - $2.3M

    Price Range

    4%

    Negotiated Off List

    Brandon Hobbs profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (556)

    Brandon Hobbs

    Reason Real Estate

    12 Years of experience

    176+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 2.56%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $1.47B

    All-Time Sales

    $670K - $55.7M

    Price Range

    6%

    Negotiated Off List

    Fredy Rodriguez profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (371)

    Fredy Rodriguez

    Fathom Realty Group

    20 Years of experience

    144+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 2.97%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $377.1M

    All-Time Sales

    $210K - $1.3M

    Price Range

    23%

    Negotiated Off List

    Yasmin Tobey profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (34)

    Yasmin Tobey

    desert Sotheby's international realty

    21 Years of experience

    22+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 3.99%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $93.3M

    All-Time Sales

    $390K - $2.5M

    Price Range

    6%

    Negotiated Off List

    Leonardo Montenegro profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (156)

    Leonardo Montenegro

    Keller Williams Realty

    22 Years of experience

    42+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 4.09%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $342M

    All-Time Sales

    $490K - $4M

    Price Range

    6%

    Negotiated Off List

    Mike Jeppson profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (42)

    Mike Jeppson

    HomeSmart - Extra Mile Team

    20 Years of experience

    16+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 4.4%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $124.5M

    All-Time Sales

    $290K - $2.5M

    Price Range

    4%

    Negotiated Off List

    Alejandro Perez profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (122)

    Alejandro Perez

    I Heart Real Estate

    20 Years of experience

    36+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 4.6%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $233M

    All-Time Sales

    $260K - $2.5M

    Price Range

    5%

    Negotiated Off List

    Laura Lake profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (7)

    Laura Lake

    Equity Union Real Estate

    22 Years of experience

    5+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 5.11%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $57.8M

    All-Time Sales

    $230K - $950K

    Price Range

    5%

    Negotiated Off List

    Adam Gilbert profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (14)

    Adam Gilbert

    The Firm Commercial

    14 Years of experience

    1+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 6.03%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $147M

    All-Time Sales

    $610K - $3.8M

    Price Range

    6%

    Negotiated Off List

    Richard Macmillan profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (8)

    Richard Macmillan

    HomeSmart - Beach & Desert Cities

    32 Years of experience

    30+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 6.13%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $43.5M

    All-Time Sales

    $300K - $2.1M

    Price Range

    Krisie Cook profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    Reviews not yet available

    Krisie Cook

    Windermere Real Estate

    5 Years of experience

    10+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 6.65%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $11.1M

    All-Time Sales

    $450K - $1.3M

    Price Range

    Bita Kamoei profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (236)

    Bita Kamoei

    BBS Brokers Realty

    14 Years of experience

    23+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 7.16%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $13M

    All-Time Sales

    $450K - $1.2M

    Price Range

    Heather Denton profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (58)

    Heather Denton

    Allison James Estates and Homes

    16 Years of experience

    45+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 8.18%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $91.5M

    All-Time Sales

    $160K - $980K

    Price Range

    5%

    Negotiated Off List

    Leonard Bustos profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    Reviews not yet available

    Leonard Bustos

    Moving Results Realty

    45 Years of experience

    4+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 8.18%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $23.7M

    All-Time Sales

    $250K - $1.4M

    Price Range

    Michelle Brittingham profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (13)

    Michelle Brittingham

    eXp Realty

    22 Years of experience

    17+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 8.49%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $134.8M

    All-Time Sales

    $260K - $1.4M

    Price Range

    7%

    Negotiated Off List

    Eric Avriette profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (1)

    Eric Avriette

    Compass

    12 Years of experience

    3+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 8.49%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $24.2M

    All-Time Sales

    $590K - $1.9M

    Price Range

    Melinda Elmer profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (54)

    Melinda Elmer

    Century 21 Masters

    23 Years of experience

    70+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 8.59%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $384.9M

    All-Time Sales

    $480K - $8.2M

    Price Range

    4%

    Negotiated Off List

    Danny Gomes profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (45)

    Danny Gomes

    Legacy Realty Partners

    21 Years of experience

    45+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 8.59%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $243.8M

    All-Time Sales

    $360K - $1.7M

    Price Range

    3%

    Negotiated Off List

    Steve Sanchez profile picture
    BadgeTop Agent

    (5)

    Steve Sanchez

    Wilson Meade Commercial Real Estate, Inc.

    12 Years of experience

    0+ Sales in the last 12 months

    Top 8.59%

    in Palm Desert, CA

    $740K

    All-Time Sales

    1

    Sold in Palm Desert, CA

    Do Top Palm Desert Agents Sell Faster?

    The 25 top-ranked agents on EffectiveAgents in Palm Desert sell in a median of 28 days, compared with the Palm Desert market median of 90 days on market.

    Top-ranked agents28 days
    Palm Desert market90 days

    About 62 days faster (69% quicker than the Palm Desert market)

    Median days to sale reported by the top-ranked Palm Desert agents on EffectiveAgents, compared with the Palm Desert market median days on market. Agent figures reflect each agent's reported sales history.

    When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Palm Desert?

    Based on the last 24 months of verified MLS market data, homes in Palm Desert sell fastest and closest to asking when they go under contract in October. To hit that window, plan to list around August.

    Median days on market by month (shorter is faster)

    70Jan82Feb76Mar71Apr80May77Jun79Jul103Aug85Sep72Oct66Nov66Dec

    October

    Best month to sell

    72 days

    Typical time on market

    97.3%

    Of asking price

    Seasonal averages from the last 24 months of Palm Desert, CA sales. Individual results vary with price, condition, and how the broader market moves. A local agent can pinpoint the right timing for your home.

    What These Numbers Mean for Palm Desert Buyers and Sellers

    The Housing Market Trends module above shows a Palm Desert market where leverage is more balanced than the headline price growth suggests. The median sale price sits at $611,000, moving +7.7% year over year, yet the supporting indicators point to real room for negotiation. With 6.0 months of supply and 666 active listings against 111 homes sold monthly, buyers face less urgency than in a supply-constrained market. Median days on market currently measures 90, a meaningful +20 days change in market time, which gives buyers space to conduct diligence and structure offers deliberately.

    The competitive signals reinforce this reading. Only 11.7% of homes sold above list and 12.0% left the market within two weeks, while 27.6% of listings recorded a price reduction. That combination, alongside an average sale-to-list ratio of 96.04%, tells buyers that patient, evidence-based offers below asking are frequently accepted, particularly on listings that have aged past the median. For sellers, the same data argues for disciplined pricing at the outset, since a large share of homes that overreach end up cutting price and sitting longer.

    Pricing to the comparable set, currently near $322.773 per square foot, matters more than ever. With 136 new listings and 133 pending sales monthly, absorption is steady but not frenzied. Navigating this environment rewards local expertise, and Palm Desert has 978 licensed agents to choose from, which makes objective performance data essential when deciding who represents you.

    What Palm Desert Home Prices Mean for You

    Understanding the true cost of homeownership in Palm Desert goes beyond the listing price. These calculators break down what today's market conditions mean for your budget, your timeline, and your negotiating position.

    Income Required to Buy in Palm Desert
    $171,500
    Median home price$611,000
    Down payment (20%)$122,200
    Loan amount$488,800
    Monthly payment (PITI)$4,002

    Based on 28% debt-to-income ratio, 6.66% mortgage rate (as of July 30, 2026), 30-year fixed loan, 1.15% property tax rate, $275/mo insurance. Actual requirements vary by lender.

    Palm Desert Market Temperature
    Buyer's Market Balanced Seller's Market
    Balanced
    Days on Market 90 days
    Sale-to-List Price 96.04%
    Price Trend (YoY) +7.7%
    Estimated Monthly Payment
    Total Monthly Payment
    $4,002
    Principal & Interest
    $3,141
    Property Taxes
    $586
    Insurance
    $275
    PMI
    $0

    Based on $611,000 median home price with 20% down at 6.66% (as of July 30, 2026) for 30 years. Property tax estimated at 1.15% of home value.

    Palm Desert Market: Then vs Now
    Median Sale Price
    One Year Ago $567,500
    Today $611,000
    +7.7%
    Days on Market
    One Year Ago 70 days
    Today 90 days
    +20 days days
    Sale-to-List Price
    One Year Ago 97.2%
    Today 96.04%
    -1.16%
    What this shift means: Compared with a year ago, the median sale price moved +7.7% while the sale-to-list ratio shifted -1.16% and market time registered a +20 days change. For sellers, that means values held their ground even as homes took longer to transact, so pricing precision now determines outcomes more than momentum does. For buyers, longer market times and softer sale-to-list ratios translate into more negotiating room than the price trend alone would imply.

    Year-over-year data reflects the most recent rolling period from Palm Desert MLS records. Prior year values calculated from current figures and published YoY changes.

    What to Look for in a Palm Desert Realtor

    Choosing a real estate agent on name recognition alone overlooks what actually drives results: measured transaction history and negotiation outcomes. In Palm Desert, EffectiveAgents has analyzed 1,329 annual transactions to rank 61 agents against a field of 978 licensed professionals. The top-ranked agent, Brandy Nelson at Equity Union, has closed 1,104 transactions with $235.4M in all-time sales volume. That depth of experience is significant in a market where the average sale-to-list ratio holds near 96.04% and 27.6% of listings require a price adjustment. An agent who understands how to position and negotiate across varied price points, from condos in the 92260 corridor to single-family homes across 92211 and 92255, can preserve meaningful value on both sides of a deal. When you review agent profiles, look beyond a single glowing testimonial and study the pattern: consistent transaction volume, repeat outcomes near or above asking, and reviews that reflect steady performance over time rather than a handful of isolated wins.

    How We Rank Palm Desert Real Estate Agents

    Our rankings are built from verified MLS transaction data, not advertising spend. For every agent we analyze more than fifteen performance signals, including sales volume in your city and zip code, recent and all-time transactions, days on market, negotiation results (how far above or below list price an agent's clients actually close), price-point fit, and verified reviews. The agents shown first are those whose verified results put them at the top of the Palm Desert market today.

    Agents cannot pay for placement in these rankings. The underlying data refreshes as new closed transactions are reported, so rankings shift with real market performance. Learn how we rank agents.

    Rankings reviewed by Kevin Stuteville, Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker (License BK3068131), Founder of EffectiveAgents.

    Data last updated: May 2026

    Palm Desert Real Estate Agent FAQs

    Who is the best real estate agent in Palm Desert, CA?

    Based on EffectiveAgents data, Brandy Nelson at Equity Union ranks as the top agent in Palm Desert, CA, with 1,104 transactions and $235.4M in all-time sales volume. EffectiveAgents identifies leading agents by analyzing 1,329 transactions annually and measuring verified outcomes such as sale-to-list ratios and closing volume, then ranking 61 qualifying agents from the 978 licensed locally. The best fit depends on your property type and goals, so compare ranked agents on measured performance rather than advertising presence.

    How were these Palm Desert real estate agents ranked?

    Rankings are built from verified MLS transaction data. We analyze more than fifteen performance signals for every agent, including sales volume in your city and zip code, recent and all-time transactions, days on market, negotiation results, price-point fit, and verified reviews. Agents cannot pay for placement.

    How many real estate agents are in Palm Desert?

    Our data covers 978 real estate agents serving the Palm Desert area. The count represents agents with transaction activity recorded in our Palm Desert market data, not simply everyone holding a license.

    What does the median sale price in Palm Desert mean for sellers?

    Palm Desert's median sale price is $611,000 as of May 2026. Half of recent sales closed above that figure and half below. It is a useful baseline for understanding the market, but an experienced local agent will price your home against comparable recent sales in your neighborhood, not the citywide median.

    How long does it take to sell a house in Palm Desert?

    The median home in Palm Desert currently takes 90 to sell, reflecting a +20 days change from last year. With 6.0 months of supply, timelines vary widely by pricing and condition. Homes priced to the comparable set near $322.773 per square foot tend to move faster, while overpriced listings often sit and join the 27.6% of homes that ultimately cut price. Location, seasonality, and staging also influence speed. An accurate initial price remains the strongest lever a seller controls.

    Does it cost anything to use EffectiveAgents?

    No. EffectiveAgents is free for home buyers and sellers, with no obligation to work with any agent we match you with.

    Do agents pay to be ranked or featured?

    No. Agents cannot pay for placement anywhere in these rankings. Positions are earned from verified transaction performance only.

    What commission do Palm Desert realtors charge?

    Commissions are negotiable and vary by agent, service level, and transaction. There is no set rate, and recent industry changes have made commission structures more flexible than ever. Discuss the structure directly with your agent before signing a listing or buyer agreement.

    Should I use a local Palm Desert agent or a national brand?

    The individual agent matters more than the brand on the sign. Offices within the same national franchise vary widely in performance, and the agent you hire, not the logo, prices your home, negotiates your contract, and manages your closing. A strong local agent brings firsthand knowledge of Palm Desert neighborhoods, pricing patterns, and buyer activity. Compare agents on verified local results such as recent sales, days on market, and negotiation outcomes rather than name recognition.

    What questions should I ask a Palm Desert realtor before hiring them?

    Ask how many homes they have closed in Palm Desert in the past year, what their average sale-to-list ratio is, and how much of their business is in your neighborhood and price range. Ask how they will market your home or find you listings, and how often they will communicate. Strong agents answer with specifics. Verified transaction data is the fastest way to confirm what you hear.

    Top Realtors by Zip Code in Palm Desert, CA

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