Meet the Finalists Reshaping Real Estate in 2026

Lucía Torres · 2026-07-29

We're thrilled to share some exciting news: The Agency, along with several of our agents, has been named a finalist for the 2026 Inman Innovator Awards. This recognition means a lot to us, and we think you'll understand why as we walk through what it's all about. Since 1998, the Inman Innovator Awards have celebrated the people, companies, and technologies that are pushing the real estate industry forward. They honor those who boost productivity, efficiency, and transparency for both professionals and consumers. In other words, they spotlight the folks who aren't afraid to shake things up. ### What the Nominations Mean This year, The Agency is up for three categories. Here's a quick look: - **Most Innovative Brokerage** – The Agency - **Most Innovative Team** – The Umansky Team - **Most Innovative Agent** – Eric Rollo It's a big deal to be nominated in each of these areas. It shows that our approach—focusing on real innovation rather than just following trends—is resonating across the industry. ### The People Behind the Nominations Let's talk about the teams and individuals who made this possible. The Umansky Team, nominated for Most Innovative Team, includes Mauricio Umansky, Farrah Brittany, Madison Buffardi, and Alexia Umansky. They've built a reputation for thinking differently about how to serve clients. Then there's Eric Rollo, VP of Greater Boston – Cape Cod and Islands, who's nominated for Most Innovative Agent. Eric's work in those markets has been nothing short of transformative, and we're proud to see him recognized. ### Why Innovation Matters More Than Ever Rainy Austin, President of The Agency, put it perfectly: "Innovation has always been at the core of who we are as a brokerage. Doing things differently, looking for new solutions to longstanding issues in this industry—that's exactly what sparked our creation back in 2011." She went on to explain that while many brokerages are consolidating and cutting back on agent support, The Agency is going the opposite direction. They're investing heavily in tools, systems, and personal service that help agents serve their clients better. That's a philosophy we stand behind. > "Being nominated for an award built around the spirit of innovation is particularly exciting for all of us." – Rainy Austin ### A Culture of Constant Improvement This nomination isn't just about a few individuals. It reflects a company-wide commitment to building better systems, refining processes, and finding new ways to support agents. Every day, our colleagues are dreaming up inventive approaches to elevate the client experience. Here's what that looks like in practice: - Developing new technologies that streamline transactions - Creating training programs that help agents stay ahead of market shifts - Building a community where sharing ideas is the norm, not the exception It's this kind of thinking that keeps us moving forward. And it's why being nominated for an award that celebrates innovation feels so right. ### Looking Ahead We're incredibly proud of our nominated agents and everyone at The Agency who contributes to this culture of innovation. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and creative thinking that happens every day. So here's to thinking bigger, pushing boundaries, and continuing to shake things up. The future of real estate is bright, and we're excited to be part of it.