One of Just 75: How Zane Burnett Is Quietly Reshaping Real Estate Tech

Lucía Torres · 2026-11-02

It's not every day you land on a list of 75 people out of an entire industry. But that's exactly where Zane Burnett, our Executive Vice President of Digital Strategy, finds himself — named to HousingWire's 2026 Tech Trendsetters list. And honestly? It tracks. Since joining The Agency in 2025, Zane has been the kind of force that makes you wonder how the team ever operated without him. He's been leveraging technology to better support agents, smoothing out day-to-day operations, and driving growth across the whole company. ### What This Award Actually Means The Tech Trendsetters list isn't a participation trophy. It recognizes professionals making real, measurable contributions to technological innovation in housing and real estate. Being picked from a pool that deep is a genuine testament to the impact Zane has made — both inside The Agency and across the broader industry. If you've been around this business long enough, you know how rare that kind of recognition is. It's one thing to talk about innovation. It's another to build it. ### A Track Record That Speaks for Itself Zane hasn't been sitting still since he arrived. He's elevated the brand's digital presence and delivered cutting-edge solutions for agents and clients alike. His speaking engagements have taken him to Inman, The Agency Global Forum, and Blueprint Vegas. And his work has already earned industry nods, including HousingWire's 2026 Tech100 Real Estate Award. "Zane is a visionary leader and a well-respected professional in our industry," said Rainy Hake Austin, President of The Agency. "His deep knowledge and innovative approach are invaluable as we continue to expand our digital capabilities and deliver best-in-class solutions for our agents and clients worldwide." That's high praise — and it's earned. ### The Philosophy Behind the Work Here's what sets Zane apart: he isn't chasing tech for tech's sake. His focus lands squarely on AI, automation, and emerging technologies, but every initiative ties back to a simple question. Does this make things better for the people using it? At Blueprint Vegas, he put it plainly: "No matter whether it's built or bought, every tech decision comes back to one thing for us: making the agent's job easier and driving efficiency for their business." That's the whole ballgame, isn't it? Practical, forward-thinking innovation that actually helps people do their jobs. It's a refreshing approach in an industry that sometimes falls in love with shiny tools before asking whether they work. ### Why It Matters for You If you're a professional in this space, this recognition is worth paying attention to. It signals where real estate tech is heading — toward smarter operations, better agent support, and a smoother client experience. The leaders being honored on lists like this one are the ones shaping what your day-to-day work looks like a few years down the road. So congratulations, Zane. Seventy-five people out of an entire industry is a small club. But for those of us watching the work happen, it's no surprise at all.