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

Lucía Torres · 2026-11-02

Every now and then, a company gets a moment worth pausing for. This is one of those moments for us at The Agency. Zane Burnett, our Executive Vice President of Digital Strategy, just landed on HousingWire's 2026 Tech Trendsetters list. Out of a whole industry of sharp, ambitious leaders, he's one of only 75 people chosen. That's not a small thing. ### What the Tech Trendsetters List Actually Means This isn't a participation trophy. The annual award honors professionals making real, measurable contributions to technological innovation in housing and real estate. Being picked from such a deep pool of talent says something about the impact Zane has had, both inside The Agency and across the broader industry. If you work in this space, you know how crowded the tech conversation has gotten. Standing out takes more than a good pitch deck. It takes results. ### A Fast Start and a Clear Track Record Zane joined the team in 2025, and honestly, the pace since then has been something to watch. He's elevated the brand's digital presence and rolled out cutting-edge solutions for agents and clients alike. His work hasn't gone unnoticed, either. Along the way he's picked up: - A spot on HousingWire's 2026 Tech100 Real Estate Award list - Speaking engagements at Inman, The Agency Global Forum, and Blueprint Vegas - A reputation as one of the sharper voices on practical real estate tech Not bad for someone who's still early in his tenure here. ### The Philosophy Behind the Wins Here's what I find most refreshing about Zane's approach. He doesn't chase tech for tech's sake. He's focused on AI, automation, and emerging tools, yes, but always with a purpose. At a recent panel 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 line tells you a lot. It's easy to get dazzled by shiny new platforms. It's harder, and far more valuable, to ask whether a tool actually helps the person using it close more deals and serve clients better. ### What Leadership Is Saying Rainy Hake Austin, President of The Agency, didn't mince words about what Zane brings to the table. "Zane is a visionary leader and a well-respected professional in our industry," she said. "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 kind of endorsement from the top isn't handed out lightly. ### Why This Matters for Agents and Clients Awards are nice. But the real story here is what this recognition signals for the people who rely on The Agency every day. Zane's initiatives are transforming digital marketing and operations in ways that elevate the entire client experience. When the tech works, agents spend less time fighting systems and more time doing what they do best. Clients feel that difference. So does the bottom line. His commitment to practical, forward-thinking innovation is what sets him apart. And it's why we're proud to see his name on that list of 75. Congratulations, Zane. Well deserved.