There is a rigorous and stringent approval process to become a Top 5 member. Membership is based upon but not limited to the following criteria:

Experience. Top 5 members must have a minimum of three years in real estate to qualify. The length of professional service is no guarantee of professional excellence, as we believe that, in general, the more experience a professional has, the more experiential knowledge they acquire. For consumers in the selection process, this knowledge becomes an important part of both the real and the perceived value of a real estate professional.

Results. Productivity is an important requirement for membership because it signifies to consumers that Top 5 members are among the upper echelon in real estate: the top ten percent of real estate agents, nationally and/or locally, in either volume or unit productivity.

Educational Attainment. Members must either be enrolled in or have completed an accredited or formal industry-wide educational program. We believe there is a nexus between professional excellence and education, specifically when it comes to an individual's propensity for providing vital real estate information that will empower consumers.

Information Technology. Top 5 members must commit to providing consumers, on their individual business websites, consumer-relevant informational content provided by RISMedia and other sources. Information technology skills are a must in order to fully serve customer clients at all stages of the real estate experience. We also want to ensure that members become as financially prudent as possible through information technology efficiencies.

Commitment to Community. Candidates for the Top 5 in Real Estate must pledge to not only be consumer-centric, but community-centric, extending themselves beyond self-promotional accomplishments and demonstrating a commitment to bettering the community and its residents.