Top Realtors in Rochester NY — How to Choose the Right Agent
A practical guide to evaluating Rochester NY real estate agents — what to look for, what to ask, and how the best local agents measure up
Written by Kyle Hiscock • Hiscock Homes at REMAX Realty Group, 10 Grove St, Pittsford NY • Last updated: May 2026
If you’re searching for a top realtor in Rochester NY, you’ve probably already noticed that a lot of agents claim Greater Rochester expertise. The Rochester market is one of the most diverse in Upstate New York — spanning Monroe County’s established suburbs and city neighborhoods, Wayne and Ontario County communities, Finger Lakes waterfront, and everything in between. Choosing the right agent means finding someone with genuine knowledge across that breadth, not just a license and a website.
This guide was written by Kyle Hiscock of Hiscock Homes at REMAX Realty Group, whose office is on Grove Street in Pittsford. Kyle has 443+ closed transactions across Greater Rochester — from $15,000 starter homes in Rochester City to a $896,800 new construction sale in Perinton — representing over $74 million in verified sales volume since 2011. He’ll walk you through exactly what to look for in a Rochester realtor — including an honest look at his own track record — so you can make the right hire with confidence.
A note on this guide: Kyle wrote this page and has an obvious interest in earning your business. What follows is his genuine attempt to give you a useful, honest framework for evaluating any Rochester area agent — one he believes he holds up well against. You can decide that for yourself.
On This Page
Diversity, price range, speed & what drives demand across Monroe County 2. What to look for in a top Rochester NY realtor
The qualities that actually predict performance across Greater Rochester 3. Questions to ask before you hire anyone
What strong Rochester agents answer with confidence 4. How Kyle Hiscock measures up — verified track record & credentials
443+ closings, real community depth, awards & certifications 5. Rochester communities Kyle serves
Monroe County and surrounding regions 6. What it's like to work with Kyle
What the first call looks like and how buyer & seller representation works 7. What Rochester clients say
Selected reviews from buyers and sellers across Greater Rochester 8. FAQ — Top realtors in Rochester NY
Common questions answered directly 9. Talk to Kyle
No pressure — just a conversation about your goals
1. What Makes the Rochester NY Real Estate Market Unique
Greater Rochester is not one market — it’s a collection of distinct communities, each with its own pricing dynamics, buyer profiles, and demand drivers. Understanding what’s happening in Irondequoit is not the same as understanding Greece, Penfield, or Rochester City. An agent who knows the region broadly is in a very different position than one who only knows one corner of it.
A remarkably wide price range
Rochester is one of the most affordable large metros in the Northeast, with active transactions from under $100,000 in city neighborhoods to $900,000+ in premier suburbs like Pittsford and Perinton and on Finger Lakes waterfront. That range exists within a single metro area — and navigating it well requires experience across all of it, not just the price tier a given agent typically works in.
Monroe County is the core
The overwhelming majority of Greater Rochester real estate activity happens in Monroe County. The established suburbs — Irondequoit, Greece, Webster, Penfield, Brighton, Pittsford, Henrietta, Gates, Chili, Perinton, Parma, and the surrounding towns — each have distinct school districts, neighborhood characters, and price dynamics. An agent with deep Monroe County experience has genuine breadth across the region’s most active markets. For buyers comparing these communities side by side, a detailed review of the best suburbs of Rochester NY is a useful starting point.
Faster than most people expect
Rochester’s market is competitive relative to its affordability. Well-priced homes in desirable Monroe County suburbs regularly receive multiple offers within the first weekend. Buyers who aren’t prepared with pre-approval and a clear sense of value routinely miss homes they want. Sellers who price incorrectly or market poorly leave real money on the table even in a strong market.
Every community is different
What sells a home in Irondequoit is not the same as what sells one in Greece or Pittsford. School districts, lot sizes, commute patterns, and buyer demographics vary meaningfully from town to town. The best Rochester agent for your situation is one who knows your specific community — not just the region in general.
2. What to Look For in a Top Rochester NY Realtor
These are the qualities that actually predict strong performance in the Greater Rochester market — not the ones that are easiest to advertise:
✓ Full-time commitment
In Rochester’s competitive suburbs, the best homes can go under contract in 48–72 hours. A part-time agent who isn’t available same-day when the right property hits the market is a structural disadvantage for buyers. For sellers, full-time agents bring more consistent attention to pricing, marketing, and offer management than those who treat real estate as a side business. There’s a reason the pros and cons of hiring a part-time real estate agent is one of the most-searched questions buyers and sellers have before choosing representation.
✓ A verified track record across Greater Rochester
Consistent, full-time production over multiple years across different communities and price points demonstrates genuine market knowledge — not just a few good years in one neighborhood. Look for an agent with a long and diverse closing history, not just recent activity in a single zip code.
✓ Honest pricing discipline
The most common way Rochester sellers leave money on the table is by working with an agent who tells them what they want to hear on price, then reduces later when the home sits. The best Rochester listing agents price accurately from day one using closed comparable sales — not active listings — and have the discipline to tell sellers the truth even when it’s uncomfortable. For buyers, the same discipline means honest guidance on whether a home is priced fairly before writing an offer.
✓ Clear, consistent communication
The transaction process in New York involves inspections, attorneys, banks, and multiple deadlines. An agent who communicates proactively — not just when you reach out — and explains what’s happening at each step makes the difference between a smooth closing and an anxious one. Look for agents whose clients specifically mention communication in their reviews.
✓ Verifiable reviews on external platforms
Look for ratings on Google, Zillow, and Yelp — platforms where reviews are tied to verified accounts, can’t be self-selected, and can’t be deleted by the agent. Read the actual reviews, not just the star count. What clients say about responsiveness, honesty, and process is often more revealing than any credential.
✓ Local roots and long-term perspective
Agents who grew up in the Rochester area, who have lived through multiple market cycles here, and who have genuine community ties bring a kind of knowledge that can’t be replicated by someone who relocated and got licensed recently. This is especially relevant for buyers relocating to Rochester who need an agent who can speak honestly about the real differences between communities.
3. Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Rochester Realtor
These questions will give you a clear picture of any Rochester agent in 15 minutes. A strong agent will answer all of them directly and confidently. For buyers specifically, our guide on how to interview a buyer’s agent covers additional questions worth asking before you sign a buyer’s agreement.
1. “Is this your full-time career, or do you do this alongside another job?”
A straightforward question that tells you a great deal immediately. Full-time agents are available when the market demands it — early morning showings, same-evening offers, mid-week inspections. This matters more in a fast-moving market than almost any credential.
2. “How many transactions have you closed in the past 12 months across Greater Rochester?”
You want recent, consistent activity — not a career highlight from five years ago. Consistent current production means the agent has current market knowledge, active lender and attorney relationships, and is working at the pace and process of today’s Rochester market.
3. “How do you determine the right price for a home — for a seller, and for a buyer making an offer?”
Listen for the word “closed.” Strong Rochester agents price off closed comparable sales — not active listings, not Zillow estimates. If an agent talks about what homes are “listed for” rather than what they’ve “sold for,” that’s a meaningful distinction that will affect your outcome.
4. “What does your communication look like once we’re under contract?”
The accepted offer is the beginning of the process, not the end. New York transactions involve attorney review, inspections, appraisals, title work, and bank deadlines — often over 30–60 days. Ask specifically how often they’ll proactively update you and who your primary contact is when questions arise.
5. “Can you walk me through the meaningful differences between [two Rochester-area communities]?”
Pick two towns you’re genuinely comparing — Greece vs. Irondequoit, Webster vs. Penfield, Brighton vs. Pittsford. A Rochester agent with real depth will give you a specific, substantive answer about school districts, neighborhood character, commute patterns, and price dynamics. Generic praise for “both great communities” tells you the agent doesn’t know them the way you need them to.
6. “Where can I read your client reviews?”
A strong Rochester agent will point you directly to Zillow, Google, and Yelp. If the answer is a testimonials page on their own website with no links to external platforms, that’s worth noting. Read the actual reviews — what clients say about honesty, responsiveness, and negotiation is the most unfiltered picture you’ll get.
7. “Have you ever advised a client not to buy a home, or told a seller their price was too high?”
Every good Rochester agent has done both. The question isn’t whether it happened — it’s how they talk about it. An agent who responds with a real example is telling you they prioritize your outcome over their commission. An agent who pivots away from this question probably does too.
Strong Rochester agents welcome scrutiny. How an agent responds to direct questions before you hire them is often the best preview of how they’ll handle the hard moments during your transaction.
4. How Kyle Hiscock Measures Up — Track Record & Credentials
Kyle wrote this guide, so it would be dishonest not to answer the same questions he just outlined. Here’s his actual track record against those criteria — all verifiable from MLS records and independent sources:
Full-time?
✓ Yes — since 2013. Kyle has been a full-time Rochester realtor for over 14 years with no other employment. His office is at 10 Grove Street in Pittsford and he personally handles both buyer and seller representation.
Consistent production across Greater Rochester?
✓ Yes — 443+ closings across 35+ distinct communities. His highest concentrations are Irondequoit (114 closings), Rochester City (81), and Greece (69), with significant depth in Webster, Henrietta, Gates, Perinton, Chili, Penfield, and more. Recent closings (2023–2026) span 25+ communities — the depth and recency are both there.
Honest pricing discipline?
✓ Yes. Kyle’s average days on market across 443+ closings is 21.7 days — a metric that reflects accurate pricing from day one, not repeated price reductions after overpriced listings sit. He prices off closed comparable sales and will tell sellers directly when their expectations are out of line with the market.
Clear communication?
✓ Consistently noted in reviews. Responsiveness and proactive communication are among the most frequently cited qualities across all verified review platforms. The client reviews in Section 7 speak to this directly.
Verified external reviews?
✓ 5.0★ on all three major platforms. Zillow (67 team reviews), Google, and Yelp — all external, all verified, none self-selected.
Rochester roots and long-term perspective?
✓ Second-generation Rochester realtor. Kyle is a lifelong Monroe County resident. Hiscock Homes at REMAX Realty Group traces its Rochester roots to 1987 — meaning Kyle grew up inside the business absorbing market knowledge across multiple cycles before he was ever licensed. That institutional depth is rare.
Awards & Credentials That Back It Up
Credentials matter when they reflect real performance — not just time served. Here’s what Kyle has earned and what each one actually means:
🏆 REMAX Hall of Fame
One of REMAX’s most prestigious career achievement awards, earned by agents who have demonstrated exceptional and consistent production over their career — not a single strong year. Kyle is a proud Hall of Fame honoree, placing him among a small percentage of REMAX agents nationally.
💻 e-PRO® Certified (NAR)
Earned from the National Association of Realtors®, the e-PRO® certification recognizes advanced proficiency in digital marketing, online listing strategy, and modern buyer outreach. For Kyle’s seller clients, this means a marketing approach built for today’s online-first buyers — professional photography, targeted digital exposure, and SEO-optimized listing copy that attracts the right audience.
🌐 2016 RESAAS Best Real Estate Blog Winner
RochesterRealEstateBlog.com was recognized as one of the best real estate blogs in the country by RESAAS, a global real estate network. Kyle has also been featured in Inman and RISMedia and recognized as one of the top Realtors on social media by multiple organizations. The blog reflects genuine depth of market knowledge — 150+ original guides written since 2013.
🏠 Second-Generation Rochester Roots Since 1987
Hiscock Homes at REMAX Realty Group traces its Rochester roots to 1987. Kyle joined the business full-time in 2013. Together, nearly four decades of Rochester market knowledge have been accumulated across multiple market cycles, price corrections, and neighborhood evolutions that most newer agents have never experienced.
Kyle’s closing depth by community (verified MLS records, 2011–2026):
Source: Greater Rochester MLS, verified records January 2011–March 2026.
Talk to Kyle About Buying or Selling in Rochester
No commitment required — just an honest conversation about your goals
Schedule a Free Conversation →5. Rochester Communities Kyle Serves
Monroe County
Monroe County is the core of Kyle’s practice. With the vast majority of his 443+ verified closings in Monroe County communities, he has genuine depth across every major suburb and Rochester’s city neighborhoods — from entry-level homes to premium properties.
Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Orleans & Genesee Counties
Kyle also serves buyers and sellers throughout the surrounding counties. Not sure if your area is covered? Call or text directly at (585) 704-7095 — if you’re anywhere in the Greater Rochester region, the answer is almost certainly yes.
6. What It’s Like to Work With Kyle
Whether you’re buying your first home in Rochester or selling a property you’ve owned for decades, the process should feel clear, honest, and never rushed. Here’s what most clients experience when working with Kyle from first contact through closing.
The first conversation
The first call or meeting is just that — a conversation. Kyle will ask about your timeline, goals, and situation. He’ll give you an honest read on the Rochester market as it applies to your specific needs, and won’t pressure you toward any next step before you’re ready. If he isn’t the right fit, he’ll tell you that too.
For buyers
Buyer representation starts with understanding what you actually need — not just what you’ve seen online. Kyle helps buyers get pre-approved with the right local lenders, narrow down communities based on lifestyle and commute, identify well-priced homes before multiple offers form, and structure offers that compete without overpaying. In Rochester’s fast-moving market, understanding the full 14-step buying process before you start searching gives buyers a real advantage.
For sellers
Seller representation begins with an honest pricing conversation based on closed comparable sales — not what you hope to net or what Zillow estimates. Kyle will walk you through the marketing plan, show preparation, showing strategy, offer review process, and what to expect at each stage from listing through closing. Sellers working in a competitive spring market often benefit from reviewing Rochester’s month-by-month selling timeline to calibrate timing and expectations.
Under contract through closing
Once you’re under contract, Kyle stays actively involved through attorney review, inspections, appraisal, and bank deadlines — proactively updating you at each milestone rather than waiting for you to ask. New York transactions typically run 45–60 days from accepted offer to closing, and that period involves real complexity. You’ll never be left wondering what’s happening or what comes next.
7. What Rochester Clients Say
Kyle holds a 5.0★ rating on Zillow, Google, and Yelp. Below is a selection of reviews from buyers and sellers across Greater Rochester.
Seller Experiences
“We used Kyle to buy and sell this year. We had a great experience and got great results. On the sale side, we sold quickly and well above list price. Kyle was available whenever we needed him, and always told us what we needed to hear when we needed to hear it. His expertise and feel for the market helped us make good decisions — for example, before we put in our offer, Kyle gave us estimates of what he thought the renovations might cost. All of his estimates turned out to be correct. I’m an attorney who does a fair bit of residential real estate work, so I have had the chance to see many agents in action over the years. I haven’t found anyone better. I would enthusiastically recommend Kyle to anyone looking.”
“Kyle helped me purchase my first home a little over four years ago, so when I began thinking about listing my house, he was my first call. We held three days of showings and received an incredible 20+ offers, thanks to his excellent photos, listing description, and pricing strategy. Kyle helped me choose the best offer, and then it was my turn to shop again. The market was tougher this time around, but even through a few letdowns, Kyle stayed positive and ultimately helped me find my dream home in the exact town I wanted. He’s the best, and I would hands down recommend him to anyone looking to sell or purchase a home.”
“Kyle was absolutely amazing. What stood out most was his transparency throughout the sale — he was always honest, never tried to misguide me, and gave great advice while still leaving the final decisions up to me. Even after closing, when I didn’t realize the attorneys had accidentally charged me an extra half percent in commission, Kyle reached out and made sure that money was returned to me. His honesty and friendliness are truly unparalleled. If you’re looking to sell or buy a home, Kyle is your guy.”
Buyer Experiences
“My wife and I have worked with several real estate agents over the years, and Kyle is the best of them all. Kyle knows Irondequoit well, which was critical since we were house hunting from Canada. When we found something online, he would preview it for us and advise whether it made sense to proceed with a FaceTime tour or an in-person visit. He described details we couldn’t see — everything from basement odors to grading and landscaping — and provided thoughtful guidance on neighborhoods, amenities, and offer strategy. Kyle’s understanding of contract strategy, including escalation clauses and negotiation tactics, was invaluable. He was honest, good-humored, never pushy, and always available. You could not do better in Irondequoit than having Kyle Hiscock as your agent, advisor, and advocate.”
“Rochester, NY was named the toughest housing market in the country that year — but it was no match for Kyle. My fiancé and I went to just one showing and placed only one offer. Out of 23 offers, ours was accepted, and it wasn’t even the highest bid. Kyle truly cares about building relationships with his clients and understanding what sellers are looking for. He crafted the most attractive offer while still respecting our needs and budget. If you need a Realtor, Kyle is your guy.”
“We recently moved to the Rochester area from out of state and found Kyle through his strong online presence. From the very beginning, he was responsive, attentive to our preferences, and proactive in helping us understand both the housing market and the communities we were considering. Once we identified the right property, Kyle’s experience and negotiation skills were instrumental in securing the home at a great value. Even after the purchase, he continued to go above and beyond providing trusted recommendations and referrals as we settled into our new home. Kyle’s commitment to our experience never wavered, and going above and beyond is clearly his standard. We would confidently recommend him to anyone looking to buy or sell a home in the Rochester area and beyond.”
Read all of Kyle’s verified reviews:
8. FAQ — Top Realtors in Rochester NY
What should I look for in a top Rochester NY realtor?
Full-time commitment, a consistent and verifiable track record across Greater Rochester, honest pricing discipline backed by real comparable sales data, clear communication throughout the process, and 5-star ratings on external review platforms. The best Rochester realtor for your situation combines broad regional knowledge with the responsiveness and honesty the Rochester market demands.
How do I find the best realtor in Rochester NY?
Ask about their full-time status, recent production across Greater Rochester, how they approach pricing, and where to read their verified reviews. Then read those reviews on Zillow, Google, and Yelp — what clients say about communication, honesty, and negotiation is often more revealing than any credential or career stat.
What is the Rochester NY real estate market like right now?
Greater Rochester is one of the most affordable large metros in the Northeast, with active transactions from under $100,000 in city neighborhoods to near $900,000 in premier suburbs and Finger Lakes waterfront communities. Despite the affordability, the market moves faster than many expect — well-priced homes in desirable Monroe County suburbs regularly go under contract within days. Buyers need to be fully prepared with pre-approval and clear pricing knowledge before they start their search.
What is the typical real estate commission in Rochester NY?
Real estate commissions in New York are negotiable and vary by agent and situation. Following the 2024 NAR settlement, buyers and sellers now negotiate compensation more explicitly at the start of the relationship. Kyle discusses commission, buyer agreement terms, and representation structure openly at the first meeting — there are no surprises. If you have questions about how compensation works in today’s Rochester market, it’s worth asking any agent you interview to walk you through it directly.
Do I need a buyer’s agent when buying a home in Rochester NY?
You’re not legally required to use a buyer’s agent in New York, but in a competitive market like Rochester where multiple-offer situations are common and contracts involve attorneys, inspections, and financing contingencies, having experienced representation makes a significant practical difference. A strong buyer’s agent helps you identify well-priced homes before they receive offers, structure competitive bids, navigate inspection negotiations, and manage the contract-to-close process. The reasons to hire a buyer’s agent are worth reviewing before you decide.
How many homes has Kyle Hiscock sold in Rochester?
Kyle Hiscock has closed 443+ transaction sides representing over $74 million in verified sales volume across Greater Rochester since 2011. His highest transaction concentrations are Irondequoit (114 closings), Rochester City (81), and Greece (69), with consistent recent activity across 25+ Greater Rochester communities through 2026.
Does Kyle Hiscock work with first-time home buyers in Rochester?
Yes — a significant portion of Kyle’s career has been built on first-time buyer work across Rochester’s full range of communities and price points. His education-first approach and 150+ published guides at RochesterRealEstateBlog.com give first-time buyers a complete roadmap before they ever pick up the phone.
Is Kyle Hiscock a second-generation Rochester realtor?
Yes. Hiscock Homes at REMAX Realty Group has been serving the Greater Rochester market since 1987. Kyle joined the business full-time in 2013 after being licensed in 2011. That family legacy — nearly four decades of Rochester market knowledge across two generations — provides a depth of institutional perspective that few teams in the area can match.
9. Talk to Kyle About Buying or Selling in Rochester
Whether you’re buying your first home in Rochester, selling a property you’ve owned for years, or relocating to the Greater Rochester area, Kyle is happy to give you an honest read on the current market for your specific situation — with no pressure and no sales pitch. If Kyle isn’t the right fit for what you need, he’ll tell you that too.
Hiscock Homes at REMAX Realty Group • 10 Grove Street, Pittsford NY 14534 • Serving Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Orleans & Genesee Counties
Top Realtors by Area in Greater Rochester NY
If you’re looking for a top realtor in a specific Greater Rochester suburb, it’s important to understand that each market behaves differently. Pricing strategy, competition, and buyer demand can vary significantly by town. Explore our local guides below to see how agents perform in each area and what to look for when buying or selling.
Strong value, lake access, and fast-moving listings with frequent multiple offers.
Higher price points, strong demand, and competitive offer situations.
Close-in location with consistent demand and strong resale stability.
Village lifestyle, strong community appeal, and competitive buyer activity.
Looking for a broader view? Explore all areas we cover across Greater Rochester NY communities.
About the Author
Kyle Hiscock
Lead Agent • Hiscock Homes at REMAX Realty Group
10 Grove St, Pittsford NY 14534
(585) 704-7095 • Licensed 2011 • Full-time since 2013 • REMAX Hall of Fame
| 443+ Verified Closings | $74M+ Total Sales Volume | 5.0★ Client Rating |
Kyle Hiscock is the lead agent at Hiscock Homes at REMAX Realty Group in Pittsford, NY — a second-generation real estate business serving buyers and sellers across Greater Rochester and the surrounding region. With over 14 years of full-time experience and more than 443 verified closings, Kyle brings deep local knowledge to every transaction.
Kyle operates RochesterRealEstateBlog.com as an educational resource for buyers, sellers, and anyone curious about life in the Rochester area. Since launching the blog in 2013, he’s published more than 150 in-depth local articles covering home buying, selling, pricing, inspections, mortgages, and Greater Rochester community guides.
Serving: Irondequoit • Webster • Penfield • Pittsford • Fairport • Brighton • Greece • Gates • Hilton • Brockport • Mendon • Henrietta • Perinton • Churchville • Scottsville • East Rochester • Rush • Honeoye Falls • Chili • Victor • and surrounding communities