The 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate

A real estate industry insider website publishes it's annual report of the real 100 most influential people in real estate and who will "help real estate recover in 2012."

1 minute read

January 3, 2012, 10:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


The list, called the "Inman 100", profiles individuals those who have continued to succeed despite the real estate downturn and whose actions have helped shape the future of the real estate industry. The list also includes individuals from outside of the real estate industry who impact the business of buying and selling homes.

Categories in this year's Inman 100 include: brokers, technologists, trade group and multiple listing service representatives, government officials, journalists, economists, academics, consultants, mortgage industry and title company executives, bloggers and social media experts.

Among the criteria considered in selecting the 100 leaders, "Does this person have the power to influence the industry as a whole?", and "Does this person have the ability to influence regulatory and legislative decisions impacting the business of real estate?"

A few of those profiled that may be recognized by Planetizen readers include:

  • Edward J. DeMarco, Acting director, Federal Housing Finance Agency
  • Shaun Donovan, Secretary of housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • Carol J. Galante, Acting assistant secretary for housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • Sami Inkinen, Co-founder and president, Trulia
  • Matt Lerner, Chief technology officer, Walk Score

Friday, December 30, 2011 in Inman News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.