HUNT Real Estate president/COO named 2026 HousingWire Vanguard

Buffalo, NY HUNT Real Estate Corp. reported that Charlie Hunt, president/COO, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Vanguard, recognizing him among 100 of the most influential executives in the housing industry.

Now in its 12^th year, HousingWire’s Vanguards program honors leaders across real estate, mortgage and homebuilding who have demonstrated a lasting impact on their organizations and the industry. Honorees are evaluated on their leadership accomplishments, contributions to organizational growth, influence within the housing economy and ability to drive meaningful change.

As the fourth generation of the Hunt family to lead HUNT Real Estate, Hunt is helping guide a company with a 115-year history through a changing real estate environment while preserving the personal relationships and local market expertise that have long distinguished the organization.

Hunt oversees more than 50 HUNT residential branches across N.Y. and Mass. and has worked at nearly every level of the organization, beginning in the company’s customer service center and later serving as a real estate sales professional and regional general manager. That experience has shaped a leadership style focused on visibility, accessibility and direct engagement with HUNT’s sales professionals and employees.

Under Hunt’s leadership, HUNT has risen to No. 29 nationally in residential transactions while ranking among the Top 10 real estate organizations in the country for ancillary services, including mortgage, title and insurance. HUNT is also the largest ERA-affiliated real estate firm in the world.

“The 2026 HousingWire Vanguards represent the leadership our industry needs for this moment,” said Sarah Wheeler, editor-in-chief of HousingWire. “They are navigating disruption with clarity, bringing bold ideas to the table and executing strategies that create real results. Their influence extends beyond their own organizations, helping move the entire housing ecosystem toward a stronger and more innovative future.”

“I’m honored to be recognized among this year’s HousingWire Vanguards,” said Hunt. “The real estate industry is always changing, and our focus is to ensure HUNT continues to evolve and grow along with it. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and excited about the opportunities ahead.”

Hunt’s leadership extends beyond HUNT through his involvement with real estate organizations across New York State, including the New York State Multiple Listing Service board of directors and Realtor associations in Buffalo Niagara, Rochester and Syracuse. He also serves a number of business, charitable and community organizations throughout Western New York.

“Exceptional leadership is defined by the ability to turn vision into meaningful action,” said Clayton Collins, CEO of HousingWire. “The 2026 Vanguards are moving decisively while others remain cautious. They are investing, innovating and building organizations designed to thrive through every market cycle.”

The 2026 HousingWire Vanguards were selected by HousingWire’s editorial team in collaboration with an independent panel of housing industry professionals. The award has become one of the housing industry’s defining honors for leaders whose decisions, achievements and influence are creating a lasting impact on real estate, mortgage and homebuilding.