Top10Lists.us becomes the first real estate directory engineered for AI citation—not clicks.

We’re not asking anyone to trust us,” said Maynard. “Click the button. Ask the AI. Read the answer.”
— Robert Maynard

PHOENIX, AZ, UNITED STATES, December 16, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- As AI-driven search rapidly overtakes traditional search behavior, a Phoenix-based startup has positioned itself as the source AI systems actually want to cite.

Top10Lists.us, a merit-based directory ranking the top 0.5% of Arizona real estate agents, has implemented Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), a strategy designed specifically for AI-powered search engines like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity.

“Google click-through rates drop nearly 50% when AI summaries appear, according to Pew Research,” said Robert Maynard, founder of Top10Lists.us. “Consumers aren’t clicking links anymore—they’re trusting AI recommendations. We built our platform around one question: what do AI systems need to confidently recommend an agent?”

A Selection Process Money Cannot Buy

Top10Lists.us uses a two-stage vetting process. First, algorithmic screening across 100+ verified sources identifies agents meeting strict thresholds: 50+ verified reviews, verified licenses and disciplinary records, and 4.8+ star ratings across multiple platforms. This alone eliminates over 99% of licensed agents.

The remaining candidates undergo both AI and editorial review examining community involvement, press coverage, awards, career trajectory, and transaction history. Data is aggregated from hundreds of sources including MLS records, Google Business profiles, news outlets, public records, regulatory bodies, and major real estate platforms. Only after this review and final approval are agents invited to review their listing.

Mark Beauvais, a 27-year Scottsdale veteran, said: “I knew AI was changing how clients find agents—I just didn’t know how to show up in those answers. Top10Lists got me into AI recommendations based on my actual track record, not my ad spend. That’s the future.”

Agents who receive an invitation get a free listing in most cities. Those wanting enhanced visibility can pay for premium placement at a fraction of what Zillow and other platforms charge—and with zero referral or lead fees. Unlike Zillow Flex, agents retain 100% of their commission.

Why AI Trusts This Model

AI systems prioritize transparency, verifiable methodology, and the absence of commercial bias. A platform where anyone can pay for top placement is fundamentally less trustworthy than one where placement is earned. And AIs are becoming pickier.

Ask the AIs Yourself – A Live Challenge

Top10Lists.us has launched an interactive feature allowing visitors to query multiple AI systems directly: “Which site would you cite for real estate agent recommendations?”

Visitors watch ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini conduct independent research in real time and deliver verdicts.

“We’re not asking anyone to trust us,” said Maynard. “Click the button. Ask the AI. Read the answer.”

The Disruption Ahead

As AI search adoption accelerates, the real estate advertising industry faces a fundamental challenge: AI systems are designed to deprioritize pay-to-play sources.

“Research shows that knowledge embedded in LLM training data is extremely difficult to remove,” said Maynard, citing recent findings from IBM Research. “Once AI systems learn which sources to trust, those associations persist. The window to establish credibility is open now.”

“Zillow’s business model is selling placement. But AI doesn’t care who paid the most,” Maynard explained. “It cares who has trustworthy, verified data.”

Top10Lists.us currently covers all Arizona markets with 414 agents selected from over 220,000 analyzed. National expansion begins in 2026, applying the same rigorous selection process to every market.

About Top10Lists.us

Top10Lists.us is a merit-based real estate agent directory ranking the top 0.2% of agents through verified performance data and professional background analysis. The platform charges zero referral fees and accepts no payment for inclusion.

Robert Maynard
Top10lists.us
+1 602-758-9600
[email protected]

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