Matt Widdows

Matt Widdows broke into real estate as an agent 30 years ago, and it didn’t take long for him to recognize there must be a better way to help clients buy and sell homes.

Even then, before the apps and data available to home buyers and sellers today, Widdows felt the technology and processes were antiquated. He envisioned merging agent expertise with technology to improve the transaction process. That thinking was the impetus for Widdows to launch HomeSmart Holdings in 2000.

“He’s been revolutionizing the real estate industry for more than two decades by simplifying the transaction,” Widdows’ team said. “Modernizing the industry through technology, streamlining the process and providing transparency into the transaction is the name of the game and the mission Matt is still laser focused on.”

HomeSmart intends to grow its agents and transactions and develop title, mortgage and other real estate transaction services. Eventually, HomeSmart aims to be a one-stop shop for all parts of a real estate transaction.

“HomeSmart has been a pioneer and innovator of the low-cost transaction fee model and we believe we are at the tipping point for growth as the model continues to evolve and gain market penetration,” the company said. “In simple terms, we set goals, build a plan and we execute. This mantra has become the fiber of our organization. It’s what has brought us to our current level of accomplishments and it will drive us to success for years to come.”

HomeSmart was ranked 2022 America’s Most Trusted Real Estate Brokerage by Lifestory Research. HomeSmart received the best reviews and trust ratings among the most popular real estate brokerage brands as judged by consumers in 2022.

HomeSmart was also recognized on the Entrepreneur Fastest-Growing Franchises list for its ability to scale over the past 12 months. Inc. magazine named HomeSmart to its annual Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies for nine years in a row and has inducted the company into its Hall of Fame.

The HomeSmart corporate brokerage was included on the 2021 REAL Trends 500 as one of the top 10 largest residential real estate brokerages in the nation. The brokerage was also ranked the fifth most successful brokerage in the country by the RISMedia 2020 Power Broker Report.

The 2021 REAL Trends Market Leaders Report, which ranks the residential real estate firms in over 160 metropolitan markets, recognized eight HomeSmart brokerages on this year’s list.

Widdows has consistently ranked in the top 20 on the Swanepoel Power 200 most powerful people in the residential real estate brokerage industry. Widdows was included in the “Most Powerful Men” list by Arizona Foothills Magazine and featured on the cover of Real Estate Magazine.

“I am no stranger to pushing the limits and taking risks to pioneer innovation,” Widdows said. “I am always on the search for new ways to leverage cuttingedge technology to grow, improve and support my business and community.