Celebrating excellence in residential real estate at the 2025 SFR Awards Ceremony
The SFR Awards 2025 brought together the brightest minds and most innovative companies in the single family rental (SFR) and build-to-rent (BTR) industries. This annual celebration of excellence recognizes the hard work, creativity, and impact of professionals and organizations shaping the future of residential real estate. From groundbreaking deals to transformative ESG initiatives, this year’s winners have set a new standard for innovation and achievement.
Why the SFR Awards matter
The SFR Awards are more than just a celebration, they are a validation of the incredible efforts and accomplishments within the industry. As Mahesh Shetty, judge and ceremony co-host, shared:
"There's no better validation than being recognized by your peers for what you have accomplished. It makes you feel proud to be part of the community and proud to be part of the industry. There's a special sense of personal fulfillment from being recognized. I think it's an incredible thing."
This sentiment was echoed by Gregory Gaskill, a winner at this year’s awards:
"I think that there's a lot of people out there that put in a lot of hard work, and it's really nice to see people recognized for their efforts. I think it's good for the industry, good for the companies, and good for morale. It's a growing market, and events like this are important to celebrate that growth."
Celebrating the winners across six key themes
This year’s awards featured a diverse range of categories, grouped into six key themes that reflect the breadth and depth of the SFR and BTR industries.
Deals, Projects & Intermediaries
This category celebrated the most impactful and innovative deals in the SFR and BTR space. These winners demonstrated excellence in deal size, structure, and community impact, setting a high bar for future transactions.
- AEC Service of the Year: Lifestyle Homes
- Brokerage of the Year (Investment Sales): Berkadia
- BTR/Land Deal of the Year: ResiBuilt – Kilough Pointe
- Law Firm of the Year: Alston & Bird
- SFR Scattered Site or Portfolio Deal of the Year: Encore Finance – Silver Linings Brick by Brick
Financing Excellence
The financing categories recognized outstanding lenders who have supported the growth of the SFR and BTR industries through innovative loan structures and exceptional customer service. These lenders have played a critical role in enabling projects that drive the industry forward.
- BTR/Construction Lender of the Year: Genesis Capital
- Fix & Flip/DSCR Lender of the Year: CV3 Financial Services
- Lender of the Year (Portfolios): CoreVest Finance
- SFR Securitization of the Year: Arbor Realty Trust
Owner/Operational Leadership
The owner/operator categories celebrated the companies that excel in property management, tenant relations, and operational innovation. These winners have set new standards for operational excellence, ensuring tenant satisfaction and sustainable growth.
- SFR/BTR Operator of the Year (National): Greystar
- SFR/BTR Operator of the Year (Local/Regional): Open House Group
Technology, Operations & Insurance
The technology, operations and insurance category highlighted the cutting-edge solutions transforming the SFR and BTR industries. From AI-driven applications to tenant-focused platforms, these winners are shaping the future of the industry.
- AI Application of the Year: VeriFast
- Insurance Company of the Year: Obie
- Contractor/Rehab Company of the Year: Charter Construction
- Data Provider of the Year: Inspectify
- SFR Online Marketplace of the Year: PadSplit
- Property Management Company of the Year: FirstKey Homes
- Landlord-facing Technology of the Year: iVueit
- Tenant-facing Technology of the Year: Roots
Special Recognition
This category recognized excellence in marketing and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. These winners have demonstrated a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability in their respective fields.
- Best Marketing/Social Media Campaign: FirstKey Homes
- ESG Initiative of the Year: FirstKey Homes
Individual Excellence
The individual excellence category celebrated the people driving the industry forward with their vision, leadership, and dedication. These individuals represent the future of the SFR and BTR industries, inspiring their peers and driving innovation.
- CEO of the Year: David Cavan – Cavan Companies
- Minority Operator of the Year: Jessie Julien – FirstKey Homes
- Woman Operator of the Year: Rayman Mathoda – Anchor Loans
- SFR/BTR Rising Stars: Anton Gebhard-Koenigstein (FirstKey Homes), Armando Gonzalez (Mark-Taylor Residential), Brando Tessar (CV3 Financial), Eric Stockley (Northmarq), Erica LaCentra (RCN Capital), Frank Marquet (Rithm Capital), Haley Keech (Roofstock), Hayden Woods (ResiHome), Pedro Neto (Progress Residential), Ryan Harper (Encore Finance), Sam Thrash (Ownwell), Seth Johnson (Atlas Real Estate), Stefano Pulignano (ARK Homes for Rent), and Travis J. Hewitt (LendingOne)
What makes a winner?
The judging process for the SFR Awards is rigorous, with judges evaluating submissions based on innovation, results, and industry impact. Rick Sharga, head judge and ceremony host, shared his perspective:
"Winning participants clearly spend a lot of time on their submissions, answering questions with specific and thoughtful responses, and providing supporting materials as appropriate. What often separates one strong submission from another is a company's ability to demonstrate results in a quantifiable (or even qualitative) way, or to explain why their particular product or service is truly innovative compared to current industry practices."
This commitment to excellence is what makes the SFR Awards such a meaningful recognition for the winners.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate the achievements of 2025, it’s important to remember the value of recognition and collaboration in the SFR/BTR industry. Events like the SFR Awards not only highlight excellence but also inspire innovation and growth.
Looking to stay connected with the industry? Don’t miss the upcoming Build-to-Rent Spring Forum and Single Family Rental East Forum, where professionals will gather to discuss the future of residential real estate.
Congratulations to all the winners, and here’s to another year of excellence in the SFR/BTR space!