In close-knit Dallas neighborhoods such as Lakewood, homes change hands among a fairly small circle of agents who know the streets, the houses, and one another. Rhoni Golden, real estate advisor and co-founder of the Golden Hays Group at Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate, says those relationships can make a real difference for clients.
The Golden Hays Group was again recognized as a D Best agent team for 2026 by D Magazine. Golden says the recognition reflects two things she values.
Two Kinds Of Recognition
The first is volume. Agents must reach a certain level of sales to qualify.
“We’re always so grateful that people trust us to help them with such a huge decision,” Golden said. “Helping decide where they’re going to live and wake up every morning is a huge honor.”
The second is the vote. D Best agents are chosen in part by their peers, other real estate agents working across the city.
“Being voted as a D Best agent by other agents who we respect in the city is quite an honor,” she said.
Why Collaboration Benefits Clients
For Golden, the peer vote connects directly to how her team works. The Golden Hays Group puts real effort into building strong relationships with the agents active in the neighborhoods it serves.
“It always benefits our clients to be able to have as much collaboration as possible,” she said. “Sometimes we’ll get access to homes before they hit the market. Or sometimes there’s competition over a home, and because we have a strong relationship with the agent on the other side, we’re able to secure things for our clients that other people might not be able to.”
In a competitive situation, the agent on the other side of a deal is weighing more than price. They want confidence that a transaction will close smoothly. A track record of working well together can help a buyer’s offer stand out.
Neighborhood Knowledge Still Matters
Relationships work best alongside detailed local knowledge. Golden often reminds buyers that close-in Dallas is made up of micro-neighborhoods, where a quarter mile can change the elementary school, the architecture, access to White Rock Lake, or what is within walking distance.
That level of detail is hard to see from a listing website. Price per square foot, for instance, can mislead in an area where a restored 1930s Tudor, a 1950s ranch in need of renovation, and new construction sit on the same few blocks. Golden advises comparing like with like rather than relying on a neighborhood average.
What A Recognition Tells A Buyer
Golden sees awards like D Best as a useful signal for people deciding whom to trust.
“You never know when you’re working with a real estate agent if they’re going to represent your best interests or not,” she said. “Being able to have that badge associated with our names is something to be proud of. It helps our clients feel more confident in choosing us.”
Her advice for buyers and sellers interviewing agents is simple: ask how well they know the specific streets you are considering, and how they work with the other agents active there.
Rhoni Golden is co-founder of Golden Hays Group at Dave Perry Miller, a luxury residential real estate team operating inside the 635 loop in Dallas, Texas. The team specializes in Lakewood, East Dallas, Lower Greenville, Preston Hollow, and the Park Cities.
This article is based on information provided by the expert source cited above. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult qualified professionals before making any real estate or financial decisions.
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