Columbia, Mo. trio hits top-20 in 2026 RealTrends Verified
The 2026 RealTrends Verified rankings crown The Horak Group as one of the nation’s top family-led teams, emphasizing stability and long-standing client relationships. The three-agent squad—Susan Horak, her daughter Molly Horak, and Jan Wertzberger—finished 2025 with 247 closings and earned No. 16 among small teams for transaction sides in the new edition.
Family roots, lasting culture
The Horak family’s footprint on Columbia real estate stretches back to the mid-1980s when Susan founded the practice. Molly, who grew up in REMAX offices, has since moved into a leadership role overseeing day-to-day operations. Wertzberger has been with the team for about 30 years, acting as a steady link between the veterans and newer buyers.
Our lineage here isn’t just about age; it’s about routines that have kept us moving through changing markets, Molly Horak said. We’ve built a framework that emphasizes dependable service, even when late nights and weekends are part of the job. It’s how we maintain trust across three generations of clients.
2026 realtrends verified: family
The panel’s focus on family-led operations underscores a broader trend in which multi-decade collaboration helps teams weather rate volatility and shifting lender conditions. The Horaks’ No. 16 placement among small teams in RealTrends Verified 2026 signals that family continuity can translate into durable performance, even as the market shifts.
We’ve learned to adapt without losing the personal touch, Wertzberger noted. The balance of experience and new input keeps the group resilient amid rate changes and program tweaks that challenge buyers and loan officers alike.
Market momentum and loan implications
For borrowers, the Horak Group’s approach means steady guidance and a reliable network when securing loans in a fluctuating environment. The team collaborates closely with REMAX Boone Realty’s lending partners to align preapprovals, appraisals, and closing steps so buyers can lock in favorable terms when opportunities arise.
- 2025 closings: 247
- 2026 ranking: No. 16 among small teams for transaction sides (RealTrends Verified)
- Team size: 3 agents (Susan Horak, Molly Horak, Jan Wertzberger)
- Location: REMAX Boone Realty, Columbia, Missouri
Technology, service quality and the family model
Even with a lean crew, The Horak Group remains at the forefront of tech adoption. A modern CRM, digital signature workflows, and virtual tours help the team move faster without sacrificing the level of care clients expect. The family framework supports training and mentorship, ensuring new agents learn the craft while retaining the personal touch that longtime clients value.
When asked about the role of technology in a family business, Susan stressed that tools don’t replace trust—they amplify it. We use tech to remove friction for clients while keeping the human connection front and center, she said. That combo has helped us sustain momentum across generations.
What this means for buyers and the local loan market
The 2026 RealTrends Verified results reinforce a broader pattern: families that run small teams can deliver consistent results in a market where loan approvals and underwriting decisions often hinge on relationships. In Columbia and surrounding counties, The Horak Group’s model has helped borrowers navigate program changes and rate shifts with clarity and confidence.
Looking ahead, the trio plans to lean into local market knowledge and continued tech enhancements to maintain service levels as demand fluctuates. Molly added that the group’s experience translates into smoother loan experiences for clients, with fewer surprises at closing.
Forward view: stability, growth and the value of family leadership
Industry observers say the 2026 RealTrends Verified: family trend validates a playbook built on continuity, mentorship, and a deep local footprint. The Horak Group’s success story—rooted in a four-decade family run—offers a blueprint for small teams seeking growth without sacrificing the personal bond with clients. The next phase will likely hinge on how well they blend tradition with evolving technology to keep loan processes fast and transparent for buyers.
In a market where borrowers face ongoing rate volatility and program changes, The Horak Group’s structure—anchored by a family-led culture and supported by technology—appears well positioned to maintain momentum. The 2026 realtrends verified: family designation may become a touchstone for similar teams aiming to translate long-term trust into continued transaction flow.
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