New Jersey Realtors® Announces
2022 Realtor + Realtor-Associate of the Year Awards 

Trenton, N.J. (Dec. 22, 2022) — Earlier this month, New Jersey Realtors announced Sandra Gardner, of Newton, as 2022 Realtor of the Year and Marcus Pinto, of Jersey City, as 2022 Realtor-Associate of the Year.

“This is a prestigious title that is fitting for our winners, who not only excel in their business, but are integral parts of their industry, communities, and associations,” said 2023 NJ Realtors President Nick Manis.

Gardner and Pinto are both industry experts, committed Realtors, and true business professionals. They were selected from the pool of local board and association Realtors and Realtor-Associates of the Year.

2022 Realtor of the Year Sandra Gardner

Sandra Gardner is a licensed Realtor with Weichert Realtors—Sparta. With 10 years of experience serving Sussex County, Sandra has significantly contributed to high levels of professionalism in the industry with her continued dedication to education and commitment to community service. Sandra is the Sussex County Association of Realtors 2022 Board of Directors President-elect and has proudly served on the board since 2018. Her contributions to her local association include her service to the Finance Committee, Golf Outing Committee, and the Education Committee. As Co-Chair of the Education Committee for New Jersey Realtors, she has worked to establish and develop future educational programs and projects for the association, including over $69,000 raised by Sandra and her colleagues to provide scholarships to 46 students in the state.

This year, Sandra received the New Jersey Realtors Circle of Excellence Sales Award at the Gold level. She was named Top Listing Agent, Top Buyers Agent, and Top Sparta Agent in the Referral Exchange. In addition to Sandra’s service to her local and state association, business accomplishments, and advocacy for education, she is greatly involved in her community through humanitarian services. Sandra serves as an Executive Board Member and Secretary for the Sussex County Habitat for Humanity and has led the Sussex County Habitat for Humanity and Sussex County Association of Realtors collaboration for a new home build for Realtors Care Day this year. Her personal community service involvement includes participation in annual toy and food drives, Secret Santa, anonymous donations to families in need, and providing hand-sewn masks to Atlantic Health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

”I’ve dedicated many years of service to my local board, state, and national associations, holding positions in all levels—resulting in being the 2023 President of the Sussex County Board of Realtors. Education has always been extremely important to me as a Realtor; always learning and improving my skills,” said Gardner. “How wonderful is it for a Realtor to help families in need find and help build affordable housing. Their joy and smiles warm my heart when I am able to hand them the keys to their new home. My community is where I live, work, give back and volunteer. It is my key to success!”

2022 Realtor-Associate of the Year Marcus Pinto

Marcus Pinto is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Compass-NJ. During his six years in the industry, Marcus has completed the National Association of Realtors At Home with Diversity certification program and was a recipient of the New Jersey Realtors Circle of Excellence Sales Award from 2017 to 2021. Marcus prides himself in creating personalized, authentic experiences for his clients and keeping current with the real estate landscape and trends in the tri-state area. His previous knowledge and experience as a creative director for a meeting and event planning company have served him well in the real estate industry, helping buyers and sellers realize the fullest potential of their properties and transactions.

During his time at Compass, Marcus has more than doubled his business, maintained an impeccable reputation within the real estate industry, and has an outstanding rapport with his clientele. His specialties in staging, renovation, marketing properties, and hosting open house events make him a stellar connector and trusted resource for his clients. An active member in his community, Marcus’ community involvement includes a toy collection drive for children during the holidays and a coat drive in the Jersey City and Hoboken area. Marcus’ achievement as the 2022 Realtor-Associate of the Year is a reflection of his professional expertise and devotion to his clients and the real estate industry.

“I think it’s important that, as Realtors, we are authentically connected to our communities. Communities are more than buildings and square footage. Neighborhoods are networks in which people bond, grow, and prosper, and I see giving back: volunteering, fundraising, and community work as means to participate in and strengthen communities,” said Pinto. “It’s also a place where doing the right thing and doing the smart thing intersect–it feeds the soul and it’s good business.”

For photos, click here.

New Jersey Realtors, the voice for real estate in New Jersey for 100 years, is a non-profit organization serving the professional needs of more than 65,000 Realtor and Realtor-Associate members engaged in all facets of the real estate business. In addition to serving the professional needs of its members, NJ Realtors is dedicated to enhancing the ability of its members to conduct their business successfully while maintaining the preservation of private property rights. Realtor is a registered collective membership mark, which may be used only by real estate professionals who subscribe to the Realtor organization’s strict Code of Ethics and are members of the national, state and local Realtor organizations. For more information, visit njrealtor.com. 

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