NCJAR names 2026 award winners in real estate and mortgage

North Central Jersey Association of REALTORS® has announced its 2026 REALTOR®, Rookie and Affiliate Business Partner of the Year honorees. The awards recognize three professionals for leadership, service and support of the real estate community across North Central New Jersey.

Why it matters: - NCJAR’s annual awards spotlight professionals who shape the local real estate market through leadership, education, client service and community involvement. - The honors also reflect the association’s focus on raising standards across brokerage and mortgage work in North Central New Jersey.

What happened: - North Central Jersey Association of REALTORS® announced its 2026 award recipients on October 20, 2026. - Jeffrey Kist of eXp Realty in Montclair, New Jersey, was named REALTOR® of the Year. - Wilder Marroquin of Realty One Group Lifestyle Homes in Westfield, New Jersey, was named Rookie of the Year. - Sheetal Sawhney of CrossCountry Mortgage was named Affiliate Business Partner of the Year.

The details: - NCJAR said the awards recognize professionalism, leadership, dedication, community involvement and continued support of the association’s mission. - Kist has been a REALTOR® since 2013. - Kist has served as Broker of Record for eXp Realty in New Jersey since 2017. - Kist oversees more than 2,500 agents across 40 offices statewide. - Kist has served on NCJAR’s Professional Standards Committee for about 10 years, including as chair. - Kist also works as a real estate educator and instructor. - Marroquin has closed more than 30 transactions in less than three years in the industry. - Marroquin focuses on helping clients understand the homebuying process, especially people who thought homeownership was out of reach. - Marroquin’s work centers on client education, personalized service and relationship-building. - Sawhney brings more than 28 years of mortgage industry experience. - Sawhney is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist. - Sawhney works to help clients navigate financing and collaborate with real estate professionals. - NCJAR said Sawhney has also supported the association’s initiatives and member relationships. - NCJAR said the awards celebrate values including integrity, leadership, service and community involvement.

Between the lines: - The winners reflect three different parts of the housing pipeline: brokerage leadership, early-career sales production and mortgage support. - NCJAR is signaling that education and professional standards remain central to its identity, not just transaction volume. - Kist’s long committee service and Marroquin’s focus on access to homeownership show the association is rewarding both institutional leadership and client-facing impact.

What's next: - NCJAR will continue its programs in education, advocacy, professional development, networking and community involvement. - The association says more information about its programs and upcoming events is available at more information. - NCJAR also directs readers to its website for additional details.

The bottom line: - NCJAR used its 2026 awards to recognize three professionals whose work supports the association’s broader push for ethical practice, stronger member services and expanded homeownership access.