Homes By Connect
Lexi Cardoso REALTOR ®
SPECIAL PROMOTION PROFESSIONAL Excellence | REAL ESTATE
TO CREATE THIS LIST OF WINNERS
Rhode Island Monthly believes that information about professional service providers should be made available to its readers so they can make informed decisions for themselves, their businesses and families. Rhode Island Monthly does not endorse, recommend, or make representations with respect to the research presented, nor has it interviewed or met with the professionals listed herein. All information was believed to be correct at the time of inclusion, but, is subject to change and is not intended to supply all information necessary to selection of a real estate professional. We encourage our readers to fully investigate their options personally to assure that they are appropriate for individual needs.
Summary. To create the list, Rhode Island Monthly contracted nationally recognized DataJoe Research to facilitate a multifaceted research campaign which included:( a) firm roster requests,( b) an online survey delivered directly to real estate professionals and consumers, and( c) a media analysis. DataJoe started with information obtained from primary government sources, and then expanded on this information using the firm rosters, survey submissions, and data collected from the media analysis.
In the firm roster requests, DataJoe reached out to a high percentage of the firms in the region, requesting rosters and sales performance information( August 1, 2024 – July 31, 2025) from our firm contacts. In the online survey, real estate professionals were asked to nominate their peers who excel. They were also encouraged to request their brokers or office managers to submit their sales numbers to DataJoe. We also invited readers to nominate agents who exemplified excellent service. Finally, in the media analysis, DataJoe conducted Internet research to isolate criteria associated with top performing agents. This algorithm factored in individual agent listings and sales data as available to the public, awards, and other criteria to establish indicators of high performance.
DataJoe then compiled the above components to create an aggregate score, with confirmed sales performance as the most heavily weighted metric. The agents listed here were those with the highest composite scores.
Agents do not and cannot pay to be included as part of this list. DataJoe checked for license and disciplinary action as available to the public. If they found any disciplinary action against an agent by the state regulatory board, that agent was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to Rhode Island Monthly for its final review and adjustments.
Final note. We recognize that there are many good real estate agents who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on our research campaign and the opinions of responding professionals in the region. We certainly do not discount the fact that many good and effective real estate agents may not appear on the list.
Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list. DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe.
Questions? For research / methodology questions, contact the research team at nominations @ datajoe. com.
Homes By Connect
The Donovan Group 401-323-3546 letsconnect @ homesbyconnectre. com 2451 E. Main Rd., Portsmouth, RI 02871
We’ re proud to share that Homes By Connect has been recognized by Rhode Island Monthly, with The Donovan Group earning another Professional Excellence in Real Estate Award and Broker / Owner Katy Donovan honored individually for leadership and client service.
This distinction follows Katy’ s selection as 2025 Realtor ® of the Year by the Newport County Board of Realtors, reflecting a standard of professionalism and market expertise trusted across Rhode Island. Together, these honors reflect a commitment to thoughtful guidance, strategic expertise, and lasting relationships.
We invite you to connect with Katy and The Donovan Group to experience real estate service rooted in care, collaboration, and local insight.
Back row, left to right: Elizabeth Fuller, Katy Donovan, Lynne Debeer. Front row, left to right: Stephanie Banister, Erin Donovan, Kate Haslam.
PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE REAL ESTATE WINNER
Lexi Cardoso REALTOR ®
Residential Properties LTD. 401-659-7298 acardoso @ residentialproperties. com
A Rhode Island native, Lexi guides buyers and sellers from“ City to Coast” throughout Rhode Island with a reputation for professionalism, precision, and results.
• Supported by 45 + five-star reviews on Realtor. com, Lexi has accrued an impressive variety of successful sales.
• Her appreciation for architecture and design informs both her marketing approach and her eye for potential, with expertise in home staging, marketing distinctive properties and social media video strategy.
• Specializing in relocation, Lexi has helped clients successfully move to Rhode Island from across the country, including Maui, Hawaii; Fargo, North Dakota; and West Palm Beach, Florida, in 2025 alone.
PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE REAL ESTATE WINNER
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY I APRIL 2026 107