Steve Harney, an educator, entrepreneur and advocate, has died
Harney, a top agent, broker/owner and founder of Keeping Current Matters, is fondly remembered as “one of the kindest and most passionate men” in the industry.
Twitter (now X) is not known for its warmth and kindness, but Steve Harney's sudden passing — much like his life — filled it with light.
As news of Harney's March 4 death spread, so did the outpouring of warm remembrances for a man who advocated passionately for homeownership, agents and the real estate industry. He was 68.
"Not only was Steve an immensely successful real estate entrepreneur and thought leader, but he was also one of the kindest and most passionate men I've ever met," posted housing journalist Lance Lambert.
"His lasting impact on so many, can not be adequately expressed," wrote Nicole Beauchamp, a New York City-based agent.
"He was kind and patient when I was young and a little more rough around the edges," posted West + Main Managing Partner and CTO Greg Fischer. "He was a fighter and an advocate. He was thorough and thoughtful. Didn't always agree. But he always went the distance."
Harney gently, stubbornly and frequently advocated for homeownership in social media and beyond, always returning to the data and educating his audience. In one of his most recent posts, for example, he explained why median home sale price is not a great way to understand home value — and he made "well, actually …" feel warm and inviting, no small feat.
An advocate for agents — and education
Harney founded Keeping Current Matters, an education and marketing company, in 2007. His vision: "To equip as many agents as possible with the information, analysis, and data they needed to become not just real estate professionals, but trusted advisors."
The Bronx-born Harney began his real estate career as a top-producing agent and brokerage leader before starting his own brokerage, National Homefinders, and building it into a 500-agent, 13-office company.
Harney is survived by his wife and high school sweetheart, Kathy; three sons; his daughter-in-law; two grandchildren; and three siblings.
His family asks that in lieu of flowers, remembrances be sent to Habitat for Humanity, a homebuilding charity that Harney supported for decades.
From a tribute page on the Keeping Current Matters site: "He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, compassion, and a profound commitment to homeownership. Steve would say that his passing on March 4th was prophetic, as he would want all of us to march forth and continue the spirit of helping others that he lived by."