About Us
Meet the Chopper Russo Team
Since 2008, Thomas “Chopper” Russo and his RE/MAX Select team have helped over 1,500 families and businesses buy, sell, and lease across Northern New Jersey. Based in Oakland, the team serves buyers, sellers, investors, and business owners throughout Bergen, Passaic, Morris, and Hudson Counties — handling residential, commercial, and rental real estate with local expertise and relentless client advocacy.
A Local Team Built on Relationships
Chopper Russo’s approach to real estate was shaped long before he earned his license. Raised in a family that ran a Northern New Jersey manufacturing business for nearly a century, he learned early that lasting success comes from treating people well and showing up for the community. His grandfather — his mentor and business teacher — passed down a simple philosophy that still guides the team: treat people the way you’d want to be treated, and never burn a bridge.
Chopper brought that mindset to real estate in 2008 and built a team around it. Today, the Chopper Russo Team is a collaborative group of professional REALTORS® who combine deep local market knowledge with specialized roles — pricing strategy, marketing, negotiation, and transaction management — so every client gets an expert focused on each stage of the process. For sellers, that means broader exposure and stronger marketing. For buyers and investors, it means better access to opportunities and confident, well-informed decisions.
What We Do
Full-Service Real Estate Across Northern NJ
Residential
Helping first-time buyers, move-up families, luxury clients, and sellers across Oakland, Mahwah, Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, Wayne, Ringwood, and the surrounding towns.
Commercial
Ranked the #1 commercial real estate team in New Jersey — representing business owners and investors in office, retail, industrial, and income-producing property sales and leasing.
Rentals & Leasing
Guiding tenants, landlords, and investors through the rental market with the same strategy and responsiveness we bring to every sale.
Recognition & Expertise
Among the Most Credentialed Teams in New Jersey
Chopper was the first agent in New Jersey to earn the Master Certified Negotiation Expert (MCNE) designation, and the Chopper Russo Team is the only full MCNE team in the state. Between them, the team holds designations spanning buyer representation, commercial practice, luxury marketing, distressed properties, property management, and senior and military clients:
- #1 Real Estate Team in Northern NJ
- #2 in New Jersey — Real Trends / WSJ
- #1 Commercial Team in New Jersey
- Top 1% of REALTORS® Nationwide
- RE/MAX Hall of Fame
- RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement
- RE/MAX Circle of Legends
- Best of Zillow
Giving Back
Rooted in the Community We Serve
Community involvement isn’t a side project for the Chopper Russo Team — it’s central to how they work. The team donates a portion of every transaction to causes including Baking for Memories, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Homes for Heroes, which provides specialized savings and support for military personnel, first responders, healthcare workers, and educators. In 2020, the team was recognized with the RE/MAX NJ Community Citizenship Award.
Chopper is deeply involved in Oakland and the surrounding area as a member of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce, the Elks, the Knights of Columbus, the Rotary Club, and the Passaic County Chiefs Association, and through his work with the Oakland Education Foundation, Oakland Green Team, and the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge. He was named a Fifth District “Hometown Hero” by Congressman Josh Gottheimer for his contributions to the community.
Let’s Talk About Your Next Move
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling a legacy property, leasing, or investing in Northern NJ, the Chopper Russo Team is ready to help.
Our Agents
Meet the People Behind the Chopper Russo Team
Real estate is a team effort — and every client benefits from ours. From listing specialists and buyer’s agents to our transaction coordinator, each member plays a dedicated role so nothing falls through the cracks. Get to know the local professionals who’ll guide your next move across Northern New Jersey.
Email chopper@chopperrussoteam.com
Address 392 Ramapo Valley Rd, Oakland, NJ 07436, USA
Thomas “Chopper” Russo and his award-winning RE/MAX SELECT team have helped over 1,500 clients buy, sell, and lease homes across Northern New Jersey. Trusted for their compassion, expertise, and relentless client advocacy, the Chopper Russo Team ranks among the top-performing real estate groups locally, nationally, and globally.
🏆 Ranked #2 in NJ, #20 in the USA, and #78 worldwide by Real Trends/WSJ
🎯 Master Certified Negotiation Experts (MCNE) – the only full team in NJ
⭐ Best of Zillow | Top 1% of Realtors Nationwide
🏅 RE/MAX Hall of Fame | Lifetime Achievement | Circle of Legends | Diamond Team Award
Whether you're buying your first home, selling a legacy property, or investing in Northern NJ real estate, you can count on honest guidance, smart strategy, and proven results.
Chopper and his team are proud participants in Homes for Heroes, offering specialized support and savings for military personnel, first responders, healthcare workers, and educators. They also contribute a portion of every transaction to causes including Baking for Memories and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In 2020, the team was recognized with the RE/MAX NJ Community Citizenship Award.
Chopper is deeply involved in the community as a member of the Oakland Chamber of Commerce, the Elks, Oakland Dog Park, Passaic County Chiefs Association, Rotary Club, and Knights of Columbus. He was named a Fifth District “Hometown Hero” by Congressman Josh Gottheimer.
Outside of real estate, Chopper enjoys skiing, motorcycling, golf, and spending time with his English Bulldogs.
📱 (201) 240-5200
📧 chopper@chopperrussoteam.com
🌐 chopperrussoteam.com
Specialties: Commercial and Residential Real Estate
ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative)
ACP (Accredited Commercial Practitioner)
AHWD (At Home with Diversity)
CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert)
CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist)
CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist)
CMOE (Certified Multiple Offers Expert)
CNHS (Certified New Home Specialist)
CPM (Certified Property Manager)
CREN (Certified Real Estate Negotiator)
C-RETS (Certified Real Estate Team Specialist)
CRS (Council of Residential Specialist)
MCNE (Master Certified Negotiation Expert)
MilRES (Military Residential Specialist)
RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert)
RSPS (Resort & Second Home Property Specialist)
SFR (Short Sale & Foreclosure Resource)
SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist)
Where We Work
The Communities We Know Best
From our home base in Oakland, the Chopper Russo Team represents buyers and sellers throughout Bergen, Passaic, Morris, and Hudson Counties — including Mahwah, Franklin Lakes, Wyckoff, Wayne, and Ringwood. Deep local knowledge of each town’s neighborhoods, schools, and market trends is what helps our clients buy and sell with confidence.
Our Service Area
Local Roots, Regional Reach
Our office sits at the heart of Oakland, NJ — and our reach extends across Northern New Jersey. Whether you’re buying, selling, leasing, or investing, the Chopper Russo Team combines hands-on local knowledge with coverage that spans Bergen, Passaic, Morris, and Hudson Counties. Find us on the map below, or reach out anytime to talk about your neighborhood.
The Team Advantage
Why Work With a Real Estate Team?
Working with a local team gives you a strategic edge a single agent can’t match. At the Chopper Russo Team, specialized roles, deep local expertise, and constant availability all work together toward one goal: the best possible outcome for you.
Specialized Roles
From pricing strategy and marketing to negotiations and transaction management, each step is handled by a professional focused on that part of the process.
For Sellers
Broader exposure, stronger marketing, and faster response times — so your home reaches the right buyers and sells for its full value.
For Buyers & Investors
Better access to opportunities, sharp local insight, and confident decision-making from your first showing through closing and beyond.
Client Reviews
But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what buyers, sellers, and investors across Northern New Jersey have to say about working with the Chopper Russo Team.
Angela Adamchak
Peter Tani
Jason Warren