The process of closing a real estate deal is evolving as rapidly as the real estate market itself.

And with the industry in a constant state of flux, technology is playing an integral role in keeping real estate professionals on top of their game.

With this in mind, HousingWire officially launched its inaugural list of top 50 firms in real estate technology Friday.

Known as the HW REtech:50, the list, which will be published in the June issue of HousingWire Magazine, recognizes firms that have revolutionized the real estate transaction in some way. (Click here to see the entire list of REtech:50 firms)

The sense of intrigue these firms inspire will be evident as magazine readers comb through the REtech:50 issue in 3-D — wearing a pair of accompanying 3-D glasses to enhance the readership experience.

“As the nation’s real estate markets begin to return to normal, we are seeing a surge of interest within the social and tech communities, as they look to innovate in the real estate space,” said Paul Jackson, founder and CEO at HousingWire. 

“The HW REtech:50 recognizes those firms that are out to change how we find, buy, and transact in real estate – from the consumer through to the agent or broker, and everywhere in between,” Jackson added.

The 50 firms selected for the 2013 class of honorees were selected from more than 200 submissions received during an open-nomination period.

Those picked proved their ability to impact real estate businesses in both the near and long-term.

“Impact is a strong word, and it means so many different things when put into context,” said Jacob Gaffney, executive editor at HousingWire. “We sought to place each firm into context, which means some newer firms ended up making the grade this year. I think that’s very unique.”

Want to meet representatives from the REtech:50 in person?

Many of the companies selected for the list will be prominently featured at HousingWire’s upcoming Real Estate Expo – “REX 2013” in Fort Worth, Texas, from June 2-5.

You can register online.

Click here to read the list of honorees.