T
he traditional January agent shake-up was noticeably absent this year, with a sluggish market and economic uncertainty contributing to a lower-than-expected Agent Movement Index. According to Relitix's analysis, the post-holiday bump in agent movement was muted, suggesting that many agents are staying put and brokerages are being cautious with hiring.

    Relitix Founder Rob Keefe attributes this trend to several factors, including a shift in agent demographics. There are fewer new agents entering the market, which tend to move around more frequently than established agents. Additionally, tighter budgets, concerns over commission rates, and uncertainty about the market's future may be causing some agents to delay making changes.

    The "shiny-object effect" that drew agents away from traditional brokerages in the past may also be wearing off, as new business models are no longer a novelty. Brokerage leaders will need to adapt their recruiting strategies and value propositions to attract top talent, rather than relying on flashy promises.

    The report also notes that the number of active agents has declined during the downturn, returning to pre-pandemic levels after a surge in 2021 and 2022. If this trend continues, it could impact recruiting goals for brokerages, making it essential for them to reassess their strategies and expectations.