T
he Real Brokerage Inc. (NASDAQ: REAX) released the results of its May 2025 Agent Survey, which reflects a housing market continuing to moderate. Agents reported softer transaction activity and a shift in leverage toward buyers, with nearly 6 in 10 remaining optimistic about their local markets over the next 12 months.

    The survey found that agents prioritize economics, culture, and technology when choosing a brokerage, with only 6% citing brand affiliation as a key factor. Clients also select agents based on personal relationships, responsiveness, and professional reputation rather than the brokerage's brand name.

    Real's Transaction Growth Index declined to 44.2 in May, indicating contraction, while its Agent Optimism Index decreased to 57.0 from 65.8 in April. However, 38% of agents felt more optimistic in May compared to 22% who felt more pessimistic.

    Buyers regained market power in May, with 43% of agents saying their local market favors buyers and only 28% favoring sellers. Affordability was the top challenge facing buyers, cited by 50% of agents, followed by economic uncertainty (28%) and inventory constraints (14%).

    Key findings from the survey include:

    * Agents prioritize economics (64%), company culture and values (55%), and technology and tools (38%) when choosing a brokerage.

    * Clients value personal relationships and referrals (89%), responsiveness and communication (60%), and professional reputation (54%).

    * Only 27% of agents consider brand affiliation "somewhat important" to clients, while 58% believe it is not important.

    Real's Chairman and CEO, Tamir Poleg, stated that the spring market is tilting toward buyers with more inventory and pricing flexibility emerging across many regions. However, affordability remains a key hurdle until mortgage rates ease or wage growth catches up.

    The survey was conducted between June 8-18, 2025, and included responses from over 260 real estate agents across the United States and Canada.