R
eal's latest survey reveals a surge in optimism among real estate agents, with record levels of confidence and stability in commission rates. Despite challenges like rising interest rates, declining home sales, and affordability issues, most agents report that commissions have remained steady or even improved.

    According to the survey, 55% of buyer agents and 64% of listing agents in the US said they haven't seen significant changes to commission rates since last year. In Canada, the trend was even more pronounced, with 82% of buy-side agents and 78% of sell-side agents reporting little or no change.

    The survey also found that most agents expect commissions to remain stable in 2025, with only a small percentage expecting decreases. Meanwhile, 40% of agents described their market as balanced, while 30% said they were experiencing a seller's market and the same share said they were in a buyer's market.

    Limited inventory was cited as the top challenge by 23% of agents, but affordability remained the biggest concern for 59%. The survey's "Agent Optimism Index" rose to 76.4, its highest reading of the year, with most agents feeling more optimistic about the future.

    The chairman and CEO of Real believes that this optimism signals a turning point for the industry, as agents prepare for recovery in the housing market after two years of historically low transaction activity.