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aplan Real Estate Education has unveiled its inaugural Real Estate Survey of Trends, spotlighting hopeful signs of client expansion and apprehensions about technology uptake. Nearly half of participants (48%) anticipate adding clients within the next six to twelve months, while a sizable group expects no change. “The sector is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by innovation, shifting consumer expectations, and market volatility,” said Toby Schifsky, VP of Kaplan Real Estate Education. “Success now hinges on more than exam scores—it demands continuous learning, deep market insight, and robust client engagement.” Schifsky added that Kaplan is dedicated to equipping agents with AI tools, lead‑generation strategies, and skills to transform industry shifts into lasting career prospects.

    When asked about competition, 32% feared that a potential economic downturn would flood the market with new agents, making client acquisition tougher; 41% were unconcerned, and 27% were undecided. Regarding career outlook, 42% are certain to remain in real estate for the next three to five years, 35% are likely, while roughly a quarter consider leaving due to retirement, income volatility, burnout, or economic uncertainty.

    Only 54% of agents employ AI in their practice; those who do focus on social‑media content, email campaigns, and administrative automation. A majority (52%) believe traditional brokerages fall short in preparing agents for a tech‑centric future.