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edfin's latest industry survey reveals a mixed bag for real estate agents, with some experiencing increased income and transactions in 2024, but many facing persistent challenges. Despite the uptick in earnings, nearly one-third of agents still rely on second jobs to supplement their income.

    The survey of 500 non-Redfin agents who closed at least one deal in 2024 found that those earning six figures saw a significant increase, with 19% now making between $100,000 and $200,000. Completed transactions also rose, with more agents closing five to nine deals (27%) and 10-19 transactions (30%). However, this growth may be due to fewer new agents entering the industry.

    "The most resilient agents are those who've weathered the storm," said Jason Aleem, Redfin's chief of real estate services. "They're the ones who can adapt and thrive in a challenging market."

    Despite these performance improvements, many agents face difficulties, including increased fee negotiations (54.4%) and concerns about the economy. The survey found that 51.2% of agents expect commission declines over the next year, while 74.8% believe withholding listings from the MLS is rarely in the seller's best interest.

    The Clear Cooperation debate has also taken a toll on agents, with only 21.2% saying they would recommend real estate as a career. The top drawbacks cited were income unpredictability (42.6%), building their business (37.8%), and dealing with unprofessional colleagues (27.8%). However, many agents remain optimistic about future sales, with 50.4% believing home sales will rise in their market.

    Economic concerns also loom large, with nearly half of agents encountering more problems with home insurance in 2024. Agents reported an uptick in discrimination, with 22% experiencing sexism and 38% racial discrimination. These challenges threaten to make the job even more difficult for real estate professionals.