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Perfect Storm of Concerns Hits Real Estate Agents

    Redfin's 2025 Industry Survey paints a complex picture of the real estate landscape, revealing growing dissatisfaction among agents, shifting views on industry institutions, and a deepening sense of unease about the profession's future.

    Conducted by Ipsos between December 2024 and January 2025, the survey polled 500 agents from various brokerages nationwide. The results show that economic challenges, discrimination, and climate-related issues are top concerns for these professionals.

    Morale is sagging, with just 21.2% of respondents recommending real estate as a career, while nearly half (49.8%) would advise against it. Unpredictable income and difficulty finding clients are major drawbacks, but agents value the profession's entrepreneurial independence.

    The biggest challenge ahead? Affordability, cited by 64.2% of respondents as a major issue in the next five years. Low housing inventory (42.8%) and shrinking commissions (42%) also top the list of concerns.

    Climate change is having a profound impact on the industry, with nearly 40% of agents reporting that it's influencing where people choose to live. However, fewer than 10% have received training on discussing climate risks with clients.

    Discrimination remains a persistent problem, with over one-third of women in the industry (34.5%) experiencing sexism and 38% of non-white agents reporting racial discrimination.

    The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is also facing growing discontent, with 51% of agents holding an unfavorable view – up from just 19% in 2023. Recent changes stemming from a NAR settlement have negatively affected many businesses, while only 5.2% saw a positive impact.

    Commission expectations are uncertain, with 47.8% of agents reporting steady buyer's agent commissions since the NAR settlement took effect in August 2024. However, 51.2% expect commissions to decline over the next year, and only 4.6% anticipate an increase.

    As the industry navigates these challenges, Redfin is committed to supporting its agents with ongoing training, tools, and support. "Our core mission remains the same," says Jason Aleem, Redfin's chief of real estate services. "We're focused on helping our customers navigate the complexities of buying or selling their home while putting them first."