Congratulations For Surviving the Worst Year in Real Estate in 35 Yrs. Now What?
If you’ve been in real estate this year, you probably felt it too—2024 was a rough one. Did you know it was the worst year for real estate agents in 35 years? I’ll admit it: I was hanging on by my fingernails myself. But here’s the thing—I made it through, and so can you.
In this article, I’ll share why 2024 was so challenging, what the industry trends mean for 2025, and the strategies that saved my business this year. Stick with me, because there’s light at the end of the tunnel—and you don’t want to miss it.
2024 in Real Estate: A Year of Shake-Ups and Shake-Outs
Every year, 30% of real estate agents leave the industry, but in 2024? That number shot up to 40%. Why? Many agents get into real estate thinking it’s an easy gig. But when the market turns—and boy, did it turn this year—only the gritty survive.
For those of us who stuck it out, 2024 was a wake-up call. Inventory was tight, rates weren’t budging, and deals were harder to close. It forced many of us to rethink everything—our strategies, our firms, and even our own resilience.
But here’s the upside: with fewer agents, there’s less competition. The market is starting to shift. Homeowners are listing again, and inventory is popping up in many areas. For those of us still standing, there’s an opportunity to thrive in 2025.
The Power of Support and Collaboration
If you’re still in the game, now is the time to ask yourself a critical question: Is your real estate firm doing enough to support you?
Collaboration is key to surviving tough markets. When I started in real estate, no one shared their secrets. It was every agent for themselves. But times have changed—or at least, they should have.
That’s why I’m grateful to be part of eXp Realty. The collaboration here blew my mind. Agents, even top-performing teams, openly share their strategies, tools, and expertise. It’s a culture of giving and growth that’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before.
If your current brokerage isn’t supporting your growth or fostering collaboration, it might be time to rethink where you hang your license.
Diversifying Income: My Saving Grace in 2024
Let’s talk about survival strategies. What kept you afloat this year? For me, it was something called revenue share.
At eXp, agents who introduce others to the company earn a share of the revenue—not profits, revenue. It’s a game-changer. I started sharing eXp because I genuinely believed in the company’s model, and it paid off.
Here’s the real kicker: this year, revenue share averaged $5,000 a month for me. That’s money hitting my account every 20th of the month, no matter how tough the market was. It’s not just income; it’s a lifeline.
On top of that, eXp offers stock options, which gave me a sense of ownership and financial stability. When I started over at 56 with nothing, these tools made all the difference.
Looking Ahead: Why 2025 Could Be a Turning Point
As we move into 2025, the market still has its challenges, but there are reasons to be optimistic. Political and economic shifts are starting to ease some pressures, and inventory is gradually increasing.
Now is the time to reflect and plan. Analyze your 2024 performance. What worked? What didn’t? Create a business plan that’s not just ambitious but actionable. If you’re not sure where to start, tools like ChatGPT can help you refine your goals and strategies.
Most importantly, stay open-minded. The real estate landscape is evolving, and so should you. Whether it’s exploring new income streams, leveraging technology, or reevaluating your brokerage, flexibility is the key to success.
A Final Note: Let’s Talk About Your Next Move
If you’ve read this far, you’re clearly serious about thriving in real estate. So let’s talk. Whether you’re curious about eXp or just want to brainstorm strategies for 2025, I’d love to connect.
This isn’t just about surviving another year—it’s about building a business and a life you love. Schedule a business strategy call, and let’s figure out how you can take control of your future in real estate.
The truth is, the tools and opportunities are out there. You just need to be open-minded enough to explore them. Here’s to making 2025 your comeback year!
Let’s connect. I’m here to help you succeed.
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Founder, Moving Currency Ltd | Helping International Property Investors with Bespoke Currency Solutions
1wGreat article, Kathy! Surviving the toughest year in real estate is no small feat, and your insights are spot on. With so many challenges, it’s amazing to see professionals like you finding ways to adapt and support clients through thick and thin. Here’s to a brighter 2025 for all of us in the industry!
Floorplan & Photo editor Architect Interior Designer || Redraw Floor Plans || Redraw Site plan & Lease Plan || Matterport Floorplans || Photo Editing || Virtual Staging 10+ Years Experience
1wVery helpful
Great insights! It's inspiring to see how you managed to thrive in a tough market. One thing I've found helpful in my own real estate business is to focus on building strong relationships with clients.