Kaplan Real Estate Education has released its first Real Estate Survey of Trends — highlighting both optimism about client growth and concerns over technology adoption in the industry.
Nearly half of survey respondents (48%) expect to grow their client base in the next six to 12 months, with another significant portion projecting flat client volume.
“The real estate industry is changing faster than ever, fueled by innovation, rising consumer demands and fluctuating market conditions,” said Toby Schifsky, vice president of Kaplan Real Estate Education. “Kaplan’s inaugural Real Estate Survey of Trends shows that success today requires more than passing exams — it demands continuous learning, market expertise, and strong client skills.
“We’re committed to giving agents the tools and training to leverage AI, generate leads, and thrive, helping them turn industry change into opportunity and sustainable career growth.”
On competition, agents were divided over the possibility of an economic downturn leading to more entrants into the industry.
About one-third (32%) said they were concerned that an increase in agents would make securing clients more competitive — while 41% said they were not concerned. Twenty-seven percent were unsure.
When asked about career longevity, 42% said they definitely plan to stay in the industry over the next three to five years, and 35% said they probably would.
About one-quarter of agents, however, indicated they may leave — citing reasons including retirement, income instability, burnout and economic uncertainty.
Despite discussion about artificial intelligence (AI) in real estate, 46% of agents said they are not using AI professionally. Those who do use AI most often apply it to social media content, email marketing and administrative tasks.
More than half (52%) of respondents said traditional brokerages are not adequately preparing agents for a technology-driven future.
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