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The latest data through February 2025 shows agent mobility dropping across all tracked measures, signaling an unexpected dip as the real estate industry heads into its traditionally
active recruiting season. This continues a pattern of subdued agent movement identified throughout late 2024 and early 2025, reflecting ongoing caution among agents and brokerage leaders alike.
• Movement metrics decline across the board: February’s data reveals all key indexes fell, including the monthly, seasonally adjusted, and 12-month moving averages. The seasonally adjusted score registered at 87.2, indicating fewer agents changed brokerages compared to typical February patterns, and marking a noticeable deceleration from January’s
already-muted activity.
• Prime recruiting season off to a slow start: Historically, February and March mark the onset of heightened agent mobility, driven by spring market optimism and agents reevaluating brokerage affiliations. However, this year’s numbers indicate caution remains a dominant theme, possibly fueled by lingering uncertainties from the recent regulatory adjustments and market conditions noted consistently in our prior AMI releases.
• Active agent count may be stabilizing: On a more optimistic note, the number of active agents—those closing at least one transaction in the past year—appears to be stabilizing.
Although slightly lower than last month, this number suggests that the exodus of active agents observed throughout much of 2024 could be leveling off.
Relitix Founder Rob Keefe addressed the latest findings: “February’s decline in agent mobility is significant because it runs counter to our usual seasonal expectations. As we’ve highlighted in recent months, the continued slowdown in agent movement is reflective of ongoing market uncertainty. Brokerages appear cautious, and agents are clearly more selective about their moves. However, the potential stabilization of active agent numbers is a positive indicator.
Brokerage leaders should interpret this as a moment to reinforce their value propositions and enhance retention efforts, as the competitive landscape for attracting experienced agents intensifies.” These latest figures echo the cautious sentiment highlighted in our January 2025 release, where the seasonal uptick was notably weak compared to past years. The continuation of lower-than-typical agent mobility underscores the broader market caution stemming from regulatory changes, shifting market dynamics, and economic factors previously reported.
Strategic implications for recruiters and brokerage leaders:
• Adjust expectations for early 2025: Recruiters and managers should anticipate slower-than-expected agent transitions during this typically active recruitment season and adjust their outreach strategies accordingly.
• Emphasize brokerage stability and support: Given the subdued mobility environment,
brokerages should capitalize on enhancing internal resources, emphasizing stability, support
structures, and technological offerings to attract hesitant but interested agents.
• Watch active agent trends closely: While active agent count stability offers some optimism, continued monitoring will be crucial to determine if this stabilization represents a durable floor or merely a pause in further contraction.
Rob Keefe is the founder of Relitix.
This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.To contact the editor responsible for this piece: zeb@hwmedia.com.
