HousingWireHousingWire
Despite April traditionally signaling a strong month for agent transfers as brokerages gear up for the peak selling season, this year’s AMI registered at 114.1, notably lower than the 129.8 recorded in April 2024 — a 12% decline. The subdued metric emphasizes the ongoing cautions stance among agents regarding brokerage changes.
Seasonally adjusted figures reflect market hesitations
April’s seasonally adjusted score was 94.5 maintaining the downward pressure observed consistently since late 2024. This figure reaffirms that, after accounting for typical seasonal fluctuations, underlying agent mobility remains notably weaker compared to previous years.
Modest stability in active agent count
The active agent pool — agents closing at least one transaction within the past year — experienced minor fluctuations, suggesting a potential plateauing effect after months of gradual declines. While this provides some stability, brokerage leaders must closely monitor these dynamics to determine if this indicates a leveling off or merely a temporary pause.
Relitix Founder Rob Keefe commented on these latest findings: “April typically offers a clear indicator of market confidence with heightened agent mobility. This year’s subdued performance, despite a modest seasonal increase, speaks volumes about the continuing uncertainty agents face in the current environment. Brokerages must remain strategically attuned to these cautious trends, emphasizing their value propositions and stability to successfully navigate this period of reduced agent movement.”
These observations build directly upon Relitix’s reports from recent months, which have consistently highlighted a pattern of restrained agent mobility, marked particularly by weak seasonal rebounds in traditionally active recruiting periods such as March and February.
STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FOR BROKERAGE LEADERS AND RECRUITERS:
Enhanced Retention Strategies Required: With fewer agents making moves, brokerage leaders should prioritize robust retention strategies, ensuring agents recognize the clear advantages of staying with their current firms, including technology integration, marketing support, and professional development opportunities.
Amplify Stability and Brokerage Value: Clearly articulating stability, internal support systems, and comprehensive resource availability can effectively attract and retain cautious agents contemplating their next career steps.
Vigilant Monitoring of Agent Activity Levels: Given the subtle stabilization in active agent counts, ongoing close monitoring remains essential. Understanding these dynamics will help determine future recruitment and retention strategies, particularly if the active agent count resumes its previous decline.
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.
