The real estate industry continues to face one of its most significant challenges: finding and keeping qualified talent. According to the 2025 Real Estate Workforce Report, 58% of brokerages describe the talent market as "tight" or "very tight," with recruiting (35%) and retention (28%) topping the list of concerns.
The numbers tell the story. Despite commercial real estate investment activity projected to reach $437 billion in 2025—a 10% increase from last year—many firms struggle to staff up to meet demand. The National Association of Realtors reports that while membership remains strong at over 1.5 million, the distribution of talent is uneven, with top performers increasingly concentrated at larger brokerages.
What's driving this shortage? Several factors converge. The pandemic accelerated retirements among experienced agents. New licensees often struggle through their first two years, with industry statistics showing only 13% of new agents remain active after five years. Meanwhile, technology demands have increased the skills required for success.
The ripple effects are substantial. Brokerages report losing listings due to insufficient agent coverage. Property management firms face tenant satisfaction issues from understaffed teams. Commercial real estate companies miss opportunities when they can't field qualified professionals quickly enough.
For real estate leaders navigating this landscape, the key is developing a multi-pronged strategy that addresses both immediate hiring needs and long-term retention. This includes competitive commission splits, mentorship programs, technology training, and clear career pathways. The brokerages that thrive in 2025 will be those that treat their workforce as their greatest asset.