Introducing the 2025 Survey of Trends in the Real Estate Industry

Get fresh insights from new and practicing real estate agents who reveal how they were able to start strong in their careers, as well as where the industry is heading next.

Want to Stand Out in Real Estate? Start with the Data.

What do successful agents have in common? How many studied full-time vs. part-time? What role does continuing education play in career growth?

Kaplan surveyed 750 real estate agents to uncover how they started and continue to shape their careers. From licensing insights to long-term outlooks, these brand-new survey results are your inside look at today’s real estate trends.

Real Estate Market Trends for Aspiring Agents

Thinking about getting your license? See how others got started, what helped them succeed, and what they wish they’d known sooner.

Why Agents Get Started

Financial opportunity is the top motivator. In fact, 39% of agents said it was the biggest influence on their decision to enter real estate.

How Long Exam Prep Actually Takes

Agents typically spend 3–4 weeks preparing for their licensing exam. But top performers? They put in 5 more hours a week than their peers.

Why On-Demand Is in Demand

54% of agents chose on-demand courses to prep for their licensing exam, which shows us that flexibility is fueling how today’s agents learn.

Real Estate Market Trends for Practicing Agents

Get a glimpse of how your peers are navigating today’s market, from early career wins to long-term growth strategies.

Prices Shape Perceptions

59% of agents say that home and property prices are the top factors influencing how the public views the real estate industry at-large.

Mortgage Rates Matter Most

59% of agents say that clients rely on mortgage rates to decide whether it’s a good time to buy or sell a home.

AI Is Still Finding Its Place

46% of agents say they aren’t using AI tools in their work yet, highlighting a gap between current AI innovations and current adoption in the industry.