States with the Fewest Realtors
| State | Number of Realtors | YoY Membership Change |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Islands | 387 | 0.0 |
| Guam | 579 | 0.0 |
| Puerto Rico | 1237 | 0.0 |
| Vermont | 1787 | 0.0 |
| Alaska | 1915 | 0.0 |
States with the Most Realtors Quitting
(Approximated by Year-over-Year change in Realtor Association Membership)
| State | Number of Realtors | YoY Membership Change |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 20893 | -6.1 |
| California | 204687 | -4.0 |
| Maryland | 27195 | -4.0 |
| Florida | 225563 | -2.8 |
| Oklahoma | 13962 | -2.4 |
You might be wondering—can realtors actually make it in the business, or are a lot of them quitting? Let’s look at the numbers in a simple way.
How Many Realtors Leave?
- Lots of new agents quit early. Some reports say about 3 out of 4 agents leave in their first year, and almost 9 out of 10 leave by year five. 😮
- That sounds scary, but it’s mostly because real estate is hard work, especially when you’re just starting out.
Why Are They Leaving?
- Not enough sales: In 2024, 71% of agents didn’t sell a single home. That’s tough if you’re trying to pay bills.
- Too many agents: There are nearly 2 million licensed realtors in the U.S. trying to sell homes. That’s a lot of competition!
- Commission changes: Some rules about how agents get paid have changed, and that has made some people rethink their career.
Who Sticks Around?
Even with all that, most realtors keep going. About 73% of agents say they plan to stay in real estate for at least two more years. They adapt, learn new ways to get clients, and push through the hard times. 💪
The Takeaway
Real estate can be tough at first, but if you stick with it, learn the market, and work smart, there’s a good chance you can succeed. Just remember—it’s not for everyone, and that’s okay!