Executive Summary
In 2025, real estate agents are moving more slowly and deliberately than at any point in the past decade. The days of quick brokerage switches based on flashy incentives or a single email flyer are behind us. Today’s agents are more thoughtful, more discerning, and more informed — and that’s a good thing.
This shift means brokerages must rethink how they attract and retain talent. Educational content — especially video, social media, and value-driven resources like those we build at MNKY.agency — now plays a central role in an agent’s decision-making process. Agents are no longer swayed by surface-level marketing. They’re looking for substance, support, and a clear picture of what life will look like after they make the move.
2025 by the Numbers: What the Data Says About Agent Recruitment
We’re halfway through 2025, and the real estate recruitment landscape is evolving faster than ever. At MNKY.agency, we’ve been tracking the trends, crunching the data, and helping brokerages stay ahead of the curve. Here’s what we’re seeing so far this year:
🔁 Agent Turnover Still a Major Challenge
Brokerages continue to face 30–50% annual turnover, with many agents citing lack of support and onboarding as key reasons for leaving.
📚 Training = Retention
Firms that invest in structured onboarding and mentorship programs are seeing up to 40% better retention. It’s not just about recruiting—it’s about keeping them.
🌐 Virtual Brokerages Are Booming
Over 35% of new agents are joining virtual-first brokerages, drawn by flexibility, tech stacks, and lower overhead.
📱 Digital-First Recruitment Wins
70%+ of agents say they found their current brokerage online—through social media, job boards, or Google. If your digital presence isn’t dialed in, you’re invisible.
⭐ Reputation Is Everything
82% of agents research a brokerage’s online reviews and brand reputation before applying. Your employer brand is your first impression.
📊 Data-Driven Hiring Is Here
Brokerages using AI and analytics in their recruitment funnels are seeing 20–30% higher conversion rates from lead to hire.
🚨 The 5-Year Drop-Off
Only 13% of new agents are still active after five years. That’s a wake-up call for brokerages to double down on support, coaching, and culture.
Monkey See, but MNKY.agency Recruits Smarter 🐒
Recruit Smarter
If you’re not adapting to these trends, you’re falling behind. Want help building a recruitment engine that attracts and retains top agents? Let’s talk.
— Stu Hill
CEO, MNKY.agency
