Please note: The data visualization embeds on this page are best viewed on a laptop or desktop computer.

In June, the National Association of REALTORS® released its latest Member Profile, the association's annual report on REALTORS®, their backgrounds, and the business they conduct.

The report provides a snapshot of the market during a challenging period for housing. For the last three and a half years, existing-home sales have remained subdued, hovering just above 4 million units annually—the lowest level since 1995. The market also continues to be divided between repeat buyers who can leverage existing home equity to make a move, and first-time buyers who are struggling to save for a down payment and break into homeownership.

While more homes are becoming available for sale, many buyers still face affordability challenges due to higher mortgage rates and home prices. As a result, housing affordability remained the leading obstacle preventing potential clients from purchasing a home, cited by 27% of members. By comparison, a lack of inventory (12%) and difficulty finding the right property (11%) were less frequently identified as barriers.

Who are REALTORS®?

So who are REALTORS®? In 2026, the typical REALTOR® was a 57-year-old white female who had attended college and owned a home. Women continued to represent the majority of the profession, accounting for 66% of all REALTORS®, reflecting a steady upward trend that has persisted since 1993.

Most members held sales agent licenses (62%), while 24% were brokers and 16% were broker associates. For 73% of REALTORS®, real estate was their sole occupation, while 27% reported earning income from an additional source.

Among newer members with two years or less of experience, the median age was 45, highlighting the profession's appeal to individuals entering real estate later in their careers. Homeownership remained widespread within the industry, with 86% of REALTORS® owning their primary residence.

Business of REALTORS®

Experience and client relationships continue to be key drivers of REALTOR® success. In a market dominated by repeat buyers leveraging existing home equity to make a move, REALTORS® increasingly rely on established networks for business. In 2025, the typical REALTOR® earned 28% of their business from repeat clients and customers, and another 22% through referrals from past clients and customers.

This relationship-based business model is reflected in transaction activity. Individually, the typical REALTOR® completed nine transaction sides, with a median sales volume of $2.7 million among brokerage specialists. For the first time, the Member Profile also examined team production, finding that REALTOR® teams typically completed 31 transaction sides and generated a median sales volume of $17.5 million in 2025.

As relationships and experience compound over time, so do earnings. The median gross income earned from real estate activities rose modestly to $59,200 in 2025 from $58,100 in 2024. However, the experience gap remains substantial: REALTORS® with 16 years or more experience earned a median gross income of $88,500 in 2025, up from $78,900 the previous year, while those with two years or less experience earned a median of $8,000.

Conclusion

Despite ongoing affordability challenges and a slower housing market, REALTORS® remain optimistic about the future and committed to the profession. Looking ahead, 75% of REALTORS® reported being very certain they will remain active as real estate professionals over the next two years, underscoring the resilience and dedication that continue to define the industry. Beyond their role in facilitating homeownership, REALTORS® also remain deeply engaged in the communities they serve, with 71% reporting that they volunteer their time.

As the housing market continues to evolve, these findings suggest that REALTORS® are well positioned to move forward by relying on their experience, strengthening client relationships, and maintaining their commitment to both their profession and their communities.