Highlights from the NAR Member Profile

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Introduction

Based on a random sampling of membership of the National Association of REALTORS®, the annual Member Profile strives to answer the question: Who are REALTORS®?

This report examines:

Business Characteristics of REALTORS®

65% of REALTORS® were licensed sales agents
22% held broker licenses
15% held broker associate licenses
The typical REALTOR® had 9 years of experience, up from 8 last year.
80% of REALTORS® were very certain they would remain active as a real estate professional for two more years.

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Business Activity of REALTORS®

For the seventh year in a row, difficulty finding the right property surpassed difficulty in obtaining mortgage financing as the most cited reason limiting potential clients.
Most REALTORS® worked 36 hours per week in 2019, up from 35 hours last year.
The typical REALTOR® earned 15% of their business from repeat clients and customers, and 20% through referrals from past clients and customers.
The typical property manager managed 35 properties in 2019, down from 47 properties in 2018.

Professional woman discussing details with clients in a home

Income and Expenses of REALTORS®

In 2019, 37% of REALTORS® were compensated under a fixed commission split (under 100%), followed by 22% with a graduated commission split (increases with productivity).
REALTORS® with 16 years or more experience had a median gross income of $86,500 compared to REALTORS® with 2 years or less experience that had a median gross income of $8,900—a slight decrease from $9,300.
The largest expense category for most REALTORS® was vehicle expenses, similar to last year, which was $1,400.

Real estate agent in a home with clients

Office and Firm Affiliation of REALTORS®

52% of REALTORS® were affiliated with an independent company.
87% of members were independent contractors at their firms.
The median tenure for REALTORS® with their current firm was four years again in 2019.
33% of REALTORS® worked for a firm that was bought or merged in the past two years.

Technology

74% of REALTORS® reported having a website for business use.
For professional use, REALTORS® were typically most active on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram over other professional networking websites.
The method through which REALTORS® prefer to communicate with clients was text messaging (94%), followed by email (91%), and over the telephone (89%).

Woman working at a laptop and writing in a notebook at home

Demographic Characteristics of REALTORS®

The typical REALTOR® was a 55-year-old white female who attended college and was a homeowner.
64% of all REALTORS® were female, down from 67% last year.
The majority of REALTORS®—83%—own their primary residence and 38% own a secondary property.