The complexity has skyrocketed. The profession? Still stuck in the past.
My parents often talk about buying their first home with just a handshake and a simple document. Fast forward to today, and you'll find yourself navigating a maze of paperwork, disclosures, association bylaws, and complex subdivision regulations. The process has evolved dramatically—and for good reason.
Today's real estate transactions involve layers of protection that didn't exist decades ago. We have detailed inspections, environmental disclosures, HOA documents, and comprehensive title work. These safeguards emerged from hard-learned lessons: construction defects, environmental hazards, and legal disputes that cost buyers and sellers millions.
Even as recently as 2024, the Department of Justice fundamentally restructured how real estate commissions work nationwide, requiring new written agreements and transparency measures. As the DOJ noted, "Real-estate commissions in the United States greatly exceed those in any other developed economy"—highlighting just how much the landscape has shifted.
With over 360,000 real estate brokerage firms operating in the United States and more than 1.5 million licensed agents, you'd think this complexity would have driven the profession to evolve accordingly.
It hasn't.
Here's what most buyers and sellers don't realize: the traditional brokerage business model isn't designed to create experienced agents. It's designed to generate monthly revenue.
Large brokerages often charge agents "desk fees" ranging from $110 to $600 per month, regardless of whether those agents close any deals. This creates a powerful incentive to recruit as many new agents as possible rather than invest in developing seasoned professionals.
The numbers tell the story:
This isn't an accident—it's the inevitable result of a system that profits from quantity over quality.
Think about it: when did you last meet someone "trying out" being an accountant for a few months? Or a lawyer who's been practicing for six weeks?
Other professions require extensive training, apprenticeships, and ongoing education. They build expertise over time. Real estate? Many new agents describe their experience as being "thrown to the wolves" with minimal preparation for the complexities they'll face.
Yet 88% of buyers and 90% of sellers still rely on real estate agents to navigate these increasingly complex transactions. The disconnect is staggering.
Despite the industry's structural problems, there are real estate professionals who've built lasting careers. These agents have:
These professionals understand that buying or selling a home involves one of your largest financial decisions. They've seen market cycles, navigated complex negotiations, and built the expertise that comes only with time and dedication.
Here's the question every buyer and seller should ask: Have you updated how you choose your real estate agent as the industry has changed?
Many people still select an agent the same way they might have 30 years ago—through a friend's recommendation or that person in their network who "just got their license." With 81% of sellers going with the first agent they interview, most aren't even shopping for experience.
But in today's complex market, you need someone who's navigated these waters successfully, repeatedly, over years—not months.
The home buying and selling process has evolved dramatically to protect consumers. Isn't it time we expected the same evolution from the professionals who guide us through it?
What's been your experience with real estate agents? Have you encountered the "new agent" phenomenon, or have you worked with seasoned professionals? Share your thoughts below.