Movement Monday:  Why Do Agents Move?

by | Mar 10, 2025

Last Monday, I started a series on what recent transaction data tells us about agent movement in the industry.  I’ll continue to circle back on this topic every Monday for the next few weeks.

On the surface, transaction data paints a broad-brushed picture that is not overly helpful.

But with more complex analysis, insightful patterns emerge that can significantly improve your recruiting strategies and tactics.

For example, in an internal post, Mark Johnson recently highlighted the top eight catalysts that cause agents to move from one brokerage to another.

Dissatisfaction:Agents seek change due to unhappiness with commission structures, technology, marketing, leadership, culture, or lead generation.

Development:Experienced agents prioritize continuous growth through advanced training, mentorship, coaching, and cutting-edge tools.

Differentiation:Agents are drawn to brokerages with unique value propositions, such as, specialized niches, superior marketing, or a collaborative environment.

Dollars (Financial Incentives):Competitive compensation–including commission splits, revenue sharing, bonuses, and effective lead generation–is a key motivator.

Direction (Leadership):Strong, stable, and supportive leadership with a clear vision and proven track record is essential.

De-Risking:Agents seek assurance that their existing business will be supported through smooth transitions, marketing assistance, and technology support.

Dynamics (Office Culture and Stability): A positive, professional, and stable environment with collaborative team dynamics and minimal disruptions is crucial.

Digital & Data Dominance: Agents recognize the importance of a strong digital presence and seek brokerages that offer advanced CRM systems, effective social media marketing, and data-driven tools.

This is a great checklist to use when evaluating which firms are vulnerable in your local market.

Each competitor will have different vulnerabilities, and you should customize your focus and messaging based on their unique weaknesses.

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P.S. The “Movement Monday” posts are leading to a comprehensive agent migration report that we’ll be releasing later this spring. Stay tuned to your daily Insights, and I’ll make sure you get a copy when it’s released.

 

The Simple Psychology of Real Estate Recruiting [2nd Edition]

Unlock the secrets of effective real estate recruiting. Revised to include actionable frameworks for sharper execution and to help you turn psychological theory into a repeatable recruiting system.

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Creating Pacts to Avoid Distraction

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Look for Individuals Who Want to be Measured

Look for Individuals Who Want to be Measured

It’s not that people with a growth mindset don’t experience failure—they just see failure as an opportunity to learn new things, to be challenged, and to experience curiosity. This is an important topic to cover during interviews and follow-up conversations with your prospects. If you find someone who likes being measured, you’ve likely found someone who will push through the inherent failures of growing a real estate business and experience long-term success.