Too Many Agents, Too Little Business: How to Solve Real Estate's Biggest Problem w/ Steve Brobeck
Release Date: 01/23/2025
Nevada REALTORS® Today
A neglected half-acre lot in Northwest Reno was quietly turned into something the neighborhood didn’t realize it was missing. Now, people can bring their dogs, let them run safely, and use a space that has been sitting unused for years. This didn’t happen because of a massive budget or a long-term master plan. It happened because the association saw a practical problem up close and chose to get involved in a way that was collaborative. The work respected the surrounding community, partnered with both the city and the school district, and made use of resources most people...
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Every December, Nevada REALTORS® enters one of its busiest and most important weeks of the year. Our annual meetings bring together board trainings, legislative updates, PAC sessions, committee work, and the start of a new cycle of member involvement. It’s a week that sets the tone for the year ahead and highlights just how much activity and leadership are happening across our association. One of the key events that kick off everything is the YPN + Leadership Academy Alumni Mixer. It’s a simple, welcoming way for members to connect…new faces, alumni, committee members, and anyone...
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Nevada lawmakers are racing toward the next big deadline, and housing legislation is right in the thick of it. With the second house deadline coming up, some of the most talked-about housing bills are shifting, stalling, or inching forward with key amendments. From tenant payment options to eviction records and even a quiet push for rent control, a lot is happening behind the scenes, and it’s moving fast. We’ve been tracking these bills closely, advocating for fair housing policy while making sure the voices of Realtors and homeowners are heard. How do restrictions on landlords...
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Real estate is a mighty industry, but even the mightiest can face a catastrophic end when they don’t evolve. NAR’s CEO, Nykia Wright, saw it happen in journalism. Now she’s determined to make sure real estate doesn’t follow the same path. The market—and the industry as a whole— is going through a critical time. We have seen massive disruption in recent years. Legal, structural, reputational, and technological changes are just a few of the forces challenging our future. Every organization that touches real estate is rethinking its strategy and experience to meet changing...
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The real estate industry is evolving faster than ever. From the ripple effects of the NAR settlement to rising consumer expectations and the rapid adoption of smarter tech, agents are facing a landscape that looks nothing like it did even a year ago. The rules have changed—literally and figuratively—and the old way of doing business just won’t cut it anymore. But here’s the good news: for agents willing to adapt, get crystal clear on the value they provide, and leverage data as a strategic advantage, this moment presents an incredible opportunity. In fact, there’s...
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info_outlineReal estate might be a career with great earning potential, but the majority of agents are part-timers because they don’t earn enough from selling homes.
We have an oversupply of real estate agents without enough business to go around. On top of that, there are hundreds of agents who aren’t competent and confident enough to succeed in this industry.
This begs two big questions: could the problem be the standards of the industry? How do we ensure that agents entering the field are not just licensed, but truly equipped to do this job effectively?
From beefing up our courses and tightening exams to broker-provided training, the industry has many options for elevating our agents and increasing the quality of our service. Is it time for real estate to cull part-timers and marginally competent agents? How do we help consumers who have been priced out of buying homes?
In this episode, we’re joined by Senior Fellow of the Consumer Federation of America, Steve Brobeck. He shares ways to make the industry better for both agents and consumers.
If some of the part-timers and people who are marginally competent decide to quit, that's good for everybody else because there’s just not enough business to go around right now. -Steve Brobeck
Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode
- How to make real estate competent and confident
The truth about real estate is that there is an oversupply of agents, and many of them aren’t earning a living income. From apprenticeships to tougher tests, what can we do to elevate this industry?
- How to keep the dream of homeownership alive
One of the biggest challenges consumers are facing is getting priced out of the market. What are some of the measures that are being taken to help?
- The future of buyer agency
With last year’s changes to buyer agent compensation, can we expect further developments in this area?
Guest Bio
Steve Brobeck is a Senior Fellow of the Consumer Federation of America. After serving as executive director of CFA from 1980 to mid-2018, he now continues research and advocacy on issues including personal savings, auto insurance, burial services, and residential real estate brokerage. From 1976 to 1979, Brobeck was a CFA board member and vice president. He has served on many advisory committees and boards, including from 1990 to 1996, the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. To learn more, visit https://consumerfed.org/.
About Your Hosts
Tiffany Banks is the CEO and former general counsel of Nevada REALTORS®. Her leadership is defined by a strategic approach to real estate advocacy and a commitment to community enrichment. With over a decade of legal experience, Tiffany guides the organization's direction with a keen focus on strategic consulting, complex legal analyses, and new business development. Nevada REALTORS® has successfully navigated legislative sessions, forging strong relationships with stakeholders and enhancing the community presence through impactful projects. Tiffany’s role encompasses not just operational management, but also driving growth and fostering a culture of excellence within the team and the broader real estate community.
Brandon Roberts is the President of Nevada REALTORS® and Corporate Broker/CoFounder of Signature Real Estate Group. Signature Real Estate Group is a real estate and property management brokerage that has grown to almost 800 agents in multiple states. He has been practicing real estate for over 27 years and has been a broker for 21 of them. Brandon has trained and coached Real Estate brokers and agents all over the country. His state of the art training at the Real Estate Academy has brought new agents to new levels. Making them into multi-million dollar producers within their first year.
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