How Many Houses Do Realtors Sell in a Year? The Truth Unveiled
- LJ Woodard
- Jan 2
- 11 min read
Key Highlights
According to the National Association of Realtors, the average realtor sells about 12 homes a year, but this number varies widely.
The median number of transaction sides for an agent is 10, which includes representing both buyers and sellers.
Factors like experience level, market conditions, and being a full-time or part-time agent heavily influence annual sales volume.
Top-performing realtors often work in teams and can sell dozens of homes, sometimes even hundreds, each year.
Discount real estate brokers are changing the industry by handling a higher number of homes due to lower commission rates.
How many houses does a realtor sell per year
Have you ever wondered how many houses a real estate agent actually sells in a year? The answer isn't as straightforward as you might think. In the vast real estate industry, with over 1.5 million members of the National Association of Realtors, performance varies dramatically. Some agents might sell a single home for family members, while others build empires closing hundreds of deals.
This article unveils the truth behind the number of homes realtors sell and what that means for you.
Understanding the Annual Sales of Realtors in the United States
The real estate market in the United States is diverse, and so are the agents who work within it. The number of home sales an agent completes annually can differ greatly from one state to another, and even from one neighborhood to the next.
To get a clearer picture, we can look at industry metrics and the national average.
However, these figures only tell part of the story. Understanding what goes into these numbers helps you better evaluate an agent's performance and sales volume.
The Average Number of Homes Sold Per Realtor Each Year
So, what is the average number of homes an agent sells? Data suggests that the typical agent sells around 12 homes annually. While this figure might seem low, it provides a solid benchmark for understanding an agent's yearly activity.
It’s important to remember that the United States has more than 1.5 million active real estate licensees. Many of these professionals are not working full-time, which can bring the average down. The number of sales for a dedicated, full-time agent is often much higher.
Furthermore, an agent's location and the price of homes in their market play a significant role. An agent in an area with high property values may need to sell fewer homes to earn a substantial income compared to an agent in a more affordable market. These industry metrics offer a baseline, but individual performance can be quite different.
Median Sales – A Closer Look at Typical Realtor Performance
To get a more accurate view, it's helpful to look at median sales, often measured in "transaction sides." A real estate deal has two sides: one for the agent representing the seller and one for the agent representing the buyer. If an agent represents both, they earn two transaction sides.
According to the National Association of Realtors, the median number of residential transaction sides for an agent was 10 in 2023. This doesn't strictly mean 10 homes sold, as it includes buy-side deals. This level of activity resulted in a median gross income of $55,800 for realtors.
The number of homes an agent sells can place them in different performance tiers. The table below illustrates how performance can vary.
Performance Level | Typical Annual Transaction Sides |
Part-Time/New Agent | 1-3 |
Average Realtor | 10-12 |
Top Producer/Team | 50+ |
Official Sources for Annual Realtor Home Sale Statistics
If you're looking for reliable data on agent performance, the best place to start is with official statistics. These numbers can give you a clear, unbiased look at how many homes real estate professionals are selling.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is the leading source for industry metrics. As the largest trade association in the country, NAR collects and publishes extensive data on its members' activities, including annual transaction counts and income levels. Their reports offer the most comprehensive overview of the real estate industry.
Beyond NAR, you can often find sales data on individual agent profiles on platforms like Zillow and Redfin. Additionally, many local and state Realtor associations have "top producer" clubs that recognize agents who meet certain sales volume or transaction-side thresholds, giving you insight into high-performers in your specific area.
Factors That Influence How Many Houses a Realtor Sells Annually
The national average for home sales is just a starting point. In reality, a wide range of factors determines how many houses real estate professionals sell each year. An agent's personal drive and business model play a huge part in their success.
From the amount of time they dedicate to the business to the state of the market, many variables are at play. Understanding these factors, such as working with real estate teams or navigating market conditions, can help you see the full picture of an agent's performance.
Impact of Experience: New Agents vs. Seasoned Professionals
Does experience matter? When it comes to real estate, the answer is a resounding yes. New agents are just starting to build their networks and learn the intricacies of the market. As a result, they typically sell far fewer homes, sometimes only one to three in their first year.
In contrast, seasoned professionals with years of experience have a distinct advantage. Their track record and accumulated knowledge contribute directly to the success of an agent. Some of their key strengths include:
An established network that provides a steady stream of referrals and new clients.
A portfolio of successful sales that builds trust with potential sellers.
Valuable experience navigating both strong and weak housing markets.
This expertise is why many homeowners prefer to work with an agent who has a long history in the business. Gaining valuable experience is crucial, as reports show 80-90% of new agents leave the industry within their first few years.
Full-Time versus Part-Time Realtor Sales Patterns
The amount of time an agent dedicates to their career drastically affects their sales volume. Many real estate professionals are part-timers or "hobbyists" who may only sell a few homes a year, often for friends or family. Their transaction sides are naturally lower.
Full-time real estate professionals, on the other hand, treat their work as a serious business. They invest significant time and resources into growing their practice. A full-time agent's focus includes:
Consistent lead generation and marketing efforts.
Networking to build relationships with clients and other professionals.
Managing the complex administrative tasks behind every sale.
Because they are fully committed, full-time agents consistently close more deals and build a sustainable career. This dedication is what separates the average agent from a top producer and leads to a much higher number of sales annually.
Market Conditions and Regional Differences in Home Sales
An agent's success isn't solely based on their personal efforts; external factors like market conditions are incredibly influential. In a hot seller's market, where demand is high and inventory is low, homes sell quickly. This allows agents to manage a higher sales volume and close more deals in a shorter time.
On the flip side, a slow buyer's market can make it much more difficult to sell a home. Agents may spend months marketing a single listing, which naturally reduces the number of transactions they can complete in a year. The state of the housing market can cause sales numbers to fluctuate significantly.
Regional differences also have a major impact. An agent in a densely populated city with a dynamic real estate market will likely have more opportunities than an agent in a rural area. Commission rates can also vary by state, influencing an agent's income and business strategy.
Top-Performing Realtors: What Sets Them Apart
While the average agent might close around a dozen deals a year, top-performing realtors operate on a completely different level. These elite agents and real estate teams often handle dozens of homes annually, with some even reaching into the hundreds.
Their success isn't just about the quantity of sales; some of the best real estate agents focus on expensive homes with a high listing price. What truly sets them apart are the specific strategies and deep market knowledge they use to achieve exceptional results, which we will explore next.
Annual Sales Volume Among Elite Real Estate Agents
Top-tier agents achieve an annual sales volume that far surpasses the industry average. It's not uncommon for these professionals to close 50, 100, or even more deals in a single year. This large number of transactions is a testament to their skill, efficiency, and business acumen.
When you see an agent with a very high number of sales, it's worth checking if they are an individual agent or the leader of a real estate team. Often, a lead real estate broker will count the entire team's sales toward their total, reflecting the collective effort of multiple agents and support staff.
Another way to measure success is through sales volume, which is the total value of all homes sold. A listing agent specializing in luxury properties might sell fewer homes but have a higher sales volume than an agent who sells a large number of lower-priced properties. Each real estate transaction contributes to this overall metric.
Strategies Used by Top Producers to Maximize Yearly Transactions
Top producers don't rely on chance; they implement proven sales strategies to consistently attract new clients and maximize their transactions. They treat their real estate career as a business and invest in tools and systems that drive growth and create their own benefits.
Many top agents build real estate teams to delegate tasks and serve more clients effectively. Beyond that, they use a variety of other powerful strategies, including:
Aggressive marketing campaigns using social media, direct mail, and digital ads.
A commitment to continuing education to stay ahead of market trends.
Extensive networking to build relationships with lenders, inspectors, and other professionals.
By focusing on excellent customer service, these agents generate a stream of referrals and repeat business. This creates a sustainable pipeline that fuels their high sales volume year after year, cementing their status as top performers in the industry.
Discount Real Estate Brokers: Lower Commission, Same Dedication
A different kind of real estate brokerage is gaining traction, offering a compelling alternative to the traditional model. Discount real estate agents provide their services for lower commission rates, a proposition that is highly attractive to sellers looking to save money.
But does a "discount" mean you're sacrificing service or an agent's dedication? Let's take a look at how this model benefits both sellers and agents and debunk the myth that a reduced commission equals reduced quality.
How Reduced Commission Models Work for Sellers and Agents
For a home seller, the appeal of a discount real estate broker is obvious: lower costs. Instead of paying a traditional 5-6% commission, a seller might pay a significantly reduced rate to the listing agent. This can translate into thousands of dollars in savings.
Even with a lower commission for the listing agent, the agent representing the buyer typically still receives a competitive commission rate, ensuring they are motivated to show the property. This structure makes the home selling process more affordable without alienating buyers' agents.
For the agents and the real estate broker, this model is built on volume. By offering lower commission rates, they attract more listings. More listings lead to more sales, which allows them to earn a substantial income while gaining immense experience. It's a business model that creates its own benefits by trading a higher margin for a higher number of transactions.
Dispelling Myths: Does Discount Equal Lower Service?
A common worry among sellers is that a lower commission will result in subpar service. However, this is largely a myth when it comes to reputable discount real estate agents. The best real estate agent isn't always the one who charges the most.
Unlike some flat-fee services that merely put a listing on the MLS, full-service discount agents offer the same comprehensive support as traditional realtors.
This includes:
Conducting a thorough market analysis to set the right asking price.
Creating a professional marketing plan to attract buyers.
Skillfully negotiating offers and guiding you through the closing process.
The success of an agent in this model depends on their ability to close a high number of sales. Poor service would lead to a bad reputation and fewer clients. Therefore, these agents are highly motivated to provide excellent service to generate more business and gain valuable experience.
Unique Advantages Offered by Discount Real Estate Agents
The benefits of the discount model extend beyond just saving money. This approach provides unique advantages for both sellers and the agents themselves, creating a win-win situation in a competitive real estate market.
For agents, especially independent contractors, this business model provides a powerful edge. It offers its own benefits that are hard to match in a traditional brokerage. These include:
A compelling value proposition that makes it easier to secure more listings.
The opportunity to build a high-volume business, leading to rapid skill development.
The ability to serve a wider range of clients, from first-time sellers to those with luxury properties.
For home sellers, this means you can work with a motivated agent like LJ Woodard, who is adept at handling a large number of deals. They know how to attract potential buyers and close sales efficiently, whether you're selling a single-family home or even certain types of commercial real estate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how many houses realtors sell annually reveals the dynamics of the real estate market and the varying levels of performance among agents. Factors like experience, market conditions, and strategies employed by top producers play a significant role in these statistics.
Discount real estate brokers, such as One Percent Listing Group Inc. are making waves by offering competitive services at lower commissions, ensuring that sellers and agents can maximize their potential without compromising on quality. As you navigate through the complexities of buying or selling a home, remember that a knowledgeable agent can make all the difference.
If you're looking for expert guidance tailored to your needs, get in touch with us today!
Call - (619) 794-9966
FAQ: Average Sales Real estate agent makes
How many realtors sell no houses or only a few homes annually?
Many real estate licensees in the United States sell only a few homes or none at all each year. A significant portion of agents are part-time or treat it as a hobby, completing just 1-3 home sales annually, often for family or friends. The high industry turnover rate also contributes to this statistic.
What percentage of US realtors sell more than 10 homes a year?
According to the National Association of Realtors, the median number of transaction sides is 10. This suggests that roughly half of all active real estate professionals in the real estate market are involved in 10 or more transactions per year. This figure represents both buyers and sellers.
Has the average number of homes sold by realtors changed recently?
Yes, the national average for home sales fluctuates with the state of the housing market. In a strong seller's market, as the one experienced over the last year, the average agent may close more deals. In slower economic periods, the average number of sales tends to decrease.
What factors affect how many homes a realtor can sell annually?
The primary factors include an agent's experience, whether they work full-time, and current market conditions. Other influences are the support of real estate teams, marketing efforts, and the agent's chosen commission rates, all of which impact how many deals real estate professionals can close.
Do beginner realtors sell fewer homes each year compared to experienced agents?
Yes, new agents sell far fewer homes, typically only 1-3 in their first year, as they are building their network and gaining valuable experience. Professionals with years of experience have a proven track record that helps them secure more clients and close a higher number of homes.
Is there a difference in yearly home sales between full-time and part-time realtors?
Absolutely. Full-time real estate professionals dedicate a greater amount of time to their business, resulting in a significantly higher number of sales. Part-time agents close fewer deals, as they often have other primary careers and dedicate less time to lead generation and client management.
What is the median number of houses sold per realtor every year in the US?
In the United States, the median number of transaction sides for an agent is 10 per year, according to the National Association of Realtors. This sales volume accounts for transactions where the agent represented either the buyer or the seller, not just the number of homes sold.
Where can I find official statistics on realtor annual home sales?
The most reliable source for official statistics is the National Association of Realtors (NAR). NAR regularly publishes reports with industry metrics on the real estate industry, including transaction data for its real estate licensees. You can also find sales histories on major property websites and local association pages.