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®?

 Highlights

• The typical REALTOR® is 56 years old, voted in the last election, and owns their own home.
• Sixty-six percent of all REALTORS® are female, up slightly from 65 percent last year.
• At 57%, lack of inventory remains the most important factor limiting potential clients from making a purchase, followed by housing affordability (16%, up from 8% last year) and difficulty finding the right property (12%, up from 11% last year).
• In 2021, the typical agent had 12 transactions, up from 10 in 2020.
• The median sales volume for brokerage specialists increased to $2.6 million in 2021 from $2.1 million in 2020.
• 94% are somewhat or very certain they will remain active as a real estate professional during the next 2 years.

This report examines:

Business Characteristics of REALTORS®

• 67% of REALTORS® were licensed sales agents
• 21% held broker licenses
• 14% held broker associate licenses
• The typical REALTOR® had 8 years of experience, the same as last year.
• 79% of REALTORS® were very certain they will remain active as a real estate professional for the next two years.

Business Activity of REALTORS®

• At 57%, lack of inventory remains the most important factor limiting potential clients from making a purchase.
• Most REALTORS® worked 35 hours per week in 2021, the same as last year.
• The typical REALTOR® earned 16% of their business from repeat clients and customers, and 20% through referrals from past clients and customers.
• The typical property manager managed 41 properties in 2021, slightly up from 39 properties in 2020.

Income and Expenses of REALTORS®

• In 2020, 36% of REALTORS® were compensated under a fixed commission split (under 100%), 20% with a graduated commission split (increases with productivity), and 18% with a capped commission split (rises to 100% after a predetermined threshold).
• REALTORS® with 16 years or more experience had a median gross income of $85,000—up from $75,000 in 2020—compared to REALTORS® with 2 years or less experience that had a median gross income of $8,800—an increase from $8,500 in 2020.
• The largest expense category for most REALTORS® was vehicle expenses, which was $1,460.

Office and Firm Affiliation of REALTORS®

• 54% of REALTORS® are affiliated with an independent company.
• 87% of members are independent contractors at their firms.
• The median tenure for REALTORS® with their current firm was five years, the same as last year.
• 31% of REALTORS® worked for a firm that was bought or merged in the past two years.

Technology and REALTORS®

• 96% of REALTORS® reported using a smartphone nearly every day.
• 68% of REALTORS® reported having a website for business use.
• For professional use, REALTORS® were typically most active on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram
• REALTORS® most often communicate with clients via text messaging (94%), telephone (92%), and email (90%).

Demographic Characteristics of REALTORS®

• The typical REALTOR® was a 56-year-old white female who attended college and was a homeowner.
• 66% of all REALTORS® were female, up slightly from 65% last year.
• The majority of REALTORS®—84%—own their primary residence and 37% own a secondary property.

DOWNLOAD NAR 2022 Member Profile Highlights

Source: "Highlights from the NAR Member Profile"