Real estate professionals across the United States are facing a rapidly evolving market where buyer behavior, new regulations, and legal developments are reshaping the industry. The ongoing shifts have required agents to reassess their strategies, embrace emerging tools, and stay proactive to succeed in this new real estate environment. As the market becomes increasingly complex, agents need to be more agile than ever before.
Market Shifts: Price Reductions and Changing Buyer Behavior
In a dramatic reversal from the seller-dominated market of previous years, the U.S. housing market is now presenting new challenges. The most striking development is the increase in price reductions. According to a report from Redfin, one in five home sellers has had to lower their asking prices as of June 2025. This trend highlights the transition to a more balanced market where buyers are showing greater discretion, and homes are taking longer to sell.
The average time homes remain on the market has risen by six days from last year, now averaging 51 days before securing a sale. With inventory up, homes that are not priced competitively are seeing extended listing periods. Buyers are now armed with more choices and are taking their time to compare properties before making offers.
In this market, it’s essential for real estate agents to adjust their approach. Pricing homes accurately, effectively marketing them, and providing buyers with clear insights into the property’s value are critical to closing deals. One of the key shifts agents must make is focusing on selling homes as lifestyle opportunities—showcasing not just the house but also the neighborhood, amenities, and unique living features that attract today’s buyers.
Legal Challenges and Industry Reforms
Another critical aspect of this evolving real estate market is the legal landscape. A high-profile lawsuit involving Compass and ThePLS.com against Zillow and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) over listing rules is raising concerns in the industry. This lawsuit challenges the current requirement that homes be listed publicly within 24 hours of marketing. According to the plaintiffs, this policy limits competitive marketing strategies, curbing the flexibility that real estate professionals need to optimize their property listings.
If successful, this lawsuit could significantly alter the way homes are marketed and sold across the country, potentially giving real estate agents more leeway in their listing practices. This will have wide-reaching effects on how properties are presented to the public and how agents can differentiate their offerings in a competitive market.
Another major legal reform involves commission structures. A recent settlement between the NAR and real estate professionals mandates that buyers sign contracts with agents before viewing properties, ensuring greater transparency and providing buyers with more power to negotiate commission rates. These shifts offer agents a new framework for managing relationships with clients and preparing them for the evolving expectations in today’s market.
Adapting to the New Normal: Best Practices for Real Estate Agents
As the market and regulatory landscape evolve, real estate professionals need to be adaptable and proactive. The summer of 2025 presents agents with a prime opportunity to leverage strategic tactics and enhance their business outcomes. For example, hosting well-curated open houses, particularly those with local community engagement or themed events, can attract more potential buyers.
Virtual tools, such as 3D home tours and interactive digital walkthroughs, have become essential to staying competitive. These technologies allow potential buyers to view properties remotely, an invaluable asset in a market where time and convenience are essential. Additionally, using virtual staging to show a home’s potential can attract a broader audience and increase interest.
Agents should also educate themselves about the ongoing legal changes and remain agile to respond to new market trends. Understanding the shifting expectations around commissions and buyer-agent relationships will be crucial for building trust with clients and optimizing sales outcomes.
Conclusion: Navigating Market and Legal Changes with Agility
Real estate agents who can adapt to shifting market conditions and legal challenges will have a distinct advantage in 2025 and beyond. Embracing new technologies, understanding the latest industry reforms, and strategically marketing properties are all critical to success. By staying informed, flexible, and proactive, agents can ensure that they are not only surviving in the changing real estate landscape but thriving.
