Brokerage leaders show confidence in 2026 housing market

"Despite challenges like continued margin pressure and housing inventory constraints, the report said that brokerage leaders remain optimistic, adding that the 2026 results mark a shift from the uncertainty recorded in previous years. The 2026 outlook shows confidence has not faded. It has hardened, Minard said. Brokerage leaders now expect growth while staying focused on pricing pressure, margins, and execution."

"According to the survey results, most brokerage leaders (59%) expect the U.S. economy to improve over the next 12 months, compared to 21% who expect it to deteriorate and 20% who expect it to stay the same. The report added that brokers remain most confident in their local economy, followed by their state and national economies. Reflecting this overall optimism, the majority of brokers (62%) expect housing demand to improve in 2026. Just one-third said they expect demand to remain steady, while 5% anticipate a decline. Additionally, 85% of leaders surveyed expect profitability to increase in 2026, compared to 63% in 2025 and just 18% in 2023. These results stand in sharp contrast to 2023, when more than half of leaders expected profitability to decline, Minard said. The shift reflects years of adjustment in staffing, expenses, and technology decisions."

Survey respondents manage a wide range of brokerage sizes: 20% oversee more than 1,000 agents, 7% manage 501–1,000, 38% manage 101–500, 20% manage 21–100, and 15% manage 20 or fewer. Fourth consecutive survey tracking brokerage sentiment shows leaders clearly identifying growth opportunities and threats. Most leaders are optimistic: 59% expect the U.S. economy to improve, 62% expect housing demand to rise, and 85% expect profitability to increase in 2026. Challenges include continued margin pressure and housing inventory constraints. Improved profitability expectations reflect adjustments in staffing, expenses, and technology decisions.

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