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The National Association of Realtors and its chief economist, Lawrence Yun, recently released 2025 housing market predictions with a comment that stood out to me: “This will be the year that separates the good real estate agents from the great ones.”

It’s a bold statement—and one I agree with, though I’d add a caveat. Every real estate professional should strive to be the best—not just for themselves but for the public they serve.

Let’s get the stats out of the way. According to NAR, existing home sales are projected to increase by 7 to 12 percent. New home sales are up 11 percent. Median home prices are up 2 percent. Mortgage rates are hovering around 6 percent.

Yun and other economic experts are calling for a “moderate market thaw,” though I’m not sure what that really means. Maybe it’s just a hopeful phrase to keep buyers and sellers from giving up. These same experts continue to use language I’ve grown weary of—“pent-up demand,” “new normal,” and the like.

Remember when “new normal” flooded our vocabulary during the early days of COVID? We used it to describe everything from handshakes to masking. But if we’re being honest, “normal” means 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. A fever is not normal—and in real estate, things haven’t exactly cooled off either.

So, what separates a good agent from a great one? Great agents thoroughly explain all broker agreements and leave little to the client’s imagination. They use reliable customer relationship management tools to track activity and keep clients informed. They maintain strong referral networks, including lenders, inspectors, contractors, and even other agents. They prioritize continuing education and apply it directly to benefit their clients. They stay in regular contact with both past and present clients. They’re creative problem-solvers familiar with alternative financing options, contract contingencies, and proactive solutions. They’re also deeply involved in their communities—supporting local events, volunteering, and building strong neighborhood ties.

As the old show tune says, “You’ve got to know the territory.” That still rings true when choosing a real estate broker.

A great agent offers exceptional service—from understanding home warranty packages and moving assistance to post-closing support. They communicate honestly, whether the news is good or bad. They’re not afraid to address the elephant in the room. They’ll point out potential problems with a property, even if it means losing a deal—and their commission.

Honesty is everything. If your broker seems distant, frustrated, or more focused on their paycheck than your happiness, it may be time to find someone else.

For me, success isn’t about the size of the compensation check. It’s about how I made my clients feel. Did I guide them with clarity and care? Did we both learn something? That’s the real takeaway.

You don’t need a Google review or a fruit basket to measure a job well done. You know it when the closing papers are signed, and your client is smiling in their new home.