Market disruption is creating new opportunities for agents who stay visible, sharpen their skills and keep relationships at the center of their business, Verl Workman said in Inman.

Brokerage mergers, slower sales and continued consumer hesitation are prompting some agents to reassess their place in the market, especially those who treated real estate as a side business. As that competition thins, agents have a chance to earn more market share by showing up with consistency, confidence and value.

The shift is also making “order taker” selling harder to sustain — the kind of reactive approach that worked better when homes sold quickly and buyers had fewer choices. In today’s market, agents need to do more than wait for a customer to raise their hand. Pricing, communication, listing strategy, follow-through and problem-solving carry more weight because transactions are harder to win and harder to keep together.

At the same time, consumers are overwhelmed by canned messages, automated outreach and one-size-fits-all follow-up. Agents who use modern systems well — without losing the human connection — can stand out by pairing technology with expertise, emotional intelligence and a clear strategy for each customer.

In this market, relationship-based businesses may be in the strongest position. Referrals, trust and consistent communication carry more weight when buyers and sellers are moving cautiously. With market shifts reducing competition and raising the need for guidance, agents have an opportunity to separate themselves from average agents, build stronger relationships and become the trusted advisors customers rely on when the next move is not simple.

Source: Inman (05/26/26) Workman, Veryl

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