If you've been in real estate for a few years, you've probably watched colleagues come and go. Maybe you've wondered yourself whether the grass is greener at another brokerage—or whether hanging your license somewhere new would give your business the boost it needs.
New data from the National Association of REALTORS® sheds light on exactly why agents move, who's most likely to switch firms, and what keeps experienced professionals rooted where they are. The findings paint a nuanced picture of an industry where mobility is common early on, but loyalty tends to grow with time and tenure.
Whether you're considering a brokerage change, starting your career, or wondering how to build a sustainable long-term business, understanding these retention trends can help you make smarter decisions about where—and how—to invest your energy.
One-Third of Departures Are Agent Moves to Competing Firms
More than one-third of all firms (34%) reported that departing licensees resigned to move to another real estate company, underscoring just how competitive the environment is for retaining talent.
This is particularly true for team and hybrid firms (both 47%) and virtual firms (40%), where nearly half of all departures involve agents switching to a competitor.
But not every departure is a recruitment win for the competition.
Retirement accounts for 27% of departures
—a significant factor largely beyond any firm's control.
A smaller share of members leave to start their own independent firms (6%), reflecting entrepreneurial ambitions that pull some agents toward building something of their own.
The takeaway? Agent movement is a natural part of the real estate landscape, driven by a mix of competitive recruiting, life stage transitions, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drew many of us to this profession in the first place.
Experience Breeds Loyalty
If you've been in the business for a while, you've likely felt the pull to stay put. The data confirms that instinct.
Real estate professionals tend to become more committed to their firms as they gain industry experience, with professionals with 16 or more years of experience the most likely to report long tenures with their current firms.
The numbers are striking.
NAR's data shows that real estate professionals with 16 or more years of experience are the most likely to report long tenures with their current firms.
Newer agents, by contrast, are far more likely to explore their options.
Newer professionals may be more likely to explore different brokerage options, while experienced agents are more likely to report longer tenures with their current firms.
Why does experience lead to stability? Established agents have built client bases, referral networks, and systems that work. Moving means potentially disrupting those relationships and starting over with new tools, branding, and administrative processes. For many seasoned professionals, the friction cost of switching simply isn't worth it unless something is genuinely broken.
What This Means for Rhode Island Agents
Rhode Island's real estate market is tightly knit. Our state is small, our communities are connected, and reputation matters deeply. That intimacy makes brokerage decisions even more consequential than they might be in a sprawling metro market.
If you're early in your career—say, in your first five or ten years—it's normal to evaluate your options. The data shows you're in good company. But as you consider where to plant your roots, think beyond commission splits and flashy recruiting pitches. Ask yourself:
Does this brokerage offer support that will help me build a sustainable, referral-based business for the long haul?
Will I have access to the tools and training I need to serve Rhode Island clients well—professional photography, marketing resources, transaction coordination?
Does the culture align with how I want to do business?
Can I see myself here in ten years, or am I just chasing a short-term incentive?
At Slocum Home Team, we've built our model around agents who want to grow thoughtfully and serve clients deeply. Our day-to-day listing agreement (with no cancellation fees), professional marketing suite including drone photography and 3D tours, and our Closing With a Cause program reflect a long-term commitment to doing right by clients and our community. We're not interested in a revolving door—we're interested in helping you build something that lasts.
For experienced Rhode Island agents, the data should be reassuring. If you've found a brokerage that supports your business and respects your expertise, staying put is often the smartest move. Your relationships—with clients, with vendors, with your local market—are your most valuable assets. Protecting and nurturing those connections will serve you far better than chasing the next recruiting bonus.
Building a Career That Endures
The real estate profession rewards longevity. Repeat clients and referrals become the backbone of sustainable success, and those relationships take years to cultivate. The agents who thrive long-term aren't necessarily the flashiest or the ones who jump ship every few years—they're the ones who show up consistently, serve their clients well, and build trust that compounds over time.
Whether you're just starting out or you're a veteran considering your next chapter, the retention data offers a clear message: choose your brokerage carefully, invest in your skills and relationships, and give yourself the runway to grow. Mobility early in your career is normal, but the goal should always be to find a home where you can build something that lasts.
Thinking about your next move—or your first one—in Rhode Island real estate? We'd love to talk with you about what a long-term career at Slocum Home Team looks like. Reach out to us at (401) 372-8976, email Hello@SlocumHomeTeam.com, or visit slocumhometeam.com. Let's build something built to last—together.
