The Real Brokerage Inc. has released its May 2025 Agent Survey, revealing a moderating housing market with a notable shift in leverage toward buyers. The survey indicates a slowdown in home sales activity, as reflected in Real's Transaction Growth Index, which fell to 44.2, signaling contraction. Despite these near-term challenges, nearly 60% of agents remain optimistic about their local markets over the next year. The survey highlights that agents prioritize compensation, culture, and technology over brand affiliation when choosing brokerages. Similarly, clients select agents based on personal relationships and professional reputation rather than the brokerage's brand. The market is increasingly favoring buyers, with 43% of agents reporting favorable conditions for them due to rising inventory and greater pricing flexibility. The Agent Optimism Index, although declining, still shows a net positive outlook, with 38% of agents feeling more optimistic about future market conditions.