5 Clear Signs You Need to Switch Real Estate Agency in 2025 

Did you know the average estate agent sale takes nearly six months to complete? That’s a long time to feel stuck with the wrong agency. Many agents switch offices multiple times over their careers, proving how common this decision is. This guide outlines five clear signs it may be time to switch real estate agency in 2025. 

You Feel Unsupported by Your Agency 

One of the earliest red flags to switch real estate agency is poor support. Communication breakdowns such as calls and messages going unanswered or being met with vague responses show your agency may not be invested in your success. 

Lack of support often goes beyond slow replies. Some agencies fail to provide clear guidance, avoiding tough but necessary advice, or treating smaller listings as low priority. This can appear as impatience when answering questions, limited marketing for your properties, pressure to reduce prices without evidence, or a lack of leadership in understanding your goals. 

Why does this matter? Poor communication can cause missed opportunities in fast-moving markets. Weak guidance undermines your negotiating power and leaves you unprepared for complex deals. Over time, this environment increases stress and prevents you from building the skills and confidence needed to grow. Without proper mentorship, many new agents leave the profession after setbacks that could have been avoided with stronger support. 

Assessing your agency objectively can help you decide if change is needed. Start with communication and check if they respond within 24 to 48 hours consistently. Review their marketing strategy to see if they are actively promoting your listings with professional photography, online promotion and virtual tours, or relying only on basic tactics. Ask about their systems for handling complaints and whether they resolve issues promptly and transparently. Observe their commitment by checking if show days are scheduled regularly and whether they prioritise quality service over chasing volume. 

If your agency falls short in these areas, it may be holding back your professional growth. A supportive agency should act as a true partner that is responsive, proactive and invested in helping you succeed. 

Your Commission Split Feels Unfair 

In real estate, your commission split determines your true earning potential, yet many agents accept arrangements that undervalue their contributions. While traditional splits often sit around 50/50 or 60/40, hidden costs like franchise fees, desk fees, transaction fees, marketing charges and tech access quickly reduce your actual income. 

Unfair structures become even more problematic as you gain experience. High-performing agents generating significant business often receive the same split as beginners, despite bringing far more value. In some cases, brokerages even charge extra referral fees on leads, reducing your take-home pay even when you generate your own clients. These practices highlight an imbalance where agencies profit disproportionately while agents shoulder most of the work. 

The consequences extend beyond income. Shrinking margins discourage agents from investing time into securing the best deal for clients, as the reward rarely matches the effort. Over time, this erodes motivation and creates stress that undermines your long-term career growth. An unfair split signals that your agency does not recognise your contribution or value your progression. 

To assess your situation, start by calculating your effective split. Review recent transactions, subtract all fees from your commission, and compare this to the headline percentage. If the actual figure is much lower, your arrangement may not be serving you. Next, consider whether your brokerage rewards your experience with improved terms. Established agents should expect to negotiate towards higher splits or flat-fee models where more of the commission stays with them. 

Finally, compare your agency’s structure with industry alternatives such as tiered commissions or 100 percent models with set monthly fees. If your current arrangement consistently leaves you with less than you deserve, it may be time to explore a real estate agency that values your contributions fairly. 

Outdated Tools and Technology 

In today’s real estate market, technology can make or break your career. Agencies that rely on outdated systems risk slowing agents down and damaging client experiences. The signs are often clear: excessive manual processes, fragmented tools that do not integrate, and legacy systems that consume more time and money than they save. 

Agencies clinging to old habits often require agents to handle tasks that modern tools could automate. From manual property audits to compiling data for reports by hand, these outdated practices waste resources and limit productivity. Fragmented technology is another warning sign. Research shows the average brokerage now uses over 20 different tools, creating confusion, duplicated data entry, and inconsistent reporting. This environment prevents smooth information flow and frustrates both agents and clients. 

Why is this such a problem? Outdated systems weaken your competitiveness, increase costs, and reduce efficiency. Agents spend valuable time juggling multiple logins, re-entering the same data, and troubleshooting clunky platforms instead of focusing on clients and closings. Clients also expect seamless digital experiences, and agencies that cannot provide them risk losing trust and business. Most importantly, legacy systems block access to innovations like AI, advanced analytics, and mobile-friendly solutions, leaving your agency behind as the industry evolves. 

To assess your situation, start by counting the number of platforms you use daily. If it exceeds a dozen, integration is likely poor. Review how much of your workflow still requires manual effort and whether your agency provides automation or proper training. Ask about their technology strategy for the next two years. If they cannot present a clear plan, your growth may be constrained. 

A forward-looking agency should provide efficient, connected tools that strengthen your professional image and help you succeed in a competitive market. 

Lack of Leadership and Vision 

Strong leadership sets the tone for success in real estate. Without clear direction, even talented agents can feel adrift, limiting their growth and professional development. 

Leadership gaps often show up in several ways. Agencies without vision fail to set clear goals or adapt to market changes, leaving agents without purpose or direction. Poor leaders also communicate inconsistently, creating uncertainty and frustration. Many cling to outdated processes, resist new ideas, or avoid accountability. Others micromanage, stifling creativity, while some do the opposite and fail to provide guidance altogether. 

These deficiencies create a toxic culture. Studies show that the majority of employees are willing to quit due to bad leadership, and real estate is no exception. Poor leadership results in higher turnover, difficulty attracting talent, and wasted resources. Financially, agencies without strategic clarity often mismanage budgets and miss profitable opportunities, falling behind competitors with stronger vision. Just as damaging, lack of accountability erodes trust within teams, leading to hidden mistakes and ongoing problems. 

For agents, the biggest consequence is stalled career development. Great leaders model curiosity, resilience, and high ethical standards, which in turn inspire growth. Without that example, agents lose access to mentorship and opportunities that accelerate advancement. 

To assess your agency’s leadership, start by asking about their vision for the next three to five years. Vague or inconsistent answers suggest weak direction. Observe how they handle change: do they inspire confidence and provide solutions, or avoid making decisions? Evaluate their communication style, emotional intelligence, and willingness to invest in your development through training or mentoring. Finally, consider their integrity. Leaders who fail to uphold ethical standards compromise both the agency’s reputation and your professional future. 

If your agency lacks vision and leadership, it may be time to seek an environment that offers stronger guidance and long-term support. 

No Opportunities for Growth or Training 

Professional development is vital for building a successful real estate career. Yet many agents find themselves stuck in agencies that provide little more than basic onboarding and outdated materials. 

The signs are easy to spot. Agencies without genuine growth opportunities often lack structured mentorship, fail to offer workshops that build both technical and interpersonal skills, and resist adopting new learning methods. Training resources are rarely updated to reflect current market trends, leaving agents to rely on “learn as you go” approaches. While forward-looking firms provide comprehensive courses on lead generation, negotiation, and conversion strategies, stagnant agencies do not invest in keeping their teams competitive. 

Why does this matter? Limited training directly affects your career trajectory. Job satisfaction in real estate is strongly linked to growth and achievement. Without proper guidance, agents make costly mistakes, struggle to adapt to market changes, and risk falling behind peers. Many even exit the profession after setbacks that could have been avoided with adequate support. The issue is becoming more urgent, as upcoming regulations will require agents to complete more hours of annual training to maintain their licences. Agencies unprepared for this shift may leave their teams scrambling to meet the new standards. 

To assess your agency, review their training curriculum and determine whether it accelerates your development or leaves you unsupported. Consider whether they offer differentiated learning paths tailored to career stages, from new agents to team leaders. Finally, ask whether your agency views training as a genuine investment in your success or simply a compliance requirement. 

In a constantly evolving industry, continuous education is not optional. If your agency fails to prioritise growth, it may be time to seek one that actively invests in your long-term success. 

Conclusion 

Recognising the warning signs that signal a need for change is a vital skill for estate agents who want to thrive rather than merely survive in today’s competitive market. This guide has highlighted five key red flags to watch for: lack of support, unfair commission structures, outdated technology, weak leadership, and limited professional development. Each one affects not only your daily satisfaction but also your long-term success and career trajectory. 

Regularly evaluate your agency partnership against these benchmarks. Consider whether you receive timely support, whether your commission truly reflects your value, whether your tools and systems enhance your productivity, and whether leadership offers a clear vision with meaningful opportunities for growth. 

The real estate industry is evolving quickly, with new regulations, technologies, and client expectations shaping the way agents succeed. Staying with an agency that fails to adapt can leave you at a serious disadvantage. By contrast, joining an agency that invests in your growth, provides modern tools, offers fair compensation, and delivers strong leadership can accelerate your career. 

At Century 21 Singapore, we are committed to empowering agents with the resources, mentorship, and technology they need to succeed. With a culture built on collaboration, training, and innovation, we ensure that our agents are not just prepared for today but positioned for the future. 

If you are ready to take control of your career and achieve more in 2025 and beyond, make the move to Century 21. Partner with us and unlock the support, vision, and opportunities you deserve. 

👉 Join Century 21 today and start building the career you’ve always envisioned. 

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