Navigating the Slow Season: A 2025 Real Estate Forecast for Success

Prepare yourself for the Next Chapter at Inman Connect New York. Whether it’s refining your business model, mastering new technologies, or discovering strategies to capitalize on market surges, this event will equip you to take bold steps forward. Join us and thousands of real estate leaders on Jan. 22-24, 2025.

In my 21 years in the industry, I’ve seen cycles come and go, but one thing remains constant: Those who stay prepared, focused and resilient always come out ahead. 

Looking ahead to 2025, I want to share insights to help agents, teams, and brokerages turn slow seasons into growth opportunities. Real estate is dynamic, and planning, adaptability, and a proactive mindset can make a difference. 

Reflecting on the year to set the stage for growth 

As the year ends, it’s the perfect time to evaluate what’s working and what’s not. Track key metrics like sales volume, commission, closed buyer sales, and listings month by month to understand your performance compared to the previous year. This analysis is crucial for setting goals and measuring against market activity. 

For teams, it’s essential to assess individual agent performance, supporting those who may need guidance to reach their potential. Effective teams focus on creating a culture of accountability and growth, celebrating top performers while helping others improve. 

Goal setting for Q1: Start planning now 

In real estate, planning for Q1 starts early to impact the upcoming quarter. Setting data-driven goals in areas like strengthening client relationships, embracing digital tools, and investing in lead generation sources provides agents with confidence and direction for the new year. 

Focus on working smarter, not harder, in 2025 by aligning goals to prepare for challenges and opportunities in the market. 

Anticipating market trends and economic influences 

Despite assumptions of a quiet Q1, Las Vegas experiences slower periods rather than a slow season. Buyers see the new year as a fresh start, while sellers rush to close deals. Challenges like interest rates, inflation, and an election year, along with an ongoing shortage of affordable housing, highlight the need for agents to navigate creatively. 

Budgeting and financial planning: Keys to stability 

Maintain stability in Q1 through strategic budgeting and financial planning. Reviewing income and expenses, allocating funds for taxes, marketing, and emergencies, and investing in your business during slower periods are essential for growth. 

Quality leads, higher marketing budgets, and shifting to effective lead sources are crucial for success in 2025. Focusing on the right tools and relationships ensures readiness to capture market opportunities. 

Creating a culture of excellence 

Success in real estate depends on attracting and retaining talent. Foster collaboration between seasoned producers and new agents to elevate everyone. Set high standards, offer ongoing coaching and training, and show investment in agent success to inspire loyalty and commitment. 

Nurturing client relationships for long-term success 

Beyond transactions, build lasting client relationships by providing exceptional service and ongoing support. Offer resources, follow-ups, and market updates to position yourself as a trusted resource. Investing in client relationships leads to repeat business and referrals. 

Planning for potential challenges in Q1 

Prepare to address challenges like cash flow issues, agent commitment, and market shifts with transparent communication and support. Maintain strong operations, finances, and compliance to navigate uncertainties. 

Staying accountable to goals and adjusting 

Monitor progress consistently, adjust strategies as needed, and foster a culture of accountability to drive results. Analyze performance beyond basic metrics to identify areas for improvement and maintain momentum towards success. 

Building success that lasts 

Approach 2025 with a mindset of turning challenges into opportunities through clear goals, commitment to excellence, and resilience. Each season presents a chance for growth, so stay focused, disciplined, and adaptable to thrive in a changing market. 

Craig Tann is the CEO of huntington & ellis, a full-service real estate agency based in Las Vegas. Connect with Craig on LinkedIn and Instagram.