The Real Estate Danger Report: What Most Buyers and Sellers Learn Too Late

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the next 6 to 12 months, there’s a critical truth you need to understand before making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

I call this The Real Estate Danger Report—because what I’m about to share could save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

This isn’t opinion.
It’s data.

The Hard Numbers Most Consumers Never See

According to a recent survey from Redfin, the reality of today’s real estate industry may surprise you:

• 71% of real estate agents sold zero homes in 2024

• Of the remaining agents who sold at least one home, only a small percentage closed five or more transactions

• Roughly 79–80% of all agents sold five or fewer homes last year

Let that sink in.

If you randomly choose an agent, there’s about a 4 out of 5 chance you’re working with someone who barely sold anything the entire year.

“But I Heard the Market Is Improving…”

Here’s where the data gets even more interesting.

Updated numbers show that in 2025, the percentage of agents closing five or more deals has crept up slightly. But that improvement isn’t because more agents are succeeding.

It’s because thousands—possibly hundreds of thousands—of agents have already left the business.

In other words, the gap between elite professionals and everyone else isn’t shrinking.

👉 It’s widening.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

Experience in real estate isn’t just a résumé line.
It’s leverage.

1. Pricing Strategy

Inexperienced agents often misprice homes—either leaving money on the table or causing listings to sit and go stale.

2. Market Timing

Markets shift faster than headlines suggest. Agents without consistent transaction volume often miss key inflection points.

3. Negotiation Power

High-performing agents know how to protect your bottom line, navigate inspection issues, and create urgency without panic.

4. Risk Mitigation

Luxury and high-stakes transactions require proven systems, speed, and strong networks. Mistakes at this level are expensive.

When your agent lacks experience, you absorb the risk.

The 80/20 Rule Is Alive and Well in Real Estate

This industry follows a classic principle:

• A small minority of agents handle the majority of the business

• The vast majority close very few transactions

That means results aren’t evenly distributed—and neither is expertise.

If your agent falls into the bottom 79–80%, you’re essentially experimenting with your largest investment.

The Questions Every Buyer and Seller Should Ask

Before hiring any agent, ask these questions—directly and confidently:

1. How many homes did you sell in 2024?

2. How many have you sold so far this year?

3. Can you show me your detailed marketing plan?

4. Have you sold homes like mine in my specific market?

Ask for proof of results, not explanations.

This Is Not the Time to Experiment

Buying or selling a home isn’t practice.

It’s your:

• Equity

• Lifestyle

• Financial future

In competitive markets like Geneva, Wheaton, Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Naperville, and throughout Chicagoland, strategy matters more than ever.

My team and I don’t just list homes.
We set records, market strategically, negotiate aggressively, and deliver outcomes that turn clients into believers—and repeat clients.

Final Takeaway: Hire Results in Advance

Here’s the bottom line from the Danger Report:

• Most agents sell very few homes

• A small group handles the majority of transactions

• Experience directly impacts your outcome

If you’re buying or selling this year—or relocating from another state—the question isn’t if you should make a move.

It’s when, and who you trust to guide it.

Your Next Step

If you’re considering a move or want to better understand your options:

• Reach out directly

• Ask the right questions

• Align yourself with a top-tier professional

This isn’t the time to experiment.
It’s time to hire results in advance.