How many real estate agents in NYC? (Answered!) Guide

How many real estate agents in NYC? (Answered!)

As an experienced real estate agent in New York City, I can provide some insight into the current number of agents active in the area. Based on the latest data from the New York State Department of State,

There are over 82,000 active real estate salespersons and nearly 50,000 brokers licensed statewide as of April 2023. Of that total, it's estimated that around 60,000 are members of the New York State Association of Realtors.

While we don't have an exact count of how many of those active licensees are operating specifically in New York City, the number is significant. Over the past couple years, there has been a surge of new agents entering the industry nationally - more than 150,000 new Realtors joined in 2020 and 2021 combined. Although it's hard to pin down an precise statistic, a top New York City broker recently estimated there are approximately 27,000 agents working in the five boroughs.

The influx of new real estate professionals has been noticeable here. As a veteran agent myself, I've seen the increased competition firsthand. There are certainly more options for consumers to choose from. At the same time, having more agents doesn't inherently make them better qualified. My experience and intimate knowledge of NYC real estate continues to provide value to my clients. Overall, the abundant choices underline the importance of selecting an agent with the right expertise, resources and commitment to provide exemplary service.

How Many Real Estate Agents Are There Across the U.S. Anyway?

The latest data shows over 3 million licensed real estate professionals nationwide. To put that in perspective, only around 2.7% of them are in New York - surprisingly low for the 4th biggest state! Out of all agents, approximately 1.6 million have the Realtor designation. So New York represents about 5% of all Realtors countrywide.

Should I Jump Into a Real Estate Career Right Now?

This could definitely be an ideal time to pivot into real estate! The pandemic has made remote work much more mainstream. With the right tech tools, agents can successfully operate "on the go" with just a smartphone and internet connection.

Plus, real estate is increasingly moving online. Most home searches happen on mobile devices these days. So you don't need to be chained to a desk to find success.

What Steps Do I Need to Take to Get Licensed in New York?

Earning a real estate license in New York is very straightforward:

  • Meet the eligibility requirements
  • Complete required pre-license courses
  • Pass the course exam
  • Pass the state licensing exam
  • Get sponsored by a brokerage
  • Submit license application and fees

If you're ready to start your journey, online courses like those offered by Nest seekers are a convenient option to fulfill New York's pre-license education requirements.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I'm happy to offer my insight as an experienced agent.  Join the Nestseeker Family.