Like many other sectors of the economy, the real estate market was shaken in 2020 due to the effects of COVID-19. Shutdowns and social distancing measures slowed down real estate transactions in the spring, bringing home sales down to their lowest levels since 2007. As time has gone on, the real estate market has produced both challenges and opportunities for buyers, sellers, and their real estate agents, making it difficult to predict trends moving forward.

On the buyers’ side, low mortgage interest rates have continued to spur demand overall, and the new normal of work-from-home has made more workers reconsider the value they place on where they live, commute times, and home amenities. Meanwhile, some households have lost jobs and income due to the economic repercussions of the pandemic, while others are in a position to enter the market due to decreased spending and increased savings this year. For sellers, health concerns and economic uncertainty have kept many homes off the market, leading to record low inventory—but this constrained supply is driving up home prices to record levels for those who do decide to sell.

For real estate agents, a high number of buyers in a hot market is a significant draw, but limited supply can create a competitive—and potentially lucrative—environment for working with sellers. Even as the pandemic shifts buyers’ and sellers’ behavior, agents will continue to be drawn to active markets with strong home values.

Using 2019 employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), researchers at Inspection Support Network evaluated which states and localities have the highest per capita concentration of real estate agents. Some of the states with the highest concentration of real estate agents, like South Carolina, Oklahoma, Florida, and Georgia, are Sun Belt states that are experiencing consistent population growth—which means more demand from potential buyers. Other states with high concentrations of real estate agents include Washington and Virginia, where typical home prices are well above the national average, especially in their big metros (Seattle and the DC area, respectively).

The analysis found that in Georgia, there are 1.993 real estate agents for every 1,000 employees, compared to 1.105 for every 1,000 employees on a national level. Out of all U.S. states, Georgia has the 6th highest concentration of real estate agents compared to the national average. Here is a summary of the data for Georgia:

• Concentration of real estate agents (compared to U.S. average): +80.0%

• Number of real estate agents per thousand employees: 1.993

• Median wage for real estate agents: $47,610

• Median home price: $216,314

For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

• Concentration of real estate agents (compared to U.S. average): Average

• Number of real estate agents per thousand employees: 1.105

• Median wage for real estate agents: $48,930

• Median home price: $262,604

For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on Inspection Support Network’s website: https://www.inspectionsupport.net/resources/cities-with-the-most-real-estate-agents/