This May marks Inman’s sixth annual Agent Appreciation Month. Look for profiles of top producers, opinions on the current state of the industry and tangible takeaways you can implement in your career today. Plus, the prestigious Future Leaders of Real Estate return this month, too.
This post was updated May 12, 2025.
Having been immersed in the luxury real estate industry for more than 20 years, I’ve witnessed the landscape evolve through many highs and lows. Now, I think we’re in a golden age for new agents.
Equipped with cutting-edge tools and globally connected networks, today’s newcomers have everything they need to thrive. Here, I’m sharing a few tools and insights that can set agents up for success in 2025.
Virtual and augmented reality
Virtual home tours and augmented reality (AR) have revolutionized and expanded our ability to showcase properties with clients near and far. Agents can now create immersive experiences for potential buyers without them ever needing to set foot in a home.
Our technological abilities in this space advanced by necessity during the pandemic, and in 2025, virtual tours and AR-powered staging aren’t just convenient — they’ve become a baseline expectation.
Social media reach and savvy digital marketing
We all know that the power of social media continues to grow exponentially, and agents who know how to leverage platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok can build massive networks and engage directly with prospective buyers with little to no out-of-pocket cost.
In 2025, it’s not just about posting a few photos of a listing. It’s about crafting compelling stories, using high-quality video content and positioning yourself as a knowledgeable, approachable industry authority as you showcase the properties you represent.
For instance, a luxury agent in Hilton Head Island might create a sleek Instagram Reel showcasing not only a property but also its surrounding community and natural attractions, informing and appealing directly to buyers who want to live the “Lowcountry lifestyle.”
Technology and AI-driven support
AI has found a foothold in many modern industries, and real estate is no different. However, in my opinion, there is no one-to-one substitute for in-person, human-to-human client connection and market insights based on real-life experience — period. That said, today’s agents can benefit from some AI tools that will help them stay organized and streamline their workflow, helping them work smarter, not harder.
For example, an agent can use AI-powered task management tools to schedule client follow-up reminders, prioritize leads, automate property listing updates or create a business plan to set goals and help focus their efforts. AI can also be used to coordinate outlines for routine email drip campaigns or generate localized market reports, which can be used in discussions with buyers and sellers.
Growing global connectivity
We’ve all seen how remote work has shifted buying trends both in the U.S. and around the world. Clients’ flexibility in terms of their location allows new agents to build a network that extends far beyond their local sphere. The reality is: Clients can come from anywhere.
This is particularly true when considering the reach of social media, which makes it easy for followers and potential buyers from all over to get in touch about a property you’ve posted via a quick DM. With the right tools, support and strategies in place, agents can tap into international markets and connect clients with exclusive properties and opportunities worldwide. The global market is knocking, new agents should be ready to open the door.
Agents in 2025 are armed with cutting-edge tools and platforms that weren’t available even a few years ago. By embracing new technology, harnessing the power of social media and staying open to global connectivity, today’s agents are better positioned than ever to succeed in a fast-moving market.
Mauricio Umansky is the founder and CEO of The Agency in Los Angeles. Connect with him on Instagram.
