Key facts
- Median agent expenses increased from $8,010 to $9,530.
- Median gross income increased from $58,100 to $59,200.
- Agents are forming teams to manage rising operational costs and lead generation.
Median real estate agent business expenses surged 19% to $9,530 in 2026, significantly outpacing a 1.9% rise in median gross income to $59,200, according to National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2026 Member Profile data. This widening disparity between costs and earnings is prompting agents to form teams to share overhead and lead generation expenses, as brokerages have not adequately supported their agents' growing infrastructure needs. The data suggests a fundamental shift in agent priorities, with a greater focus on absorbed costs and support services rather than solely commission splits when considering brokerage affiliations.