NAR: Record share of buyers and sellers use agents

Plus: Texas has the country’s most buyer-friendly condo markets

November 10, 2026

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1. First-time buyers account for just 22% of purchases

First-time buyers accounted for just 22% of home purchases in 2026, up slightly from 2025's record low of 21% but well below the historical average of about 40%, according to a NAR report. The median age of first-time buyers reached a record 40, compared with 62 for repeat buyers, who accounted for 78% of purchases.

Repeat buyers reported a median household income of $127,000 and a median down payment of 19%, compared with 9% for first-time buyers. Nearly one-third (30%) of repeat buyers paid entirely in cash, while a record 10% of first-time buyers did the same.

Family assistance also played a role, with 25% of first-time buyers receiving gifts or loans toward their down payments. Among first-time buyers who paid cash, 28% used inheritance funds.

2. Compass restricts employees from Realtor association leadership roles

Compass has adopted a policy barring salaried employees from holding leadership positions at local and state Realtor associations, the company confirmed to Inman. The move follows reports that some employees, including brokerage managers, were told to step down from existing roles.

The company has not clarified whether all affected employees must relinquish their positions, whether exceptions are allowed or whether the restrictions also apply to multiple listing service (MLS) boards and committees.

The policy could limit Compass employees' participation in Realtor association governance and industry advocacy. The NAR said it continues to welcome participation from industry professionals regardless of employment status, reaffirming its commitment to member-led governance.

“This change was informed by a similar policy previously implemented at Anywhere. We periodically review our policies and have decided to extend this approach across our business,” a Compass spokesperson told Inman in an email.

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3. Catch up quick

🎯 Texas has the country’s most buyer-friendly condo markets. (Redfin)

🤝 Serhant joins the American Real Estate Association. (TRD)

🚀 NAR membership tops 1.46 million. (RealEstateNews)

🏗️ Frisco’s $24 billion-plus mixed-use developments reshape the city. (TRD)

🌅 Texas’ 10 most peaceful small towns. (WorldAtlas)

4. AI bots are closing real estate deals without a license

Unlicensed AI agents are reportedly handling real estate transactions, sometimes taking properties through closing without a licensed professional overseeing the process.

The American Real Estate Association (ARA) is calling for a "license in the loop" requirement that would ensure a licensed professional oversees every major transaction step. The group is also forming an AI task force to investigate how widespread the practice has become.

A February survey of 225 real estate professionals found that 82% already use AI in their practices, with another 10% planning to adopt it.

5. Record share of buyers and sellers use agents

A record 90% of homebuyers and 92% of sellers used a real estate agent in 2026, according to NAR's latest profile. For-sale-by-owner (FSBO) transactions remained at a record-low 5%, matching last year's figure.

Here are other key takeaways:

  • Among buyers, 63% frequently turned to their agent for information, and 76% rated the agent as very useful.

  • Among sellers who hired an agent, 87% said their agent provided a broad range of services and managed most of the sale.

  • Among FSBO sellers, 37% cited avoiding commissions or fees as their main reason for selling independently, while 62% already knew the buyer.

  • FSBO homes had a median sale price of $368,500, compared with $455,000 for agent-assisted sales.

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