The real estate industry has changed a lot over the past couple of years — and 2025 is still very much a “reset” phase. Leo Pareja, CEO of eXp Realty, has been navigating those changes while leading one of the most agent-centric brokerages in the country.
From shifting compensation models to evolving consumer expectations, here’s how Pareja sees the market today — and what it means for agents moving forward.
1. How is eXp handling all the changes happening in real estate right now?
According to Pareja, flexibility is everything in today’s market.
Between new rules, changing buyer and seller expectations, and lingering uncertainty from the past few years, agents need room to run their businesses in ways that work for them — as long as they’re operating ethically and transparently.
Rather than reacting late or waiting for outside mandates, eXp has focused on giving agents clearer tools, updated processes, and better guidance so they can explain their value confidently to clients. The goal isn’t to limit agents, but to protect them while keeping consumers informed.
In short: adapt early, stay transparent, and don’t overcomplicate what should be clear conversations.
2. What does buyer representation look like in 2025?
Buyer representation is still essential — but how it’s discussed has changed.
Pareja believes buyers deserve clear explanations about services, fees, and expectations right from the beginning. In a more negotiated compensation environment, agents who can confidently explain their value are the ones who will thrive.
Instead of relying on “how it’s always been done,” Pareja encourages agents to focus on education. When buyers understand what they’re getting and why it matters, trust goes up — and smoother transactions follow.
3. Is eXp focused on growth or just staying steady right now?
The answer is: smart growth.
The housing market hasn’t fully rebounded yet, and everyone feels it. But Pareja sees opportunity in moments like this. Rather than chasing raw agent count, eXp is refining how it attracts productive agents, teams, and leaders who want flexibility, ownership, and long-term scalability.
At the same time, the company continues investing in technology — especially automation and AI — to help agents work more efficiently, reduce busywork, and stay competitive in a digital-first world.
4. What advice does Pareja have for agents in today’s market?
His message is simple: communicate clearly, stay adaptable, and always put the consumer first.
Markets are local, conditions are uneven, and clients are more informed than ever. Agents who succeed in 2025 are the ones who explain things well, operate transparently, and help clients understand their options — not pressure them into decisions.
Pareja is also vocal about maintaining open access to listings and avoiding practices that limit consumer choice. He believes trust and cooperation are still foundational to a healthy real estate industry.
Bottom Line
2025 isn’t about shortcuts or waiting for the market to “go back to normal.” According to Leo Pareja, it’s about evolving — embracing transparency, using better tools, and clearly communicating your value to clients.
Agents who do that won’t just survive this market — they’ll be positioned to lead when conditions improve.
Source: REALTOR® Magazine
“4 Questions for eXp CEO Leo Pareja”
National Association of REALTORS®
