Real estate has no shortage of licensed agents. But according to Steve Brobeck, that might be part of the problem.

When there are nearly two million licensed agents competing for a limited number of annual transactions, it becomes impossible for many people in the industry to build a full-time, sustainable business. The result is an industry with too many part-time, underprepared, or inexperienced agents trying to guide consumers through one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

That does not serve buyers. It does not serve sellers. And it does not serve the real estate professionals who are committed to doing this work at a high level.

In this Best Of episode, we revisit a powerful segment from our conversation with Steve Brobeck, Senior Fellow at the Consumer Federation of America. He shares why the oversupply of agents is a real concern, why licensing standards may not be enough to prepare new agents for the realities of the job, and why mentorship could play a much bigger role in strengthening the profession.

Steve also explains why this issue is not about keeping people out of real estate. It is about making sure that the people who enter the industry are prepared, committed, and supported enough to serve consumers well.

You'll learn:

Why an oversupply of agents can weaken the industry
Why passing the licensing exam is not the same as being prepared to practice
How mentorship can help new agents build real-world competence
Why broker accountability matters in agent development
How stronger preparation protects consumers and elevates the profession

Guest Bio

Steve Brobeck is a Senior Fellow of the Consumer Federation of America. After serving as executive director of CFA from 1980 to mid-2018, he now continues research and advocacy on issues including personal savings, auto insurance, burial services, and residential real estate brokerage. From 1976 to 1979, Brobeck was a CFA board member and vice president. He has served on many advisory committees and boards, including from 1990 to 1996, the Board of Directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. To learn more, visit https://consumerfed.org/.

Resources

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About Your Hosts

Tiffany Banks is the CEO and former general counsel of Nevada REALTORS®. Her leadership is defined by a strategic approach to real estate advocacy and a commitment to community enrichment. With over a decade of legal experience, Tiffany guides the organization's direction with a keen focus on strategic consulting, complex legal analyses, and new business development. Nevada REALTORS® has successfully navigated legislative sessions, forging strong relationships with stakeholders and enhancing the community presence through impactful projects. Tiffany's role encompasses not just operational management but also driving growth and fostering a culture of excellence within the team and the broader real estate community.

Sarah Scattini is the 2026 President of Nevada REALTORS® and a seasoned real estate professional based in Northern Nevada. Her leadership is defined by deep local roots, decades of experience guiding buyers and sellers, and a commitment to advancing homeownership access and industry excellence throughout the state. Born and raised in Reno and a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, Sarah has worked in the real estate industry for over two decades, serving first-time homebuyers, relocating families, investors, and seasoned market participants with integrity and expertise. As President of Nevada REALTORS®, Sarah champions advocacy for balanced housing policy, increased market access, and professional development for nearly 20,000 members statewide. Under her leadership, the association is focused on supporting sustainable growth, strengthening community trust, and equipping practitioners with the tools, data, and training they need to succeed in a rapidly-evolving market. Sarah also brings firsthand market experience from her work with RE/MAX Prime Properties, where her long career in residential real estate has been marked by thoughtful service, deep local knowledge, and a reputation for listening closely to clients' needs.