10 Questions for the Future of Real Estate

The real estate world is shifting fast—policy changes, rising rates, shifting commissions, and new local regulations have everyone wondering what’s next. In this week’s episode of Selling Greenville, the host looks ahead with curiosity (and maybe a little caffeine-fueled anxiety) at ten big questions that could shape the industry in 2025 and beyond.

While no one has a crystal ball, these questions give a real sense of what’s keeping agents, buyers, and sellers up at night—and what might just redefine the next chapter of real estate.

The Future of Real Estate

The focus keyword “Future of Real Estate in Greenville” reflects the central theme of the episode: where things are headed and how both professionals and consumers can prepare for the changes.

As the year turns, the industry faces a rare mix of uncertainty and opportunity (like a game of Monopoly where half the rules just got rewritten).

1. Will Realtor Compensation Change Forever?

The first big question hovering over everyone’s head: what happens to commissions? With the National Association of Realtors’ lawsuit and its sweeping settlement, many wondered if buyer-agent paydays were about to vanish overnight. Spoiler alert: they didn’t.

Buyers and sellers are still negotiating commissions—but with more transparency and flexibility than before.

The talk of “price fixing” was overblown, and the sky hasn’t fallen. For now, compensation remains stable, though more agents are spending extra time clarifying terms upfront. (Because nothing says “fun date night” like reviewing a buyer-agency contract line by line.)

2. Will Homes Struggle to Appraise in 2025?

Appraisers are looking backward at markets that looked stronger six to twelve months ago. That lag could make things tricky for sellers, especially in areas where growth has slowed. Low appraisals have already become more common—and it’s likely to stay that way for a while.

Sellers may need to brace for a few “Wait, it’s worth what? ” moments before a deal makes it across the finish line.

3. Is Clear Cooperation Staying—or Going?

Inside real estate circles, the “Clear Cooperation” rule has become a lightning rod. In simple terms, it means agents can’t hide listings in their pocket—they must make them public through the MLS.

Some argue this rule should go, giving sellers and agents more freedom to market homes privately. Others believe it’s vital for fairness and transparency, ensuring equal access for all buyers.

If it disappears, big brokerages could dominate the market, while smaller ones might struggle to compete (because not every firm has a billion-dollar website or a marketing army).

For now, the rule remains—but the debate is far from over.

4. What’s Next for MLS Systems?

Greenville’s MLS isn’t alone—it’s one of several across Upstate South Carolina. With multiple associations and data systems, agents often juggle logins like they’re playing real estate Sudoku.

The question is whether MLS platforms will eventually merge or open access to non-members. Some regions are already experimenting with “tiered memberships,” allowing appraisers and non-agents to join.

Whether that happens locally is still up in the air—but the winds of change are blowing.

5. What Happens to Pent-Up Demand?

Freddie Mac estimates that about one million potential household formations didn’t happen because of high prices and high rates. That’s millions of people living with friends, family, or roommates—waiting for affordability to catch up.

When those buyers finally re-enter the market, it could feel like a dam breaking. The only question: will it be a flood or a slow trickle?

6. Could Housing Stimulus Return?

If the market stays sluggish, federal stimulus could be on the table by 2026. For now, optimism (and a new presidential administration) may keep things afloat. But if rates remain high and transactions stall, policymakers might look for ways to “juice” housing activity—think tax credits or lending incentives.

Either way, housing will remain tightly linked to national sentiment about the economy.

7. Will Realtors Leave the Business?

Some agents are already hanging up their keys and lockboxes. Closings are down, margins are tighter, and competition is fierce. But in Greenville, membership in local associations remains steady, meaning new agents are entering as others exit.

If 2025 brings another slow year, though, the industry could see a wave of departures. (After all, not everyone wants to survive on energy drinks and optimism.)

8. Will Greenville County Council Step Up?

Locally, the new County Council faces tough choices—roads need repair, taxes are under scrutiny, and housing affordability hangs in the balance.

The penny sales tax that could’ve fixed major infrastructure failed by a razor-thin margin, leaving Greenville’s roads in limbo. Meanwhile, property taxes have crept higher, frustrating homeowners and pushing affordability further out of reach.

The hope is that private investment can fill some gaps, but realistically, progress will depend on policy—and political will.

9. Are More Contract Changes Coming?

After a year packed with revisions to state forms, another round of paperwork tweaks is on the horizon. Expect more clarifications and formatting updates rather than a full rewrite.

In short: fewer legal headaches, but still enough to keep every agent double-checking paragraph 7(b) before hitting “send.”

10. Will Developers Keep Building?

Despite Greenville’s steady population growth, new development lags behind similar cities in the Southeast. Builders are facing tighter permitting, stricter zoning, and louder “Not In My Backyard” opposition.

That slowdown means fewer new homes—and rising prices for the ones already here. It’s a delicate balance: people want affordable housing, but they also want quiet neighborhoods and green views. (Apparently, everyone wants to be the last person allowed to move in.)

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Bottom Line

The future of real estate in Greenville isn’t about predicting the next big trend—it’s about staying nimble when the ground shifts. From commissions to council policies, every piece of the housing puzzle is in motion.

The industry will keep adapting, one question at a time. And while no one has all the answers, one thing’s clear: in Greenville real estate, change isn’t coming—it’s already here. (And just like your favorite contractor, it’s probably running a little behind schedule.)

Ien Araneta

Journal & Podcast Editor | Selling Greenville