Getting left behind?

Our industry has seen some major changes in the past few years, but the biggest change might still be happening right beneath our eyes… and our fingertips.

Of course, we’re talking about A.I.

Those who use Artificial Intelligence like ChatGPT know that it can be an absolute game-changer. But a new survey shows 46% of agents haven’t used it, and some don’t plan to ever use it.

In our second story, we take a look at why many agents are hesitant to use A.I., and how we can help them overcome that barrier.

We truly believe that the most successful agents don’t only know how to play the game, they know how to stay ahead of it.

With that, let’s get into today’s Blueprint!

– James and David

Buyers aren’t biting despite more homes on the market

New listings of homes for sale rose 2.3% year-over-year during the four weeks ending October 5th, the biggest YoY increase in more than three months, according to Redfin’s latest market update. But that didn’t get buyers to move. Pending sales and demand slipped as mortgage rates edged back up and economic uncertainty lingered. Here are the key stats:

• Median sale price: +2.1% YOY (biggest gain in 6 months)

• Median asking price: +2.0% YOY

• Pending sales: -1.3% YOY (biggest decline in 5 months)

• New listings: +2.3% YOY

• Active listings: +8% YOY (smallest increase since Feb. 2024)

• Months of supply: 4.4 — edging toward a balanced market

• Median days on market: 48 — up 7 days from last year, longest September since 2019

• Share of homes sold above list: 23% (down from 26%)

• Redfin Buyer Demand Index: -13% YOY

Our take

It takes a lot of skill to sell in this market. Successful agents will need to use so many important skills: sharp pricing, clear communication, and finding clients who are ready to make a move. As we mentioned last week, investors and high-net-worth clients are keeping the market afloat. This is a sign that agents might need to think outside the box, and outside the typical pool of homebuyers.

Nearly half of all agents aren’t using AI

Nearly half of real estate agents still aren’t using AI tools, even as most consumers already are. Kaplan Real Estate Education’s 2025 survey shows a widening gap between tech adopters and traditional agents. The data suggests many agents are hesitant due to limited training and uncertainty about where to start. Here are the trends you need to know:

• Gap between agents and consumers – 46% of agents aren’t using AI, and 17% don’t plan to start. This contrasts sharply with the 82% of consumers who use AI for housing information. The gap highlights how quickly client expectations are outpacing agent adoption.

• AI use is concentrated in marketing and admin tasks – Among agents using AI, most focus on social media (22%), email marketing (21%), and admin help (17%). Few use it for pricing or trend analysis. Adoption is starting where the learning curve is lowest.

• More agents expect to use AI for analytics and lead generation – Within the next three years, over a third plan to use AI for market insights, CMAs, and predictive analytics. Agents are starting to see AI as a decision-making tool, not just a content assistant. This shift could mark the next wave of adoption.

• Lack of training remains the main barrier – Over half of agents say brokerages aren’t providing enough tech training. Many feel overwhelmed or skeptical of AI’s reliability. Without structured guidance, many stay stuck on the sidelines.

Our take

This data shows the main problem isn’t resistance to new technologies, but the readiness for them. Most agents want to use AI, but lack the training and structure to do it effectively. Meanwhile, consumers are already ahead of the game, expecting faster responses, better insights, and more personalization. The agents who start experimenting now — even with small steps, such as using ChatGPT prompts or automated follow-ups — will own the next phase of the business. This report makes it crystal clear that agents embracing AI are gaining a head start, while those who delay risk falling behind.

States with the highest foreclosure rates

In September, foreclosure activity across the U.S. was down 0.3% from August, but up 20% from September of last year. That’s according to the latest update from ATTOM’s report on foreclosure activity. 

Here’s a breakdown of the key trends:

• Total filings: 35,602 properties with default notices, scheduled auctions, or bank repossessions

• National rate: One in every 3,997 housing units had a foreclosure filing

• Foreclosure starts: 23,761 U.S. properties began the foreclosure process in September 2025 — down 2% from August but up 20% year-over-year.

• Foreclosure completions: Lenders repossessed 3,780 U.S. properties, down 7% month-over-month, but up 44% from September 2024.

Here are the states with the highest foreclosure rates:

1. Florida: 1/ 2182 Housing Units

2. Delaware: 1/ 2325 HU

3. Nevada: 1/ 2417 HU

4. Indiana: 1/ 2697 HU

5. South Carolina: 1/ 2883 HU

6. Illinois: 1/ 2883 HU

7. Utah: 1/ 3075 HU

8. Ohio: 1/ 3114 HU

9. Iowa: 1/ 3222 HU

10. Texas: 1/ 3313 HU

Our take

While monthly foreclosure activity dipped slightly, the steady year-over-year climb signals that financial strain remains embedded in the market. Rising completions suggest more loans are exhausting their workout options, particularly in Sun Belt and Midwestern states. Even if national numbers look stable, distressed properties in local markets are quietly building beneath the surface. Now is the time for agents to track local filings and reach out to homeowners in pre-foreclosure, because corrections in the market start quietly before they show up in prices.

When we decided to join Million Dollar Listing, it was all about reach. We knew the kind of clients TV exposure could bring. Today, social media has that same power. That’s why our partners at Estate Media created the Agent Growth Program specifically for agents and brokerages who want to elevate their social presence to the next level. You film in short sessions, and their team handles everything else: scripting, editing, posting, and performance tracking. The Blueprint readers get a free social media audit.

The news that just missed the cuts

• Buying raw land? Here’s what you need to know

• Use these strategies for setting expectations with “unrealistic” sellers 

• How to make your listings go viral this Halloween

• UBS “decidedly bullish” on homebuilders heading into 2026

• How Barbara Corcoran sold her penthouse for $1.5M above ask – in less than a day

Foundation Plans

Advice from James and David to win the day

We know the holiday season is fast approaching, and Thanksgiving and Christmas are great times to reconnect with clients. But we want to remind you that you don’t have to wait until then. Today, as part of our series on lead generation and sourcing clients, we’d like to give you some concrete examples of other reasons to check in with clients in an authentic and “non-salesy” way.

Home anniversaries – Contact your client on their home anniversary if you helped either sell or purchase their home. Home anniversaries are a fun way to say hello and a great way to stay on their radar.  Your clients will appreciate the thoughtfulness, and you’ll forever be the one who remembers what makes their home uniquely special. 

Market updates – We believe you should be sending an update at least every quarter. That’s the bare minimum!  Start with a quick MLS search to find everything that has sold in your client’s neighborhood in the last six months. Also show them what’s currently on the market.  Pair that info with a video like this—it’s a fantastic way to stay memorable, and your clients will always be curious about their home values. 

Send thoughtful gifts – Whether it’s a birthday or a holiday, gifts are an entirely appropriate and great way to stay in touch with past clients. Use services like Pop By Co. or Dare & Co. to simplify the process for you. All you need to do is send them a CSV or Excel file with your client’s names and addresses, and they will send out gifts on your behalf. Be genuine in your messages. Your clients will remember!

For more excellent tips on how to stay connected with your clients, start here and here.

Just in Case

Keep the latest industry data in your back pocket with today’s mortgage rates:

"Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution."  – Attributed to Aristotle

Thanks for reading, friends. Be intentional with your time and what you do because excellence doesn’t just happen. It takes focus, practice, and effort.

Have a great week. We’ll see you back here on Friday!

– James and David