New research finds 53% of professionals take time off work over seasonal stress

Happy Blue Monday – it’s officially the ‘most depressing day of the year’. And while the epithet may sound like a gimmick, for brokers and agents it’s starting to ring true.
Research from generation tool KeyLeads found that one third of industry professionals find this season the most arduous, with 53% actually taking time off just to deal with the stress. What’s more, over half of real estate agents report working more than the typical 40-hour workweek, while more than one in four real estate professionals cite working over 50 hours a week.
Speaking to MPA, John Cady (pictured), CEO and president of Citywide Home Mortgage, said that January often presents a number of unique challenges to loan officers and real estate agents – and it certainly can be a period of high stress for many.
“It’s pretty common for markets to demonstrate reduced activity following the holiday season, leaving LO’s and agents feeling pressured to jumpstart momentum with little ‘low-hanging fruit.’ The start of a new year often comes with ambitious goals, resolutions, and pressure to perform, which can feel overwhelming. [And], to compound matters, December can be financially demanding on everyone. January, of course, is when the bills start to land in the mailbox.”
According to the research, one quarter of real estate agents find balancing work-life demands to be the most stressful aspect of the job – with brokers and agents often expected to be on call 24/7.
So, how can you future-proof your winter season to prevent the January blues? Cady recommended setting realistic, short-term goals that are achievable and celebrate progress, even if the market is slow.
“Planning and prioritizing daily tasks can provide a sense of control and limit those feelings of being overwhelmed,” he told MPA. “Use that downtime to reconnect with all current and past clients, host webinars, grow your social media influence and strengthen relationships with referral partners. The work you put in now will bear fruit before long, especially as markets begin to rebound in the spring.”
And in the current market, that additional leg work could be the difference between surviving and thriving in 2025. According to the WSJ, as of January 2025, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage has climbed to 7.04%, the highest since mid-2024. What’s more, Barron’s reported that the average US home price has surged from below $300,000 in 2017 to $493,948 by August 2024, reflecting a nearly 50% increase in less than four years. With sales slowing, brokers and agents are naturally worried about what the rest of the year will hold. Cady however, believes it’s a case of keeping your chin up and staying positive.
“An extremely effective coping mechanism involves reframing downtime as an opportunity for growth,” he said. “Use January to refine your systems, build marketing campaigns, or expand your knowledge through training. This not only keeps you productive but positions you to excel as the market picks up. Stress is inevitable for all of us at some point or another, but with proactive strategies, loan officers and real estate agents can turn January from a challenging month into a productive and empowering start to the year.”