The real estate market in the US wasn’t always the smooth, organized system we see today. A century ago, it was a bit like the Wild West—no real structure, no strict regulations, and not much transparency. Transactions were often based on trust, with handshake deals sealing the fate of properties. Sounds familiar? In a way, India’s real estate market today has some of those same traits, and it’s heading toward a more organized future—just like the US did. Let’s break down how it happened in the US and what India can expect in the coming years.

The Early Days of Real Estate in the US: A Messy Start

Back in the early 1900s, real estate in the US was disorganized, to say the least. There weren’t any solid rules or guidelines for buying and selling property.

People would rely on word of mouth or personal connections, and often, buyers had no idea what they were getting into. Real estate agents were basically self-made—no formal training, no regulations, just figuring it out as they went.
This led to a lot of guesswork and, frankly, a lot of risk for buyers and sellers.

So, what changed?

• Real estate associations took charge: Organizations like the National Association of Realtors (NAR) came in around 1908 and started setting some ground rules. They established a code of ethics, began offering training, and started professionalizing the role of real estate agents.
  
• Zoning laws were introduced: As cities expanded, governments stepped in with zoning laws to make sure land use was controlled and buyers knew exactly what they were getting.
  
• MLS (Multiple Listing Service) was born: By allowing real estate agents to share property listings with each other, the MLS system created a more connected and efficient market.
  
• Licensing became mandatory: Eventually, states required real estate agents to be licensed. This formalized the role and made sure that agents had the skills and knowledge to help clients make smart decisions.
  
  In short, the US real estate market grew up. From being a fragmented, unreliable sector, it turned into a more professional, transparent, and trusted industry.
  
  Real Estate Agents in the US Today

Fast forward to today, and real estate agents in the US are a far cry from their early counterparts. They’re trained, licensed, and operate under a clear set of rules.

Agents are no longer just the middlemen—they’re market experts, negotiators, and advisors. Thanks to technology, they can provide clients with detailed insights on everything from market trends to neighborhood specifics.

And speaking of tech, platforms like Zillow and Redfin have revolutionized the industry. Buyers and sellers have access to a ton of information, and real estate agents use these tools to provide even more value to their clients. It’s a win-win.

Now, Let’s Talk About India: Where Are We Now?

India’s real estate market is still in a bit of its “Wild West” phase, but change is in the air. Right now, things can feel a little disorganized. Transactions sometimes happen off the record, and real estate agents don’t always have formal training or clear guidelines to follow. But that’s starting to shift, especially in major cities where professionalism is becoming more of a priority.

Here are a few signs that India’s real estate market is getting its act together:

• RERA is a game-changer: The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, or RERA, passed in 2016, has started to bring much-needed transparency to the sector. Developers have to be more accountable, and buyers have better protection.
  
• Bigger, more professional agencies: We’re starting to see the rise of organized real estate agencies in India, especially in metro cities. These companies provide proper training for their agents, which means better service for clients.
  
• Digital platforms are growing: Websites like MagicBricks and 99acres are making property listings more accessible. Sure, it’s not perfect yet, but it’s a step toward a more transparent market.
  
• Licensing for agents: Although still in early discussions, the idea of requiring real estate agents in India to be licensed is gaining traction. It’s not far off, and once it happens, it’ll take the profession to the next level.

What’s Next for India?

If we take a page out of the US playbook, India’s real estate market is on track to become more structured, reliable, and professional. Here’s what to expect:

• Real estate agents will get more specialized:As regulations tighten and professional standards rise, agents will become more like advisors. Expect to see agents who specialize in everything from luxury homes to commercial properties, with deep expertise in their fields.
  
• Technology will keep evolving: Buyers and sellers will continue to rely more on digital platforms, but real estate agents won’t be replaced. Instead, they’ll use technology to offer smarter insights, faster deals, and more personalized services
  
• More transparency, less hassle: As the regulatory framework grows, especially with RERA leading the way, buyers and sellers will face less uncertainty. The market will become more predictable, and that’s good for everyone.

Wrapping It Up: The Road from Chaos to Order

What we’re seeing in India is the beginning of a long journey. The US real estate market didn’t become organized overnight—it took decades of regulations, professionalization, and tech innovation to get where it is today. India is on a similar path. We’ve already seen some major improvements, and there’s a lot more to come.

For buyers, sellers, and agents in India, the future looks promising. As the market becomes more organized, expect smoother transactions, better service, and a more professional industry overall. It’s not going to happen overnight, but if we look at the US, we know we’re heading in the right direction.