Toughen up, and other key messages from KW leaders 

Keller Williams' Mega Agent Camp is designed to fire up KW agents, and in a year of uncertainty and change, real estate professionals might just need an extra injection of pep.

While the event had the razzle-dazzle of flashing lights, musical groups and upbeat agent video testimonials, there also seemed to be an undercurrent of introspection as the KW brokers and agents in attendance — along with the rest of the industry — face the big changes coming out of the $418 million NAR settlement.

These changes come at a time when real estate is one of the few industries in the U.S. that feels like it's experiencing a recession. Home sales are on track to land somewhere between 3.8 million and 4.2 million in 2024 — levels last seen during the Great Recession of 2008.

The months following the settlement have been a time for agents to take a step back and analyze their value proposition, said Jason Abrams, head of industry and learning at KW. It's not that agents don't know their value or even how to communicate it, but perhaps more than ever, the industry changes have prompted real estate pros to reflect on the opportunities ahead.

"I found that so refreshing and exciting," Abrams said. "If you would have told me that it would have taken this to get to the point where value is the front and center conversation, then I'm thrilled that we're here."

Here are three other top takeaways from this week's event:

It's time to toughen up: Gary Keller mentioned becoming "anti-fragile" in his market report and during an earlier presentation. KW leadership didn't coin the phrase — which refers to the idea that chaos and disorder can actually be drivers of growth — but during an interview, Abrams expanded on the concept, saying he viewed it as the idea that you don't just survive stress, but become stronger because of it.

As an example, Keller said if you pump wind into a greenhouse, it helps strengthen the plants, an analogy that was used throughout the event.

Agents will adapt to change: Abrams noted that every time someone has predicted the demise of the real estate agent, they come back in higher numbers than before.

"So I don't fear for real estate agents, regardless of how long this cycle is, because the good ones will adapt," Abrams said.

KW leaders acknowledged that the upcoming industry changes may bring challenges, particularly for buyer agents, but buyer agency isn't going away. In its message to agents, the brokerage said it will offer general guidance about complying with the changes, but understanding state and local rules, and building relationships on a local level, will be key, Abrams said.

"It would be a heck of a lot easier if someone sitting in some ivory tower somewhere just started making rules for everyone to follow," Abrams said. "But that wouldn't be Keller Williams. In order to be a place entrepreneurs thrive, we have to empower them to make decisions that work in their local markets."

'Win the morning': The idea of tackling important tasks before noon was an ongoing theme throughout the camp, with leaders saying that taking care of those priorities early means you've already won the day — no matter what happens in the afternoon.

Another recurring message: It's easier to accomplish larger goals when you break them down into smaller tasks.

"You string enough of those together, you'll have an amazing career," Abrams said.