According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, with the exception of California, the states with the highest net negative migration rate (more move out than move in) were those states with cold winters and/or manufacturing sectors.

The Report cautions that although migration has and will increasingly take place, whether it’s a net gain or net loss, the change over the next decade will in some markets completely redefine who the largest real estate companies and/or most successful agents will be. The key factors are not just climate and jobs, but the changing characteristics and composition of each respective consumer group within each given market.

Understanding and serving the different generational, foreign-born and minority groups more effectively will become crucial to the future success for real estate brokers and agents.