The likes of Realogy, Compass and Redfin are all touting agent-centric models and tools. Now the footsoliders of real estate may finally be getting their due.

The race is on, and agents are becoming the clear winners. All the companies in real estate -- new tech brokerages, legacy franchises and indie brokers -- are all trying to cozy-up to the solo practitioner and their small teams. At Inman Connect last week, new Realogy CEO Ryan Schneider said his focus is on agents and building technology to support them. Schneider said that leveraging untapped real estate data and enhancing the agent experience across Realogy’s litany of brands will take center stage as the giant battles for market share against Keller Williams and a growing army of tech-enabled competitors The day before, Compass CEO Robert Reffkin made it clear that he is focused on the best agents and building technology to help them do their job. The New York-based tech brokerage has expanded its footprint to all major metro markets and has unrolled a scorched earth agent recruitment strategy.