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This is the best time to be a real estate agent, right?

By
Home Stager with The Model Home Look

Yes, this is a tough market, but isn't it great to weed out the bad agents.  I find it refreshing to deal with the true professionals who are committed to the industry.  Those of us who continue will be in a great position as the market recovers.

With that said, I am curious to know how many active agents are supplementing their income, or started a new business to survive the down market? 

I think I have tapped into something that others might find interesting.

As you know, 90% of listings require some type of repair.  Simple things like new paint, granite countertops, carpet cleaning and other minor repairs.  Because of this, I started a kitchen & bathroom remodeling business, The Model Home Look (www.themodelhomelook.com).  The business opportunity was a direct result of requests from my clients.  Now I am a licensed real estate agent and a licensed contractor.

Again, I am curious to know if others have found opportunity to supplement their incomes in this market.  

Chip Jefferson
Gibbs Realty and Auction Company - Columbia, SC

I wish we were still weeding out more. I run across several bad agents too often still. I have done some contract mortgage underwriting during the slow months for MGIC. Too busy right now to do anything but Real Estate.

May 01, 2009 01:49 AM
Mike Ford
The Model Home Look - Fairfax, VA

great to hear that you are too busy right now!

May 01, 2009 01:52 AM
Mark Watterson
Salt Lake City, UT
Utah Real Estate

I think there will always be hobby agents.  This market has weeded out some of the full-time agents. 

May 01, 2009 02:14 AM
Mike Ford
The Model Home Look - Fairfax, VA

I think you are right about the hobby agents, but I"ll bet there will be far less.  It was getting out of hand in the boom market, right?

May 01, 2009 02:30 AM