Mortgage Brokers and Realtors are both paid by commissions. With the slack in the market, Both sides have been effected. Some very good people have even had to leave the profession entirely. I thought that the strongest people would survive. Unfortunately it looks like they are just being replace with people that have less experience and have the reserves to wait until the market makes a recovery. If you are looking for a home or financing, check the credentials of the people you are working with. People that have been in the business and are still here will have the experience to get you the best deal.