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Are Realtors leaving temporarily or permanently??

By Al Maxwell

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams

January 29, 2008 11:42 PM

I was talking to another realtor who told me that he knew several people that were leaving business, "until the market comes back". He said that they are taking side jobs, some full time and some part time, while keeping their license active at their current broker.

Thennnnnnnnnnnn.....when things "pick back up" they'll quit their hourly job and get back in Real Estate. I personally think this is ludicrous. My feeling is that real estate is not a fair weather industry. Either get in or get out. I realize that bills have to be paid and that many have hit lean times in real estate, but what I'm saying is that real estate will always be cyclical. There will always be ups and downs. Either plan for the slow periods by socking away some cash, or get a career that pays more consistently.

This trend of people getting in and out of real estate does not help our image of professionalism, IN MY OPINION...

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Cathy Glass

Realty Executives Associates - Knoxville, TN

Realtor - Knoxville, Tennessee

I agree.

Jan 29, 2008 11:50 PM

Epcon Communities Epcon Columbia

Epcon Columbia, SC - Columbia, SC

Well spoken. The downtime, if there is any, is a great time to build your presence.

Though we should be sympathetic to the new people in this business, who have had no chance to build a reserve.

Jan 30, 2008 12:00 AM

Scott Daniels Florida Real Estate 2.0. Agents Earn 100% Commission.

Florida List For Less Realty, Inc. Broker/Owner. - Cooper City, FL

Al,

Like any profession ,people come and go. Some realizes this is not as easy as the "Real Estate Schools" proclaim.

It`s not indicative to our profession or any other profession at all..

Jan 30, 2008 12:02 AM

Al Maxwell

Keller Williams - Marietta, GA

Real Estate Agent

Scott, I don't agree with you. Any industry that has rampant turnover develops an image of inconsistency and unpredictability. Neither of these help develop a strong and professional image. I'm talking about professions where you develop a personal relationship with that person such as your CPA, Insurance agent, Lawyer, Doctor, Realtor, etc...

Just imagine that every year, when you scheduled your teeth cleaning at your family dentist, that the receptionist said, "Oh Dr. Jones is no longer here, but Dr. Larson will see you." Then the next year she says, "Oh Dr. Larson no longer practices here, but Dr. Rodriguez will review your chart and see you." and then another, etc. After a while you would wonder why they keep leaving, or at least I would!

Jan 30, 2008 12:17 AM

Medical school and their requirements don`t compare to our profession.

I believe you`ll find the insurance industry,teachers and cpa`s have a high turnover rate as well, albeit not as much as our industry but, all the same.

Jan 30, 2008 07:04 AM

Kevin McGrath

Long & Foster Real Estate Companies- Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania - Fredericksburg, VA

Long & Foster Real Estate Companies

Man - I can't imagine having to spool down - and then ramp it back up again. I get tired just thinking about it.

Jan 30, 2008 09:29 AM

Charlottesville Solutions

Charlottesville Solutions - Charlottesville, VA

It really does not help our image or the image of the person playing "job pinpong"

Your Friend in Charlottesville

Jan 30, 2008 10:41 PM

Tina Maraj

RE/MAX One - Fullerton, CA

Celebrating 30 Years of Real Estate Sales

We don't need those part-time, no-time agents in our market anyway. I am glad to see them go. The membership dues will force out non-professionals!

Jan 31, 2008 05:10 AM

Are Realtors leaving temporarily or permanently??

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