I am sorry but this is a great news for me. There are so many agents in my board that will be better of somewhere else. And for us determined we will just get better and better. Happy selling!

That's a good attitude Anita. We have 7000 agents in our area. Not that many have left.

Anita, You're right it has been harder for all us. However a REALTOR will survive. Besides the market will is going to be much better in 2008.

Business is tough right now. The weak will get out and the strong will survive. The difference between the two is how hard and how smart people work. Another determining factor will be those seasoned in the business who have worked hard & soft in the past and now have referral business.

Sean Allen

There is uncertainty in economy and it was predicted not as optimistic in 2008.  There is always business, even in recession.  I expect agent who decides to quit due to different expectation.  Both mortgage and real estate was expected to be "easy money" to the public.  Loan originator is required to have background check and exam starting Jan 1, 2008; WA DOL is considering having real estate licensee to have background check. 

Setting the bar higher is good for ethical, professional agents.  That assists in building REALTOR's reputation, too!

Part of me always feels bad for the agent leaving and I can't help but wonder why they didn't or couldn't make it work. Not all Realtors have that steady paycheck (spouse) to count on and their market may just be too difficult to survive right now. Some of them may return a few years down the road.

I try to approach each day thinking down the road a few years --- knowing that this is the ground work I am laying for the future (referrals and return clients). Some Realtors may not be able to hold-out for the future and need to have that steady, predictable income coming in. Luckily - my husbands pay covers everything and together we focus my commissions on getting our home paid off. This career is a "Partnership" with the people in your lives, without their support - it's very hard to make it work.

Anita - I have turned to leaving agents as a referral source. I have already recieved to referrals for a total of over 1.2mill in listings. Not bad especially just from one agent.

Yes, less agents means less competition but you can also look at them as another lead source.

I don't notice the difference because I am busy doing my thing and not worring about someone else.  It is an unproductive use of my time.  What is crazy is agents who leave the business with a pipeline and don't make a few dollars from referrals.

It is sad to have to see people leave, but it happens in any profession when times get tough. I was at our RMLS last month and picked up 4 used lockboxes from agents that were all leaving the business that day because they couldn't afford the NAR dues and the MLS dues. It is tough and knowing you are a fighter, I know you will make it.

Here it success in 2008!