REALTOR numbers are dwindling

This conversation started earlier today with another agent (Todd Waller at http://blog.team366.net/) and thought that it merited a mention here. One thing that we've all noticed is that the number of REALTORS is dwindling across the nation. There's been somewhat of a lag time between the time the market turned and the time that the number of agents started to decrease. I notice the biggest change in numbers around the end of the year when it's time for agents to renew their licenses, pay board dues...basically cough up a lot of money that they may not have. What we've seen happen is a large number of agents fighting for an ever decreasing number of transactions. So if the number of agents is decreasing, who drops off the playing field? Chances are it's the agents who got their licenses during the past 5 years. They got into the business during the boom years, took business for granted, failed to hone their skills, didn't take advantage of available training... And they were able to do this because a booming market is a very forgiving market. One where transactions are happening at such an alarming rate that it's easy to ride the market's coattails. Agents who have been in the business for a while have seen the markets come and go. They always do. Real estate is historically a cyclic business - very predictably so. What does this mean to the consumer? Chances are, the remaining REALTORS in your area are the cream of the crop. The ones who are dedicated to their profession, committed to continuing education, and creative enough to get the job done. These are the guys you want protecting your interests. Just remember, people are still buying. You just need an agent who's willing and able to put your home in front of as many people as possible and aggressively seek interested buyers.