I took a moment to look up the current number of licenses on file with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) and it stands at 543,000.
Some quick math here puts that at about 1 license per 52 people in the state and 1 license per 40 people if you extrapolate people under 18 years old. That means you can bump into a licensee about anywhere you turn.
But not all licensees can be called "Realtors". Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors (N.A.R.) and must abide by a strict Code of Ethics and have standardized forms to assist their clients. Realtors in California must additionally be a member of the California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.) and be a member of their local Association of Realtors.
I am a member of the Orange County Association of Realtors (16th largest Realtor Association in the USA) and served this fine organization as their 2007 President. We proudly offered over 250 real estate educational classes this year for our members. Yet, I read articles that say 'real estate agents need more training'.
It's important for those critics to realize and understand that less than half (recent count is at approximately 205,000) of the state licensees are not Realtors, that licensees in the state have doubled in the past 5 years (Realtors included) and that N.A.R. & C.A.R. promote and facilitate educational classes for Realtors to expand their knowledge.
What do you think will happen to the number of licensees in California during 2008? And the number of Realtors? Please email your comments.
Thank you for making me Your Orange County Connection for Real Estate.
Michael Caruso
Comments(0)