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Should there be a sales minimum for Realtors?

By Al Maxwell

Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams

January 08, 2008 11:59 PM

When I got into this business, I was told the value of becoming a REALTOR(R) (Which by the way is 2 syllables and pronounced REEL-TOR and not REEL-UH-TOR) That Realtors are the "cream of the crop" and must follow a STRICT guideline of ETHICS. But that's a whole other conversation.

I heard recently that there are about 400,000 Realtors who sold ZERO homes last year. Yes, ZERO! Not one closing in the entire year.

Do you think that there should be a minimum, like say, ONE SALE, at the very least? I personally think it should be more, but I know that 2007 was a hard year for many people. Maybe they could have a "grace period" that allows for tough times. Maybe it would be a minimum of 5 sales over three years, or something similar.

Do you have any thoughts on this? I'm not trying to exclude anyone, but I think that claiming to be a Realtor should include some activity.

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Katie Evans

Keller Williams - Greenville, NC

Interesting point. Would you want a doctor doing surgery on you that hadnt done any in a year?

Jan 09, 2008 12:09 AM

South Austin Real Estate Blog

Sky Realty South Austin - Austin, TX

Sometimes people end up on a sabbatical of a year or more, sometimes due to heart surgery or family crisies or for a missionary motive.. I think no minimum is fine, people unskilled and unmotivated will weed themselves out eventually. Meantime they are still paying dues into the associations so thats free money for the associations.

Jan 09, 2008 12:14 AM

Ruthmarie Hicks

Keller Williams NY Realty - 120 Bloomingdale Road #101, White Plains NY 10605 - White Plains, NY

I know that something needs to be done - but I've seen situations where illness got in the way of sales and people don't stop being doctors and lawyers, or teachers etc. just because they stopped doing so for a year. It's a little different with sales because your status is linked to performance. For example, one woman in our office with a very strong sales record had to have two surgeries on her back that left her out of commission for over a year. Should someone like this with 20 years experience lose their license? I don't think so. On the other hand, I entered this business in 2005. There are a couple of people hanging on in there who have only had 1-2 sales over that entire time. Are they really Realtors? Are they even half-way serious? Probably not, but how does one differentiate between these two types and be fair?

Jan 09, 2008 12:22 AM

Jon Sigler

Coldwell Banker Realty - South Windsor, CT

Sigler Sold Another! 860-306-8029

I think there should. You can't be a loan officer and work for anyone and not produce. Well I guess you can, but no major or serious company. Every loan officer contract I've ever seen has had minimum production requirements in it.

Jan 09, 2008 12:30 AM

Diane Lombardino

Keller Williams Realty of Jupiter - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

I agree there should be some standards, but we have to account for part time agents as well who may not be able to reach a minimum amount of deals. I am a career realtor, but we do have part timers in my office. I think the Brokers should establish their standards and also VERY IMPORTANT establish minimum education standards each year. My office brings in speakers about short sales, mortgages, 1031 exchanges, etc., in order to keep the agents current. Of course, it is also available at our Board. A VERY BIG THANK YOU for mentioning my pet peeve. A Top Agent in my office is a REEL-UH-TOR!! Drives me NUTZZZ......learn how to say REEL-TOR! Diane Lombardino, Realty International

Jan 09, 2008 12:35 AM

Al Maxwell

Keller Williams - Marietta, GA

Real Estate Agent

Thanks...I totally agree that there should be some exceptions. If someone is sick or goes on a mission trip, they should not lose their license. Maybe have a one year grace period to get back on track. Then if they did not sell anymore homes in the second year, then they'd lose status.

Jan 09, 2008 02:31 AM

Gail...you are right about the revenues. If 400,000 are dropped, then you and I would obviuosly see increases in our membership. I get your point.

Jan 09, 2008 02:33 AM

Should there be a sales minimum for Realtors?

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