Have A License in Florida????? Yes...Realtors® Are Dropping Like Flies!

It will only help Florida real estate if you reduce the number of Realtors...including those just in it for the quick part-time buck!

It is too bad that Realtors are dropping like flies. I can understand finding other sources of income to tite you over, but I would never let my license laps. Good luck to you.

I do agree unless you are simply burned out and I see that a lot in real estate. I have tons of veteran agents asking for my advice because they want new and fresh energy. What worked 5 or 10 years ago might not work now. Good post.

It was bound to happen in some areas, but the referral agent position is the way to go!

Hi Midori - this is a good reminder that all those built-up databases are worth some serious money, and to put it to good use for referrals.  It would be a shame for those who've been in the business for any length of time to let that slip through their fingers!

Ann 

I am a Florida agent and I can tell you that it is true agents are leaving the business in droves. Our area had a lot of part-timers and those that just kept their license in case something came up. The good news is that the agents that work hard are still making money and they will be around for the long term. 

I'm seeing the numbers drop in NE FL, but it isn't as large a number as I expected.  I know many people that are keeping their licenses active for the occaionsal friends and family deal.

Midori - Most are not willing to make the drastic changes REQUIRED to continue in this VERY different real estate market we have here.

Hi Midori, it's worth getting up early to find out what you are doing!  We will know soon how many realtors haven't renewed their licenses here in Haywood County, NC.  

There might be as many drop outs as there are foreclosures.

Midori, When I do my Newsletters to my Realtors it is amazing to me to see how many are coming back now.  (they left the business)  This is a great way that they can still have a hand in it.

Midori - It certainly is a good idea for a Realtor leaving the business to sell the data base of clients they have built over the years. Not a bad residual income either!

that is indeed a good way to still make some money if you are leaving the business.

Isn't this kind of tacky to recruit on Active Rain even for a holding company?

Thanks for the comments...It is very wise to utilize your book of business even if you are retiring.

Christina-that is the point...not to let you license lapse..for some a full time job is what they need for other's they choose to sell real estate...referral companies...allow you to recieve compensation rather than just hand it over to a realtor.  If you have spent all this time building a business...why would you not want to be compensated!

Carol-as the year progresses there will be more that drop out...at least that is what I believe...

Neal-Yes I do think that is possible.

Mr. Jim Crawford-I really did not expect a response like this from you.  You may find it tacky but for the other 60,000 + people on the network...some may not even know that they can do this.  This is a real estate network...so if you can solicit the consumer...I too have the right to solicit realtors...if you have a problem with it...block me...or don't read my posts...I apologize if you find this offensive but honestly although it is a real estate network....its a real estate...industry network...didn't know that a small independent local referral company could not do the same.  As a trainer...I untilize the network to it's fullest potential...I really try not to worry about what other's are doing...that's why I am so happy to have the disclaimer...especially for comments beyond my control!

Midori, Great information as I have heard that folks who are retiring or now looking for other avenues of income don't know what to do with their license in our area. One of our offices now retired agents does quite well with referrals. Nothing wrong with letting people know where they can go to take care of their customrs and make sure they are well taken care of!

I think it's all the better that the fair weather realtors are dropping out. It leaves more room for the ones that really care about the business and not soley in it to make a quick buck off unsuspecting new home buyers. But that's just my 2 cents.

This is a good idea for those who do are leaving the business Midori.  It's one thing to give ideas to each other for real estate related business....another when I get solicited for 'stuff'.

Midori..Thanks to you for running this info...Any postive information that may encourage Realtors to stay on part time should be encouraged.

Jim...I am amazed that any Realtor who has been here for more than ten minutes would not understand this is a Realtor driven forum. We should thank Midoria, and any others that provide assistance to those of us who cannot, or will not ruin their credit, or lose their own homes thru this down turn. Midori 's post is far from tacky, in fact, more of this type of outreach to our fellow Realtors should be encouraged. It takes a lot of time and money to get a license, and anything that keeps good individuals in the business thru rough cycles is a GOOD THING...

I would hope, Jim, that this comment was just a "caffeine" moment, and that you really did not mean we should not reach out to assist others...I am happy to be using a Referral network, and I am happy to pay referrals...PS...hey Jim, want to sign up under my company, we are really doing well over here in Central Fl

I think it can be another option for a Realtor that is having a hard time and needs to pick up a job to pay the bills.  Not for me though.

We just finished a training class for 10 "newbies".  They are determined to make it even though they know that the business right now is very tough.   That is what is so good about the business and I guess the spirit that drives us all.

We are seeing some departures, but most of my office is hangin' in there.  If they don't, our referral company is certainly a good way to keep your license & maybe collect a few dollars.  

Hey Midori - As an agent in Flagler County for almost 8 years now...I saw the huge explosion of new agents come into the business during the boom and then the huge drop out as so many who got into the biz thinking it was easy money realized that going forward, selling real estate in this area, would actually take some work and dedication.  The good news is that the cream always rises to the top.  The DH (Darling Husband) starts his Brokers class next week.  With the slow down in the market he made the decision to use some of his free time to expand for the future.  It will be interesting to see how many are in his class.  Keep up the great posts.  And, congrats again on the anniversary