Nowhere to go but UP? Think again! The basement is coming up fast.

Welcome to the real world of real estate. You hung in there and you're being told that the worst is behind us. Your savings is gone and you are using your credit card to pay for the MLS and local board dues. You're working as a waitress, a pizza delivery guy, a sales clerk at Home Depot, or, some other part time job to meet your current living expenses. Well, here are the numbers from the last month of 2010:

Do those numbers look good to you? Thinking to yourself that 26 homes were sold and you only need to have sold one of them to pay your bills then let me show you your competition. Here is what Realtor dot com tells the average home buyer when they are looking for an agent.

That's 244 active agents that sold 26 homes. Still feeling lucky? Dreaming of better days? How about just one year before? You remember that one don't you? The worst year in your career, wasn't it?

Here's the numbers from the good old days:

While many are trying to maintain a stiff upper lip and shouting out predictions of a recovery, I am more skeptical of any fast return to a normal market. A market where you can make a living selling real estate is far off. Like you, I've taken a second job. My goal in real estate is to keep my health, family and the roof over our heads. 

Call me negative if that makes you feel more secure in your poly Anna rose colored glasses. My pocket is not as deep as yours. I'll sell when I can - the market they are a changing.