Steve Simon

Read my blog I was prediciting this for a long time (and before I began blogging). The recipe was clear: The CRA, The re-write of rules, the lowering of secondary player's reserve requirements, the "Diversity Number" threats, etc. Add the above to the trigger device the crazy but man made energy run-up and the pilot error of the banking and appraisal industries (yes the appraisers where absolutely part of the blame here) and you have where we are. Fast forward to the Champion of Change that will now lead us and I see no cure but a lot of time at the bottom.Read my last post http://www.stevesimon.us/blog/?p=430 If the answer to a complex problem is very simple, it is usually incomplete... Steve Simon is the lead instructor at the Steve Simon School of Real Estate www.stevesimon.us

Anyone that thinks commissions will exist at levels they were at is insane. A license that can be had for 63 hours of instruction and a couple of exams isn't going to get you a villa on the Med. on the new real estate playing field. You will see attrition in the ranks (already happened, will be much greater). The numbers will end up being much less than half the field force that existed prior to the debacle. The internet will offer dozens of hybrid deals for both Sellers and Buyers; all will have small registration fees and then offer additional services later (either in house or by associated referral). The days of the mega-agent are numbered as transparency brings the real estate market into line with other commodities. Long term agreements for listing will also be a thing of the past. Sellers will simply have paid for a service and either the property will sell or the Seller will try another service, there will be no mutually exclusive agreements. Commission will be smaller as stated and will be earned only when the agent created an unbrokern chain of events leading unto sale. It's going to feel like a Mel Gibson Mad Max movie to those who have operated in the marketplace of twenty years ago... The above obviously is just my opinon:) If the answer to a complex problem is very simple, it is usually incomplete... Steve Simon is the lead instructor at the Steve Simon School of Real Estate www.stevesimon.us

Ms. Ross, While I frequently read your posts (along with a hundred other quality posters on numerous RE sites) I had to just comment briefly on a section of this post: """"Just being "full time" doesn't address this issue. Across the country, managers are struggling with how to inspire their full-time agents to "get out of bed and come to the office in the morning." In contrast, there are plenty of agents who are having their best year ever."""" Full time doesn't filter in any guarantees of performance or success. I seriously doubt that you have any stats on this being a banner year for any significant percentage of agent. Being in an office doesn't promote anything other than free admin. personnel for the Broker... I have been in RE for over 20 yrs. Having taight tens of thousands of students the required courses for lincensure in Florida. One thing I am sure of is there are plenty of very motivated agents with 2nd jobs during times like these. As there are very professional people operating out of home offices (to save overhead). Your post seems to knock (even if it is only a small slight) these people, and I believe you are wrong. If the answer to a complex problem is very simple, it is usually incomplete... Steve Simon is the lead instructor at the Steve Simon School of Real Estate www.stevesimon.us