I am shocked by the amount of Realtors quitting the business.  Utah County has 2,500 Realtors the average Realtor closes 4 transactions.  Only 900 of the 2,500 Realtors have actually been in the business for more than 4 years.  An experienced Realtor makes a huge difference when selling a home.

Utah County has seen a robust selling period that has lined the pocket for many Realtors.  However, the market has significantly changed and Realtors are now stuck working hard for the almightly dollar.  The days of the easy money is over for many flies.  What does this mean for many Utah County Realtors?  This means they must either work hard or quit the business.  Unfortunately working hard does not compute from many Realtors.  They want to push in a sign put the home on the MLS and collect a check.  HA! those days are over.  A Realtor has to husstle to make it happen in this market.

Many Realtors don't like the new more difficult market.  Every week I hear of more Realtors exiting the business.  I have recently heard a few Realtors quit the business to do the following:

1)  Open a coffee shop -- I know it is hard to believe a coffee shop in Utah County but true.
2)  Starting a new job (not calling) for the LDS church.
3)  Starting a new job for a local title company.
4)  Returning to a constuction business.
5)  Undecided - going back to school full time or looking for a real job.
6)  Car salesman - I meet him while getting an oil change at the ford dealer.

I am happy for those that leave the business and can find a suitable new job.  Most Realtors start the business with HUGE dreams and goals.  These dreams are encouraged by greedy trainers, brokers and Real Estate schools.  Everyone trying to make a quick buck.  Like the gold rush of 1847 few people actually made a ton of money.  In fact the people that made the most money during the gold rush were the people selling the wares.  That is a true!

I know two large Real Estate companies that have gone out of business.  I would print the names here but don't want any trouble.  One is a large discount brokerage that has been around for several years with hundreds of agents.  I seriously can't name a single Realtor from this company.  Their agents were always new or part time.  It is good for the industry to see these companies close their doors.  They added little value to the consumer or fellow Realtors.  I would have joined their company but hesitated when I heard fogging a mirror was required for all new applicants. 

Remember it is better to hire an experienced Realtor when buying or selling.  I have been selling homes in Utah County for 13 years.  This market is similar to 1997-99.  I love the business, my team and my clients.  It is a great time to be a Realtor.  As many of the newer Realtors drop like flies in 2008 some of the old crusty flies will survive!

Paul Teasdale
Associate Broker
Remax Results Realty