Home : Blogs : Kelley Eling (Marin & So. Sonoma Real Estate) : Marin County Real Estate and Sonoma Valley Real Estate

What are they thinking?

I was looking something up on the California Department of Real Estate's website and inadvertently came across some mind-boggling statistics. The population of real estate licensees in the Golden state as of July 2008 (540,735) are UP from 12 months prior (538,598) and 24 months prior (508,196).

I'm not going to pretend like I know the numbers that apply to the entire state, but here in Marvelous Marin County, and certainly in Sonoma County, the volume is the lowest it's been since 2001 with the September 11 attacks.

In fact, even though all the numbers for August 2008 are obviously not yet in, for the first 8 months of 2001 2101 homes sold in Marin County. So far this year 1274 homes have sold in Marin County. For the first 8 months of 2001 312 homes sold in the town of Sonoma. For the first 8 months of this year 202 homes have sold in the town of Sonoma.

Is it just me or does it beg the question: why?

Why is there an increase in licensees?

http://www.dre.ca.gov/gen_lic_exam_stats.html

Posted by Kelley Eling (Marin & So. Sonoma Real Estate) on 08/22/2008 03:24 PM

Comments (8)

california, real estate, licensee, population

Post is included in group: The Lounge at Active Rain

8 Comments on What are they thinking?

Birmingham association of Realtors numbers are down 20% this year

08/22/2008 03:26 PM

by Tim Hawkins - Realtor Pell City Pell City Real Estate (Remax Realty Pros)

We are down across all of NJ in 2008

08/22/2008 03:34 PM

by Miriam Martir (Keller Williams)

I'm guessing it's because a lot of folks have lost their "company jobs" in the downturn and a RE license is pretty easy to obtain.

And even though the market is down, this is a career where you can own your success (or failure), and your job can't be outsourced.

And lets face it, many people have no idea of the commitment required to make a living in this business - from the outside it looks like easy money!

08/22/2008 03:36 PM

by Bobby Stevens ~ Eugene, Oregon Realtor (Eugene's Alternative - Realtors®)

My mind is boggled. This is the highest it's been since they have records available in 1997.

http://www.dre.ca.gov/gen_lic_exam_stats.html

08/22/2008 03:41 PM

by Kelley Eling (Marin & So. Sonoma Real Estate) (Pacific Union Real Estate)

It doesn't make sense to me either. This is a tough business and people thinking of getting in the business think that it's easy. The misconceptions are that we put a sign in the yard sell the home the next day and get paid a huge commission the next day.

08/22/2008 03:41 PM

by Real Estate Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Ryan Field (998home.com Real Estate)

08/22/2008 03:42 PM

by Real Estate Fergus Falls, MN 56537 Ryan Field (998home.com Real Estate)

I would agree with Ryan that people think it is much easier than it is. Somebody told us they were going to get their license and do this kind of like a hobby... we suggested to find a different hobby :)

08/22/2008 03:44 PM

by Kenna & Co. Real Estate ~ Denver Luxury Homes

Hi Kelley,

Wow, that is amazing. More licenses, it is mind-boggling. That is definitely one to ponder.

Misty

http://viscape.com

List your properties for FREE!

08/28/2008 12:04 PM

by Misty Faucheux (Faucheux Enterprises)