Our MLS fees went up about 50%.  Not saying that was motivated by a desire to squeeze - but it had that effect.

You have to believe the glass is half full and we are past half way through this.  In a couple of years we'll be turning away business.  LOL

Many are going away, sad to see them go, however it is survival of the best, we side step the trade created a new market niche we are more busy NOW than in the past.  Have a great week.

How right you are.  There is plenty of business out there but you have to work for it.  Our phones are ringing and you have to work harder to keep you clients.  And, once you have them it just seems it's harder to get the deal to close.  So, we have to work for our commission - big deal!!!  So, you can't get paid for nothing.  Get a day job and see how far not working for your pay will get you.  But, it's those woe is me folks are only feeding the media who are telling the general public how bad it is. 

It seems like every broker is starting to charge more. Our office just started charging for printing plain black and white. You get 200 pages free each month then anything else is extra. They have large overhead costs and they just pass it on so they can survive. It is just part of the cost of doing business. Think positive, this too shall pass.

Betina

This business isn't for the faint of heart -- those that can weather the storm will reap rewards later.  Also, if we keep harping on what's bad then we are setting ourselves up for a self-fulfilling prophecy.  We have to stay positive -- make adjustments if you must, but stay positive. ~ Evelyn

Anything worth while... is going to be difficult.  If it was easy then everyone would be doing it.  Look at this industry 2 years ago.

Tim, raising the MLS dues should be an expectation since membership is dropping and fixed costs need to be covered for those of us that do produce.  Those that are griping on the way out aren't even following the Code of Ethics with their complaining and the damage it causes in the eyes of the public.  I know many agents doing well in this market and it all has to do with perspective and preparation.

As one of my clients said to me, anyone can sell a house in a seller's market. The true test will be how an agent handles it in a seller's market. It's easy to get down and out, but it's important to stay focused.  People will buy houses in any market.  We just need to be out in front of them.  I think it's too easy to get a real estate license and there are a lot of agents who haven't gone beyond their licensing courses.  It's a difficult job and there are lots of details that have to happen to have a successful transaction.  We all have to pay bills so this will be a survival of the fittest.

It's easy to hang in there for brokers and top selling agents who have been in the market for a long time. For those of us who started two years ago, only to have the market go sour with in a year, the financial strain is difficult. I've only been an agent for two years and I work with a builder I recieve threats on a weekly basis to either sell or they will find a new agent. Sell to who, I leave in a small town in Arizona where the hispanic population has terrible credit. I have over 68 applications on my desk and only 4 can be qualified. I'm quitting this job. I mean here with this builder. I will continue real estate with a company that better suits my needs.