The New Better is Less

I have concerns for the well-being of the brokerage industry. It all relates to the overall number and mix of full-time, part-time and in some cases, no-time agents in the business.

As an industry we manage the transfer of one of the biggest and most significant assets consumers own - their homes. How can we place this transaction into the hands of a "part-time" or "no-time" Realtor? Now, more than ever, we need higher standards for licensing and in some meaningful way designating true brokerage professionals.

Thankfully, the FAA has recognized this need. I don't know about you but I would prefer an airline pilot who has successfully landed the plane 3,000 times to one that has done it now and then. Due to the high standards for all pilots as set by the FAA, we are much safer travelers.

What about real estate? My suggestion: First, let's recognize and acknowledge the need and lobby hard as a brokerage industry for change (NAR, that's you), increase the minimum licensing standards (state licensing officials, your turn), raise the amounts of the annual dues to be recognized as a true real estate professional (NAR, state, local boards, that's your move - be brave) and brokers, retain and "hang" the licenses of only the highest quality full-time real estate professionals. After all brokers, it's your "signature", your brand that is on all those agent business cards out there.

It's a sad statement when it is only the tighter brokerage market now that provides the impetus for such change, very sad. The new "better" in real estate brokerage is truly less - what about 200,000 professionals closing 5 million transaction sides per year > in any market? Less doing more. Sounds like at least a good start to me.

--Ken Jenny, TranCen

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