Real estate industry downsizes

[Bill Kibbel]

Portland, Maine

"The ranks of appraisers, broker offices, agents and lenders thin out as buyers pull back.", according to this Portland Press Herald article.

It's not surprising that the piece indicates the past year has been rough for home inspectors as well. "Home inspectors... say their work has nearly evaporated."

This story, the only one published that I've read that mentions the influence of the current real estate market on home inspectors, can be read here.

[MMustola]

The local Realtor Board in my county went from 1200 members down to 800 members over the last two years. Not only has the number of inspections gone down because of the lack of home sales, I'm also losing some of my referral base.

[Scottpat]

It is the "Cleansing Period"! Self correction of the over population of the profession.

[kurt]

Illinois just lost about half of it's licensed inspectors with the last licensing re-up.

That's a good thing, right?

[Mark P]

Originally posted by kurt

Illinois just lost about half of it's licensed inspectors with the last licensing re-up.

That's a good thing, right?

Yea, I saw that - Interesting

It went from 2959 on 31 Nov (when State Licenses Expired) to 1650 on 31 Dec. There will be some late renewals, but I’m thinking that those of us who can hang in there will be all the better situated when the market turns around.

[seattleinspector]

although many Realtors are now just taking 1% commission to get business....my rates will remain solid.