I know it sounds far fetched, but I see more and more agents that have been in the business 20+ years leaving, as they just can't survive and aren't willing to change again.
I recently read about someone who had 89 sales last year that this year, to date, has 2 and is leaving the business and going back to their previous profession and being in real estate part time only.
Is that really possible, to go from 89 to 2 in just 5 months? It amazed me and then the story continued that when he went back to his office, just two months later to pick up his paperwork, he found a sign on the office door that the office was closed due to not paying their lease!
What is happening? Is this bubble really worse than the ones of previous years that I have read so much about?
UPDATE: I have now found out more about this agent and his business. He was only in the business on his own for 3 years and the first year did nothing the 2nd got a sub-division and the builder has since gone bankrupt. The other part of his business was REO and the bank didn't renew his contract. I still think he would have some good contacts from that, but I don't know what happened, but I wish I had meet him to ask why he doesn't call some of those buyers. (He has been in the business 20 plus years, but it turns out most of those he was working for someone else)
Todd Clark - broker
Kastings & Associates
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
Todd Clark and the Friendly Home Team
Knipe Realty
Todd@IFoundYourNewHome.com
Phone: (503)524-9494
Fax: (503)622-8739
I am a licensed Realtor who specializes in Washington County, Oregon and also work in both Clackamas and Multnomah Counties including the cities of Aloha, Beaverton, Canby, Clackamas, Gladstone, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sherwood and Tigard.
All information contained in these posts are copyrighted and cannot be used without prior written approval authorization from the author me Todd Clark. If you are looking for an outstanding agent please give me a call I would love to help you with all your real estate needs.
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I find that so difficult to understand. If someone had 89 transactions they must be able to hang their license somewhere else and still do a good volume even in a slowing market.
My mom's been in the industry for more than 30 years and has seen downturns before, but seems more frustrated this time around. Maybe people just get burned out going through the cycle too many times.
I've only been in real estate 5 years --- starting at the peak period, and now experiencing my first down market. But I'm hanging in there. Although 2007 was dismal when I had 1/4 the volume that I hd in 2006, I enjoy this business too much to start all over again at another profession.
If someone had 89 deals in one year, how many of those clients does he stay in touch with? Surely, some of them could refer associates/relatives to this realtor --- assuming of course, that this realtor gave exceptional service, and that he managed to maintain good relations with his clients?
Part of working smart is to keep farming -- not just for new clients, but existing and past clients. There should always be something in the pipeline for such slow periods.
The market is busy, busy, busy! Short sales and foreclosures are dominating the recent topics about sales --- but the point is, the buyers are coming back, and they're writing offers. Even if the short sale process takes a long time, as long as these buyers are sticking with you, it's hallelujah time!
Maybe things just got too fishy for them, and they discovered that they were better at the short order than the short sale, Todd. :-)
Many people were Order Takers and expect business to drop in their laps without working.
Some don`t want to conform to the changes which have occured in the RE market,while others believe it`s easier to blame the market.
Good,bad or indifferent people buy Real Estate....
It doesn`t matter about market conditions...
It`s about how you work!
Thing are not as well as anticipated. With the market almost stopped, people have gone from enjoyable lifestyles to now how will we pay for this if the market doesn't change soon. I was lucky, I bought before the boom. Companies grew to meet the demand and now are downsizing to stay in business.
Wow! That is sad. I've been in the business for 23 years and I am finding this market to be more trying than any in the past, but I also see it turning around a bit. I am not making nearly as much as I have in the past, but am hopeful that if I stick it out, I'll be find. I have never done 89 transactions in a year and I have to be honest, being a working mom, I'm not sure I'm all that interested in doing that many. I think the most I ever did was about 60 some and that was such a stressful year. Unfortunately, I was working with a partner and I did most of the work for very little of the pay! You live and learn.
I find this hard to believe - unless this top producer never followed up with past clients and received very few referrals. Perhaps they're better off in a different business anyway.
Todd, 89 to 2 sounds unbelievable. Does the person have NO referrals? The brokerage closing as well seems like a double whammy. Wow, that market center took a hit with the economic downturn for sure.
Randy - I didn't understand it either, how could someone go from such great numbers in one year! I've talked to this person's co-worker and she said that he was all about the new business and rarely sent stuff to past clients. But, even with that you would think you would change your way of thinking as soon as the market started to turn.
Christine - Maybe that was it...They just got burnt out. I just find it so sad and talking to my principle broker who has been in the business 30 years this year, she says "it has a lot to do with in the past the things that worked to build business, just aren't there. It is now all about the internet and most of us just don't get it. Heck, I'm not even sure what a blog is still!"
Pacita - I was dumb founded by those numbers also, but they only focused on new business and not their past clients. To me when I saw things start to change, I would have also and started to call some of those past clients! Do what I have to!
Todd, It's sad to hear that. But, something doesn't sound right. A good agent doesn't go from 89 to 2 unless they stopped working as hard.
We have been seeing a few leave but it is usually the older ones who were looking to retire around now anyway or the newbies who just couldn't get their foot in the door. hang in there everyone. cheryl
Todd - Unfortunately we are seeing this here in NH with long time seasoned Realtors. I think that it is a combination of escalating expenses along with the turn down in the market. My sister asked me if I was going to look for a new job the other day. I told her I would continue in real estate because it is the profession I love and I think I can survive be it difficult for a while.
Todd - That is a sad tale indeed. I have seen things like that here in Austin as well. The past year or so has been tough, but we are making it.
I know of several offices that have closed up shop because the owners didnt pay the bills pending. I know of a couple agents that had to sue to get commissions.
Hi Todd... What you describe is exactly the reason why lead generation is so crucial in today's market. I spend a lot of time on it and it's paying off, but it is definitely a lot of hard and disciplined work. And that kind of work will not be for everyone.
BTW, love the "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore" pic!
Todd, I think this bubble hurts top producers harder because they have more commitments like "Staff" and a higher life style. The small producers are more adept to struggle through.
It has been a tough year and I have seen many friends leave the business. I Know that sales are down but to go from 89 in a year down to 2 in 5 months is quite a drop? Something seems to be missing here.
Yes many are leaving the trade and very very seasoned professionals sad we losseee some truly good people who know what they are doing. BEST OF LUCK TOOOO ALL
~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~
That amazes me that someone would go from 89 sales to 2 sales.
Todd I am a newbie to the profession as well as AR. So I came into this in a slow market..I wasn't ever feasting. But I look forward to some better market times for sure!
Times are really hard for people today. It's hard to see the hurdles and obstacles that everyone is faced with. I live in Oregon and our market is slow here also, we have had to take a step back and realize whats important and realize what we have and be Thankful for that.
Keep your chins up and move forward.
Heidi
TC,
Even though I see some improvement in the market presently, this time around it is much worse than before...I see some heavy hitters tapping into their last line of reserves...watch out for a 'double bubble'...Thanks, Fran
I'm seeing this in our office as well, not the that extreme, but a few agents have left the industry and many are looking for a way out.
Unless this agent was a New Construction Model Agent, I don't get going from 89 to 2. We all have to reinvent ourselves in this market. Those that can adapt will be there when things turn around.
These past two years have been an eye opener but I believe it making it a decision to ride out the storm and sharpen the sword when you're down. There is going to be an end to this cycle and the agents that stick it out and just keep working on it, will win!
Thanks to everyone for commenting on this and getting it featured, it really does mean a lot to me. I did go back and find out it was 89 listings and wasn't sure how many sales. But, she didn't know how many of those listings expired. I'm going to do some further investigation on this and find out what I can, because it is really sad.
David - I have made some more calls on this and it turns out they did what most people do when they start to get lean on money, they start to cut back on advertising. (Which I think is the last thing you need to stop spending money on) The agent that told me about this person said "They had 89 listings, but I'm not sure how many of those sold?"
Scott - I would like to find out what they were doing to get all those listings, because honestly I would love that many as long as I was selling them and not just paying to advertise them.
Shaun - I've seen even our title companies here are starting to let people go.
Susan - What is making this one so much harder than the ones in the past?
Todd ~ Hmmm that doesn't seem to make sense to me either. Anyone at the level of 89 transactions should be pulling in some decent repeat business. Unless of course they were a REALLY lousy agent that sold all 89 homes in one plat.
Hey Todd...from my understanding Oregon had been holding up in this market pretty well...at least compared to us here in Florida. I think we were the start of the meltdown virus...we have had an unbelievable hard 18 months ...but we are starting to see some relief...I Think...keep you fingers crossed. One thing I have noticed is that we lost at least half of all our agents in this area over the last two years and may even be more than that...fair weathered REALTORs and agents finally being weeded out....time to start gardening.
It's been a slow but steady decline for about 2 years now. I've seen many agents pack up & leave the business because they've just had enough and can't see the end in sight. With bills mounting & income dwindling, they had to make a decision of what is best for them financially. It's unfortunate, but not surprising.
Today's market "is what it is" and agents who have not adapted to the changes are struggling. I figured out that I needed to understand foreclosures and short sales and guess what? I'm selling them while agents who won't touch them are sitting on the sidelines complaining about no business. I'm on track to have just as good a year this year as I did last year. Yes it is taking a bit more effort and time to get some of the deals to closing but they are closing and I'm learning something new everyday.
Well, that means that they did not manage their money very well or lived well beyond their means. I still, even in this market, think that there's enough biz for everyone!!!
All the best,
Maybe he saved his money from the 89 sales and moved on to something he enjoyed more... Nobody says you have to stay in real estate until they have to wheel you out...
Personally, I know a couple of REO agents that will be done when the wave is over... they've made (and saved) enough to enjoy life.
89 to 2 is a huge drop. I would think that they must of stopped prospecting. You have to keep the pipeline full even when your busy. What a shame!
I've been licensed since 1978 - I've experience good times, bad times and what we seem to be going through now. This is by far the most peculiar situation I've seen. The reasons are varied and numerous. The cream floats to the top.
I have had some pretty large producers calling me and inquiring to show my listings. I thought "weird one would think they had an assistant?"
Some MAJOR MAJOR top producing offices have closed their doors, filed BK or consolidated offices here in our valley. I have seen some very small ones rise in this market. It is all very interesting!
I would guess the key questions are:
I know of quite a few REO agents who have lost or are losing their reputations with clients because they bit off more than they could chew. I use this analogy a lot, but I pictured some of these agents standing in those cash machines that blow money around in a contest where you try to grab as much as you can. They were less focused on service and more focused on volume. As the large banks open their networks to more and more agents to address the volume of REO, the newer agents are showing asset mangers eagerness that they have not seen in a long while and are taking note that the agents who have been in the game forever think that their market position was secured by seniority.
It's not widespread and the majority of "veterans" continue to do an excellent job, but I have noticed a few are burning out.
Career burnout is very real. Sabotaging ones own career is also more common than most would probably realize.
(a) The agent did have 89 sales (b) He was selling cemetary plots.
Hey, don't knock it. No need for a lavish closing gift :)
Just as real estate is local - each real estate MARKET is distinctly local. You can't judge one by all the others. All markets suffer from agent saturation, but some areas might be even more so. Older agents who don't want to build a web presence and want to totally rely on referrals and SOI are being creamed around here. THat just isn't working any more from what I can see. Though it seems to work very well in other parts of the country. It may sound extreme, but you never know. I've seen some pretty heavy producers come in for a nasty landing.
Todd: I honestly think that some agents really just don't know the basic practice of prospecting. Some people are really used to the hotter markets and things dropping in their laps. Just because you had 89 transactions doesn't mean you are prospecting consistently. Evidently not. Someone in this person's market is still in business.
Todd, Your question got me thinking. There are some differences in where I am working. In previous bad markets, or down markets, I was being paid as a conventional agent on a split, so I didn't have any expenses. Now I am at RE/MAX and the monthly bills are a little daunting when things are cnot oming together as well as they were in the past. I've also had some bad luck with home inpsections, unrealistic sellers, etc. But, I really do feel that things will turn around.
89 to 2 sounds like serious burnout and not responding to client needs.
I think many agents bought into the lifestyle. Probably never thought it would crash as bad as it has. I noticed a few agents losing their homes as well as heard of other taking "real" jobs. I feel sad for them and anyone losing their home.
Todd,
I'm just stepping into teh biz full time and realize times are tough = but 89 - 2. Just doesn't seem possible.
This bubble will be the worse real estate market anybody has seen in their lifetime
Please Russ, no more good news! I'm already too excited to sleep!
Going from 89 transactions to just 2 doesn't sound right. I would expect those 89 trandactions would lead to a ton of solid referrals.
TODD, We are in some times. The problem is: the market lacks predictability. Consumer are frighten and waiting for the green light to proceed.
Meanwhile; concerned and/or frighten RE professionals
that are living off of their savings or retirement
can not wait for the market to correct.
Best wishes
We have seen several large agency's merge with others this past year, a true sign of the times. I worked for a very large Re/Max office and it closed its doors in November of 2006 for financial reasons. I thnk it is tough out there, some markets more than others for sure.
Times are changing and we as professionals have to adapt to the many changes we face. It could be because of burnout aswell but whatever the case may be, you have to stay on your A game, 24x7.
I knew Successful AE's making over 400k a year, now working as waiters/waitresses.....
"Meanwhile; concerned and/or frighten RE professionals
that are living off of their savings or retirement
can not wait for the market to correct."
We're seeing RE pros in jeopardy of losing their homes and cars...offices and branches closing, etc. There is plenty of inventory and plenty of money available, but too much "uncertainty" and too few qualified buyers. Lenders are overcompensating for the sub-prime problems (ie stated income requirements). A lot of sellers still living in the past, too.
Top producers are doing a fraction of what they have done in years past, but 89 to 2 seems extreme.
We're in it for the long haul, but it hurts to tap into your "life savings".
Hi Todd,
How sad to think that this top producer when from a-z so fast...maybe there's more that we just don't know...
This is one of those stories that I truely dislike hearing. I hope that things pick up for all and that we battle our way through this downturn. Good luck to all.
are you serious Todd??? Wow that is very interesting. I would be surprised that someone who had 89 sales last year couldn't drum up some sort of business to keep going...wow
Jessica - I have since updated the post and I think a lot of answers to what happened have now been answered, because I had questions also!
Gary - It was scary numbers to me, but once I did some further investigation those 89 sales were all from two sellers!
This seems like a tough time for a lot of agents. We are seeing agents who had been producing well even losing their own homes. Tough times.
Real estate is a local thing..wish the media would get that message. Last year was not a great one...this year, maybe in part to folks leaving, we can't stay awake to do it all. Not that every buyer instantly buys or every listing instantly sells....the opportunities are more plentiful...sometimes it just takes longer and patience is not a hallmarked trait for lots of folks.
Two years ago a great agent in my office hung his hat up with 19 listings? Why, he was listing in an area, outside Ann Arbor about 30 miles and it died. He couldn't feed his family. I hated to see him go as he was a really good agent but the location, his niche just dried up. When home prices came down in Ann Arbor people chose to move there and not to the outer county area's.
Missy's story is interesting and I just referred some folks to her. It's not all doom and gloom. My business has been doing quite well this year - better than ever- and I attribute the success to working hard, working more than one niche, and being consistent.
Fortunately for me my market is "reasonably" healthy.
It's sad to see happen, but it's something that does happen on a cyclical basis. After 22 years in this industry, I didn't have a choice. Title and Escrow companies are closing their doors all across the country. First American Title terminated my position at the drop of a dime, so I had no choice but to move on to bigger and better things. I hope for those that have to get out of the industry, they find bigger and better things too.
I love my new job!! :-)))))))
Bob - As you can see from my update that those 89 were from two sellers, one went bankrupt and the other didn't renew his contract. (Sad, very sad)
Cheryl - I think the newbies just need some better mentors or didn't have the capital that they realize they needed to get into this business. I wish more real estate schools would tell the newbies before they start how hard the first year really is on bank accounts and families!
Judy - My uncle who was in the business for years called my dad the other day and asked how I was doing also and my dad told my uncle "Thanks to your advice that the market couldn't last and to prepare himself, Todd is doing better than every" I think most didn't expect it to be this bad and didn't save or change their market strategy and now it maybe too late.
Jason - I think the ones that prepared have survived, those who thought they would ride it out have falling off the wave and had to leave.
Clint - That is really sad when an agent that was expecting a check doesn't get it! I know I don't count the check until it has been in my account 10 or more days!
I heard anews account that (nationwide) existing home sales were up last month. The first increase in 6 months. There is light at the end of the tunnel!!!
Sorry to hear that but I say...It's survival of the fittest!
Those who want it bad enough are going to make it, one way or the other....this will definetely weed out some of those who don't.
Burnout? Frustration? Industry? Tired? I think during our career we may have all gone through this. It really may be that after 28 years he found happiness doing something else, or health issues, or who knows what. Let's just hope he is happy pursuing his dreams.
Todd - Hate to hear stuff like this. As Scott Daniels said above, many were order takers & that coupled with lack of aggressive marketing and talking to as many people as one can each and every day ... it drives people out of the very Industry that was their breadwinner. I know this Industry needs and needed a cleansing, but there have many good folks fall victim to that very thing.
Todd
Yes, this bubble is bad.
Sincerely
Tom Braatz
Todd- Sometimes when certain events happen in the life of a real estate agent, circumstances become too stressful and they leave. It is a challenging market as it is so with added stress many agents are reaching a breaking point. I hope the best for that agent regardless of his circumstances. Only the strong survive!
Steve - I couldn't think of a better fry cook than Mel!
Jimmy - I didn't think of that, but that certainly would have cut in to any reserves he had a lot quicker than someone like me who is solo.
Rick - The answer was he only had two clients and one didn't renew his contract and the other went bankrupt...Sad, but true.
I pray that this bubble is short lived.. In this day and age the media is very corrupting!!!!!
Love the photo of Flo. ; )
Lynn - It is sad that so much knowledge is being lost as these agents leave. I still do a lot of things the old school way like trying to personally present offers and door knock. I learned these from one of my first brokers and I'm so glad I did, I think it gives a personal touch to the business that has been lacking since the internet.
Chuck - I agree, but when I dug a little farther, it all made sense.
Lori - I think you might be better off than most. Coming in at a time where business is tough, builds a good foundation of business instead of just collecting a check like a lot did a few years ago.
Heidi - You are right around the corner from me and though it has been slow for some, others are doing even better than before, because they planned for it and are working the plan they set for themselves.
Fran - Oh, it is just amazing me and I don't understand why it is worse. We don't have 18% interest like the early 80's and houses at least in our area on average are still under $300,000. Is it people got to used to 5% interest?
Todd, it is sad but it is a though market right now and those who are not willing to change with it, will be force out.
Stuart - It is so sad that so many are leaving, but I think it is just the nature of the business as I've heard others say "It weeds out the weak and undesirables"
Pam - Turns out half his business was that and the other half was REOs and the bank didn't renew his contract.
Lisa or Robert - I believe I am a fighter and I know my business is actually better now that it was in 2006 at the peek of the real estate market here in Beaverton.
Ryan - I'm not sure why he didn't keep in contact with some of his buyers for referrals, I certainly would have.
Kristi - I have heard about your market and compared to you we are in a booming market! I can understand why you have lost half and hopefully before it is all done, you can lose some more as you call it "Fair Weather Realtors"
Kelly - It is sad to see some of the people I've learned so much from that were doing 20-30 a year think about leaving also if they haven't already. So many people put their eggs in one basket with builders and re-habbers and now have nothing in the pipe line to keep them a float.
Cindy - Exactly, the sad part is this person was working that market and just lost his contract. (Not sure why or how, but the bank didn't renew it with him) I'm noticing the ones who are leaving the business, even the newbies are the ones who aren't embracing the internet.
Yvette - I agree, there is plenty of business, but I think people got used to not having to work for it and now like you said, they lived beyond their means for so long that now that the money isn't coming they are losing all the toys and stuff they got used to.
Paul - I want to be wheeled out, that would be awesome!
Linda - I see it happen here at Activerain and you see people write about how they have gotten so busy that they can't blog and then 3 months later they are back blogging because they have no business. You have to keep prospecting everyday if you want to remain busy.
Mott - 1978? Wow, you have seen it all! I won't tell you how old I was in 1978, but my uncle was in the business at that time and he is the one that told me when I started 5 years ago that these good times can't last and I see a fall on the horizon. He told me what steps to take so when it did happen I was ready. Now that he has proved he was right, I am glad I listened because I'm actually busier now than I was in the first year at the height of the real estate boom!
Renee - I think a lot of companies and individuals hired people on an hourly basis to save money and now that the deals are coming in the hourly is hitting their pocket books pretty hard.
Jesse - The first was 23 years I think, 20 + I do know for sure, but working for someone else 20 of those years. They were doing new construction and REO, the builder went bankrupt and the bank didn't renew his contract on the REOs.
I do wonder if as an agent out on his own for the first time, did bite off more than he could chew.
Andrew - That was too funny, but I guess a couple flowers for the head stone would be enough wouldn't it!
Ruthmarie - I think you are right as a lot of agents are afraid of the internet and I just personally can't understand why! I guess they don't see it as the same as them door knocking or cold calling, but in reality it is.
Chris - It is amazing how many people that had a lot of friends when they got in to real estate realize that friends aren't enough when things slowed down.
Susan - I think appraisals for everyone and unrealistic sellers are certainly affecting us all right now. I'm slowly starting to see a pick up here as well, I'm hoping that just isn't for the summer months.
Lisa - Looks like part of it was client's needs and the other was bankruptcy of a seller, really sad that all the eggs were in one basket.
Monika - I don't think people think of agents being hit just as hard if not harder. Most people live with in their means and then when the paychecks stop coming it is really hard to go back to a slower lifestyle.
Kelly - I think the key is don't put all your eggs in one basket, like this agent did. (OK, he had them in two, but he didn't balance them very well)
Russ - That really is sad, but it really has become the perfect storm hasn't it?
Susan - LOL
Lisa - I would have thought so also, but I'm guessing he just pumped them out and then never talked to another buyer again after they moved in. That really is common with bank owned properties and new construction.
Dionne - It seems sad that some of these agents during the good times didn't invest in real estate themselves, so they could have other income to live off of during the slow times.
Cindy - A Re/Max office closed? You just don't hear of that happening too often. I would say maybe things are worse off than they thought in your market.
Justin - That is just scary, did they not see what was coming and prepare, or they did and still couldn't make it?
Wayne - I agree it does hurt to have to tap in to that savings, but I think it is happening more and more! I think a lot of people are losing everything because of this and I think maybe they should have taken a long hard look at their business before they got to that point.
Suzanne - Talking to more and more past top producers, the numbers are scary. I talked to another one that after 22 years is retiring at the end of this year when he gets done with his current project. He went from $160,000 in commissions two years ago to $14,000 last year. He said he was just glad his wife made a good amount of money where she worked.
Joshua - I am fighting with everything I got and I don't plan to go anywhere!
Rick - I would have thought so also, but this guy I'm guessing just didn't have the personality to work with individuals verses a business, such as a builder or an REO department. (Hey, where are your new posts that you were promising?)
I know it sounds far fetched, but I see more and more agents that have been in the business 20+ years leaving, as they just can't survive and aren't willing to change again.
Hi Todd,
It's not far fetched at all. Thank you for bringing up this topic. It's a good wake up call. I know an agent who earned over $300K in 2005 but less than $25K in 2006. However he kept working hard and his production bounced back in 2007.
Todd - I've seen a lot of changes in the last year. Some of our top producing agents have experienced some of the same types of challenges you've mentioned. It's been tough but, thankfully, we have a group of tenacious and persistent agents who are hanging in there and we're working our tails off. Things are starting to pick up and I'm hopeful that we're past the worst of it now.
Bob or Carolin - See, that just scares me to see the Big Boys loose their homes and I don't think the public even realizes that. Maybe we should point out to them that we are just like them, we work, but as our sales go down with house prices, the chances of us surviving also goes down. (They think we make a lot of money, but I think the days of the flashy agent are gone for awhile)
Sally or David - I've noticed myself also getting busier as the more and more agents leave. I know our company's size has really shrunk, but my business has skyrocketed! I think it also has a lot to do with agent's wiliness to change.
Missy - See, 19 listings and couldn't make it! Doesn't surprise me at all, that is a lot of advertising dollars and if you have nothing coming in to show for it, you can't feed your family and that should be the first thing you are considering.
Tracy - I think my business growing has a lot to do with my hard work and consistency blogging and door knocking again. It takes work, but with it comes great rewards!
Brad - I have a lot of friends that work for First American and you are right, they illuminated a lot of jobs and a lot of my friends are either doing new jobs for them or I've even seen one working at a local bank and that is just sad to me. She had been working at First American for 24 years!
Wayne- Let's hope the media decides to report that, but they probably won't for another year or two. Good news doesn't sell!
JT - I agree, you can certainly tell who the fighters in a business are!
Joyce - I think he is seeking out new employment, lucky for him from what I understand his wife works and can pay the bills without his income, but it is tight! I'm guessing she just couldn't pay the bills and pay for his desk fee and advertising without him producing an income.