Inman News just reported the first decline in NAR membership since 1998. From 1998 to 2007 membership was up 89.6%. However, there are 100,000 fewer members today than there was 12 months ago.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.

People who got into this business because they thought it was easy money and not a lot of work have now woken up to the fact that it requires determination, perseverance and a whole lot of character. I expect that this business will lose 200-250,000 agents in the next two years.

Although I don’t wish hard luck on anyone, I have too much respect for this business and what it takes to be a true professional to feel bad about people who came into this industry, stuck their toe in the water, and treated it like the gold rush without truly making a commitment to their clients or the good name of this industry.

It’s time for all of us who view this as our career and profession to knuckle down, work hard and be there for our clients who need us more than ever before. For those of you who make the cut, your market share will increase and two years from now, you’ll have a business you can be proud of.

It’s a good life!

Brian