The idea of (again) bailing out automakers has germinated a little idea in my brain - an idea that is starting to grow on me.

Where’s my bailout?

I mean, the financial industry is being rescued.  People who are behind on their mortgages are being given a hand.  Farmers get help through subsidies.  How about me?  The Feds can pay my membership dues and Errors & Omissions insurance for starts.  I’d like to take some designation classes for free!  And maybe they could co-sponsor some advertising about the availability of FHA loans. 

That it’s been a challenging year to be a Realtor is an understatement. I’ve written here before that we’re seeing friends and colleagues drop like flies.  There are entire offices closing around us - big and little players in our local market.

Who’s helping us?

In all honesty, it would be helpful to have the dues waived for a year until the market improves.  But on the other hand, this market is cleansing because to survive we’ll have to be more informed, professional, and educated to make it through.  While the majority of people leaving the industry are good people, the ones who are truly focused on real estate will survive.