I always check the hotsheets for our local MLS.  The hotsheets show new listings in a given area, price reductions, price increases, what’s sold, what’s been withdrawn, and the expired listings.  I don’t chase expired or withdrawn listings, but many people do.  I’m most interested in new listings and price changes.

So it was with some sadness last night that I noticed a familiar address.  One of our local home inspectors just lost his house to foreclosure.

That’s how the dominos fall.  With fewer home sales in this area, we see more people leaving the real estate and related businesses.  For example, a fellow agent went to Lowe’s last week to ask about a part-time job.  The manager told him they’re doing everything they can to not lay off the workers they currently have, so aren’t really able to hire new part-timers at this time.

We’re seeing light sales at home stores, laid off construction workers, and now the inspectors.  I wonder how the loan industry is being affected or if there is enough refinancing business to keep them going.  Meanwhile, I was really sad to see that the home inspector lost his own house.  It looked like it was in great shape, at least, so he was true to his profession.