For all of you that think realtors have it easy and make a ton of money let me explain the reality of the new world of being a realtor. Realtors are paying more fees than ever just to have their license. As home prices fall so does the amount we get paid. Banks are putting clauses in their contracts now that commissions will be based off gross amount of sales price so if you negotiate a great deal for your buyer to have costs paid by the seller or bank a percent gets taken from your commission. Short sales are rampant in the market today and of course commissions are cut a full 1% on those most of the time as well. Add in increased gas prices and the amount of unkept homes on the market so you have to show more than ever to get something great...realtors are not really able to make a living anymore. We are doing 10X the work (changing contracts, extra disclosures, more inspections) for 1/4 of the pay we used to get.