WOW, but I bet you guessed that was true.  Everyone knows someone who's a Real Estate agent.  Did you know there is a difference between a licensee and a "REALTOR?"  Not all licensee's are REALTOR's.   A REALTOR is held to a much higher standard.  I've seen people use their Uncle Jimmy once, but not usually a second time.  There is a difference in what services and level of professionalism you will receive.  A full time professional REALTOR works in the industry on a daily basis, has a running track record of success, has a proven marketing plan and the practical expertise you need to get the best results in a changing market.  Check out the article in the Contra Costa Times today:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/classifieds/real_estate/13741527.htm

The professional will be standing when the dust settles.  Those who entered the market during the hottest times who felt it was an easy buck will perish as the market changes.

From the article:

"Thanks to the housing boom during the past few years, about one in 75 Californians is now a licensed real estate agent, more than ever before, according to the department that issues the licenses.

Rising interest rates, however, will cause home sales statewide to fall by an estimated 2 percent in 2006, according to a forecast issued earlier this month by the California Association of Realtors........."

"We are anticipating a shakeout in the industry in the next few years," said Leslie Appleton-Young, chief economist for the California Association of Realtors. "There just aren't enough homes to sell in California."

http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/classifieds/real_estate/13741527.htm