Glut AND Influx of new Agents?

The Real Estate Market at present time is especially difficult to read, navigate and achieve success in - for both agents and their customers. "Why now the continuing surge of new agents to the market", today's Washington Post Real Estate section wonders. The article surmises that if history repeats itself, there's reason to believe that "some agents will drop out soon".

This is already happening. My recent survey of the Virginia Real Estate Testing Centers shows that agent testing and applications has dropped off considerably in the past 4 months, and membership is shrinking in the area Realtor Associations. These Associations require annual dues, so it's likely that they'll take a hit this January 1st as many of the newer and less experienced Agents find success hard to achieve for their first customers.

My business and experience stretches over 22 years in this area. I've seen new agents and agent teams come and go, interest rates rise and fall, regional home valuations shrink and expand. This is definitely the time to stick with absolute knowledge and experience in a tough market, both on the selling or buying side. Trust longevity across market cycles, as you would any major investment strategy.