The Arizona Republic reported today (7/20/09) in an interview with Bob Bemis of the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS) That only 28,000 of ARMLS’ 36,000 former members renewed their dues for the 2008-2009 period. Even though ARMLS expects 3,000 late renewals, the anticipated net decline represents 20% fewer agents than last year.

It is presumed that the agents not renewing are either agents who are retiring, were part-time, or who had licenses during the boom times and are not willing to put the time and effort into competing in today’s market.

I hope that the remaining agents are the professional level, active agents with a commitment to the real estate industry, and to the clients and customers. I also hope that this will lead to a higher level of professionalism and client care than has been the case in the last several years.