The National Association of Realtors has been urging consumers for the past year to buy real estate now, and to work with a realtor when they do so. A report just released by the Association on the demographic characteristics and business activities of the typical Florida realtor reinforces the fact that in Florida, buyers and sellers would do well to avail themselves of the expertise and professionalism possessed by most realtors. In Florida, 58 percent of realtors are female and their median age is 55 (compared to 60 percent and age 54 nationwide). Almost half have a bachelor’s degree or higher, more than half consider residential brokerage their specialty, and typically she has been in the business for ten years, which is the same as the median years nationally. About one third of all realtors hold a professional designation with 22 percent holding a certification. A clear majority of realtors work at least 40 hours a week and 90 percent are sure they’ll remain active as real estate professional during the next two years. Clearly, this is a very dynamic and experienced group of professionals, dedicated to helping people make very important decisions. Given the fact that 2008 was a very challenging year for realtors, when sales volume softened and transactions went way down, I am proud to see that we continue to make things happen in and for an industry that’s never without challenge.
