Thanks Sandi,

I've been a Realtor for just over 2 years part time, closed 5 deals so far. I've stayed full time in printing for that exact reason - the market has been incredibly rough. A friend of mine started "Own Your Own Home, Inc" over 5 years ago and had been making big big bucks until the last year and a half or so. Things are starting to pick up a bit - homes are actually becoming affordable for first time buyers.

Anyway, I hired on with him some time ago because there is no big financial commitment with him like there would be with Remax, Century 21, etc... (hundreds of dollars to join plus $50 - $100/month or more).

I think that even in this market there is plenty of money to be made, and having a niche - especially one that caters to a down market is a big advantage. The problem is getting connected to the potential buyers.

In the meantime, you are probably right about part-time work as a supplement. I just don't want to get back in the same rut I've been in for several years now, content to "get by" on whatever I'm making and susceptible to layoffs at any time (this is 6 or 7 - and my third just from this company!).

I'll be combing the archives for ideas. Maybe I can find another business to work part time that will allow me to meet people, make contacts and feed the Real Estate biz as well.