Struggling real estate agents exit the business

he profession in droves as the decimation of the housing market continues.

The Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors is cutting marketing budgets and other costs in anticipation that as many as 15 percent of its 7,800 members wont renew their licenses.

PMAR, a trade association that represents licensed Realtors in the Portland area, mailed renewal notices to its members on Oct. 31. Members have until Jan. 1 to pay the bill, which amounts to nearly $400 in local, state and national fees.

Kathy Querin, the associations chief executive officer, said theres no way to know until New Years Day just how many agents will not renew their memberships. But she anticipates fall off as the pace of sales slows and residential agents decide they cant make a living selling houses.