SD ,
Personally I believe you will be around if you choose to be. It sounds like you are bright and ethical which is refreshing. Many of our counterparts are not as we know. When someone asks me about FSBO, my response is always to Go for it if you feel up to it. I explain that the reason RE prices are what they are is due to a relatively efficient market place built and supported by realtors. There are opportunities to “beat the system” and those with the gusto to try are welcomed to. Currently, I also add that the market is much tougher so beating the system is tougher but there will always be successful FSBO’s and you might be one. If someone wants me for my merits so be it, if they know of someone better or a better way I suggest they go that path instead. The bottom line is hiring someone whom you believe will represent your best interests.

The full service brokerages will be far more able to withstand this downturn for many reasons but of course there will be survivors elsewhere. I hope you are one because you sound like a good guy and there should always be room in this industry for people like you.

BTW, IPAYONE won’t be. The founder is a crook only interested in building a company he can sell not building anything sustainable. I went to one of his seminars to hear his pitch. I heard the same pitch many times in the late 90’s in the tech industry.

Personally I prefer the security of having deep pockets behind me in this gig. I know many long time agents that have seen alot of ugliness between clients in downturns. I choose to try my best to insulate myself from those risks both in how I practice and where I practice.

Enough of this topic, there are bigger fish to fry!