This is an interesting article as most of the "non-realtor" population do not really have many good experiences with home buying and selling. Really, how often is this a pleasurable task? Actually, more stress is associated with the whole transaction including mortgage captivation. WE ALL KNOW of the unprofessional, inexperienced realtor who gives the industry a "bad" name. Also, when you have a constant battle, on the part of the Broker / Owner of a real estate company, for agent retention and recruiting, there is a great deal of mud slinging. How about mergers and acquisitions? If a real estate company is involved in one of these the agents are confronted with a "new regime" and atmosphere when all is said and done. I challenge you, any of you, to stand in a mall one saturday morning and simply ask the public in a survey form what they think about realtors. I am not so sure you will want to know the answeres!