Alabama REALTORS® recently conducted an all-member survey on several topics related to professionalism in the real estate industry in Alabama. We appreciate everyone who took the time to participate in the survey. A summary of the results can be found below:

A majority of respondents (61%) feel the real estate industry in Alabama is professional. 22% of respondents do not; 17% were neutral.

A majority of respondents (50%) support increasing the pre license requirements to a real estate license; 12% opposed. 38% were neutral.

38% of respondents support increasing the post license education requirements; 17% are opposed. 45% were neutral.

45% of respondents were opposed to requiring continuing education on an annual basis instead of the current requirement every two years; 25% supported annual CE; 30% were neutral.  

35% of respondents supported increasing requirements to become a broker; 17% opposed; 48% were neutral.

38% of respondents supported increasing accountability requirements for violations of fair housing laws; 9% opposed; 53% were neutral.

A majority of respondents (66%) support requiring a one-hour fair housing course as part of each CE renewal cycle. 10% opposed; 24% were neutral.

A majority of respondents (78%) support requiring fair housing training as a pre license education requirement. 4% opposed; 18% were neutral.

A majority of respondents (74%) believe dual agency is fair to both the buyer and seller. 26% believe it is not fair.

Respondents were almost evenly split on whether they believe dual agency is understood by consumers; 51% believe dual agency is understood by consumers; whereas, 49% believe consumers do not understand dual agency.

The member survey had a participation rate of 6.1% and 1,135 total participants.

Of the members who participated in the survey, members identified as: residential practitioners (83%); resort, condominium and second home properties (5%); new home sales and construction (4%); commercial practitioners (3%); property management (2%); and rural and recreational land sales (2%).

Of the members who participated in the survey, the respondents’ status with their company was the following: Agent (56%); Association Broker (21%); Qualifying Broker (14%); Owner (9%).