What does a real estate agent do when his/her own home is washed away, and all of the real estate in town is gone? RealTalk listserv contributor John Gillespie of South Carolina has a great idea:

"I am broker of a small agency in SC. I NEED a good producer to work full time 70/30 split. I can provide housing and a job for up to FOUR maybe five Realtors and their families.. South Carolina does not require the full training course to an active licensee. There is a test on the State laws, 20 questions I believe. These agents would help me out as much as I would be helping them. If I can help......"

Las Vegas broker Ronni Land is on the same track:

"If it's a Realtor, I'll put him or her to work while they are geting  licensed in NV!!! I've got plenty of leads for them, but Nevada does not  have reciprocity regarding licensing so they will need to do that. It  takes  about six weeks for the course and then another  4-6 weeks to actually get the license.

"The house is a single story, 3 BR, 2BA (done as 2BR+D but we can easily  add  a bed) with a fully walled in yard just perfect for dogs.  It is walking distance to all schools, so if a child is involved, that  will  make it easier. Our school semester just started this week."

I urge State Real Estate Commissions and licensing agencies in all states to conduct an immediate review of licensing law and reciprocity with the affected states. I also recomment an immediate, stepped up effort by real estate educators to meet the needs of refugee licensees who require credentials in other states.

Local associations may want to consider an "Adopt a REALTOR" program in their own market areas that would mirror the efforts "