As a result of the recession, real estate-related professionals, such a Realtors, mortgage lenders, home inspectors and builders have improved. At least it seems that way as the "part-timers" and  "only in it for the quick cash" folks quit while the real estate business has been slow.  This leaves the long-term, experienced and dedicated professionals to better serve you. 

In fact, a recent study says that as a result of the recession, Building industry professionals have become:

• More adaptable, 65 percent
• More innovative, 53 percent
• More realistic, 52 percent
• Wiser, 47 percent
• Have improved industry-related skills, 43 percent
• More in touch with the operations of their businesses, 40 percent
• Have a better work-personal life balance, 36 percent
• More pessimistic, 27 percent