I think the point here is that the decreasing prices causes trouble for everyone.  Robb has stated that he feels that $50 should be the minimum charge for a search conducted by an insured abstractor.  However, the reality of the situation is that since so many abstractors have agreed to lower prices, it is impossible for many to maintain that level. 

He even stated that he had to ask one person to lower their price from $50 to $45.  I'm sure he didn't want to do that, but in order for him and the abstractor to get the work it was necessary.  Even he is pressured to lower his prices because the national vendor managers have been so successful in forcing down prices in our industry. 

This is exactly what I mean when I say that lowering prices for ONE company, forces other companies to ask us to lower prices so they can compete in the marketplace.  That is what carries the trend on.  Once prices drop across the board, it will start over again and there will be another round of requests for lower prices.

It won't end until the majority of abstractors refuse to lower their prices any further.  The profit margins are already too thin. 

We can't blame Robb... he is feeling the same pressure as the rest of us.  I think we need to applaud him for encouraging abstractors to hold the line, or heck, even raise their prices.

Best,
Robert A. Franco
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