Many of my title companies have reduced staff during these slower times. The hope is that these layoffs are temporary, and they can begin to hire back staff when interest rates begin to come back down (Some estimating from 6 to 18 months from now depending on your level of optimism). Obviously, mortgage companies are feeling the pinch, too. Michigan based Flagstar is one. After a 20% cut last summer, Flagstar is making another adjustment to its workforce:

Report: Flagstar Bank lays off hundreds in mortgage division (freep.com)