Change seems to be the buzz word this year, with Barack Obama touting "Change We Need," John McCain promoting "Real Change" and even Hillary Clinton saying "Change you can count on."
Every year the Swanepoel TRENDS Report identifies, analyzes and then details out the imminent changes that are expected to impact the real estate industry over the coming 12 - 18 months. The 2009 Report is currently in the final 60 days of research and writing and obviously with all the recent financial disasters, the energy crisis, the housing collapse and foreclosure catastrophe this has made 2008 the worst year in real estate and financial history.
So with 500 million cars clogging our roads, 7 billion tons of carbon dioxide produced per year and a government financial bail out package of $700 billion we have been bombarded with huge numbers. What do they mean and how big is 700,000,000,000 - really. Well, 700 billion M&M's would be enough to give every American 10 one-pound bags - or alternatively $700 billion could buy every person on the earth 87 McDonalds combo meals.
So what does it all mean to the real estate industry? That remains the $64,000 question and this is where the annual Swanepoel TRENDS report tries to provide insights, information and interpretation. And although 2008 has had more than its fair share of adversity, misfortune always provides a new opportunity if one knows where to look. Knowledge of course provides that foresight.
Already thousands of hours of researching has been invested in drafting the 2009 Swanepoel TRENDS Report by not only the regular team of analysts but over 50 regular industry leaders and contributors.
While we believe that the Swanepoel TRENDS Report is the most thorough and complete report of its kind it is impossible for us to cover the industry from top to bottom and, as we have done in past years, we would like to invite your input before we finalize the report for 2009.
During the month of November the Team at RealSure is opening the doors and inviting anyone involved the residential real estate brokerage industry to write to us and tell us if they feel they know of or are involved with any new, innovative product or service or a company that has set a course that is changing or could potentially change the industry.
If you believe that you have information that will help us provide a more accurate assessment of the industry and the trends and strategies shaping our future please email us. However, we cannot promise that everything we receive will make it into the 2009 Swanepoel TRENDS Report. We can however promise that no piece of information will go unread.
This year's special email address is 2009@REtrends.com and it will be open to receive input until Monday, November 17th. You may also send any personal quotes on the industry or the Trends Report should you wish to be cited. We do however ask that you do not send confidential information or product promotional material.
For more information on the 2009 Report visit www.REtrends.com
Ok I will bite: I am sure you already know this: but this will be the year of open MLS - I have heard in some places that as many as 60% of licensed Realtors have opted out of the MLS. (Montana)
The other thing nobody wants to admit; look at all those empty desks: look for more and more virtual companies.
This is one of my favorite books! Living in rural Missouri, I like to watch what other parts of the country are doing. RE Trends makes it easy for me to see what is coming down the pipe line.
I had the privilege to have a review quote published a few years ago. I was excited then and I'm still excited now.
How generous, I'll put my thinking cap on and see about it. Too tired tonight to think....
Israel,
Interesting observation about the MLS. No question that MLS is changing, but 60% of agents opted out of MLS...doesn't sound right. Any stats to back it up or any pointers where I can go searching for more information.
Stefan
Thanks for the kind words Debbie. We are very happy that our more than 1,000 hours of research per edition is able to provide meaningful information that brokers and agents that want to succeed can use to stay ahead of change. Good luck for 2009.
Hello Stephan, This is certainly an interesting time and one that has already begun to shape our future. Now, I am not sure that there will be more virtual companies but I do expect that we see traditional companies having virtual arms of their companies. The Brick and Mortar of the traditional franchises lend viable credibility to the virtual extension for those that prefer the less conventional. Perhaps one day we will evolve to fewer franchises with an even larger nation presence consisting of various business models within its franchise, including fee for service models, single agency brokerage, virtual brokerage, etc.
Bill you're right. Virtual real estate companies have generally not succeeded, but optimizing the Internet cannot be ignored and finding new and more effective ways in using the Internet has benefited is clearly an important strategy.
Congratulations to Barack Obama with his big win last night.
Anyone have any comments with regard to how that may or may not impact our industry and the recovery of the financial and real estate markets?
Obama is going to have a tough time getting the economy back on track. Hope he does. Soon isn't quick enough.
Yes, Stephan, it is in Montana and Wyoming, where the MLS is so backward as to be too restrictive, and where so many Californians are moving in that it is a sellers market.
I did not do my own research, it was well established client who told me that is some areas near Sundance area, 60% had opted out.
Got a political ax to grind?
Israel
No political ax to grind just interested to know where it was unraveling. Thanks for the info.
Stefan
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