Similar to the birth of a new baby, the arrival every year is accompanied with anticipation on how it will look, how much it will weigh, will it be healthy, etc. – this year the Swanepoel Trends Report weighs in at 170 pages, is blue and orange cover and looks beautiful (don’t all babies) -  trepidation (for the first typo we find that slipped through) to excitement and discussions about the new set of top10 real estate trends that will shape industry. 

It is with humbleness and deep honor that I share with you my summary what happened in 2007 and what I think will happen in 2008. Those strategies, business models and innovations that are and will continue to impact our business and lives during the coming year.

As I have often stated, I hope that our research and interpretation (basically a comprehensive compendium and synopsis of real estate) will be of value to all real estate professionals (be they brokers, managers, agents and service providers – this we even added a bonus section for home buyers and sellers) in dealing with all of the decisions that we are all going to be faced with during the ensuing year. 

2008 is going to be a very difficult year for real estate brokerage companies, mortgage companies, Realtors® and Realtor® Associations and as you read through the Top 10 Trends you will notice several trends that have taken significant turns during the last 12 to 18 months and have, like a winding river, carved out a new direction. Real estate is by no means a static industry and neither is it like any other.   

Never before has the real estate market experienced so much change; change which has resulted in a widespread level of uncertainty, fraud, foreclosure, fear and rapid adjustments. What was important last year may not even be relevant this year. And therefore pursuing change, almost like a storm chaser, is a passion of mine. 

For more information on any of my Reports or writings please visit www.ReTrends.com. 

To order a copy of the 2007 or 2008 Trends Report please visit www.RealEstateBooks.org. 

And if you would like me to speak at one of you upcoming events please visit www.Swanepoel.com 

To your continued success!! Stefan