With the American real estate market turning down many elected REALTOR leaders are considering cutting back on programs in anticipation of lowered membership levels. This is absolutely the last thing that should happen at this point in time.

A recent visit to "career day" presents a surprise for this broker grandmother

Is franchising the procedures and practices of agent teams feasible from an economic and operational perspective?

SUMMARY: The traditional agent centric brokerage business and service model is no longer relevant, profitable or appropriate in the current consumer centric, Internet impacted and value oriented real estate market environment. Fortunes and fame will go to the team that can summons the courage, vision and innovative spirit necessary to launch a business model that combines classic wisdom with contemporary realities.

The REALTOR trade association has been part of the industry's landscape for over 80 years. During this period it has gone through several phases. Now as the real estate industry prepares to meet its greatest challenge this venerable asset has an opportunity to save the day.