new business model: Swanepoel Trends Report Opens Research for New 2011 Report, New Business Models at Top of List - 10/11/10 07:07 AM
Ever since the introduction of the Internet in real estate in 1995 speculation about a new business model for the real estate market has been rampant.
There was a surge of innovation in the late 1990s touting disintermediation, reduced commissions and a more automated and streamlined transaction by using the Internet. Most of that did not materialize as a result of the now infamous “dotcom” crash of 2000. Most of the new business models at the time disappeared although a few interesting companies made it through to the new century.
Then came Web 2.0 and the flood of innovations caused a … (30 comments)

new business model: European Franchise Enters California - Engel and Volkers Introduces New Model to USA - 12/04/08 04:00 AM
Evolution is all part of the process of re-engineering the real estate industry and the home buying process so every time I come across a new business model that is working I get excited.  Some may say that this concept is not truly new, but with its format and European origin, it is definitely unique and very different.
Originally launched in 1977 as Engel & Cie., the company changed its name in 1987 to Engel & Völkers. It operated pretty much as a traditional real estate franchise until the mid 1990's when its owner and Managing Director, Christian Volkers, decided to … (9 comments)