Happy New Year from Bill Roberts

Here we are. The old year is almost over. The new year is just around the corner.

2007 was certainly an "interesting" year. Real Estate may never be the same.

Personally, I hope it won't ever be the same. I'm an eternal optimist. I think it is always going to get better.

Some of the changes we are in store for are new lending practices, new marketing methods, new transaction management systems, lower over-all commissions and fees, less agents will do more business, and the "Old" real estate business model will go the ways of the horse and buggy.

I hope the changes include higher standards for all who contribute to this industry. We deal with what is the largest financial transaction in most people's lives. We ALL need to be professionals: Professionals who maintain professional standards and ethics and Professionals who are properly educated for the duties of this profession.

I want to thank everybody that has made ActiveRain the place that it is. Matt and Jon, thank you for creating this place. And Bob and Jerry and the rest of the staff who keep it going and growing, thank you.

I also want to thank those bloggers that consistently put up good, germane content and everybody that comments, thus insuring a good conversation and learning experience for all.

Happy New Year! And Thank You All!