Having just read a preliminary copy of the 2008 Swanepoel Trends Report a section really caught my attention.  The section was on the Titans of the real estate industry and what they have done over the last year. 

Interestingly enough when you look at all the names on the list you wonder how so many companies can compete successfully?  Think about it; RE/MAX, Coldwell Banker, Keller Williams, C-21, Prudential, ERA, Realty Executives and many more (you will have to read the report for details).

The answer, one would think, is business model.  Each company presents a different business model.  And I would agree with that statement except the following ... many of the companies are Independently Owned and Operated meaning what you get in one is usually not what you will get from another.

So beyond the Brand and the basics of a business model, each office is representative of the style of business that the employing broker chooses to create.  This is a broad statement but the facts are every office is different not because the name of the brokerage, but because of the mannerisms of the broker.

Think about it and let me know your thoughts.

For information on the Swanepoel Trends Report for 2008 go to www.RETrends.com