Until recently, we all heard about the demise of the Mom and Pop real estate agencies, and how all the independents would be swallowed by Coldwell Banker, Prudential and all the other red, white and blue real estate boxes. 

We were told that ultimately, there would only be a few big firms left standing in the world of real estate brokerage.

It was all solid research, or so we were told.

But:

Murphy's Law of Research
Enough research will tend to support whatever theory.

My theory, based on anecdotal evidence, tends to support another view; namely, that the prairie fire that has swept the real estate market the last couple of years has spawned a proliferation of small and independent real estate companies. I am amazed at the number of new and unknown companies in our San Diego real estate market--and find that in certain communities, they are outlisting and outselling their behemoth brethren

What gives? I wondered just a couple of weeks ago.

Now I understand.

It was just last week that I heard Sotheby's International Realty was closing operations in San Diego--and that Prudential would be offered the chance to pick up the pieces.

Humph. Never did consider myself to be a piece--or a piece of anything.

Our little group decided to join that growing group of agents and brokers who operate without franchise ropes--and the rugs that tend to get pulled out from under when least expected.

Yesterday, we made it official with our MLS and Board of Realtors.  The hardest decision, though, was what to call ourselves.

In the end, we unanimously decided to let the tail wag the dog--and named the company after our website that has been around for years:

San Diego Previews

Taglines to follow.

And what is that saying about grass growing greener after a prairie fire?