Now that the holidays are over and we are into a new year, let's take a break and look back on 2008. Assisting us today will be Stefan Swanepoel, a noted author and speaker who has been right on with his prognostications regarding real estate and the direction the industry will take.

Mr. Swanepoel (aka 'Mr. Internet') has not released his full annual report for this past year but he did share some of the high points in a 'Top Ten' list. What impacted the industry in 2008?

1. Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (The Bailout)
2. The Presidential Election
3. In Memory Of: Countrywide, IndyMac, Washington Mutual, Wachovia, etc. 
4. Facing Foreclosure Frenzy
5. Home Prices Spiral Downward
6. NAR-DOJ IDX Settlement 
7. Brokers Go Bust
8. Keeping It Short (Twitter)
9. ActiveRain Explodes Past 100,000 Members
10. NAR Celebrates 100 Years

There are quite a few conversation starters in this list, and 2008, a year filled with volatility, disappointment, more than a few bankruptcies large and small, is one for the history books. I'm sure more than one of you are glad to see 2009 although many challenges face the industry that will take time to work their way through.

What headlines are you thinking about that should have made Swanepoel's list?