As part of the annual Swanepoel TRENDS Report we also every year include a look back at the year that just passed and list the Top 10 Newsmakers, Top 10 Events and Top 10 Trendsetters for 2008. 

This week I am discussing the Trendsetters. Trendsetters are defined as those companies that during 2008 set forth actions that were different and memorable and could potentially have a far reaching impact on the real estate industry in the years to come.

The Top 10 Trendsetters in Real Estate for 2008 are:

1. Brookfield Real Estate Services

The acquisition of a Top 10 national franchise happens but once or twice a decade.  So when it does occur it's important news - when it's done by a non-U.S. company it's very big news.  The acquisition of GMAC Real Estate by Brookfield Real Estate Services, the holding company of Royal LePage, Canada's largest real estate company, solidifies them as a major real estate player in North America.

2. Cyberhomes

For its dynamic growth and rapid rise during the last year to become one of the strongest new forces in consumer facing websites we recognize Cyberhomes as a newsmaker.  After various earlier missteps with FNIS and Dwayne Walker, Fidelity seems to have picked a winning horse in Cyberhomes.

3. Keller Williams

Despite the steep slide in real estate sales and the sharp reduction in the number of real estate agents among most large national real estate franchises, KW apparently bucked the trend in both cases.  The company has continued to grow rapidly in size, stature and market share since 2000 as well as during the 2006-2008 housing bubble, to become one of top national real estate franchises in the industry.

4. Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac

These two Government Sponsored Entities (GSE), long considered economic pillars of stability in the real estate industry, shocked the world with their financial collapse and the extent to which their leadership apparently mismanaged funds and their responsibilities.  The fact that government intervention was necessary to rescue them from total failure remains shocking.

5.     Engel & Völkers

The #1 real estate company in Germany, and according to some reports all of Europe, expanded its real estate shop franchise concept to over 500 offices in 25 countries.  It also aggressively expanded into the U.S. by opening shops in Florida, Connecticut and New York and with openings in California scheduled for 2009.

6. National Association of Realtors^®

This institution celebrated its 100^th anniversary in 2008 and as we reflect on all of its accomplishments it is evident that the industry would not be where it is today without the National Association of Realtors^® (NAR).  However, what makes NAR newsworthy is not its survival but the announcement of their second century initiatives, which if successful, could significantly reshape the real estate brokerage industry. 

7. Casa Latino

Rising rapidly during the last two years, Casa Latino has become the undisputed national leader in the Hispanic market with offices in 14 states as well as 14 countries and territories in South America and the Caribbean.

8. Realogy

There is no doubt that the higher the tree the stronger the wind.  The industry leader and mega-brand real estate franchise enjoyed success and expanded during the strong real estate market of 2000-2005.  The financial crisis and housing collapse have taken their toll on the company however, resulting in hundreds of offices being closed and almost half a billion in estimated losses in 2008.  The company is large enough to survive, yet it carries an enormous debt to be restructured.  2009 might provide the answer.

9. Frontdoor.com

Since the launch of HGTV's frontdoor.com late in 2007, the site has been a true bright spot for the industry.  The site has enjoyed significant growth while also offering a large selection of information for the home buying, selling and owning community.

10. Broker Agent News

Coming late to the Online Community world did not stop Broker Agent News. During the latter part of 2008 it not only changed its name from Broker Agent News to Broker Agent Professional, but also launched a new Social Network for real estate agents named Broker Agent Social. Within the first month participation exploded past 5,000

The 2009 Swanepoel TRENDS Report will be published the first week of February. You can still save $50 off the cover price by ordering pre the publication date at www.realestatebooks.org.