I just got this new newspaper in my mailbox called Agent Direct News, in it there was an article about the 12 Trends for 2008.  While I don't agree completely with the article there are several key points worth mentioning here.

1. Down Payments Are Back! - I'm not sure about my readers, particularly other agents, but I'm in the business for the long haul and my strategy requires repeat clients.  With down payments, statistically speaking, buyers are more likely to avoid foreclosure and still have room to negotiate should they be in a down market.  Now I am working with clients who really can afford to purchase and as a result I am having higher client satisfaction as these buyers are more likely to have characteristics that I am looking for.

1. The Pros Are Back?! - Sort of - As the market tightens, the creme is going to rise.  I've seen highly skilled agent go two ways.  Either they are sharpening their skills and continue to offer high value full service or they are going for the discount model.  Personally, I liken my skills to that of a sports agent in expert negotiations and contract facilitation.  Sure you could do it yourself, but I do it everyday, it's the difference between getting a rookie contract and getting A-ROD money! 
   
   The current Real Estate market has been outstanding.  With such a low barrier to entry, many of those agents who weren't really servicing their clients are now gone.  Real Estate requires skills and know-how but also, ENERGY and DRIVE.  Those agents that have THOSE skills will win everytime.
2. Short Sales, FSBO, and Foreclosures - These are all common words.  With highly skilled agents who get buyer brokerage agreements upfront, representing clients in these arenas will be a breeze.  Lowly skilled agents will falter when going up against a bank or FSBO who refuses to pay commissions.  Truth is, most FSBOs can be had at up to 10% below current market with the right negotiations.
3. Back to Basics - With fewer buyers in the buyer pool and fewer agents in the agent pool, top Realtors are going back to why they love the business, Devoping Relationships.  Service and quality are first again, not just slinging internet sites and information.  In addition, many agents are getting back to actually having market knowledge (go figure?!) instead of just showing homes.

Other things that were mentioned worth noting:

• *   Low Quality Internet Leads will soon be a thing of the past.  Filtering systems and follow up systems are better than ever.
• *   Investments - It's not just for "green" agents anymore. (Referring to the practice of investors that call brand new agents to have them run around town and find deals) It's for potential clients and for agents themselves.
• *    Increased Training Opportunities - Agents that came in with discount brokers and lacked the training will be hinderances to their companies even with the discount model.  Look to see an increased quantity of training classes in all areas.