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Since the release of the 2007 edition of the Swanepoel TRENDS Report in February thousands of brokers and agents have obtained copies to use as a roadmap to reposition their businesses for the future. At 159-pages there is no more extensive research and analysis of the top real estate trends, technology innovations, shifts, and new business models changing our industry. Now available for the first time, a new DVD released this week shares Stefan's insights and perspectives on camera. The DVD includes a 90 minute video presentation of the ten most important trends along with his Powerpoint slides.

According to the 2007 Swanepoel Trends Report (http://www.realestatebooks.org) the residential real estate brokerage industry appears to be about half way through a 10-15 year industry transition ' one that is creating confusion and frustration, but above all, huge opportunities. 'If Brokerages, Realtors and Realtor Associations are to remain relevant and effective, they must clearly understand the changing real estate environment and the new, evolving real estate business models,' states Stefan Swanepoel.

Real estate professionals will 'certainly survive as the primary link between Americans and the American dream,' despite the industry's constant evolution. The advent of new models such as Zillow, Trulia, Redfin and many others are all contributing in different ways to the change. As a result, real estate professionals will have to step up their 'game' by improving their knowledge about real estate, the neighborhood and technology as well change their mindset from a 'salesperson' to that of a consultative, interpretive and negotiating lifestyles facilitator.

According to Swanepoel 'Clever brokers and agents will objectively research every market and model, every nook and cranny, every book and every course ' searching for that one idea that will spark a new strategy, idea or method that will lead to more effective customer service. Never has the industry experienced so much change.'

'What was important last year, or last month for that matter, will in all probability not be relevant tomorrow. Those that understand that and are able to pull their team of agents together are the ones that will benefit the most,' he says.