- More and more consumers will use the Internet to screen
properties.
- Untraditional home buyers (singles, immigrants, and
minorities) will buy in record numbers.
- Rural, small town, and urban residences will grow in
popularity, suburban sales will slip as a percent of the total.
- Mergers and acquisitions will continue to drive industry
consolidation. (the number of brokerage firms will decline).
- More brokers will test salaried employee agents.
- Business development and targeted farming, as well as
contract-to-closing coordination, will be done by brokerage company employees.
- Affinity group business will grow and broker efforts to
squelch cash-back payments to consumers will falter.
- FSBOs will increase in numbers.
- Brokers will begin implementing targeted database marketing
and testing call centers.
- Agents will increasingly use home and mobile offices.
- More firms will add value by offering one-stop-shopping and
concierge services.
- Starting in the luxury home market, builders will offer
fortress home designs with small windows, turrets, and enclosed center courtyards rather
than back yards.
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