Publisher’s Desk: Best in Class

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I must admit, I wasn’t quite expecting to receive the largest-ever response to our Annual Power Broker Survey this year-of all years. Part of me figured brokers would hesitate to publicly post their 2007 numbers, which were somewhat-to-significantly down from years past.

But Power Brokers are smarter than that. These firms know that the RISMedia Power Broker Survey provides an opportunity not to be missed-especially in a down market. By completing the survey and making our list, brokers are able to send a clear message to their peers, agents and consumers: real estate is alive and well, and their company is still in the race. What more important message could a broker deliver these days?

Our 20th Annual Power Broker Survey witnessed almost 900 responses from brokerage firms around the country. While sales volume and transactions were down virtually across the board, the performance of so many in a very difficult marketplace was quite admirable. We upped our ranking, therefore, from the Top 500 to include the Top 700 this year. See who made the list in our special report that begins on page 117.

Given the climate of today’s marketplace, we also felt it was critical to take a different approach to the Power Broker Report this year. So, instead of seeing the broker spotlights and interviews that usually accompany our Power Broker Report, you will find information on our forthcoming White Paper, Power Brokers Confront a New Business Reality. Through this White Paper, we were able to devote the proper attention to detail in interviewing 30 of the country’s top Power Brokers. This paper drills down to uncover their strategies and approaches to the continued changing marketplace, and how they are preparing their companies for rough waters. Find out more information on ordering this report on page 135 or by visiting www.rismedia.com.

While we are always impressed with the accomplishments of our Power Brokers, we are even more so this year. To all of you, my sincerest congratulations on a job well done and my heartfelt admiration for moving our industry forward in the face of adversity.

Wishing you continued success,

John E. Featherston
CEO & Publisher