By Anita Campbell RISMEDIA, Dec. 24, 2007-Everyone has heard about the coolness of the iPhone, but the business uses for Twitter and the Google Optimizer might also be influential in 2008.

By Eugene L. Meyer RISMEDIA, Dec. 21, 2007- Just when you thought the clouds on the real estate horizon were getting even darker, a ray of sunshine pops through in the housing futures market. A new survey has pinpointed the number-one goal of today's college students. It's owning a house.

RISMEDIA, Jan. 1, 2008-What are the biggest challenges Realtors will face in 2008? What are the most important goals of NAR's Large Firm Liaison? Here, Real Estate magazine interviews Alex Perriello, president & CEO, Realogy Franchise Group; 2008 Special Liaison for Large Firm Relations on his new role and what to expect in the coming year.

Commentary by Will Weaver RISMEDIA, Dec. 19, 2007-On any given day, I receive three to four calls from people who are in foreclosure and find themselves in a frightening whirlwind of red tape, debt and decisions most feel too overwhelmed to absorb. Many I meet have been met with brick walls, intimidation and apathy and are truly desperately in need of an ally.

By John Voket RISMEDIA, Dec. 29, 2007-Just as everyone is in the process of setting goals for the New Year, it's important for brokers to start with the basics-their agents. Whether it's training or retention, brokers can use the New Year to implement new systems to help make a new consumer experience, beginning with their agents.

By Kim Ades RISMEDIA, Dec. 5, 2007-How do you refuse a billion-dollar offer for a little company that you just started a few years ago? Some possible answers are:

Commentary by Scott Einbinder RISMEDIA, Dec. 17, 2007-As I travel from state to state and office to office I am constantly picking up business cards of agents. I look at the picture and often see a much different

RISMEDIA, Dec. 14, 2007-At the close of this 2007, you're probably asking yourself some tough questions: Were our actions and decisions well coordinated across departments? Did we have high levels of teamwork and cooperation among employees? Have we made the right decision about what functions should be centralized and decentralized? If the answers seem elusive, take a tip from Rick Lepsinger: Make an effort to learn from the trials and triumphs of your well-known business brethren.

RISMEDIA, Dec. 29, 2007-The first quarter of any new year can be final jeopardy for many new ideas. It's a critical time that begins with the roll out of many new programs, promotions and products that falter, fizzle and fall flat on their face. The success or failure of these new offerings set the tone for the outlook and profitability of the business for the entire year.

Commentary by Pierre A. Calzadilla RISMEDIA, Dec. 12, 2007-The typical real estate professional today considers a Web site part of his or her basic online marketing plan-as important to business as their computer, PDA or digital camera.

By Barry Hurd RISMEDIA, Dec. 11, 2007-Have you ever asked yourself how many valid eyes would visit your site if you had that coveted first spot on a hot keyword? If the first spot is good, how much does the second or third spot get?

By Steve Harney RISMEDIA, Dec. 10, 2007-As a leader, you provide and maintain momentum within your company. While guiding your agents during the past boom market was easy, today

Compiled from published reports RISMEDIA, Dec. 7, 2007--President Bush announced a plan Thursday that offers foreclosure relief to 1.2

By Jeff Mandel RISMEDIA, Dec. 6, 2007-The end of every calendar year is synonymous with great holidays, parties, probably some football, and oh yeah, that dreaded thing called budget planning.

By Ralph R. Roberts RISMEDIA, Dec. 4, 2007-According to Realtor Lori Polin, she was totally unaware that what she was involved with consisted of real estate and mortgage fraud. If ignorance of the law was an appropriate defense, she could be off the hook. Unfortunately it's not. According to a recent story in the St. Petersburg Times titled, "Unsigned letter accuses agent of mortgage fraud," Polin was allegedly involved in classic cash back at closing schemes.