If there is one constant request we get, it is this: 'Where do I find a 'good' Agent / Broker?'

Here is the good and the bad news.

First, the bad news:
There really isn't one place to find a 'good' Agent or Broker - there are many many resources out there, all of which can be very helpful in your search. Many of the directories you'll find are 'open' directories, which simply means that anyone can list themselves in them. At first glance, an open directory concept can seem not-so-good, after all, if anyone can list in the directory, won't the service levels be low - or worse yet, a 'crap-shoot' every time you search?

Actually, the opposite is the case. An open directory attracts the professionals. Let's face it, you don't want to work with any non-professional service providers. That's great - because the slackers out there won't usually take the time to put themselves out in front of active consumers anyway - and that's a good thing for you!

Now - the Great news:
We feature a similar 'open directory' approach here at MyREALTY.com - here's why: Buyers and Sellers are using Search Engines (such as Google, Yahoo, etc.) as directories. The trouble is, Search Engines are NOT directories! We'll get into this further in subsequent issues, but just because you can find something there doesn't make it a directory.

Our 'Find an Agent/Broker' list features TOP Agents and Brokers from local markets all over North America - and we are adding hundreds more every day.

These are professional and competent Agents and Brokers that WANT your business, and are willing to earn it with service and value.

Best of all - it's absolutely FREE for them to be added to the list - so you know you aren't just seeing the Agents / Brokers with the 'biggest budget', but rather those dedicated to pursuing your business and trust - and willing to market to find you.

Enjoy your search, and we hope you find your perfect match!

-Todd and the staff at MyREALTY.com

With all of the recent press and attention to banking and lending, now comes news from First Magnus (http://www.firstmagnus.com) on effectively 'shutting their doors' to funding loans.

Just how manyAmericans were literally stuck at the closing table yesterday with mortgages that would not fund? We'd like to find that number. Great Southwest Mortgage, a net branch for First Magnus took a significant hit in the marketplace with this news. In fact, many companies are scrambling to find underwriting / funding for their in-process loans that have been simply 'pushed aside' with recent changes.

We are told this came without warning, but others say that the cards were on the table for this , and still may be on the table for others in the coming days and weeks.

'Will Countrywide Home Loans file for Bankruptcy?' would seem to be the headline of the day, judging by the conversations around water coolers and lunch tables across America today.

It's very interesting (no pun intended), to both those inside and outside of the industry. One important point: the real suffering here is not the stock prices, not the investors, not the corporate heavyweights -- no, it's the consumer.

It's YOU, and ME.

When the dust settles, you can be sure that Joe and Mary Homebuyer, along with their neighbors John and Julie Homeowner, will pay the price for all of this - and dearly. Longer sales cycles, unstable rates, escalating inventory... all affecting the valuation of your property(s).

Blog on - after all it's YOUR Realty here at 'My Realty'... and YOUR Realty is what matters most.

-Todd and the staff at MyREALTY.com

There has been a lot of press lately given to the varying pricing and fee models in the Real Estate industry.

The actual issue would seem to be more about not 'which' model is correct, or even best - but rather is there room in the industry (read: industry minds, consumer tolerance) for more than one model to be successful on a broad scale.

Points to consider:

1. The landscape of information availability (listings, parcel info, historical data, appraisal, etc.) is changing every day - does this negate the previous commission-based models of 5%-7% -- which was largely based upon the agent or broker's ability to provide access to that information?
2. Will the marketplace maintain the current models? - or will the changing economies in national, regional, and local markets be more suited (and subsequently more welcoming) to new models such as Redfin and others?
3. Are flat-fee and 'A la carte' brokerage models gaining any marketshare, or will they continue to attract only their current minor market segment?
4. What about broker consultation models - is a new 'paid for service' model emerging that could replace existing commission(s) and offer a viable alternative to both client (buyer/seller) and Agent/Broker?

The answers at this point are more opinion than fact - don't get me wrong, there are facts galore to quote; but it will take time to sort out the truth. In the end, there will always be room for the innovators.

Every change in technology, the economy - even in legislation - will bring about bold new approaches to managing the Real Estate Transaction, which is to the majority of us the largest financial and emotional investment we will make in our lifetimes.

Sound off on the items above - let us know what you are thinking.

Share your opinions with a truly global audience of your peers, and Thank You in advance for your insights, thoughts, and valuable assessments!

-Todd and the MyREALTY.com Team