Getting Back to the Basics when the Basics have Changed, an article from RealtyTimes.com, reports that it is true that real estate works in cycles, the housing market will come back as will business, but it will be a very different type of business.  The Real Estate Consulting model is built on a the principle of elevating the role of the real estate professional to one of a true fiduciary, enabling real estate professionals to provide what consumers need today in a world of laptops, cell phones, digital cameras and the Internet.  Today’s consumer is demanding quality choices in the real estate services they receive and how they can pay for them.  Being prepared means developing the tools to provide today's consumer with what they need, and, more importantly, what they are willing to pay for.
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080630_basics.htm

Additional articles that you may find of interest:

Are you a sales rock star or just a member of the band?
http://www.csbj.com/story.cfm?ID=20072

Foreclosure stigma haunts would-be renters
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25415471/

Tech Tools Making Homes Smarter, More Desirable
http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20080630_techtools.htm

Freeze tag
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/five-tips-borrowers-whose-home/story.aspx?guid=B03D0D78-3D52-4407-8FE7-587D5E86E053

The Next Victim of the Real Estate Crisis
http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/jun2008/bw20080627_320852.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_top+story