Real estate has long been a relationship business - basically a baby boomer model - and due to significant changes in the consumer, the industry will no longer be able to thrive and prosper on this basis alone. The consumer is mistrustful and skeptical and the relationship will not stand alone as a way to secure business - going forward it will be based on a combination of relationships and verifiable skills - with the emphasis on skills.

Compound this with the worst downturn since the great depression, a seemingly jobless recovery and tight lending standards - we are the midst of great...