Change is good for the consumer and for the real estate industry. It fuels competition and drives innovation and efficiency. Yet, the real estate industry has seen little change during the last 50 years. Indeed, other than marginally lower commissions as a result of the introduction of "discount brokerage models," the change is imperceptible. Will the industry survive as we know it today? What will it take to thrive in the future? Technology and changing consumer behavior will be the driving forces behind change, but not the only forces. What matters is what the consumers want -- not what we think they want. Mark Nash is a residential real estate author and broker in Chicago informs consumers of the top issues impacting residential real estate today. He has contributed his real estate insight to CBS The Early Show, Bloomberg TV, Dow Jones Marketwatch, and Universal Press Syndicate. Mr. Nash specializes in helping consumers succeed in real estate.

Whether you are buying real estate to make a profit or just looking for a great place to live, your next real estate purchase is an investment, hands down. It is one of the most important investments you'll make during your lifetime. So how do you make sure that you hire a real estate agent that is going to help you make the best real estate purchase decision? While every home buyer has different needs and wishes when buying real estate, there are a few fundamental truths that hold, no matter what you desire.

If you're a new real estate investor who has thought about real estate investing but have been due to a nagging feeling that you are certain the market will collapse once you step in and you will lose all your money; guess what, you're not alone. Fear grips every new investor; and no one successfully investing in real estate today would state otherwise. It's common for potential real estate investors to miss out on incredible opportunities for no other reason but an overwhelming sense of fear.

Real estate investing in Miami real estate is now becoming popular again as there are many properties in foreclosure, short sale, bank reo's, and government foreclosures. With such an overwhelming inventory of homes available for sale a real estate investor must be able to determine which one to purchase. Investors must follow six steps in order to learn, understand and achieve Miami real estate investment success.

The real estate market is constantly changing, making it necessary to implement new or modified strategies of investing. This is one reason that new, inexperienced real estate investors should be very cautious. A real estate partnership or mentoring program is a great way to learn the ropes while making a profit. Joining a real estate investing association is a good way to meet people who are already successful in the field. Begin your real estate investing career with education; find a good mentor who offers real estate partnership programs.

What your Real Estate Agent never told you. Your Highly paid Real Estate Agent may not be your friend. If there exist ever an industry with more sneaky sales tactics and money motivated people, it has got to the Real Estate industry. As a buyer, you could be dishing out $350 000 and everyone wants a piece. The Real Estate Agents want a piece. The lenders want a piece. The lawyers want a piece and the sellers want piece. No wonder there are so many scams in this industry.