Real Estate Confronts the e-Consumer [Paperback]

Stefan Swanepoel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2000

The years 1999 and 2000 introduced an overwhelming number of new technology vendors, products and services. By then it had become apparent that there was no turning back and that the Internet had started the to move the entire industry into a new direction. But the real estate industry was confused what services to incorporate and with who to partner with. 
 
As the third publication in the series, "e-Consumer" attempted to bring some clarification to confusing times.   Some 750 companies offering real estate "e-services" were researched and evaluated. The final result was a 300-page guide that detailed the top 75 "e-services" companies and services as well as the leading software products available to the industry.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Real estate at the speed of thought - this is a must read!" --Jim Sherry, Coauthor: Click to Close

"Hang onto your hats if you want to keep building your company! Swanepoel provides valuable insights to help in the re-invention process." --Lauri Moore-Moore, Co-editor REALTrends

"Swanepoel very accurately predicts the overall challenges that are ahead...helping you embrace the technology and attitudinal changes necessary for the new world of 'e'." --Walt Backowski, EVP New Jersey Association of REALTORS

"Another reality check from the master - accurate, comprehensive, exhilarating - embrace it or start creating your exit plan today." --Dr. Dennis Landesman, Co-chairman of the 1984 US Olympic Committee

"Incredible insight - a book that matches the times - fast and compelling." --Dough Dayhoff, President and CEO, iProperty

There is no doubt in our minds that the Internet and any successor that might be developed in the future will be the global center for information and knowledge storage and retrieval. --Bruce Benham, CTO, RE/MAX International

Ultimately, the real estate industry has to do much more outside-in thinking. We ve been experiencing the Age of the Agent. I think we re moving into the Age of the Company. --Pam O Connor, President & CEO, RELO

In today's real estate world, 'e' stands for electronic, but in Swanepoel's new world it stands for excited, energized and empowered. --Jeremy J. Conaway, President RECON Intelligence Services

From the Publisher

There is no turning back. The Internet has entered our lives and forever changed the face of the Real Estate Industry. Consumers are more sophisticated than ever before and are demanding better products and services. The time has come for real estate professionals to blend existing business models with the new economy and to deliver the once-elusive one-stop home buying transaction. The market is ready and the e-Consumer is waiting. This book will help you prepare for the journey. REALSURE, INC.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 310 pages
• Publisher: RealSure, Inc (November 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970452306
• ISBN-13: 978-0970452306
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,150,335 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stefan Swanepoel was born in the Serengeti (Kenya, Africa) and spent the first 35 years of his life in Kenya, Hong Kong and South Africa. As the son of diplomat, he is well versed in travel and has had first-hand experience in over 30 countries around the world.

His academic accomplishments include a bachelor's in science, a master's in business economics, and diplomas in arbitration, mergers & acquisitions, real estate, computer science, and marketing. He has served as CEO of seven companies and two non-profits.

Stefan has written 19 books on business trends, real estate and social media and is widely acknowledged as the leading expert on real estate business trends and has been listed as "One of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate."

Today he is a keynote speaker almost every week captivating audiences worldwide. He has presented over 700 talks to over 400,000 people.

Stefan lives with his wife and two sons in California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best snapshot, some interesting essays, December 6, 2000

By 

Eric Antonow (Palo Alto, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Real Estate Confronts the e-Consumer (Paperback)

This is probably the single best overview of the intersection of real estate and technology from an industry perspective. The bulk of the book is two page overviews of 75 leading firms, comprising a broad competitive landscape. Though there is good data on these companies and some analysis of their functionality/proposition, this does not have the teeth of an analysts report nor provides deep insight into their business models or viability (FYI, that would be a lot to ask). Nonetheless, for anybody seriously trying to make sense of the changes going on, this is a very good start. For those involved in the business, it is pretty much essential if for no other reason than to keep straight the myriad of offerings containing the word 'home'.

The other essays are interesting, some informative because they are written by insiders and influentials, but I found more of the value in the company profiles (cheaper than a pass to Real Connect). Lastly, because of changes in the industry, this is a perishable good. I'd recommend buying it sooner rather than later. For a good overview of the last period of real estate and technology, the author's previous title (R.E. Confronts Reality) provides good context.