I dug into my closet the other day and found my trusty magic 8 ball from when I was in high school. I asked it a few potent questions about the future of the real estate industry over the next year and thought I would post the responses here. Feel free to weigh in on some of the questions or just want me to ask some new ones. I’m sure I’m missing a few great questions. By no means is this scientific…but the magic 8 ball is all powerful, so keep an eye out for some of the predictions.

Q: Will Zillow and Trulia be direct competitors fighting for advertising dollars?
A: Signs point to yes.

Q: Will Realtors find it more important to post their homes to their website than it will be to post it to the MLS?
A: Outlook Good

Q: Will the real estate lead industry change dramatically?
A: Reply Hazy, Try Again

Q: Do you think comments and ratings on home listings will become commonplace?
A: Ask again later

Q: Will Realtors lose potential clients if they do not have maps and cool web 2.0 tools on their website? (Being cool is hip)
A: It is certain

Q: Is the IDX going into the twilight years of it’s life?
A: You may rely on it

Q: Will there be massive consolidation in the Real Estate industry?
A: Outlook Good

Q: Will the beginning of a National MLS be released?
A: It is certain

Q: Do you think Video home tours will begin to replace the virtual tour?
A: Yes, Definitely

Q: Will Realtors spend more time on their computer than in their car?
A: Most Likely

Q: Will more Realtors start to recognize the importance of real estate agent reviews.
A: It is certain

Q: Will brokerages?
A: Outlook Good

Q: Do you think many Web 2.0 companies will fall just like the Web 1.0 companies did previously?
A: Concentrate and ask again (so, I did)
A2: Better not tell you now (Dang!)

Q: Will every Realtor at least know what a blog is?
A: Don’t count on it

Q: Will the real estate market bounce back?
A: Ask again later