First, there is a stickey in the Off Topic section; Political Discussions On BP, where Josh has outline the rules concerning political discussions, so let's take care to follow them.In our new political environment I'm getting concerned about how the real estate industry might change due to political influences and any good business person must give consideration to government oversight and how regulatory changes might impact any business plan.This is not about any one official, (President) but rather the philosphy of the two major parties, the Democrats and the Republicans and their agendas and how,if their respective agendas become reality, could change the way you do business.What is the likelyhood that either party will control the House and Senate and take the Whitehouse?

We get to know an area, and what the major influences in the area are, ask ourselves if there's a niche that isn't being met, what is the potential for growth in that niche, etc.

Also, the market can change, the economy can change, ... outside factors can influence many things.I would say, chose the option that give you the most flexibility.

In the world of real estate marketing the closer the contact you make with your prospects the greater the likelihood that you will be able to influence them to do business with you.

That is the settlement agent's view in a cash transaction, as explained by American Title.First off, I would guess that ALTA's influence is different in different parts of the country, but in my part of the country, nobody cares about ALTA.

"Over the longer term, it is unclear how the impending reform of the housing finance system, (...) will influence the cost and availability of mortgage loans.The number of rental households accelerated in the second half of the last decade, swelling by an estimated 3.9 million between 2004 and 2010 but rental vacancy rates increased and rents fell during the same period as new units were added and homes were converted from ownership to rentals.

how much of the market is influenced by investors?

Considered changeable sizes of humans, from giants to nanos and not just in the virtual worlds....But closer to here now, I think of the new building materials and how those might influence prices of RE in general, not just construction...Also pondered on the unprecedented inflow of human creativity today and how it could influence the very game of investing.

You're probably driving under the influence.....LOL :) 

He has an ability to captivate audiences whether live or recorded and has influenced many to take risks they thought impossible before.