Sigh.

The end of another year.

And most real estate brokerages will try to find some way to claim to be “Number 1″.

In something.

“We are Number 1 in single family homes sold in Perrysburg with 3 beds and 3 car garages!!” “NO! We are Number 1 in houses sold by brokers with RED SIGNS!”. “NO! We are!!!”

Sigh again.

Well, I have an MBA. From Duke University. And we learned a lot about stats. And one thing they teach you is that if you try hard enough, you can make the stats say just about anything.

So, I personally, a long time ago, stopped worrying about who is “Number 1″. I can make anyone Number 1 in something.

But should not the customer be “Number 1″?

I can make the stats say anything.

But I can only listen in shock when customers who are not being treated like they are important call me.

And today I got a phone call or two. AMAZING phone calls. From buyers (who, by the way, are ALMOST worth their weight in gold in this market!). Buyers – who had called Realtors for help and who got no return call.

Which I find amazing. And which I was more than happy to help solve this terrible problem of wanting to look at a house and not be helped. Yes – I can help you . . . I think . . .

Number 1? The customer.

But if you are interested in what brand of brokerage sells the most homes . . . I offer you the following chart for your edification with the 2008 year end numbers. RE/MAX is the leader. And that’s just the way I like it to be!