Last week, a few hundred industry professionals gathered to spend a day of learning, networking and debating at REBarCamp New York. There were lots of great ideas and much to be said for the caliber of people in attendance.

We are not known to be a shy breed in real estate, and certainly are not bashful in sharing our opinions.  Some hot topics from the day included:

• RPR (NAR’s Realtor Property Resource)
• The role of MLS’s
• Brokerage of the Future
• Social Media
• Market Data

One consistency that I observed in every room, regardless of the topic being discussed, is that we couldn’t seem to agree.

• Is RPR good or bad?
• Should MLS’s stay or go?
• Will brokerage of the future be big or boutique? Bricks and mortar or virtual?
• How does social media build business?
• Is data the new knowledge differentiator?

One thing I’m confident of  is that even though the answers may not be clear and consensus is fleeting, the debates are healthy and ones we must continue having.

Thanks to all the organizers of REBarCamp New York (#rebcny) and Inman Connect (#icny) for giving us all the opportunity and venue to exchange our thoughts and learn from one another. This type of collaboration is beneficial for us all and for those we serve as real estate professionals.

Here’s to 2010 and challenging the status quo.