Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Industry Relations Podcast: The knowns and unknowns of NAR leadership decisions

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg dive into the latest developments in the real estate world, focusing on leadership, membership dynamics, and the challenges facing NAR in 2024. They engage in a spirited debate about leadership priorities, assessing Nykia Wright’s tenure as CEO, and what it takes to steer an organization during turbulent times.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership Dynamics: A breakdown of the responsibilities and criticisms of Nykia Wright’s first year as CEO of NAR.

• Membership Retention: Insights into how NAR has managed to retain members despite controversies and lawsuits.

• Strategic Decisions: Examining the impact of the $2 billion broker club’s fallout and the decisions leading up to it.

• Action vs. Inaction: Rob and Greg debate what constitutes effective leadership and the significance of visible actions vs. behind-the-scenes work.

• Surveys & Communication: The role of member surveys and communication in understanding and addressing organizational challenges.

Watch Us on YouTube

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors:

CoreLogic

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board

Production and Editing Services by

 Sunbound Studios

Listing Bits Podcast: Building Real Estate Technology: The Story of Real Geeks with Kevin McCarthy

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Greg Robertson talks with Kevin McCarthy, co-founder and CEO of Real Geeks, about his journey from a small-town tech enthusiast to creating a leading real estate technology company. Kevin shares insights into Real Geeks’ origins, its evolution, and how its all-in-one platform empowers real estate agents. The conversation touches on the early challenges of building a tech company, the role of SEO in the early internet era, and how AI is shaping the future of real estate technology.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Birth of Real Geeks

• How Kevin’s move to Hawaii led to a partnership with Jeff Manson, Real Geeks’ co-founder.

• The transition from building a single real estate website to creating a scalable product for agents.

2. The Real Geeks Platform

• Combining IDX websites with a CRM for seamless lead generation and management.

• The importance of fast, user-friendly software and SEO optimization.

3. AI Innovations

• Introduction of “SEO Fast Track,” an AI-powered website builder.

• The future of CRMs: AI taking over repetitive tasks to let agents focus on client relationships.

4. The Journey of Growth

• Challenges of starting in Hawaii and expanding operations to Dallas, TX.

• Navigating the sale of Real Geeks to Fidelity National Financial while preserving its mission.

5. Advice for Entrepreneurs

• Building a profitable, self-funded business in challenging markets.

• The value of focusing on user experience and sustainable growth.

Quotable Highlights:

• “Fast software is good software. Even milliseconds matter when it comes to user experience.”

• “AI will make CRMs fade into the background, automating tasks agents hate so they can focus on building relationships.”

• “Real Geeks is more than just software; it’s a tool that powers the livelihood of real estate agents.”

Reach Out:

LinkedIn for Kevin McCarthy

Real Geeks – Tools Tailored to Your Ambitions

Our Sponsors

Trackxi – Real Estate’s #1 Deal Tracking Software

Giant Steps Job Board – Where Proptech gets hired

Production and editing services by:

Sunbound Studios

New York Times article calls out NAR’s “lavish perks and payouts…”

Chauffeured Cars and Broadway Tickets: Inside the National Realtors Group

“The group’s president, president-elect and first vice president are elected by members and receive annual six-figure payments, tax records show. N.A.R. refers to officers as “volunteers.” They have been given corporate credit cards, and on work trips, they have racked up charges from expensive dinners, golf outings, spa treatments and sports tickets, The Times found.”

I don’t know who pissed off the New York Times but they are not leaving NAR alone anytime soon. Seems like every other month they find another angle to wound or embarrass the organization and its leadership. This article (and others) may or may not have some valid points but this whole campaign feels a bit like…well… a campaign. I’m not one to be too much of a conspiracy theorist, but this is has a “Blue Horseshoe loves Anacott Steel” sort of vibe.

Industry Relations Podcast: And they all fall down…

Greg is just landed back home from NAR Boston and Rob is curious to what insights he learned.  Greg’s main insight is that he isn’t as young as he once was.

1. Election Impact on Real Estate:

• Rob and Greg delve into the recent election results, exploring how potential changes in government could impact HUD and real estate policies.

• Debate on the future leadership of HUD and the potential impacts on the industry.

2. National Association of Realtors (NAR) Conference Recap:

• Greg shares insights from the recent NAR conference, touching on the atmosphere post-election and key sessions he attended.

• Discussion about attendee sentiment, especially regarding political and economic concerns within the real estate industry.

3. MLS (Multiple Listing Service) & CCP Discussions:

• The episode dives deep into the complexities of MLS structures, with Greg suggesting a “domino effect” that could lead to significant industry shifts if CCP (Clear Cooperation Policy) and co-mingling rules were altered.

• Speculations on Zillow’s role in the MLS space, its motivations, and how upcoming changes might benefit or challenge existing MLS structures.

4. NAR’s Controversial Communication:

• The hosts criticize NAR’s handling of sensitive topics, including CCP discussions, arguing for more transparency and authenticity in its public communications.

5. MLS Independence and Potential Changes:

• Rob and Greg discuss the possibility and challenges of MLS organizations operating independently of NAR.

• Debate around whether separating from NAR could lead to more effective and regionally responsive MLS services.

6. Event Announcements:

• Promotion of the upcoming “MLS Reset Conference” in Arizona (January 2025), organized by Giant Steps and the PRESTA Team, aimed at exploring the future of MLS and real estate industry evolution along with CoreLogic’s Clariety25 Conference in February.

Watch us on YouTube!

Operating Cash Flow for  REA Group (Australia) from Mike Deplete

How much does U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the United States pay?

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors: 

CoreLogic

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board

This podcast is produced by Sunbound Studios

Two great pods to listen to on your way to NAR Boston

I know a lot of you like me are traveling to NAR Boston today, so I’ve got a special twofer for you.

“The Worst of All Possible Worlds?” – Industry Relations Podcast. Rob and I explore how the upcoming election could reshape the real estate industry, focusing on regulatory impacts, DOJ actions, and antitrust issues. They also discuss potential changes to industry practices and transparency in agent behavior. We both made a steak dinner bet on the outcome of the election. Listen to see which one of us was right.

“The Front-Endless MLS System with Carlos Grass and Paul Hethmon” – Listing Bits Podcast. I sit down with Carlos Grass and Paul Hethmon, co-founders of Amplify, to discuss their innovative “front-endless” MLS backend platform. This episode highlights Amplify’s unique approach to creating a flexible, adaptable MLS backend designed to empower MLSs with greater control and cutting-edge technology. This is an exciting category with a few players ready to take on the future of MLS.

Listen to them both on your favorite podcast player!

Industry Relations Podcast: The Worst of All Possible Worlds?

Episode Overview

Rob and Greg explore how the upcoming election could reshape the real estate industry, focusing on regulatory impacts, DOJ actions, and antitrust issues. They also discuss potential changes to industry practices and transparency in agent behavior.

Key Topics

1. Election Predictions:

• Friendly wager on election outcomes, with predictions on how results could shift real estate policies, especially through DOJ and FTC actions.

2. Antitrust Settlement and NAR Challenges:

• Tanya Monestier’s objections to the recent antitrust settlement, highlighting concerns over consumer confusion and potential loopholes that could benefit attorneys over consumers.

3. Future of Industry Regulation:

• Speculation on how political shifts might influence NAR’s regulatory environment and broker responsibilities.

• The potential for new, transparent compensation practices led by industry figures like James Dwiggins.

4. Ethics and Agent Behavior:

• Debate over real estate agent intentions, balancing consumer interests with profit motives, and the industry’s response to Monestier’s critiques.

Key Takeaways

• Election’s Influence on Real Estate: Election outcomes may bring regulatory changes, with possible implications for NAR and antitrust enforcement.

• Transparency and Trust in Agent Practices: Increased focus on clear buyer agreements and ethical practices to protect consumer trust.

Watch Us on YouTube 

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors

CoreLogic

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board

Production and editing services by:

Sunbound Studios

Listing Bits Podcast: The Front-endless MLS System with Carlos Grass and Paul Hethmon of Amplify

Carlos Grass

Overview:

Greg Robertson sits down with Carlos Grass and Paul Hethmon, co-founders of Amplify, to discuss their innovative “front-endless” MLS backend platform. This episode highlights Amplify’s approach to creating a flexible, adaptable MLS backend designed to empower MLSs with greater control and cutting-edge technology.

Key Takeaways:

1. Amplify’s Mission and Flexibility:

• Amplify offers a decoupled backend solution that allows MLSs to use multiple frontends, enabling greater customization, data control, and integration with new technologies.

2. Innovative Technology Integration:

• The platform features advanced capabilities like natural language processing and machine learning, allowing users to search MLS data through voice or natural language, while also automating content creation such as audio descriptions and marketing videos.

3. Real-Time Changes and Responsiveness:

• Amplify’s backend allows MLSs to make updates and add fields in real-time, drastically improving adaptability and response time compared to traditional MLS systems.

Paul Hethmon

4. A New Vision for MLS Accessibility:

• Amplify enables MLSs to extend data access to a broader network, including appraisers, attorneys, and financial institutions, fostering a more collaborative ecosystem.

Reach Out: 

Carlos Grass, Co-Founder of Amplify and CEO of Stratus Data Systems

Paul Hethmon, Co-Founder of Amplify

Visit Amplify at ampsystems.us

Download Amplify’s new White Paper: Adapting to the post DOJ ruling

Our Sponsors

Trackxi – Real Estate’s #1 Deal Tracking Software

Giant Steps Job Board – Where Proptech gets hired

Production and editing services by:

Sunbound Studios


Jessica Richardson joins PropStream

Jessica Richardson joins PropStream on their MLS and Broker Sales team focusing on industry relations and integrations. PropStream CEO Brian Tepfer noted that Jessica will be “a wonderful addition to our team.”

Jessica had previously worked At zipLogix as a National Account Manager. After zipLogix was acquired by Lone Wolf, she took the role as Strategic Account Manager. That’s where I met her and she eventually joined my MLS team as an Enterprise Account Manager where she was super impressive and helped me tremendously.

I couldn’t be happier for Jessica. Both Brian and Jessica will be in Boston this week. Congratulations to Brian and the rest of the PropStream team.

Kathi King announced as Head of Sales at CoreLogic’s Real Estate Solutions team

Welcome Kathi King to the CoreLogic Real Estate Solutions Team 

“We are thrilled to announce that Kathi King has joined the CoreLogic team as Head of Sales, Real Estate Solutions.  With her extensive background in real estate relations and a track record of success in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings, Kathi brings a wealth of expertise and innovative thinking to our team. “

Great hire. Kathi has the experience, chops and know-how to get things done. Congrats Kathi and CoreLogic.

See You in Boston!

Sponsored By MLS Reset