I wanted to share an idea one of my Giant Steps clients, Aligned Showings, had that I was really delighted by. After reviewing updated Aligned Showings User Guides, Chris Lambrou got the idea of feeding those PDFs into a new AI tool that creates podcasts. The beginning is a bit cheesy but the overall result is mind-blowing, take a listen.
Swanepoel Power 200 for 2025
T3 Sixty has published their annual SP200 list for 2025. Every year I like catch up on how MLS leaders fared on the list. Art Carter CEO of CRMLS (18) and Brian Donnellan CEO of Bright MLS (19) both jump 3 spots respectively.
Bob Hale CEO of HAR landed at 38. Merri Jo Cowen CEO of Stellar MLS (47) jumped 5 spots, a two year gain of over 37 spots. Jeremy Crawford, CEO of First MLS (48) jumps 6 spots, a two year gain of 54 spots.
John DiMichele, CEO of TREBB (53) jumps up 13 spots. Teresa King Kinney, CEO of Miami AOR placed 75 on the list. Matt Consalvo, CEO of ARMLS (92) jumped 8 spots. Tim Dain, CEO of Northstar MLS returns to the list at 98. Dionna Hall, CEO of Beaches MLS (100), Rebecca Jensen, CEO of MRED (104).
Stuart White, CEO of Realtracs (108) jumps 12 spots for a two year leap of 68 spots. Emily Chenevert, CEO of Unlock MLS (Austin Board of REALTORS) (124) jumps 7 spots. Kipp Cooper, Heartland MLS (156), Anne Marie DeCatye, CEO of Canopy MLS (166) up 8 spots.
Brad Bjelke, CEO of UtahRealEstate.com (169) climbs 6 spots. Ed Zorn, VP, General Counsel of CRMLS (173), Dave Howe, CEO of MetroList MLS joins the list at 180 and Justin Haag placed 194 on the list. Brian Schneider, Counsel, Bright MLS rounds up the list at 197.
Also I wanted to recognize Sam DeBord, CEO of RESO (114), Denee Evans, CEO of CMLS (179), Mitch Skinner, owner of Larson Skinner (186). Kevin Greene SVP, CoreLogic (103) graced the list (as the only rep from CoreLogic). Plus the remarkable and multi-talented Amy Gorce, CEO of REdistribute jumps on at 196.
***Please forgive me if I missed someone or got something wrong. Just DM me and I’ll make the correction.***
CubiCasa
I wanted to give a quick shoutout to our January sponsor, CubiCasa. I’ve been following this company for many years and am continually impressed by the impact they’re making in the industry.
As many of you know, I’ve been advocating for floor plans to be mandatory on all MLS listings for quite some time. Well, it turns out CubiCasa’s mission aligns perfectly: every listing needs a floor plan!
I know this might sound ambitious, but I truly believe we have a real shot at making this happen. CubiCasa has developed an app that makes creating floor plans and interactive virtual tours incredibly simple. You can scan a home in just 5 minutes using the smartphone already in your pocket—no training, no complicated steps.
In fact, back in 2020, I asked my son to create a floor plan of our house using the app, and it was phenomenally easy to use—even way back then, before AI had advanced as much as it has today.
CubiCasa recently launched the CubiCasa MLS Partnership Program, which now includes over 90 MLSs. Best of all, there’s no cost for an MLS to join. MLS subscribers gain access to free product versions, special discounts and features, and CubiCasa’s active directory of Real Estate Photographers.
Click the link above to learn more about this fantastic program. A big thanks again to CubiCasa for sponsoring this month of Vendor Alley!
Going to Inman Connect NYC? Have you heard about The Real Estate Exchange?
Just wanted to pass along that the Intercontinental Exchanges (ICE) is hosting an exclusive event at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for the real estate industry’s top movers and shakers (MLS leaders, brokers and technology leaders).
They’ll discuss the state of the real estate industry with CNBC contributor Andy Walden, and highlight the latest technology, data and analytics solutions that serve to fast-track deals and minimize friction during the real estate transaction. They’ll also examine how technology, data and analytics can support the needs of the real estate industry tomorrow. Following the event attendees will enjoy a signature cocktail reception in the revered halls of the NYSE. If you’re interested in attending
REGISTER HERE. Space is extremely limited so RSVP soon to reserve your spot.
Where: The New York Stock Exchange | 11 Wall St.
When: January 21, 2025 | 3:00PM
RSVP: REGISTER HERE
See you there!
Washington Post writes about CCP and “secretive off-market listings”
Real estate battle over secretive off-market listings heats up
“When prospective home buyers come up empty-handed, seeing a “sold” sign on an ideal home that never showed up during their search rubs salt into the wound.
What’s frustrating to so many is these nonpublic sales, often known as off-market listings, shortcut the transparency that’s meant to inform the buying and selling process: Every home that’s listed by a real estate agent and marketed to the public is supposed to be visible through one of the hundreds of databases known as Multiple Listing Services (MLS).Now, an internal battle is heating up between real estate brokerages over off-market listings — just as the dust is starting to settle on commission rule changes triggered by lawsuits against brokerages and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).”
Pretty balanced article about the issues surrounding CCP. This kind of headline is exactly what Brian Boreo warned about in his talk at CMLS in Seattle a couple months ago. Does the industry really need the messaging of real estate agents supporting “secretive off-market listings?” right now? I don’t think so.
I took at look at the comments on the article. While most of the comments were trashing The Washington Posts new commenting software, the AI summary did conclude…
“Concerns include the potential for discrimination, the manipulation of property prices by flippers, and the lack of transparency in pocket listings, which may benefit agents over sellers. Some suggest reverting to traditional methods or eliminating agents altogether.”
So there you have it Robert Reffkin, based on this summary many people would rather have no agents at all if the transparency the MLS provides goes away. Your move Compass.
Industry Relations Podcast: Choking on NAR’s Kielbasa
In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg tackle the latest controversies surrounding NAR and the recent investigative article from The New York Times. They debate the role of lobbying, explore accusations of corruption and financial mismanagement, and reflect on the broader challenges facing NAR’s leadership and reputation.
Key Takeaways
• NAR and Lobbying Controversy: Discussion on how NAR funnels money to political groups through entities like the American Property Owners Alliance (APOA).
• The “Woke vs. Conservative” Debate: Examining NAR’s conflicting image as both progressive and a supporter of conservative causes.
• Transparency Issues: Why NAR’s approach to handling controversies feels “astroturfy” and the need for more open dialogue with members.
• Organizing Homeowners: The untapped potential of grassroots homeowner advocacy and how it could reshape lobbying strategies.
• PR Missteps: Criticism of NAR’s traditional PR playbook and a call for leadership to adopt more authentic communication strategies.
Watch Us on YouTube
Connect with Rob and Greg:
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Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios
RESO 2025 Board of Directors Announced
RESO Announces 2025 Board of Directors Election Winners
“Election winners representing Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) and REALTOR® associations:
- John Breault, VP, MLS, State-Wide MLS in Rhode Island
- Greg Moore, CTO, Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS) in Oregon
The winner of the open board seat representing technology companies, developers, partners and consultants:
- Michael Hayes, Executive Director, Industry Development, Homes.com
Winners representing real estate brokerages, brokers, agents and appraisers:
- Joe Wilhelmy, VP, Business Technology, RE/MAX
- Caitlin McCrory, VP, Industry Relations, Anywhere”
Congrats to everyone.
DOJ files eleventh hour statement of interest in Sitzer/Burnett Case
Tanya Monestier from her LinkedIn post:
“Well, I didn’t see this coming . . .
The DOJ has filed a statement of interest in Burnett. It’s not as detailed as the one in Nosalek, but two key points it makes:
1. Compliance with the NAR settlement does not insulate any defendant from DOJ antitrust action.
2. The requirement that an agreement be signed prior to touring a property may itself raise antitrust concerns.
Talk about a last-minute twist . . “
I actually think this is somewhat good news. What the DOJ takes issue with is the requirement for the buyer’s agreement to be executed before a home showing. They feel this could unnecessarily tie buyers to a single agent, limiting their opportunity to work with other agents and therefore reducing competition. I’ve always thought the timing of the buyer’s agreement signing was problematic. I’m hoping the judge makes a change here to move it closer to the offer stage.
The second matter relates to another antitrust issue. From my perspective, I don’t think anyone expected NAR or all the defendants to be completely off the hook for future antitrust claims. I believe the settlement even acknowledged that possibility. It seems the DOJ just wants to ensure that this point is absolutely clear.
John Holley
“Since Holley assumed his role in 2005, NTREIS has expanded from 19,000 to over 53,000 subscribers, supporting 15 Realtor Associations across 44 counties in North Texas and parts of Louisiana. Under his leadership, NTREIS adapted to an era of rapid technological advancement, enhancing service offerings and ensuring subscribers could access superior, cutting-edge tools to succeed in a competitive real estate market. Known for his forward-thinking approach and dedication to serving the real estate community, Holley has left an indelible mark on the organization and the industry.”
John, in my eyes, has always been a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He has been incredibly kind to me over the many years we have known each other. I first met John when he was working at the MLS in San Diego. From my memory, there was always a bit of drama in the San Diego real estate market (and there still is today), but John was a steady voice amidst that drama. He saw something in our little company (IRIS, then selling Lightning – Easy MLS Access) and helped pave the way for us. He offered the same steady hand when he moved to Dallas to work at NTREIS, navigating this new market and its nuances with a “dedication to serving the real estate community.”
I’m not sure anyone truly understands the seismic shift the internet brought to the real estate industry (and especially the MLS) back in the day. MLS leaders of that era had to manage the fury of brokers and agents who had previously acted as gatekeepers to the data. Keeping the MLS industry alive and enabling it to grow was an enormous challenge. I often think about that today with the turmoil we face and wonder if the new generation of MLS leaders will be able to navigate these troubled times as successfully.
I’m going to miss getting together with John for a show or dinner at The Palm during Inman NYC. I will deeply miss this gentle-man who has done so much for our industry. However, I know that he and Cathy will thrive in this next chapter of their life together.
Happy Trails John
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.
