Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Listing Bits Episode 35: A Blueprint for Implementation of RESO Standards & Web API with Mike Wurzer & Andy Woolley


 

 

Talk of standards adoption at the recent RESO conference in Milwaukee sounded much like the conversation last year. And the year before that. And the year before that. So, how do we move beyond discussing the reasons for converting to Web API and begin to execute on that plan? What might vendors do to help facilitate a little less talk—and a lot more action?

 

Mike Wurzer is the President and CEO of FBS, a leading innovator of MLS technology and one of the most respected real estate software brands. Andy Woolley is the VP of Industry Development for Homes.com, one of the nation’s top online real estate destinations and provider of tech solutions for the industry. In addition, Mike is the Vice Chair of RESO, and Andy serves on the Board of CMLS. They join Greg live from RESO Conference 2018to discuss the need for a shift in the conversation from the WHY of RESO standards adoption to actual implementation.

 

Mike explains how the platinum data-dictionary certification stands in the way and addresses the need for education around how to access the credential manager. Andy describes what his team is doing to facilitate the transition to Web API, sharing his intention to publish a follow-up to the whitepaperdetailing the first few conversions. They also cover the complexities around efforts to do away with replication and their responsibilities as established vendors to promote Web API adoption. Listen in for insight around developing a plan for conversion and learn how trusted vendors might work together to help their customers move forward—faster.

 

What’s Discussed:

 

Greg’s frustration with the panel on standards at the RESO conference

How MLS platinum data-dictionary certification is a barrier to adoption

The need to move past a discussion of the WHY to implementation

The need for education around how to access the credential manger

What Andy’s team is doing to facilitate the shift to Web API

Mike’s solution to the issue of renegotiating licensing agreements

Andy’s case study of the first few conversions + the proposed follow-up

The complexities around efforts to do away with replication

-Other methodologies better than Web API

-Software developers expect copy of data

The responsibilities of established vendors in promoting API adoption

-Serve customers, push MLSs to make feeds available

-Implementation = fewer maintenance, data quality issues

Mike’s insight on how the API makes lead data available in all apps

Why every established vendor should have a plan for conversion

The pros and cons of creating a deadline when RETS will stop working

 

Resources:

RESO Conference

CoreLogic Trestle

Spark API

Black Knight

Andy’s Case Study

 

Connect with Mike Wurzer:

FBS IDX Solutions

Mike on LinkedIn

RESO

 

Connect with Andy Woolley: 

Homes.com

Andy on LinkedIn

CMLS

Listing Bits Episode 33: Choosing the Right MLS Technology Solutions with DaVina Lara of OBAR & bridgeMLS

 

How do MLS executives make decisions around which technology solutions work best for their REALTOR-members? What motivates leadership to establish a system of choice? Are there benefits to offering agents options when it comes to MLS solutions? And what are the challenges associated with giving members more alternatives?

DaVina Lara is the CEO of the Oakland/Berkeley Association of REALTORSand bridgeMLS. Her career in real estate began working for Russ Bergeron at SoCalMLS in 1993. Since then, she has served as an association executive with both the Hemet San Jacinto and Palm Springs Regional Association of REALTORS. DaVina took on the role of OBAR CEO in August of 2015 and added the MLS leadership responsibilities in April of 2016. She is committed to providing members with access to reliable data through innovative technology, offering subscribers access to 10-plus MLSs across California.

Today, DaVina shares her extensive industry resume, discussing her early years as the office manager for SoCalMLS through her current role as MLS and association executive. She explains the thinking behind her decision to implement a system of choice and what impressed her about the dynaConnections’ connectMLS system. Listen in for DaVina’s insight around the pros and cons of offering members additional technology options and learn more about the trend to separate listing input from MLS systems.

What’s Discussed:

DaVina’s early years as the office manager for OCMLS

DaVina’s extensive resume in the real estate industry

Why DaVina is establishing a system of choice

DaVina’s goals as the CEO of bridgeMLS

  1. Change name, reputation
  2. Improve governance structure
  3. More advanced technology

The advantages of dynaConnections’ connectMLS system

-Give members options

-Great mobile site

-Phenomenal service

How data is shared in SoCal vs. the Bay Area

DaVina’s plan to provide connectMLS training

The trend to separate listing input from MLS systems

The relationship between choices and support challenges

 

Resources:

Cloud MLX

dynaConnections

connectMLS

Bridge Interactive

Paragon

BOOST MLS Staff Summit

 

Connect with DaVina Lara:

DaVina on LinkedIn

bridgeMLS

Oakland/Berkeley Association of REALTORS

Listing Bits Episode 32: The Influence of Design on a Real Estate Brokerage with Matt Beall of Hawai’i Life

How does design impact a real estate brokerage? Does it go beyond aesthetics to influence processes? How does quality design shape the user experience? And what are the benefits of an in-house creative team?  

Matt Beall is the CEO and Principal Broker at Hawai’i Life, the state’s largest listing brokerage with over $25M in annual revenue across 13 commercial locations. He founded Hawai’i Life in 2008 to solve for representation of properties in marketing and digital technology, and now the firm does thousands of transactions each year, representing approximately $1B in sales. Matt also produces the Worthshop Series, a unique industry event designed to facilitate content and conversation among real estate’s brightest minds, and he serves as the cohost of HGTV’s popular reality show Hawaii Life.

Today, Matt shares his diverse experience in real estate, discussing how his background in sales, investing and running a traditional brokerage inspired him to found Hawai’i Life and what differentiates the company from other firms in the space. He explains the value of design in creating a clean and simple user experience and his decision to employ a full-time team of creatives and engineers. Matt also describes the benefits of being featured on HGTV in terms of brand awareness and credibility. Listen in for a preview of this year’s Worthshop at Mauna Kea Resort and learn how the design focus at Hawai’i Life contributes to its company culture.

What’s Discussed: 

Matt’s background running a traditional brokerage

What inspired Matt to found Hawai’i Life in 2008

Hawai’i Life’s recent merger with Joy International

Why Matt employs a full-time creative design team

Hawai’i Life’s focus on simplicity in user experience

The benefits of being featured on HGTV

The aim of Hawai’i Life’s annual Worthshop Series

What differentiates Worthshop from other conferences

The key aspects of Hawai’i Life’s company culture

How an ‘ethos of reset’ influences the tone of Worthshop

 

Resources:

Hawaii Life on HGTV

Worthshop Series

CMLS 2018

 

Connect with Matt Beall:

Hawai’i Life

Matt on LinkedIn

Worthshop 8

Listing Bits Episode 31: Keeping a Startup Mentality with Brian Tepfer of Rapattoni

How does a tech company maintain a startup mentality after nearly five decades in the real estate space? Rapattoni has held on to its spirit of independence since its inception, embracing change and demonstrating a pride of ownership that is rare in the tech industry.

Back from a summer hiatus I had a conversation with Brian Tepfer, Executive Vice President and CTO of Rapattoni, a 48-year-old startup that offers a suite of innovative software products and services designed specifically for real estate associations and MLSs. In his role, Brian is responsible for shaping the future vision of the company’s MLS and AMS software platforms and keeping Rapattoni’s products relevant and useful. He has been with Rapattoni since 2003, serving as Technical Operations Manager and Business Processes Manager before his 2014 promotion to the C-suite.

Today, Brian shares his background in computer science and business administration, explaining how he got his start in MLS tech support at Rapattoni. He describes the startup mentality at the company, its distinction as one of the first internet-based MLS systems, and Rapattoni’s decision to focus on the real estate vertical. Brian walks us through the latest developments in the organization, including the new Rapattoni Magic-Cloud AMS, recent updates to every piece of their MLS software, and Rapattoni’s drag-and-drop custom report writer. Listen in for Brian’s take on hot button industry issues like the front-end of choice model and the Upstream initiative—and learn how Rapattoni is working to provide one of the best MLS experiences in the rapidly changing real estate market.

 

What’s Discussed:

Brian’s background in computer science and business

Rapattoni’s function as an MLS and AMS software service

Brian’s initial role in MLS tech support with Rapattoni

Brian’s affinity for the startup mentality at Rapattoni

How pride of ownership inspires Rapattoni’s independent path

Why Rapattoni ultimately chose the real estate vertical

How the company dealt with the passing of Andy Rapattoni

The advantages of the new Rapattoni Magic-Cloud AMS

Rapattoni’s focus on updating every piece of its MLS software

How the custom report writer helps agents stand out

Brian’s belief in the front-end of choice model

-‘Makes everybody better’

-Requires separate listing input

Brian’s take on Upstream and its lack of cohesive messaging

Rapattoni’s intention to provide one of the top MLS experiences

 

Resources:

Rapattoni Magic-Cloud AMS

Cloud AMS

Cloud Streams

Rapattoni’s Custom Report Writer

Greg’s Blog on Rapattoni

Cloud CMA

Cloud MLX

Gary Keller at Inman Connect 2018

 

Connect with Brian Tepfer:

Rapattoni

Brian on LinkedIn

Industry Relations Episode 26: Reframing the iBuyer Phenomenon

Today’s consumer is used to pushing a button and having magic happen. (Thank you for the insight Jeremy Waxman.) And more often than not, we are willing to pay an extra fee for things like convenience and certainty. For this reason alone, the iBuyer phenomenon is here to stay, and the real estate industry would do well to consider how traditional agents might participate in the changing market.

Rob and Greg are back to offer a different perspective on the iBuyer movement, discussing how the industry is misunderstanding the phenomenon. Greg explains how organized real estate might address the consumer experience by partnering with a large financial institution to ‘be the bank’ and Rob shares his take on FSBOs and iBuyers as opposite ends of a spectrum—with the traditional REALTOR experience in the middle.  

Rob and Greg address fiduciary duty, describing the conflict of interest that occurs when agents have the capacity to make on offer on a prospect’s home. They cover the difference between iBuyers and traditional house flippers, describing the considerable capital behind companies like Offerpad and Opendoor and the significance of Zillow’s recent acquisition of a mortgage lender. Listen in for insight around iBuyers moving into high-dollar markets and learn how agents fit into a future world where iBuyers are the default.

What’s Discussed:

How the industry is misunderstanding the iBuyer phenomenon

-Intention to change process of buying/selling home

-Company to figure out user experience wins

How MLS and association execs might consider the agent experience

Greg’s proposal around NAR partnering with a financial institution

Rob’s prediction that the iBuyer movement is here to stay

The conflict of interest agents face in offering to buy a client’s home

Rob’s take on FSBOs and iBuyers as opposite ends of a spectrum

-Working with REALTOR = middle ground 

The potential ‘buyification’ of the brokerage business

Why iBuyers are not as vulnerable as traditional house flippers

The significance of Zillow’s acquisition of Mortgage Lenders of America 

The tipping point when iBuyers become the default for consumers

The significance of iBuyers moving into high-dollar markets

The value in agents learning to pitch investor offers to sellers

Sponsors:

Cloud Agent Suite

The Red Dot

Resources:

Rob’s iBuyer Blog Post

Denee Evans on Listing Bits

Zillow’s Q2 Webcast

Cloud Investor Connect

Inman News: Agents can show sellers iBuyer offers with new Cloud CMA feature

Brad Inman: In real estate’s tech platform race, I’m betting on an underdog

Connect with Rob and Greg:

Rob’s Website 

Greg’s Website 

Industry Relations: The Dance in DC on Commissions in Residential Real Estate

There was a dance of sorts held in DC on Tuesday, June 5, when the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission hosted a ‘workshop’ to discuss competition in residential real estate. But while NAR and industry players prepared for the fox trot, bringing their best arguments for maintaining the status quo around data access, the DOJ put on a little salsa music and shifted the discussion to commission transparency and coupling.

Rob and Greg are reversing roles this week, as Greg spins conspiracy theories regarding the government’s intentions and the potential consequences of its intervention in the real estate industry. They speak to organized real estate’s nothing-to-see-here approach to the discussion and review the range of views shared in the Developments in Real Estate Fee and Service Models panel.

Greg explains why decoupling would effectively end the MLS, and Rob covers the paper prepared by the National Bureau of Economic Research suggesting conflicts of interest due to coupling. They address who would benefit if buy-side commissions went away, how such changes would impact portals like Zillow, and the surprising number of industry players who support decoupling. Listen in to understand why Rob and Greg are calling for NAR or CMLS to move on this and start leading the dance to develop solutions around commission transparency.

 

What’s Discussed:

 

Organized real estate’s nothing-to-see-here stance at the DOJ/FTC workshop

The Developments in Real Estate Fee and Service Models panel

– Reps from Realogy, Purplebricks, Glass House & TRELORA

Greg’s take that the industry was caught off guard

-Prepared for data access and transparency

-Discussion of commissions, decoupling

How decoupling cooperation and compensation would end the MLS

The NBER paper on realtor commissions and conflicts of interest

The theory that real estate commissions are high due to coupling

Rob’s concern that the DOJ has already made up its mind

Why the industry needs to move on commission transparency

Why real estate is the only industry in which the seller pays the buyer’s rep

How the potential changes might impact portals like Zillow

Who would benefit if buy-side commissions went away

The leadership opportunity for NAR, CMLS to address DOJ/FTC concerns

The surprising number of people in support of commission decoupling

Public response to the previous NAR budget transparency discussion

Resources:

DOJ Residential Real Estate Workshop

Videos of DOJ Residential Real Estate Workshop

Rob’s Blog on the DOJ/FTC Workshop

Brian Boero’s Buzz Saw Blog Post

‘Conflicts of Interest and the Realtor Commission Puzzle’

 

Our Sponsors:

The Red Dot

Cloud Agent Suite

 

Connect with Rob and Greg:

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

 

Industry Relations: Backing Up the Zestimate with a Zillow Instant Offer Check

Critics of Zillow bash the accuracy of the Zestimate, but the fact is that a home’s worth hinges on what the market is willing to pay. And with the advent of Instant Offers, Zillow is backing up the Zestimate with a check. Consider the fact that Zillow has a platform to help themselves sell homes quickly and it is easy to see how Instant Offers is a game-changer with the potential to create a ‘market-maker system’ of real estate.

Rob and Greg are back to discuss the recent GeekWire piece on Zillow’s first home purchase in Chandler, AZ. They comment on the irony of the agent’s intention to lean on Zillow for branding as well as the company’s original business model as an auction site. Rob explains the concept of an insta-flip and how it benefits Premier Agents, and Greg offers his take on the one thing that is still missing from the Instant Offers model.

Rob and Greg speak to Zillow’s data around the number of shoppers in a particular zip code and the target market for the Instant Offers model. They address the potential profit Zillow might generate from Instant Offers, the listing lead flow the program will generate, and the possibility of discounted as-is purchases on the platform. Listen in to understand how Instant Offers is likely to foster competition in the space and learn how Zillow continues to change the game of real estate.

What’s Discussed:

Zillow’s first home purchase in Chandler, AZ

The agent’s intention to lean on Zillow for branding

Greg’s questions around double-ending and fees

How Zillow is creating a ‘market-maker system’ of real estate

-Provides mechanism to help sell fast

-Every home could have bid, ask price

Zillow’s original business model as an auction site

The concept of an insta-flip and how it benefits Premier Agents

Greg’s take on what’s still missing from the Instant Offers model

How Zillow’s Instant Offers further validates Opendoor

The target seller for Zillow’s Instant Offers model

How Instant Offers differs from We Buy Ugly Houses

The listing lead flow Zillow will generate through the program

What traditional brokers should do in light of Instant Offers

The potential for a discounted as-is purchase through Zillow

Rob’s insight on the possibility of Zillow offering seller financing

How Instant Offers is likely to foster competition in the space

Resources:

‘An Inside Look at Zillow’s First Home Purchase’ on GeekWire

‘Opendoor is a Bigger Deal Than Zillow’ in Inman

 

Our Sponsors:

The Red Dot

Cloud Agent Suite


Connect with Rob and Greg:

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

 

 

Industry Relations: Spiderman, Spending Controversy & the Same Old NAR?

As Peter Parker will tell you, great power comes with great responsibility. And there is little doubt that NAR has a great deal of power. With Bob Goldberg at the helm, many have anticipated a ‘kinder, gentler NAR,’ an organization that rules with a warm embrace rather than an iron fist—serving its membership with open discussion and greater transparency. Does the recent drama over the dues increase demonstrate a more-of-the-same-old approach from NAR leadership? Or is the perceived crisis around the budget an overreaction? Is there evidence that the culture at NAR is really changing for the better?

Rob and Greg are back in the ring on the heels of the REALTORS midyear legislative meeting, going toe to toe over the recent controversy around NAR spending. They start with an overview of what went down, beginning with the Houston Association of REALTORS opposition piece in Inmanand the subsequent op-ed credited to Jim Harrison of MLSListings. Rob and Greg walk us through the retractions, rebuttals and apologies that followed as well as the board of director’s vote in DC.

Rob offers his take on NAR budget priorities, sharing the questions he has around spending on things like zipLogix, RPR and advertising to protect the REALTOR brand. He goes on to discuss the way NAR handled the spending controversy, framing it as a missed opportunity to embrace opposition as a catalyst for discussion rather than ruling with an iron fist—which may discourage membership from speaking up in the future. Greg offers his defense of NAR, pointing out that the SMART Budget Initiativeis clearly outlined NAR’s website and citing member engagement as an incredibly complex issue. Listen in for Rob’s insight around NAR’s responsibility to its members and decide whether NAR is, indeed, using its power for good.

 

What’s Discussed:

The Houston Association of REALTORS’ opposition to the dues increase

How the controversial op-ed credited to Jim Harrison went too far

The questions around NAR’s spending on zipLogix, RPR and advertising

The line items Rob would like to see NAR prioritize in its budget

– Advocacy

– Professionalism

Greg’s perspective that there is no evidence of an NAR crisis

How NAR might have handled the spending controversy differently

– Could have offered ‘warm embrace’

– Opposition as catalyst for discussion

NAR’s postponement of the 2.5% annual dues increase

Rob’s take that NAR’s iron fist will discourage others from speaking up

Rob’s concern about the lack of explanation regarding NAR spending

Greg’s defense of NAR as being more transparent than ever before

SMART Initiative outlines spending objectives

– Elizabeth presented proposed budget at T3

– Communication with membership is difficult

Rob’s belief that NAR’s power gives them a higher level of responsibility

Resources:

 

Houston Association of REALTORS Member Survey

HAR’s Dues Increase Opposition Piece in Inman

Jim Harrison’s Op-Ed in Inman

HAR’s Clarification and Apology

Harrison’s Apology

NAR’s SMART Budget Initiative

Rob’s ‘Crisis and Opportunity’ Blog Post

 

Our Sponsors:

Cloud Agent Suite

The Red Dot

 

Connect with Rob and Greg:

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Email gregrobertson@gmail.com

 

Industry Relations: Does the NAR Logo Controversy Suggest a Failure to Communicate?

If Rob and Greg are cute when they fight, then our co-hosts are particularly adorable on this edition of Industry Relations as they take on the current controversy over the new NAR logo: Is #Logogate indicative of an alarming disconnect between NAR leadership and its members? Or did NAR leadership take the appropriate steps to engage constituents in the decision-making process—and it simply didn’t work out?

Today, Rob and Greg begin their discussion with a review of the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation forum in DC on using technology to make real estate more competitive, describing the lack of understanding demonstrated by the moderator and the defensiveness of the industry players on the panel. They go on to address #Logogate, and Rob shares his take that the controversy demonstrates a flaw of governance, while Greg argues that a logo is subjective—and leadership may havesolicited member input during the process.

Rob offers insight on the ‘culture of confidentiality’ he has observed among association leaders, while Greg contends that the current leadership is more transparent and proactive than ever. They wrap up with dialogue on how Zillow may be raising the bar in real estate by entering the iBuyer space, choosing the best of its Premier Agents to represent the company in selling its inventory. Fasten your seatbelt and listen in as Rob and Greg clash on ITIF, #Logogate, and the best agents in real estate!


What’s
 Discussed:

The recent ITIF forum on using tech to make real estate more competitive

The defensive posture of real estate representatives on the ITIF panel

David Kelley’s focus on broker reaction to competition as opposed to data

Rob’s call for a more collaborative approach vs. playing ‘hide the ball’

The current controversy over the new NAR logo

The disconnect between NAR leadership and its members

Rob’s take that #Logogate is indicative of a larger communication issue

Greg’s view that member engagement is the bigger problem

NAR’s proposed dues increase and assumption of budget approval

Rob’s view on the culture of confidentiality at NAR

How Zillow may ‘raise the bar’ for real estate agents

Greg’s argument that the best real estate agents aren’t on Zillow

 

Resources:

Information Technology & Innovation Foundation

‘Blocked: Why Some Companies Restrict Data Access to Reduce Competition and How Open APIs Can Help’ by Daniel Castro and Michael Steinberg

Rob’s #Logogate Blog

Rob’s Zillow Blog

 

Connect with Rob and Greg:

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

 

Our Sponsor:

Cloud Agent Suite

Industry Relations: T3, iBuyers and the Zillow Flip

Is Zillow getting into the house flipping business to make a profit buying and selling real estate? Of the users who submit an Instant Offer request, one-third sell their home within 90 days—and 10% of that third take an investor’s offer. Zillow’s main play here may just be seller lead generation.
 

Today, Rob and Greg talk T3, iBuyers and Zillow. Greg shares his takeaways from the T3 conference, including praise for Stefan’s keynote address and an eye-roll over the ‘no corporate sponsors’ sentiment. Our hosts discuss the recent bombshells around Dale’s departure from RPR and Zillow’s expansion of Instant Offers. Rob walks us through the details of Zillow’s announcement, explaining how sellers will now get an offer from Zillow itself when they use the Instant Offers platform. Rob and Greg share surprise at the lack of backlash around the announcement, examining the benefits for an agent representing Zillow as well as the drop in stock price in light of the news.

 

Greg offers insight on potential abuses of the iBuyer model, considering how predatory lenders might target seniors, the uneducated, or the poor, and they cover the impact of Zillow’s shift on other players in the iBuyer space. Listen in as Rob and Greg address the windfall Zillow is likely to earn in the form of seller leads and learn how the company could solve the affordable housing crisis—and gain invaluable PR in the process!

 

What’s Discussed:

 

Greg’s takeaways from T3

The rumors around RPR and Zillow

Zillow’s announcement of the expansion of Instant Offers

The surprising response to Zillow’s plans to flip houses

Greg’s concerns about the iBuyer model

The recent drop in Zillow’s stock price

Why flipping is not a change in Zillow’s business model

The prospect of Zillow making a fortune on seller leads

Greg’s casino analogy for Zillow’s home-flipping venture

Rob’s take on how Zillow could solve affordable housing

Zillow’s impact on other players in the iBuyer space

 

Resources:

 

Rob’s Zillow Blog Post

Ben Thompson’s Zillow Post

‘Opendoor Founders Subtweet Zillow’s New Home Buying Service’ in Inman

 

Connect with Rob and Greg:

 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

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