Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Industry Relations Podcast: Walking the Line – Words Matter

What is the difference between the threat of steering in an illegitimate way and being transparent and informing your client? In this episode, Rob and Greg discuss the difference between steering and fiduciary duty in real estate and other various topics including Greg’s recent trip to Boston, Redfin’s settlement with NAR, the enforcement of buyer showing agreements, and the potential actions of the DOJ. They also touch on the proposal for making housing affordable and the MLS execs walking out of a meeting. Highlighting the challenges and implications of these issues for the real estate industry. 

The need for clear communication and the careful choice of words to avoid crossing ethical boundaries. Rob and Greg suggest that training, scripts, and forms could help agents navigate this fine line.

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Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

What a crazy week

I think this NAR Midyear will go down in the record books as one of the most memorable. For good reasons and bad. First off I want to thank everyone for showing up at the Omni Sunday night. It was a great to see everyone in one place, even though the sole bartender probably needed therapy afterwards (I tried calling to warn them but nobody picked up). And a HUGE thank you to RoomVu for picking up the tab for the first round. RoomVu CEO, Sam Mehrbod, flight got cancelled so he couldn’t make it that evening but I sure he would appreciate if you dropped him a line on LInkedIn. And it was great to have Jeff Young there to give such an heart felt toast to Kristen. Thank you Jeff.

There is so much else to cover but I’m exhausted.

Godspeed everyone.

“I’m leaving this meeting!”

Heard an interesting story this week while out and about in DC. Apparently Anthony Lamacchia, a broker who just bought NAR President Kevin Sears’ brokerage, was a panelist on stage at the MLS policy meeting. I’m told during the panel Mr. Lammachia started discussing practices that seemed to encourage steering to the audience.

This caused quite a kerfuffle and NAR attorney, Charlie Lee, took to the stage. Apparently some in the audience left the meeting exclaiming “I’m leaving this meeting”. Which is what MLS execs were instructed to do when anti-trust behavior is taking place.

Now, I wasn’t there but I did verify from a one other person about shouting going on and people leaving the meeting.

The Notorious ROB has written a post title, “The Law of Holes” about similar concerns regarding Lamacchia in a previous “debate” Lamacchia did with Michael Ketchmark, attorney regarding the now infamous #SitzerBurneet ruling.

Anyone know what the outcome of this?

Zillow’s “touring agreement” may be illegal

Virginia Realtors: Zillow’s touring agreement may not be legal

“While many in the industry have been intrigued by Zillow’s new pilot program, Virginia Realtors is taking a tougher stand.

In a notice published on Friday, Virginia Realtors wrote that “upon analysis of this ‘touring agreement’ form, Virginia REALTORS does not believe it is in compliance with the requirements of Virginia law.”

The trade organization also advised members to discuss business practices and any agreements and forms they are going to use with their broker to ensure that they are in compliance with state law.”

Brooklee Han, HousingWire

Oopsie

Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

My thanks again to Paragon Connect for sponsoring Vendor Alley. 

Continuing today is their list of the top 10 topics to review when making the decision on an MLS platform for your members:

How to choose the right MLS platform for you  

The top 10 “must-haves” when considering a front end for your members 

Last time you learned how powerful search options and an easy-to-use mobile app, can help you find the right MLS for your members, now let’s get to the top reason why choosing the right front-end is so important.

  1. Freedom of movement 

Real estate agents are constantly on the go. From paperwork at the office, to showing a home, to staging open houses and broker tours, agents never stand still. So, ask yourself: Can you take your MLS with you and have the same experience no matter where you’re working from? Do you have the same workflows on your desktop as you do on your phone? Or are you using different systems for each location, wasting time training on and learning several pieces of software that weren’t designed to work together. Look for a system that delivers the same seamless experience from one device to the next. 

If you’re looking for an MLS that offers this and so much more, discover Paragon Connect.

Omni Lobby Bar – After Party – Update “First round is on us!”

I think with the news of Kristen’s passing is going to make this Sunday night at the Omni even more special.

So be there Sunday night (5/5/23) at the Omni Hotel’s Marquee Lounge. Anywhere from 9 PM to Midnight (last call). And we can raise a glass to Kristen in a place I know she would have loved to be, surrounded by her friends.

BIG UPDATE: The guys at RoomVu has generous offered to pick the tab for the “first round” so the sooner you get there the better opportunity it is to get a free drink! RoomVu is a pioneer in Video Marketing for agents. Sam Mehrbod, the co-founder of RoomVu, will be there so we will all get to thank him personally. Many thanks Sam!

Check out their site to learn more.

Kristen

One of the most genuine people I’ve ever known. Beautiful inside and out. An amazing mother. Rest in peace. 🥺

Looking for a new gig?

Director of Sales – SentriLock

“The Director of Sales will report to the Chief Revenue Officer, and is responsible for supporting and pushing the organization’s long-term growth and success by managing the production, success, and growth of the sales department and overseeing the development and implementation of the organization’s sales strategy.”

SentriLock

To find out about this job and more please visit the Vendor Alley Job Board.

Bob Morse joins dynaConnections

Bob Morse Joins dynaConnections as Senior Account Executive, Bringing Over Two Decades of MLS Software Expertise

“In his new role, Morse will leverage his wealth of experience to cultivate and strengthen customer relationships, ensuring exceptional satisfaction, and identifying strategic opportunities for growth. Morse’s deep understanding of the MLS industry positions him as a valuable asset in guiding dynaConnections towards continued success.”

dynaConnections

Great hire. Congrats to Bob and dynaConnections.

Giant Steps announces two industry veterans to join company.

GIANT STEPS ANNOUNCES TWO INDUSTRY VETERANS, DAN WOOLLEY AND OHAN ANTEBIAN, TO JOIN COMPANY

Dan Woolley partners with Greg Robertson in the recently launched company and Ohan Antebian joins as principal advisor.

COSTA MESA, Calif.,  May 2 – Giant Steps, a new consulting firm that promises to help entrepreneurs and real estate companies accelerate their journey to success, today announced that Dan Woolley will join Greg Robertson as a partner in Giant Steps Company, LLC.  Ohan Atenbian will also join the company.  Both will join existing advisors Greg Robertson and Staci Wood.

“I’m beyond thrilled to have Dan join me on this latest iteration of our 30-year partnership,” stated Giant Steps founder Greg Robertson.  “Dan’s experience and technical know-how will give our clients a distinct advantage,” Robertson continued.

Also joining Giant Steps is industry veteran Ohan Antebian.  Ohan holds an MBA and brings with him 20 years of experience in the organized real estate space. “Ohan has worked in numerous positions in the industry, giving him invaluable insight into business models, operations and valuations of some of real estate’s top companies,” concluded Robertson.

Greg, Staci and Ohan will be attending the 2024 REALTORS Legislative Meeting in Washington D.C. from May 4th to May 8th.  To schedule a meeting or for more information on Giant Steps please visit https://GiantStepsAdvisors.com

About Giant Steps

Giant Steps is founded on the principle of giving back and helping other entrepreneurs and real estate companies accelerate their journey to success.  Greg Robertson and Dan Woolley are serial entrepreneurs with over 30 years experience in founding bootstrapped companies and creating award winning products being used by hundreds of thousands of real estate professionals. 

Contact

Greg Robertson
Founder/Principal Advisor
Greg@GiantStepsAdvisors.com

Sponsored By MLS Reset