Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

My thanks 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 

Earlier this week you learned how advanced mapping, efficient speech-to-text and powerful sharing capabilities can help you find the right MLS for your members, now onto the next three topics.

  1. “Near me” search 

The right MLS system offers users more than one way to search. Another must-have option is near me search. If your client doesn’t like a current property, but loves the neighborhood, then “near me” search enables you to quickly find other listings in the same area that might be just what they’re looking for. This type of search provides a more personalized experience for users and saves time, gas and effort in the property search process by finding properties in close proximity.  

  1. Powerhouse searching  

Search is the most-used feature of any MLS system, an outdated search technology can make it cumbersome and confusing with continuous scrolling to find the information to enter and search for your buyers and sellers. Don’t settle for anything less than intuitive search functionality. You should be able to completely customize your searches to search the way you want and get matches in a snap.  

  1. Mobile App

In today’s digital age, an MLS with a mobile app helps agents access the full power of the system on the go, while using mobile features like facial recognition, push notifications and contact import to save time and increase efficiency. Not only that, the right MLS can also integrate with other apps already on your device – like car play, mapping, messaging, calendars, social media and beyond. If your current MLS app only has limited functionality, it’s reasonable to ask for more.  

We’ve almost made it to number one. Don’t miss us this weekend as we kickoff NAR Midyear when we’ll reveal the number one “must-have” in your next MLS system.

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

Industry Relations Podcast: The $250M Settlement That will Impact the Industry

HomeServices of America has reached a settlement in the slew of commission lawsuits. Now that a huge domino has fallen, what will happen next in the industry? Rob and Greg discuss  the next steps in the commission lawsuits and the potential challenges faced by copycat lawsuits. They also discuss the role of lawyers and the potential opt-out strategy for larger builders. And how fair are these settlements and will it potentially impact recruiting and retention efforts?

They discuss other major players like Compass, Keller Williams, and EXP, bringing to light the dynamic changes in the landscape, the controversy surrounding CoStar and Realtor.com, the future of Redfin, and discuss the upcoming NAR mid-year meetings. 

This episode is packed with industry insights. 

You are gonna want to watch this on our YouTube Channel!

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors: 

Notorious VIP

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Zillow asks industry to save its ShowingTime business

Zillow’s new touring agreement puts consumers first

“Our touring agreement–which expires after seven days and covers touring activities only – does not require compensation or exclusivity. That’s by design. We believe any negotiation of compensation, and what it will look like for the buyer and agent to work together, should happen after both meet and feel ready. At the time when an additional agreement is signed, the buyer and the agent should be aligned on all terms and expectations, including compensation, with no surprises. “

Errol Samuelson, Zillow Group

I think we all knew that the NAR Settlement requirement for agents to have a written agreement for showing homes threw a big wrench in Zillow’s attempt to “Uberize” real estate agents with the “Request A Tour” button.

Under the guise of “putting consumers first” Zillow’s “touring agreement” is a pretty clever attempt to help them save their Premier Agent/ShowingTime Plus business.

In my mind’s eye I can see Zillow’s Industry Relations Reps loading their slide decks, making restaurant reservations, attending to last minute party details, and filling their hotel suites with bottles of Fiji water in preparation for their descent in to Washington DC for the NAR Midyear meetings next week.

Raise your glass of Silver Oak high for these champions of consumers!

Omni Lobby Bar – After Party – Part Deux!

Tradition is tradition. Last year was a huge success so I’ve been asked to do it again. This time we are moving it to Sunday night.

I’m inviting everyone to meet up at the Omni Hotel’s Marquee Lounge, Sunday night (5/5/23). Anywhere from 9 PM on, just get there before last call (Midnight), and let’s all raise a glass together in a place we have enjoyed each other’s company for so long!

Spread the word!! LFG!!

Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

My thanks to Paragon Connect for sponsoring Vendor Alley this month. 

Continuing this 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 week you learned how fast CMAs, simple client collaboration and effective property watches can help you find the right MLS for your members, now onto the next three topics.

  1. Advanced mapping 

Helping guide buyers to their future neighborhood is key to a successful real estate transaction. The best MLS has advanced mapping tools that provide a visual representation of property listings on a map interface. This visual aid helps users understand the location of properties in relation to amenities, schools, transportation, and other important landmarks – because when buyers can see the possibilities, everything feels more real for them. Armed with MLS and public records data, agents can make more informed decisions when marketing or searching for properties.  

  1. Speech-to-text  

Real estate agents are busy, and the last thing they have time for is manual data entry. Look for a MLS platform that has speech-to-text fields enabled for your most common tasks to save you time and effort every day. If your mobile MLS doesn’t allow this functionality, you’re missing out. 

  1. Power sharing  

Get your homes in front of buyers, so you can get buyers into homes. Gain exposure for your listings with power sharing, so your properties can show up on as many channels as possible. The right MLS promotes sharing listings the way your client prefers via email, text message, and social media.

See you next week for more top “must-haves” as we count down to number one.

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

Best listing photo ever?

Best caption wins some Vendor Alley swag.

Listing Bits Episode 91: Tether RE, keeping Agents Safe

What do Willie Nelson and keeping real estate agents safe have in common?  You will have to listen to this great conversation with Tether RE founder Scott Martin to find out.

Did you know that in 2020 60,000 real estate agents reported being victims of assault, sexual abuse, robbery or were murdered in the US?  In 2023 over 75,000 real estate agents reported being victim of a crime.  And there are a ton of more incidents that go unreported.

In this wide ranging conversation with Scott Martin, a serial entrepreneur, we talk about where the idea came from, and the journey that got Scott here.  It’s a wild ride!

Join us for fun and entertaining conversation.

Find out more about the Tether RE 

https://tetherre.com

Reach Out:

Connect with Scott

Our Sponsor:

Trackxi – Real Estate’s #1 Deal Tracker

Production and editing services by:

Sunbound Studios

Why CoStar bought Matterport

With Matterport buy, CoStar makes it a ground game

“For example, I believe CoStar can move quickly to democratize the digital twin by allocating future blocks of Homes.com’s $1 billion ad campaign to influence consumers to think a fully immersive 3D tour is the only way to get the most value for a home. It can then advance Matterport’s mobile capabilities to make it easier than ever to publish its experience to the homebuying public.”

Craig Rowe, Inman News

The above quote is just a tidbit of Craig’s great insight and analysis on the Matterport deal. One small quibble I would ended the article with a different quote;

“Begun, the Clone Wars Have!” – Yoda

Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

My thanks to Paragon Connect for sponsoring Vendor Alley this month.

Starting this week they will cover 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 

  1. Simple Competitive Market Analysis (Easy CMA) 

You’re at a party and the question comes up: “Hey, aren’t you a real estate agent? I’m thinking about selling my house.” You reach for your phone, knowing that because you chose the right MLS, you can capitalize on that opportunity before hors d’oeuvres are done. When you use a front-end system that delivers competitive market analysis in the palm of your hand, you’re only ever moments away from showing a potential customer all that you can do for them.

  1. Buyer and seller connection 

Relationships are built on good communication with your buyers and sellers. The right MLS helps buyers find homes they’re interested in, while keeping open lines of communication. And it helps sellers see activity on their listing. The right MLS has a buyer and seller portal for your clients to communicate with you along with push notifications to keep you up to date along the way.

  1. Property watch 

Information is power, and staying on top of pricing trends, competition, and market conditions can help you deliver the best possible experience for buyers and sellers. Of course, real estate agents can’t spend their days watching properties like a hawk – but the right MLS can, helping you get the latest scoop on properties in your area, meeting your clients’ needs, achieving a competitive edge, and representing your sellers efficiently. The right MLS will have the ability to monitor properties no matter where you’re working from, so you can jump on opportunities the minute they arise.  

Looking forward to catching up next time for your next three topics. 

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

1000WATT’s Brand & Marketing Summit

I just wanted to make another plug for 1000WATT’s upcoming Brand & Marketing Summit. As many of you know Brian, Marc and their merry gang of creatives are legit. Having attended many of their other events I can assure you that you are in for a treat. But unlike other events this one feels like they are going to get even more strategic, and even more tactical in their agenda and content. Plus their speaker list is stacked!

Who should go? Well check out the website.

  • Executives and marketers in proptech, brokerage, franchising, mortgage, title, MLSs, and associations
  • Real estate team leaders
  • Solo agents who are eager to build market share
  • Brokerage and franchise leaders who want to lead their teams through a time of change with confidence
1000WATT

So buy a few tickets for you and your staff, mark your calendars, book the hotel rooms, buy the plane tickets and put your two stepping boots on and head to Gilleys in Dallas June 25th-June 27th.

Sponsored By MLS Reset