Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

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!

Toby’s Eagle Scout Project

As he nears the end of his Scouting journey, my son Toby is starting his Eagle Scout project, which must be completed through donations. He’s chosen a great project: refurbishing and restoring one of the bleachers at his high school. The bleachers are used by the tennis team, which Toby is part of.

Venmo Link -> Toby’s Eagle Scout Project

Wurzer asks, “Dude, where’s my listing?”

Dude, Where’s My Listing?

“The other day I posted some Unsolicited Advice About Clear Cooperation and, in this post, I want to follow-up on my promise to address some of the tired arguments trotted out in favor or against Clear Cooperation. Here we go:”

Both blog posts are a good read. As someone who has been a bit hyperbolic about the implications of removing CCP it’s great to read a measured (and informed) opinion that we all need to calm down a bit.

CRMLS and Bright MLS now allow “guest access”

California Regional MLS and Bright MLS Reach Agreement to Provide Reciprocal Listing Data Access for Each Other’s Matrix MLS Systems

“California Regional MLS (CRMLS), the nation’s most recognized multiple listing service, has teamed up with Bright MLS, the largest MLS on the east coast, to offer their users reciprocal data access (aka “guest access”) to each other’s listings. CRMLS currently has 127,000+ active listings while Bright MLS has 115,000+.”

To me, this is kind of a ‘proof of concept’ play—meaning, ‘let’s build this and see what happens,’ which is smart. I’m not sure how many referrals this will generate from people moving from the East Coast to the West Coast (and vice versa), but I’m betting they’ll learn something new—something we haven’t thought of. I also like the vibe of promoting further cooperation, which the MLS (especially in these times) needs to lean into more.”

Industry Relations Podcast: Endless Opportunities with Jack Miller of T360

Overview:

Rob and Greg talk with Jack Miller, CEO of T360, about the recently released “Opportunity Report” and its significance for the real estate industry. The discussion focuses on how real estate leaders can navigate current challenges and seize opportunities in the face of regulatory changes, declining transaction volume, and industry consolidation.

Key Topics:

1. The Opportunity Report:

• A newly released report from T360, available for free at theopportunityreport.com.

• Provides a 100-page analysis of risks and opportunities in the real estate industry.

• Includes insights from over 50 industry leaders on how to approach challenges in the current market.

2. The Role of the MLS:

• Jack emphasizes the importance of the MLS as a marketing and data platform, even without mandatory compensation rules.

• MLS consolidation is expected, with strong MLSs providing more value to their users.

3. Legal and Regulatory Pressures:

• The real estate industry is under scrutiny from the DOJ and faces multiple lawsuits.

• These challenges present an opportunity for brokerages and MLSs to innovate and improve transparency.

4. Future of Associations:

• Jack discusses the potential for separating MLS and Realtor associations and restructuring governance.

• Associations need to adapt and provide more value beyond just MLS access to remain relevant.

5. Opportunities in a Challenging Market:

• Jack urges leaders to lean into change and view the current market as a chance to innovate and grow.

• The report highlights that companies that embrace change during tough times can emerge stronger.

Watch us on YouTube!

Reach Out:

Jack Miller on LinkedIN

Download the Opportunity Report at theopportunityreport.com.

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

Listing Bits Podcast: Austin Allison, CEO of Pacaso

Overview:

In this episode, Greg Robertson chats with Austin Allison, CEO of Pacaso, about his entrepreneurial journey in real estate, starting with Dotloop and transitioning to his current venture, Pacaso. The discussion covers lessons learned from his early career, how Pacaso is revolutionizing second home ownership, and insights into raising capital through innovative approaches like Regulation A.

Key Takeaways:

1. Austin’s Journey in Real Estate:

• Austin Allison started his real estate career early, getting his license at 18. His early experiences selling homes during college inspired him to create Dotloop, which he later sold to Zillow.

• The entrepreneurial lessons from Dotloop, including navigating challenging markets and working with large real estate brands like Keller Williams, set the foundation for his future ventures.

2. The Birth of Pacaso:

• After selling Dotloop, Austin co-founded Pacaso, a platform aimed at democratizing second home ownership by enabling people to co-own luxury homes. The idea stemmed from his own experience of buying a second home and realizing most vacation homes sit unused for much of the year.

• Pacaso allows people to purchase a share of a vacation home, creating more efficient and accessible ways to own luxury properties.

3. The Challenges of Scaling a Startup:

• Pacaso had rapid growth, especially during the early days of the pandemic when people sought second homes, but faced new challenges in 2023 due to rising interest rates and a cooling real estate market.

• The company has refocused on profitability and expanding its market presence globally, with operations in the U.S., Europe, and Mexico.

4. Innovative Fundraising through Regulation A:

• Pacaso recently explored raising capital through Regulation A, a public fundraising method that allows retail investors to buy into private companies. This method democratizes access to investment opportunities typically reserved for institutional investors.

• Austin believes this approach aligns with Pacaso’s mission of making second home ownership more accessible and also raises brand awareness by turning investors into advocates.

5. Future of Pacaso and Second Home Ownership:

• Pacaso aims to continue expanding its product offerings and entering new markets. While the current focus is on high-net-worth individuals, Austin envisions future opportunities to lower the entry point for ownership, making the Pacaso model more accessible to a broader audience.

• Austin emphasizes the long-term potential of Pacaso and the importance of scaling the business carefully to meet the demands of a large, untapped market.

Reach Out: 

Austin on LInkedIN

Find out more about Pacaso

• Learn more about Pacaso: Pacaso.com

• Explore Regulation A investment opportunities with Pacaso.

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

Sponsored By MLS Reset