Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Homes.com was #2 portal in September

CoStar’s Homes.com beats Redfin, Realtor.com to become No. 2 portal

“In a monumental sign of the real estate listing portal’s growing influence, CoStar Group’s Homes.com hit over 100 million unique visitors in September, besting Realtor.com and Redfin in monthly unique visitor traffic for the first time since acquiring the portal nearly three years ago, the company announced Monday.

That level of traffic made Homes.com the No. 2 most visited listing portal during the month of September, second only to listing giant Zillow. Realtor.com reported 74 million monthly unique visitors and Redfin reported 52 million unique visitors for the month.

CoStar founder and CEO Andy Florance told Inman that the company’s achievement was no accident since a lot of time and energy went into getting the Homes.com portal to where it is today.

“I know we’ve surprised everybody,” Florance said.

Lillian Dickerson, Inman News

I’m not too surprised, I see Homes.com ads everywhere online, but I will say I’m very surprised how quickly this happen. Congrats to the entire team at CoStar!

Redfin say it’s “leaving NAR”

Redfin is Leaving NAR

“Redfin is moving to end our support of the National Association of Realtors for two reasons:

  • NAR policies requiring a fee for the buyer’s agent on every listing
  • a pattern of alleged sexual harassment. “
Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin

Whoa! The post from GFK also adds this nugget.

“We Want NAR to Decouple MLS Access from NAR Support

We’re asking NAR to decouple local access to these tools, including the listing databases known as Multiple Listing Services, from support for the national lobbying organization. Agents shouldn’t have to underwrite policies and legal efforts that hurt consumers when most of us got into real estate to help consumers. Redfin’s mission after all is to redefine real estate in consumers’ favor. “

Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin

There is also story in the New York Times regarding this decision, for those with access check it out too.

See you at CMLS 2023 NOLA!

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Looking forward to seeing everyone in New Orleans next week for CMLS 2023. I’ll be speaking at the CEO Forum on Tuesday, and doing my “Industry Update” session on Thursday afternoon.

Hit me up if you think I can help you in any way. Check out this page for more information.

And remember people…Never Go Big on the First Night!

See you soon!

Did Amazon just choose Lundy (not Zillow) to power the real estate voice search for Alexa?

I’m hearing YES! How cool is that!?

Previously you had to install Lundy’s real estate search as an “Alexa Skill”. From reports I’m getting markets where MLS organizations have partnerships with Lundy you can just ask Alexa straight up…

Alexa,

“Find me a house”
“Are there any homes for sale near me?”
“Help me buy a home.”

Current MLS partners for Lundy include:

Park City MLS, UT
Metrolist, CA
WARDEX, AZ
RMLS, CA
Valley MLS , AL
FMLS, FL
REcolorado, CO
Miami AOR, FL
Gulf Coast MLS, FL
Stellar MLS, FL
Greater Chattanooga, TN
Mid-Georgia MLS, FL

I wish this was set up in my market so I could test. (If your are in any of the markets above and have an Alexa device test it and tell me what you think.)

Amazon is doing some cool shit with AI and voice search, check out this video from their event last week.

I know Justin from Lundy will be at CMLS next week. I’m sure he will be happy to give demos.

Hits different

Pretty accurate tho….

Looking for a new gig?

Chief Executive Officer – Client of T3 Sixty

“A T3 Sixty client is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in St. Louis, Missouri. This is an in-office position.

The CEO initiates policy formation and advocacy on all levels for the organization. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the MLS’s day-to-day operations, including technology management, member services, financial stewardship, and compliance with industry regulations. The CEO is expected to collaborate with the Board of Directors, Shareholder Council and staff, to achieve the organization’s mission and objectives.

T3 Sixty

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

Did Cincy MLS just axe Perchwell in favor of going back Rapattoni MLS?

Looks like last week the frustration of some Cincy MLS members hit the evening news (see video below).

1,000 Realtor-members signed a petition to return to Rapattoni services as a primary listing service among complaints aimed at Perchwell listing services

“In a statement, MLS of Greater Cincinnati President Anne Uchtman said they could never have anticipated a cyber attack leaving the region without any listing services.

“The Multiple Listing Service of Greater Cincinnati and its board of directors are committed to finding a solution that allows our users to do their job to the best of their ability and continue serving our consumers,” she said. “Our two MLS providers, Rapattoni and Perchwell, have been extremely helpful and supportive during this crisis. We are working non-stop to get this issue resolved and hope to have a solution in the coming days.”

Sean DeLancey of WCPO

Not a good situation for anyone. I haven’t had full confirmation but it appears that the members voted and want Rapattoni back. I’m not sure what this means for Perchwell, whether is will run in parallel or not. If anyone can confirm please say something in the comments.

Looking for a new gig?

Sr. Training Manager – FMLS

“This position oversees the operations of the FMLS School of Real Estate which is established in 4 states: GA, AL, TN, and SC. This role will identify, assess, and create tailored training programs while utilizing various adult learning methods to enhance members’ product utilization skills. The Training Manager will focus on orchestrating a transformative and innovative approach to Real Estate training and development while upholding the highest standards of excellence. Oversee a team of 5 team members.”

FMLS

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

Industry Relations podcast: The RE/MAX Settlement And What Happens Next

Catch the latest update on the RE/MAX Settlement and its impacts on the real estate industry. Join Rob and Greg as they dissect this essential development and discuss what the future of the industry holds. Gain an in-depth knowledge of this critical lawsuit and stay informed on its far-reaching effects.

Watch us on You Tube!

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors: 

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2023.

Looking for a new gig?

CEO – Greater Syracuse of REALTOR®/Central New York Information Service

“The Greater Syracuse of REALTOR®/Central New York Information Service seeks a collaborative leader with excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate possesses an agile mindset that develops and grows the organization. This leader knows how to gain alignment between the leadership, the members, and the staff. An experienced facilitator, the ideal candidate is adept at managing the complexities of a member-driven association and a Broker-owned for-profit Multiple Listing Service with volunteer leaders. The candidate should understand how to build a culture in an evolving organization due to growth and the ongoing transformation of our industry.”

Doyenne Real Estate Advisors

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

Sponsored By MLS Reset