Just love the smile of Eric Stegemann’s face after his company, Tribus, winning the Inman Innovator Award for “Most Innovative Client Experience Solution“. Well done!
Congrats Eric!
Introducing the Giant Steps Job Board: Where Real Estate Hires and Gets Hired.
Today, I’m thrilled to share a story that’s close to my heart.
Years ago, I added a job board to Vendor Alley, not knowing just how impactful it would become. From day one, it was a place where connections were made, careers were launched, and opportunities were seized. Nothing brought me more joy than hearing from someone who landed their dream job or found the perfect candidate through the platform. It was these success stories that warmed my heart and motivated me to keep it going. This community is so welcoming and vibrant it’s often dubbed “Hotel California” – you can check anytime you like, but you can never leave!
Why Rebrand?
Over time, it became clear that our job board had outgrown its initial purpose. What started as a small addition to Vendor Alley evolved and I have decided I want to put more resources towards it. We reached a pivotal moment where we needed to step back and think bigger. It wasn’t just about Vendor Alley anymore; it was about creating something that could better serve both job seekers and employers across the industry.
That’s why I’m beyond excited to introduce you to the Giant Steps Job Board, a subsidiary of Giant Steps Advisors. This isn’t just a fresh look; it’s a complete transformation designed to meet the dynamic needs of our community and beyond.
The Journey to Giant Steps
Our new name, Giant Steps Job Board, reflects the bold moves we all make in our careers. Every job change, every new hire, is a significant step forward, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
The decision to rebrand came from a place of growth and the desire to provide a dedicated, industry-wide resource. It was time to create a platform that could stand on its own, serving the real estate community with the full attention and innovation it deserves.
Pricing Structure
We want to ensure our pricing is straightforward and offers value for every budget. Here’s a breakdown of our job posting plans:
Join Us on This New Journey
The Giant Steps Job Board is live and ready for you to explore. Here are three things you can do for me.
- Notify your HR manager or anyone that’s in charge of hiring that the first job posting is free by emailing FreePost@GiantStepsJobBoard.com.
- Spread the word. The new url is GiantStepsJobBoard.com
- Sign up to get job alerts!
As always, your feedback is invaluable. Let us know what you think and how we can continue to improve. Together, we’ll keep pushing the boundaries and setting new benchmarks.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to giant steps and even greater achievements!
Best,
gr
Job Board down for maintenance
Sorry for the interruption in service. We are upgrading the site. Should be up shortly and better than ever.
Listing Bits Podcast: Dan Fortin of Lone Wolf Technologies on designing a proper Foundation
Dan Fortin was one of my favorite people I met working at Lone Wolf. He came over from the Instanet acquisition and has had a front-row seat to see big changes in the industry. From Lone Wolf acquiring 8 companies, 5 of them in less than 9 months, to the challenges of being a forms company during COVID when everyone wanted a specific form, and they wanted it NOW! Sounds familiar, eh?
We discuss Dan’s background, the lessons he’s learned over the 10 years, and how taking a data-driven approach to making decisions has helped him during his career.
We also get to talk about Lone Wolf’s recent announcement on its newest platform, Foundation, and the tremendous amount of work that took. We also delve into product, design, and what the future holds for Lone Wolf.
For more about Lone Wolf Foundation please visit here.
To connect with Dan check out his LinkedIn profile.
New bidder emerges in REcolorado sale
The plot thickens!
I just learned via an email that MRI Software, a private equity firm a privately held company, is putting a bid in to buy REcolorado. Here’s the excerpt from the email’s “Official Statement”.
“MRI Software, the parent company of CTM eContracts, has submitted an Indication of Interest (IOI) for the purchase of REColorado.
We decided to take this action after learning of the potential sale of REColorado, when it was reported publicly.
Many of you are already familiar with MRI Software, but for those who are not, here is some background: MRI provides the CTM eContracts to nearly 40,000 subscribers in Colorado. The software was first introduced in 2003. MRI, a U.S.-based leader in real estate technology, has been in business since 1971. You can learn more more about MRI and about our open-and-connected approach to software integrations here.”
MRI Software
You can read the full statement here.
Just to catch everyone up, it was first reported that a single person, Joseph Burks, was buying the MLS organization. Under the name of MAZL, LLC. From my research Joesph Burks is, “one of the largest shareholders in the early creation of CTM eContracts, a widely used contract software for real estate transactions.’ was a large shareholder in CTM eContracts, which was sold to MRI Software in 2019.
Denver Metro Associaiton of REALTORS (DMAR) wrote an “FAQ” on their blog back in June 30th stating,
“MAZL is not a private equity firm, nor is a private equity firm a funding partner in the proposed sale.”
DMAR
Now it appears that a private equity firm has offered to purchase REcolorado MLS. Rob and I went over in detail on our Industry Relations podcast how a private equity firm might approach running an MLS organization.
I also posted a thread on Twitter (X) titled, “So you are a PE firm and wanna get in to the multiple listing services (MLS) game? Here a thread of how I would do it. A thread.“
So far no word from DMAR or SMDAR.
***THIS POST HAS BEEN UPDATED AT 7:57AM 7/25/24. MRI Software is not a private equity firm, but a privately held company. I also clarified information regarding Joesph Burks (previous) ownership stake in CTM eContracts.***
Industry Relations Podcast: Meltdown: Is the End Near?
The August 17th deadline is almost here, and the industry is abuzz with talk of potential changes to MLSs and associations. Rob and Greg discuss the latest developments in the NAR settlement with the DOJ and its potential impact on compensation models, forms, and client relationships. With disruption looming, they delve into the hot topic of buyer agent commissions and agreements, as well as how to continue demonstrating value to clients in this ever-changing landscape.
Watch us on YouTube!
Connect with Rob and Greg:
Our Sponsors:
This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.
See you there!
The Queen’s Gambit
San Diego MLS Selects VestaPlus to Increase Data Integrity and Add AI Compliance with Checkmate
“The removal of offers of compensation from MLS represents a watershed moment of change for our industry,” Annie Ives, the CEO of VestaPlus, said in a statement. “As an MLS operator and vendor, it is vitally important that we implement new compliance tools that will enable the transition for real estate agents and brokers in the best possible way. We are anxious to partner with our MLS peers to implement these services for the benefit of our industry professionals.”
Annie Ives, CEO of VestaPlus
I’ve been working with a lot of MLS organizations that have been branching out into the vendor space. It can be humbling. You build a solution that really helps your MLS solve a big problem. The natural thing to think is, “I bet other MLS orgs have this same problem.” So you go to market. And that’s where the fun begins.
It’s hard to find a way to win. You need to have the right pieces in place. For Annie Ives, I think a key part is having a timely solution, and the addition of some key talent. Enter Kelly Robinson. It’s great to see their continued success together. The recent announcements of Staten Island and SDAR switching to Checkmate are good wins, and I’m hearing there are several other announcements ahead. It’s great to see Annie’s persistence pay off.
Lone Wolf Foundation [Sponsor]
My thanks to Lone Wolf for sponsoring this month’s Vendor Alley. Lone Wolf is rolling out its new platform, dubbed Foundation.
Lone Wolf Foundation is an all-in-one platform that gives real estate professionals a modular approach to their software. Users can choose the Lone Wolf software they need and integrate third-party solutions as well to personalize their tech stacks. Its continuous data flow and connected experience means real estate professionals have the shared data, applications, and security they need to cover every step of what they do. One platform, one login, one experience, one set of contacts from lead to close.
Having worked at Lone Wolf I know what an incredible effort it has been to get Foundation to the market. Great to see that they have really focused on the design of the product. Super clean.
To learn more visit here => Lone Wolf Foundation
CoreLogic launches OneHomeowner
“Today’s clients have portals to manage their healthcare, personal finances and education, but there isn’t anything to manage their home,” said Kevin Greene, general manager of Real Estate Solutions at CoreLogic. “CoreLogic solves this problem with OneHomeowner. Just as importantly, it gives agents an effective tool to stay connected in a valuable way and deliver an exceptional homeowner experience to their clients for years.”
Kevin Greene, CoreLogic
With housing inventory levels still at record lows it is going to be important that brokers and agents look at other avenues to retain and grow their business. I think there is a tremendous opportunity for agents who go beyond just the buy and sell aspect of their business and look for opportunities on the nurture side too. They already have their trust, what other services can they provide?
