Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

John Whitney Joins ListHub

It’s getting hard to keep track of all the personnel changes lately. Even for this industry things have certainly heated up. It’s like there’s a big game of musical chairs.

Bob and Jay took a seat a Zillow. Todd sat on it at Trulia, and now John has pulled up a chair at Move.com.

Seems like all of them have chosen a seat with a portal. Do they all know something we don’t know? Maybe I should look at buying back Dwellicious!

John left Sentrilock, a NAR owned company, so I guess with MOVE he is still technically part of the REALTOR family? I really think this is a good fit for John. His diverse resume gives him a very unique perspective on the industry.

I’m also hoping that John might enlighten our reader on how he found out about this new gig of him. I have my suspicions but looking for confirmation. : )

Full Press Release Below:

John Whitney Joins ListHub Industry Relations
Whitney Brings MLS Executive Experience To Syndication

MORGANTOWN, W. Va., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — ListHub, the leading listing syndicator and provider of online metrics, announced today that John Whitney will join the ListHub executive team as Vice President of Industry Relations. ListHub is committed to bringing industry-friendly innovation to the online marketing landscape. Whitney will play a key role in leading this evolution, and translating it into direct value for ListHub’s MLS partners.
Whitney has demonstrated twenty years of commitment to the real estate industry, including experience in the role of MLS executive director, as well as experience with technology in service to MLS organizations. His diverse background will bring new vision to the ListHub team, including personal insight into the unique business needs and challenges of the MLS community.

John Heithaus, CMO of MRIS commented, “The team at MRIS is looking forward to working with an alliance executive of John’s caliber. While we’re very pleased with the business relationship that we’ve built with ListHub already, John’s addition will undoubtedly result in further innovation and improvement of the syndication service we provide to our customers. In addition, as MRIS works proactively with the brokers in our system, John’s industry experience and consultative approach will be most welcome at just the right time for us.”

Whitney most recently served as Director of National Sales at Sentrilock, LLC, and he previously held the position of Executive Director at the Central Valley Association of Realtors and at the Southwest Multiple Listing Service. After graduating Cum Laude from Chapman University, Whitney started his career in active service in the United States Navy as a Database Installation and Training Manager. Whitney received the Navy Achievement Medal for outstanding performance of duty, and is a veteran of the Gulf War.
ListHub, a product division of Move, Inc., provides a platform to MLSs and real estate brokers to effectively manage every aspect of advertising listings online, including tools for making informed advertising choices, flexible options for routing consumer traffic and leads, and reporting for accurately measuring the results of their online marketing. Listing information is kept up-to-date to provide today’s homebuyers with the most accurate information available from the MLS. Currently, ListHub is the leading platform nationwide for listing management, serving more than 43,000 brokerage firms, and synchronizing listing information from over 400 MLS data sources with more than 100 publisher websites.

ABOUT LISTHUB
ListHub is operated by Move, Inc., MOVE -3.01% , the leader in online real estate. Located in Morgantown, West Virginia, ListHub provides seamless distribution of active listings to popular Internet sites where consumers search for property information. ListHub updates listings on their publisher site every 12 hours to provide today’s homebuyers with accurate information from their MLS. Multi-level reporting options for brokers, agents, and homeowners, along with unique customization tools make ListHub the premier solution for real estate listing syndication. Currently, ListHub powers listing distribution for more than 43,000 brokerages, 117 publishers, and 376 MLS sources nationwide.

ABOUT MOVE, INC.
Move, Inc. MOVE is the leader in online real estate and operator of REALTOR.com®, the official website of the National Association of REALTORS®; Move.com, a leading destination for new homes and rental listings, moving, home and garden, and home finance; ListHub, the leading syndicator of real estate listings; Moving.com; SeniorHousingNet; SocialBios; and TOP PRODUCER Systems. Move, Inc. is based in Campbell, California.
This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, including information about management’s view of Move’s future expectations, plans and prospects, within the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the results of Move, its subsidiaries, divisions and concepts to be materially different than those expressed or implied in such statements. These risk factors and others are included from time to time in documents Move files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to, its Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could have material adverse effects on Move’s future results. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. Move cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Finally, Move expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
SOURCE Move, Inc.

Larson/Sobotka announces promotion of Mitch Skinner

Congrats Mitch!

Full Press Release Below:

Larson/Sobotka PLLC announces promotion of Mitchell A. Skinner as member of the firm

Minneapolis, September 20, 2012: Larson/Sobotka PLLC, the Minneapolis-based law firm that serves multiple listing service, REALTOR® association, and brokerage clients around the U.S., announced today that Mitchell A. Skinner is now a member of the firm, which is an equity position roughly equivalent to that of a “partner” if the firm were organized as a partnership. Skinner provides copyright, trademark, and technology and licensing counsel to the firm’s clients.

According to firm member Elizabeth S. Sobotka, “Over the last 18 months, Mitch has led the firm’s MLS data licensing and vendor contracting practice. He has become the foremost practitioner in these types of transactions on behalf of MLSs.” The firm’s managing member, Brian N. Larson, emphasized Skinner’s commitment to the real estate industry. Skinner is providing pro bono counsel to the Real Estate Standards Organization, and for the second year he is a member of the organizing committee for the Council of Multiple Listing Services Legal Seminar in Boston, MA on September 26, 2012, where he will also be presenting on current strategic issues and vendor relations.

Skinner received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota cum laude and is admitted before the Minnesota Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. Prior to joining Larson/Sobotka, Skinner practiced general litigation in Minneapolis. Larson/Sobotka focuses its practice on e-commerce, databases, web branding issues, and rule-making for online communities.

CRMLS launches AnnounceMyNews(tm)

I like the concept of an MLS or Association feeding its agent relevant news that they can share with their own clients. We have a similar concept with Nudge. I haven’t seen AnnounceMyNews in action but will follow up when I do.


Full Press Release below:

California Regional MLS, Inc. Launches New Social Marketing Communication Tools for Listings and Local Association News
San Dimas, CA October 2, 2012 – California Regional MLS, Inc. (CRMLS) announces the launch of AnnounceMyNewsTM, for all CRMLS member associations and their subscribers. This marketing tool is powered by AnnounceMyMove LLC the real estate industry’s leading social marketing communication innovator. The company’s other product AnnounceMyListing, a social marketing tool for agent listings, was successfully launched last month. CRMLS will offer demos of AnnounceMyNews at the California Association of Realtors annual trade show this week.

AnnounceMyNewsTM is a communication tool used by the MLS and their Associations to reach agents, as well as consumers, with marketing announcements containing hyper-local news, public relations stories, local housing market reports, government affairs, and more. These announcements are then shared by the agent to their social contacts. Once shared, they may go viral through the local community, building brand recognition for the agent and the local Association. In addition, agents will also have access to a library of pre-created Click & Go social marketing announcements on topics such as holiday announcements, gardening tips, family-friendly news, and more that are branded for the agent and distributed in just one simple step. Other agents are anxious to use the “custom create” feature where they can create announcements from scratch such as buyer and seller moving announcements, just sold, in escrow, or local event announcements.

“Through our local member Associations, we strive to provide innovative solutions for our expanding subscriber base,” said Art Carter, CEO of CRMLS. “AnnounceMyListing and AnnounceMyNews provide Real Estate Professionals with a unique opportunity to grow their business through the power of their clients’ social network. We are proud to be the first MLS in the country to launch AnnounceMyNews for our subscribers!”
“We are thrilled that CRMLS has chosen AnnounceMyMove to power their newest social marketing tools. What sets us apart from other marketing companies is how we connect the agent to their social network. Our announcements are media-rich and social by design, creating a powerful viral marketing tool that can be passed from a friend to a friend. Like many MLS tools, we promote the listing through the AnnounceMyListing product launched last month; but we also get the agent introduced to their client’s friends and family along the way, which is unique. Adoption at the MLS level is higher than many MLS tools because even buyer’s agents or part-time agents can use AnnounceMyNews. Our products are the best way for agents to stay top of mind and build meaningful relationships that lead to referrals,” said Rob Odishoo, President and CEO of AnnounceMyMove.

About CRMLS
California Regional MLS is the nation’s largest Multiple Listing Service, providing products and services to over 70,000 subscribers from 33 REALTOR® Associations. California Regional MLS, located at 180 Via Verde, Suite 200 in San Dimas, California, provides access to listing data throughout the State of California. California Regional MLS has been a regional MLS for over 30 years and is dedicated to making a REAL Difference in the day-to-day business of Real Estate Professionals. For more information on California Regional MLS, contact communications at crmls dot org.

About AnnounceMyMove LLC
AnnounceMyMove LLC is an industry pioneer in providing social marketing tools to the real estate industry. Individual agents and offices, local and national real estate companies, Multiple Listing Services, and other real estate marketing providers have contracted with AnnounceMyMove to provide a unique, social relationship management tool to help them grow their business. The AnnounceMyListingTM product was released in 2008 and now services over 250,000 agent desktops nationally including some the largest MLS/Realtor Associations in the US. AnnounceMyNewsTM is the company’s newest product designed as a social marketing tool for small businesses. For more information on AnnounceMyListingTM or AnnounceMyNewsTM please contact Janelle Odishoo, VP of Marketing & Business Development at jodishoo@announcemymove.com.

New president for Rapattoni Corporation

I hesitate even posting this new because everyone gets those Rapattoni Corporation News emails. But this is pretty big.

Love ’em or hate ’em ever since Rapattoni has entered the MLS business they have been kicking ass. Andy Rapattoni is a legend in this business, I still marvel of how they have been in the real estate technology arena for over 37 years. Our best wishes to Nick, he’s got some pretty big shoes to fill.

07_10_30nickrapattoni5.jpg
New president for Rapattoni Corporation
SIMI VALLEY, Calif., October 31, 2007 – Rapattoni Corporation, a leading software and services provider to the real estate industry, announced today that its board of directors has elected Nicholas A. Rapattoni president effective November 1, 2007. The current president, Andy Rapattoni, will continue as chairman of the board and chief executive officer.

“Nick is in his eleventh year with the company,” said Andy Rapattoni. “His increasing leadership role since 2003 has proven that he can run a high-tech company and direct our team and our products into the future. As his parents, Niki and I are proud that he has aggressively pursued this challenge.”

Most recently Nick has served as vice president and director of corporate processes. In this position he worked closely with every department, learning their functions and needs in order to improve their processes and communication. Previously he was tasked with developing and managing the quality assurance department. He started with the company as a computer programmer. As a corporate officer, Nick has been serving as a member of the executive committee and has been involved in all major corporate decisions.

“The Rapattoni name has been synonymous with quality and service for nearly four decades, and I look forward to carrying on the tradition established by my parents,” said Nick Rapattoni. “It will be a challenge to follow in my father’s footsteps, as he is a true pioneer and visionary. However, I am confident that I can execute the presidency of Rapattoni Corporation and lead the company into the future with the help of the outstanding management team we have built.”

Niki Rapattoni, who will continue as chief administrative officer, said, “Nick grew up in the business, and Andy and I are very proud to have him take this step which provides for an orderly succession that preserves our company’s foundational values for the future. We will both remain active in the company.”

About the Company
Rapattoni Corporation has been serving the real estate industry under the same name and management for 37 years. The company provides an array of integrated products and services for real estate associations and MLS organizations including Internet MLS systems, association management software, and Secure Logon with Single Sign-On identity portals for online security and convenience. The company’s MLS products are serving about 300,000 agents nationally and its association management customers represent more than 85% of the nation’s Realtors®. Rapattoni’s headquarters are located in Simi Valley, California.

For more information contact Public Relations Manager Paula Allen at (800) 722-7338, or visit the company’s website at http://www.rapattoni.com/

If you would like to be removed from the Rapattoni News mailing list, please send a blank e-mail to unsubscribe@rapattoni.com.

Rapattoni promises security, in the palm of your hand.

The only question I have is, if I use it will I go blind or will hair start growing on my hand?

pda_securid.jpg
Rapattoni puts Secure Logon security codes on PDAs
PDA cell phones remove need for separate security tokens

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., November 8, 2007 – Rapattoni Corporation announced today that security codes for the Rapattoni Secure Logon system can now be generated on PDA cell phones. This new “soft token” technology eliminates the need for agents to carry separate security tokens, and it provides the same high level, two-factor authentication as a hardware token. Rapattoni’s software tokens are compatible with many PDA phones on the market today and do not require airtime or the use of text messaging, which may cause agents to incur a fee charged by cell phone carriers. The code generation process is completely contained on the PDA.

This next-generation technology was introduced during the implementation of Secure Logon for the Southwest MLS in Albuquerque, New Mexico last month. Existing Rapattoni Secure Logon customers will be able to offer it to their members in the first quarter of 2008.

Any phone or PDA employing a Windows Mobile® or Palm OS® 4 or higher operating system can be set up with a software token, eliminating the need for the user to carry a separate hardware token. Most of the leading mobile devices utilize these platforms, allowing Secure Logon soft tokens to be installed quickly and easily. Most installations take less than one minute to complete.

With a software token, security codes display on the user’s PDA without using airtime or requiring a text message or other data transfer process. The application is installed directly on the PDA and can display a one-time security code on demand whenever the user is ready to log on.

“Offering soft tokens exemplifies how we can provide convenience as well as security,” said Nick Rapattoni, president. “While data security is the primary objective, the user’s experience must be positive and convenient. Through our Secure Logon and Single Sign-On features, we give our customers the best in both security and convenience.”

Rapattoni Chief Information Security Officer Peter Williams said, “In line with many other industries, real estate industry demand is growing for the convenience of software authenticators. Nearly every real estate agent carries a sophisticated PDA or smart phone. We are excited to include RSA SecurID software tokens in the next-generation rollout of Rapattoni Secure Logon.”

About Rapattoni Secure Logon
Rapattoni Secure Logon is a token-based logon authentication service designed for real estate associations and MLS organizations. Hardware and software tokens utilize SecurID® technology from RSA, The Security Division of EMC, which is the leading provider of online data security. The Rapattoni-built software interface includes an easy self-registration process, simple logon interface, and an online management system for staff use. Secure Logon can be integrated transparently with any MLS, regardless of vendor. Rapattoni can provide complete services, including hosting, delivery, user orientation, and a call center for staff and user support. See the Rapattoni Secure Logon video for details.

About the company

Rapattoni Corporation has been serving the real estate industry under the same name and management for 37 years. The company provides an array of integrated products and services for real estate associations and MLS organizations including Internet MLS systems, association management software, and Secure Logon with Single Sign-On identity portals for online security and convenience. The company’s MLS products are serving about 300,000 agents nationally and its association management customers represent more than 85% of the nation’s Realtors®. Rapattoni’s headquarters are located in Simi Valley, California.

For more information contact Public Relations Manager Paula Allen at (800) 722-7338, or visit the company’s website at http://www.rapattoni.com/.

Market Leader launches Marketing Center to 100,000 agents.

Mergers and acquisitions are tough. It takes talent and focus to integrate teams, process, and tech in to one cohesive package and offering. Seems like Market Leader has done just that with SharperAgent. Congrats to Ian and his team.

Full Press Release Below:
______________________________________________________________

Market Leader Rolls Out the Real Estate Industry’s Only Comprehensive Lead-to-Close Platform to All Market Leader Customers
Market Leader Integrates SharperAgent’s Marketing Platform to Create One Seamless Solution That Addresses All of the Marketing and Technology Needs of Real Estate Professionals
Company Release – 06/06/2012 08:00

KIRKLAND, WA — (Marketwire) — 06/06/12 — Market Leader (NASDAQ: LEDR) (http://www.MarketLeader.com), a leader in online marketing and technology solutions for real estate professionals, today announced the launch of a fully-integrated Marketing Center, immediately available for each of its more than 100,000 real estate agent customers. This comprehensive solution provides real estate brokerage companies and their agents with the industry’s most complete marketing solution, enabling them to stand out from the competition, build their brand, and keep in touch with both prospects and clients.

The new integrated Marketing Center is the result of Market Leader’s acquisition of SharperAgent, the industry’s leading provider of online and print marketing tools, and provides real estate professionals with everything they need to create polished, professional marketing materials and engage with their entire sphere via email and direct mail — all in one convenient solution.

Market Leader’s new Marketing Center has been fully integrated into the company’s already robust platform, and is now available to Market Leader’s more than 100,000 customers. The integration of this new Marketing Center provides all customers with significant product enhancements at no additional cost including:

Get the perfect look: Choose from more than 4,000 templates for flyers, postcards, newsletters, drip campaigns, and more, for either email or direct mail.
Enjoy simplicity: Create and customize marketing pieces easily, with no complicated software or shortcut keys to learn.
Connect with buyers and sellers: Launch automated, custom campaigns for your entire database or for targeted groups.
Save time and money: Use “set-it-and-forget-it” technology to reach customers automatically.
Professional printing with Shutterfly®: Order beautiful prints for any marketing materials from Shutterfly, Market Leader’s integrated print partner.
“This is a game-changing advancement for our more than 100,000 real estate professional customers,” said Ian Morris, chief executive officer for Market Leader. “The Marketing Center alone represents the most comprehensive collection of professionally-designed marketing tools available to real estate professionals throughout North America, and it’s now included at no additional charge for every Market Leader customer. No other company provides a comprehensive, fully-integrated solution to real estate professionals, and we are committed to continue innovating and delivering more value to all of our customers.”

Market Leader now offers one seamless solution to all real estate professionals that includes:

Personal Website – one polished, customizable website designed to maximize lead generation
Lead Generation – powerful tools and services to help generate additional leads for increased growth
Contact Management – one central contact management system designed to cultivate and convert prospects into clients
Marketing Center – more than 4,000 professionally designed templates to continuously engage both prospects and clients
Education – powerful education and training to successfully build, grow, and manage a real estate business
Market Leader’s new comprehensive agent solution is named Market Leader Professional. The company’s new comprehensive solution for brokerage companies and teams is named Market Leader Business Suite. Both products are available immediately to real estate brokerage companies and agents throughout North America. More information can be found at www.marketleader.com or by calling 877-450-0088.

As a special thank you to current Market Leader customers, every Growth Leader customer has been automatically upgraded to Market Leader Professional, and every RealtyGenerator customer has been automatically upgraded to the Market Leader Business Suite — all at no additional charge.

“The Market Leader solution, with this exciting new Marketing Center, is my secret weapon, saving me time while I build relationships,” said Kevin Brooks, a real estate agent and Market Leader customer in Mount Vernon, NY. “From filling my pipeline with leads, to helping me identify, nurture, and engage buyers and sellers, Market Leader is helping me grow my business. My prospects are blown away with my responsiveness and professionalism, and my current customers keep coming back for more.”

For more information about the new Marketing Center and the full Market Leader Professional and Business Suite solutions, please visit www.marketleader.com/one-solution.

About Market Leader

Market Leader, founded in 1999, provides innovative online technology and marketing solutions for real estate professionals across the United States and Canada. The company serves more than 100,000 real estate agents, brokerages and franchisors, offering complete end-to-end solutions that enable them to grow and manage their businesses. Market Leader’s subscription-based real estate marketing software — including websites, contact management, a marketing center, and lead generation services — helps customers generate a steady stream of prospects, plus provides the systems and training they need to convert those prospects into clients. In addition, the company’s national consumer real estate sites, including www.realestate.com, give its customers access to millions of future home buyers and sellers, while providing consumers with free access to the information they seek.

For more information on Market Leader visit www.MarketLeader.com.

Press Contact:
Matt Heinz
Heinz Marketing for Market Leader, Inc.
877-291-0006
matt@heinzmarketing.com

Investor Contact:
Mark Lamb
Director of Investor Relations
Market Leader, Inc.
425-952-5801
markl@marketleader.com

Source: Market Leader, Inc.

First major iPhone MLS application is released by Rapattoni

This looks cool. Although I’m not quite sure “been optimized” means. We shall see…

iphone_rapmlshomeRapattoni Introduces New iPhone Interface for Mobile MLS Agents
Simi Valley, Calif., November 4, 2008 – Rapattoni Corporation announced today that the Rapattoni MLS PDA interface has been optimized for the Apple iPhone. Elegant changes to the user interface now put the power of Rapattoni MLS at iPhone users’ fingertips. Tap through listing searches, pictures, details, history, and contacts using the iPhone’s revolutionary Safari web browser. Tapping a listing’s address will plot the listing in Google Maps where driving directions are just a tap away.

Nick Rapattoni, president of Rapattoni Corporation, stated, “The iPhone is a powerful and stylish business tool. We are pleased to provide our users with an elegant mobile MLS experience on this innovative and popular platform.”

The iPhone software roll out scheduled for November 12, 2008 is the result of a continuing research and development program at Rapattoni to assure that its customers are able to take advantage of new technologies.

Rapattoni will be showing its real estate industry software and service products at the annual National Association of REALTORS® Conference and Expo in Orlando, Florida, November 6 through 10.

About Rapattoni
Rapattoni Corporation has been serving the real estate industry under the same name and management for 38 years. The company provides an array of integrated products and services for real estate associations and MLS organizations, including Internet MLS systems, Association Management software (AMS), and Secure Logon with Single Sign-On identity portals for online security and convenience. The company’s MLS products are serving about 300,000 agents nationally and its association management customers represent more than 88% of the nation’s Realtors®. Rapattoni’s headquarters are in Simi Valley, California.

For more information contact Public Relations at 800-722-7338 or visit the company’s Web site at http://www.rapattoni.com/.

BAREIS extends Rapattoni services

handshake

Great news for Rap. Not so much for calREDD.

I had a chance to catch up with Jim Branscombe at CMLS in Lake Tahoe. Lately he had been a no show at most the industry events, it was good to see him back in the wild.

A lot of the spotlight centers about CARETS down south. But the Quattro iniative in Norcal really is a good thing for REALTORS and vendors alike.

Full Press Release below:

Bay Area Real Estate Information Services, Inc. Signs Contract Extension for the Rapattoni MLS

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., October 22, 2009 – Rapattoni Corporation (Rapattoni) announced today that the Bay Area Real Estate Information Services, Inc. (BAREIS MLS®), which services approximately 10,000 real estate professionals in northern California, signed a contract extension for the Rapattoni MLS software.

As part of the extension, BAREIS MLS® will be implementing the latest version of Rapattoni Secure Logon, featuring Adaptive Authentication. Adaptive Authentication eliminates the need for hardware tokens and utilizes risk analysis features to assist MLSs in preventing unauthorized access to their data. BAREIS MLS® adopted Rapattoni Secure Logon in 2006 and became one of the first MLSs to implement a secure solution for its members.

Jim Branscombe, president and CEO of BAREIS MLS®, said, “Rapattoni has been our technology partner for many years now, and we are very excited to implement Adaptive Authentication, which will enable our members to have security without a hardware token.” BAREIS MLS® currently provides MLS services in Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties, and it is a part of the Quattro initiative, a cooperative data access concept that provides direct open reciprocal access to nearly 60,000 agents in northern California.

“The Quattro concept secures open access to multiple MLS systems through Rapattoni’s Single Sign-On technology and continues to expand, both regionally and nationally,” said Branscombe. “MLS organizations recognize the need to provide their members expanded access to data while maintaining the expertise and governance of their locally owned MLS. Providing reciprocal access directly to other MLS systems through a single sign-on process magnifies the need for secure logon to protect the participating organizations’ data.”

Nick Rapattoni, president of Rapattoni, said, “We are honored that BAREIS MLS® extended its contract with us. The advanced security of Adaptive Authentication will be of great value to BAREIS MLS® and its members, and I know they will be even more excited about the features we will be implementing in the coming year.”

About Rapattoni MLS
Rapattoni MLS is setting the standard with advanced features such as integrated GIS parcel mapping, an integrated member management and billing system, the most advanced RETS data exchange system, integrated aerial photography, language translation, the Rapattoni Secure Logon system featuring Adaptive Authentication technology, and the ability to operate a convenient Single Sign-On (SSO) identity portal.

About Rapattoni
Rapattoni Corporation has been serving the real estate industry under the same name and management for nearly 40 years. The company provides an array of integrated products and services for real estate associations and MLS organizations, including an internet-based MLS, association management software, and key-less Rapattoni Secure Logon with SSO identity portals for online security and convenience. Rapattoni’s MLS products are serving approximately 300,000 users nationally and its association management customers represent more than 85% of the nation’s REALTORS®. Rapattoni’s headquarters are in Simi Valley, California.

For more information, contact Rapattoni’s Public Relations department at (800) 722-7338 or visit the Rapattoni website at http://www.rapattoni.com/.

Marketlinx signs multiyear deal with SoCalMLS

Or the headline could read.

THE LARGEST MLS IN CALIFORNIA SAYS NO TO CALREDD.

Take your pick!

Either way, a HUGE win for Marketlinx. Congrats guys!

MARKETLINX SIGNS MULTIYEAR AGREEMENT WITH SOCALMLS
—Largest California Multiple Listing Service Renews TEMPO Contract—

LOS ANGELES Calif., Jan. 20, 2010 – SoCalMLS, California’s largest multiple listing service (MLS), and MarketLinx, Inc., a leading provider of information technology to the residential real estate industry and a member of The First American Corporation (NYSE: FAF) family of companies, today announced they have signed a multiyear agreement for MarketLinx to provide MLS software products to SoCalMLS and its nine REALTOR® associations. Serving more than 46,000 members in Southern California, SoCalMLS is one of the largest multiple listing service providers in North America.
“MarketLinx has an excellent track record with us,” said Russ Bergeron, chief executive officer of SoCalMLS. “We selected MarketLinx years ago because of their experience serving large and active memberships like ours. Since then, the TEMPO system has proven to be a very robust MLS system that continues to evolve with our changing needs. MarketLinx’s support services have also been exceptional—evidenced by the outstanding job they did integrating SoCalMLS with the California Real Estate Technology Services (CARETS) database, which now supports 4 million listings and more than 100,000 real estate professionals. We are very pleased to extend our partnership with MarketLinx.”
“We’re privileged to have this opportunity to continue serving SoCalMLS,” said Ben Graboske, chief executive officer of MarketLinx. “Their confidence in our customer service and product vision has helped make us the industry’s top MLS system provider. All of our clients will benefit tremendously as we push forward with new technologies that make the process of buying and selling real estate faster, easier and less expensive.”
For more information on MarketLinx’s full suite of real estate information technology solutions and services, visit www.marketlinx.com.
About MarketLinx®
MarketLinx, Inc., a subsidiary of The First American Corporation, offers a full range of products and support services to address the information technology needs of the real estate brokerage and multiple listing service (MLS) market segments. The company’s full array of capabilities streamlines the real estate listing, financing and closing processes, resulting in increased efficiency and profitability. MarketLinx provides North America’s leading MLS and real estate software systems, including solutions for broker business management, agent productivity, and MLS data aggregation and distribution. For more information, visit www.marketlinx.com.
About First American
The First American Corporation is a FORTUNE 500® company that traces its history to 1889. With revenues of approximately $6.2 billion in 2008, it is America’s largest provider of business information. First American combines advanced analytics with its vast data resources to supply businesses and consumers with valuable information products to support the major economic events of people’s lives, such as getting a job, renting an apartment, buying a car or house, securing a mortgage and opening or buying a business. The First American Family of Companies, many of which command leading market share positions in their respective industries, operate within five primary business segments, including: Title Insurance and Services, Specialty Insurance, Information and Outsourcing Solutions, Data and Analytic Solutions, and Risk Mitigation and Business Solutions. More information about the company and an archive of its press releases can be found at www.firstam.com.
About SoCalMLS
For more than 16 years, SoCalMLS, the second largest MLS in the United States, has prided itself on a record of outstanding customer service while supporting a vast array of products and services to as many as 55,000 real estate professionals throughout the Southland, earning itself the reputation as the preferred provider of real estate information technology services. For more information, please visit news.SoCalMLS.com or e-mail info@SoCalMLS.com.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

First American Media Contact:
Carrie Gaska
Corporate Communications
The First American Corporation
(714) 250-3298 • cgaska@firstam.com

First American Investor Contact:
Mark Seaton
Investor Relations
The First American Corporation
(714) 250-4264 • mseaton@firstam.com

SoCalMLS Media Contact:
Russ Bergeron
Chief Executive Officer
SoCalMLS
714-517-2626 • russbergeron@socalmls.com

The industry’s worst kept secret is now official…

Kristen Carr

Real estate industry RETS Diva Princess Kristen Carr has joined RPR. Kristen’s most recent gig has been with Bridge Interactive. Lately I’ve been impressed with posts on her blog “Real Technology“.

Her role will be in Industry Relations, predominately in the Southeast. Good move on RPR’s part (Mona can spot talent). However, it will be interesting to see how Kristen juggles her passion for RETS with RPR’s vision of real estate data standards.

Good luck Kristen!

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