Listing Bits

Who's ready to get geeky about MLS? Collaborations among MLS organizations are usually about sharing data. But MLS Aligned takes collaboration to another level, promoting dialogue among their in-house technology teams and putting the tech tools they have developed to work in each other's markets. Matt Consalvo is the CEO at Arizona Regional MLS, Chris Carrillo is the CEO of Wisconsin's Metro MLS, and Brad Bjelke is the CEO at UtahRealEstate.com. Together, with a few other MLS organizations are principles at MLS Aligned, a collaboration of five forward-thinking MLS organizations that are coming together to change the industry. On this episode of Listing Bits, Matt, Chris, and Brad share the MLS Aligned origin story and discuss how their in-house tech teams benefit from the ability to share best practices. They introduce us to the MLS Aligned API, describing how it is designed to follow RESO standards while providing additional fields and features for vendors, brokers, and other MLSs. Listen in to understand how MLS Aligned might support smaller MLSs with fewer resources and learn about the organization's mission to provide high-quality products with a local focus. What's Discussed: How MLS Aligned grew out of a conversation among MLS CEOs and CTOs How the tech teams of MLS Aligned members benefit from the ability to share best practices Examples of MLS Aligned collaborations where tech has been plugged into other markets The Market Initiative partnership between ARMLS and Metro MLS Why the MLS Aligned API is designed to avoid data replication How the MLS Aligned API follows RESO standards while providing additional fields + features How vendors are using the MLS Aligned API How MLSs might collaborate to adapt to moving trends prompted by the pandemic What differentiates MLS Aligned from other MLS collaborations (e.g.: MLS Grid, MLS Roundtable, etc.) --Collaboration among MLSs with in-house technology teams --Mission to deliver a high-quality product with a local focus How MLS Aligned might serve as a lifeboat for smaller MLSs with fewer resources The focus on inclusivity at MLS Aligned Why the principals at MLS Aligned are committed to building success before they start selling Resources: ARMLS Metro MLS UtahRealEstate.com Monsoon Tax Records System MLS Grid Jim Harrison ARMLS & Metro MLS Market Initiative The Marquette Airbnb Study of Milwaukee STRs Sam DeBord at RESO CMLS MLS Roundtable Kurt von Wasmuth Dave Wetzel Connect with Matt, Chris & Brad: MLS Aligned Email info@mlsaligned.com Sponsor: Cloud CMA Live

Most real estate agents look down on rentals, preferring to work solely with clients looking to buy in the next three to six months. What they don't realize is that there are $12B in leasing commissions available to those agents who are willing to work with renters. And they're missing out on the opportunity to build relationships with the homebuyers of tomorrow. But how do you find out what rentals are available in your market—when only a small percentage are listed on the MLS? Ishay Grinberg [pronounced ee-shy] is the Founder and President of Rental Beast, the MLS for rentals. The platform helps tenants and landlords navigate the rental experience and levels the playing field for agents and brokers, giving them access to a comprehensive database of rental listings. Ishay has 20-plus years of experience in the real estate industry, working as an agent and managing broker for firms in New York City and Boston before creating Rental Beast. On this episode of Listing Bits, Ishay introduces us to the Rental Beast platform and describes the opportunity available to real estate agents who are open to working with renters. He explains how the platform facilitates a fully virtualized transaction that is driven by the agent, exploring what the sales side of our industry can learn about virtualization from rentals. Listen in for Ishay's insight on integrating Rental Beast with existing MLSs and learn how the platform helps agents earn more by generating transactions on the rental side. What's Discussed: Why Ishay describes Rental Beast as the MLS for rentals The 50 unique data points Rental Beast collects for each property Ishay's experience in the NYC market where there is no MLS The $12B in leasing commissions available to agents who are willing to work with renters How working with renters helps agents build relationships with the homebuyers of tomorrow What JCHS research reveals about the growing affluence of renters in the US How Rental Beast facilitates a fully virtualized transaction driven by the agent How agents can leverage Rental Beast's AVM for rentals What the sales side of real estate can learn about virtualization from the rental industry --Streamline and digitize the closing process --Touchless showings Reading the local market to decide whether to hold or flip an investment property Rental Beast's vision for embedding themselves in the MLS universe via integration The positive results brokers are seeing from the use of Rental Beast Resources: RESO Harvard's JCHS Research FBS Invitation Homes MRED MRED's Partnership with Rental Beast Connect with Ishay: Rental Beast Sponsor: Cloud CMA Live

While we may not be able to predict exactly how the current health crisis will impact organized real estate moving forward, most of us would agree that change is in the air. The kind of change that could transform the way we do business altogether. So, how is the Coronavirus changing the way we think about the spaces where we live and work? And how might this new perspective lead to foundational shifts in our industry? Jessie Beaudoin is the Founder and CEO of CallAction, a lead engagement automation platform that helps real estate agents capture, track, and respond to leads from online and offline marketing channels. He has 35 years of experience in real estate, working as a mortgage broker for nearly two decades before his interest in efficiency and scale led him to the technology space. Now, Jessie is on a mission to help businesses do more in less time through intelligent sales and marketing automation. On this episode of Listing Bits, Jessie discusses the foundational shifts in real estate that may come from the Coronavirus pandemic, exploring how the crisis is changing the way we define 'home' and why the efficiencies of working remotely might shift the way we do business moving forward. He offers insight into why we lean on technology in moments of crisis and how the virus could impact the housing market in the months ahead. Listen in to understand what mainstream adoption of virtual showings means for real estate agents and get Jessie's advice on what YOU can do to step up as a leader for your clients and your family in this challenging time. What's Discussed: Jessie's background in real estate and segue into the technology space How the Coronavirus is giving us a newfound appreciation of what home means How the efficiency of working remotely might change commercial real estate Why we leverage technology in moments of crisis The positive foundational shifts that may come from the COVID-19 pandemic - Appreciate being together, hyper-focused during appointments - Written + verbal communication more clear, poignant and thoughtful How mainstream adoption of virtual and self-showings could impact agents Jessie's insight around how the virus might affect the housing market The innovations that emerged in the last recession Jessie's advice for agents on navigating the current health crisis - Leverage overcommunication and connection - Depend on technology to scale efforts - Step up as a leader for clients and family How CallAction allows agents to scale their communication via automation Resources: Zoom Real Estate for Millennials vs. Baby Boomers Gary Vaynerchuk's Keynote at Inman Connect 2016 Connect with Jessie: CallAction Call (323) 741-2255 Jessie's Blog Jessie on LinkedIn

Out of 565 Multiple Listing Services nationwide, 82 serve less than 100 brokers and agents. Unsurprisingly, this means that the nation's 20 largest Multiple Listing Services serve over 50 percent of the nation's total MLS subscribers. These statistics didn't exist a year ago, but thanks to the Real Estate Almanac, the disparity is clear. Now that we understand the scale of the issue, how can we make changes to better serve agents, brokers, and their clients? Clint Skutchan is the vice president of T3 Sixty's association and MLS division. T3 Sixty is an industry-leading management consultancy and research company that focuses on residential real estate brokerage. Clint has over a decade of experience in the real estate industry and previously served as CEO of a realtor association in Colorado. He established an independent consulting company in 2014. In 2018, he joined T3 Sixty. On this episode of Listing Bits, Clint discusses T3 Sixty's latest undertaking: Real Estate Almanac. He explains where the idea for a comprehensive list of MLSs and associations came from and talks about some of the surprises that came out of that list. Listen in for Clint's insight on the future of the Real Estate Almanac and how the data it consolidates will impact the industry, and the nation as a whole. What's Discussed: How Clint got involved in T3 Sixty What the Real Estate Almanac is and what it says about the industry Why T3 Sixty put the latest MLS and association list together What issues MLSs and associations are facing nationwide Whether Clint thinks NAR membership will stagnate, drop, or continue increasing How the list of MLSs and associations has shrunken in five years Why MLSs choose not to consolidate How smaller MLSs might tackle some of the issues they face What's next for the Real Estate Almanac Resources: T3 Sixty Real Estate Almanac Top Associations/MLS Connect with Clint: Follow Clint on Twitter Follow Clint on LinkedIn

According to research conducted by Freddie Mac, there are 83 million mortgage-ready renters in the US! But most grossly overestimate how much they need for a down payment and very few know about the low down payment programs available to low and moderate-income home buyers. How much could a real estate business grow simply by making down payment assistance part of its business development strategy? Rob Chrane is the CEO of Down Payment Resource, a platform that aggregates down payment assistance program data and connects homebuyers with down payment assistance. Rob has more than 30 years of experience as a top-producing Realtor and mortgage broker, and he has been recognized as a HousingWire Vanguard for his leadership in the housing economy. On this episode of Listing Bits, Rob discusses who down payment assistance is designed to help and why some agents and lenders are reluctant to incorporate these programs into their workflow. We also discuss the evolution of Proptech as well as the pros and cons of the fractional ownership model. Listen in for insight around how Down Payment Resource shares its data with MLSs, lending companies, and individual agents and LOs—and learn about the massive opportunity available to real estate players with access to down payment assistance tools. What's Discussed: How Rob connects homebuyers with down payment assistance What inspired Rob to create Down Payment Resource Who down payment assistance programs are designed to help Why agents and lenders are reluctant to use these programs How Down Payment Resource gets its data to industry players MLSs and Associations Enterprise solutions for lenders Down Payment Connect (individual agents, LOs) How Down Payment Resource makes money via a subscription model How Rob thinks about the Proptech fractional ownership model How DPR's data shows up for MLS clients vs. individual agents Resources: Urban Land Institute Freddie Mac Housing & Economic Research Cloud CMA MGIC Divvy Shelley Specchio Connect with Rob: Down Payment Resource Down Payment Connect

Many agents might view Opendoor as a competitor, yet another tech platform out to eliminate their jobs. But what if you could leverage the iBuyer as a partner to build your real estate business? Shannon Fitzpatrick leads a team of 45 agents at Movoto Real Estate in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada, and Tyler Hixson serves as the Director of Real Estate Partnerships and Strategy at Opendoor. In this episode of Listing Bits, Tyler and Shannon explain how agents can leverage Opendoor as a tool to grow their business, bringing cash offers to prospects and tying multiple transactions together. Shannon speaks to the value of going into a listing presentation with an Opendoor offer, describing how it allows him to do what's best for the seller, and Tyler discusses why agents can get a stronger offer from the platform by articulating the property's unique features. Listen in for insight into the misconceptions agents have about Opendoor and learn how to work WITH the iBuyer to serve your clients and generate more leads. What's Discussed: How Shannon uses Opendoor to bring a cash offer to prospects Leveraging Opendoor to tie multiple transactions together The value of going into a listing presentation with an Opendoor offer Opendoor's offer valuation process and associated service fees How Opendoor passes its vendor discounts on to sellers How Opendoor can serve as a powerful lead gen tool for agents Why agents can get a stronger offer from Opendoor than sellers How Opendoor works directly with agents through closing How Shannon uses Opendoor as a recruiting tool at his brokerage The advantage to sellers of working with an agent AND Opendoor The misconceptions agents have about the Opendoor platform Quality of offer + fees Think it's out to eliminate agents Opendoor's plans to expand to serve all customers, home types Resources: W+R Studios Cloud CMA Opendoor/CloudCMA Connect with Tyler: Opendoor's Agent Partner Program Connect with Shannon: Movoto Shannon's Website Shannon on Zillow

When you move fast, you break things. Mark and the rest of Remine's co-founders are definitely shaking things up in the MLS space. This conversation was recorded at the CMLS Conference in Salt Lake City on October 17th before their recent attempt to launch a new listing portal and Zillow's decision to cut off access to their Zestimate API As Mark says, in this wide ranging conversation, Remine's attitude is to "go big or go home." In February 2019, Remine raised $30M in private equity to grow its real estate data and analytics platform. A month later, the company announced a painful reduction in force as they shifted focus from upselling agents to partnering with the MLS. So, what prompted Remine's pivot to an enterprise model? And how are they making the transition from predictive analytics to a next-level MLS system? Mark Schacknies is the Cofounder and CEO of Remine, a software company that delivers real estate intelligence to more than 825,000 realtors in 40-plus MLS markets. On this episode of Listing Bits, Mark shares the Remine origin story, discussing how the founders started out as competing agents but came together around a shared fondness for data-driven strategies. Mark speaks to Remine's pivot from predictive analytics tool to full MLS system, describing what inspired their transition to an enterprise model and how they are addressing their lack of experience in the realm of MLS conversion. Listen in for insight around how Remine's philosophy differs from legacy incumbents like CoreLogic and learn what success looks like for Mark's team on their journey to an IPO. What's Discussed: How the founders of Remine started out as competitors Leveraging tech to transform real estate from within How the MLS governs the world's most important asset class Why Redfin is at the top of Mark's list of consumer portals Balancing privacy with data to empower decision-making What inspired Remine's pivot to a full MLS platform What a day-in-the-life of Mark Schacknies looks like How Remine is addressing a lack of experience in MLS conversion The difference in philosophy between Remine and CoreLogic How Remine's UI gives control to MLSs re: business rules What success looks like for Remine + the IPO timeline Resources: CMLS 2019 The Third Wave: An Entrepreneur's Vision of the Future by Alvin Toffler Cloud CMA Joe Kazzoun Connect with Mark: Remine Mark on LinkedIn

You can ask Alexa to turn on the lights, show you the forecast, remind you what's on your calendar today, or give you the score of the Astros game. And now, voice assistants are expanding to the real estate industry, allowing agents to open their business information and even access the MLS—with the sound of their voice alone! Miguel and Ami Berger are the creators of Voiceter Pro, the conversational search platform that brings real estate and consumers together via conversations with voice assistants like Amazon's Alexa and Google Home. On this episode of Listing Bits, brought to you live from the 2019 RESO Fall Conference, Miguel and Ami share their mission to provide customized voice technology to the real estate space, affording voice access to websites, MLSs and associations. Miguel and Ami explain how they came to create the company and describe their vision for Voiceter 2.0, offering insight around potential features and applications that could be added to the platform. Listen in to understand why the Voiceter technology is system agnostic, how industry standards make it easier for small teams to innovate, and what applications Voiceter might facilitate beyond the real estate vertical. What's Discussed: Voiceter's mission to provide voice to the real estate industry How Voiceter affords voice access to MLSs and associations The potential for Voiceter customization by MLS and agent How Miguel and Ami came to create Voiceter Pro Miguel's vision around potential features for Voiceter Pro Why the Voiceter Pro team has decided to be system agnostic How the consumer search works and what info it provides Voiceter Pro's intention to integrate with other vendors, APIs How industry standards support developers like Voiceter Pro Potential voice applications beyond the real estate vertical How Voiceter Pro brands to the agent, broker or association Resources: Ami's Voiceter Pro Presentation at RESO RESO 2019 Fall Conference FBS CoreLogic Trestle Samsung Bixby Adam Cheyer The BBC's Beeb Cloud CMA Developers Page ShowingTime Connect with Miguel & Ami: Voiceter Pro Voiceter on Vimeo Voiceter on Twitter Voiceter on Facebook Ami on LinkedIn Miguel on LinkedIn

Michael Wurzer is 100% confident of one thing: The MLS creates value in the real estate market that doesn't exist in any other way. No one else has created enough trust to generate that same level of cooperation among competitors. And rather than being a scourge to brokers, Michael argues that the MLS powers the market. That unique value prop is the reason why he believes current trends will prove the value of the MLS—not kill it. Michael is the CEO of FBS, the leading innovator of MLS technology. He has 22 years at the helm of this highly-respected real estate software brand which was named one of Forbes2019 Small Giant companies. On this episode of Listing Bits, Michael addresses the trend toward off-market listings, sharing his take on why it's not a threat to the MLS. He weighs in on the potential creation of a 'vendors association' that would afford prescreened developers access to real estate data. Michael also discusses the likelihood of consolidation in the MLS vendor space, tech adoption in the employee versus independent contractor models, and the importance of data in light of high agent churn. Listen in for insight around the value of integration among real estate tech vendors and learn Michael's take on the role of the MLS in creating choice for its members. What's Discussed: How standards are key in making software easier to build The trend toward off-market listings and its impact on the MLS The idea that pocket listings are a kind of DIY-Upstream The resilience of the MLS community and its unique value prop The creation of a 'vendor's association' to prescreen developers Why ShowingTime's acquisitions of CSS is a holy shit moment The likelihood of consolidation in the MLS vendor space Tech adoption in employee vs. independent contractor models The importance of data in light of high agent churn Why SaaS marketing techniques don't work in real estate The value of integration among vendors and with the MLS The role the MLS plays in creating choice for its members Resources: Pocket Listings on Industry Relations EP037 Inman Panel on the MLS & iBuyers Michael's 'Death of MLS?' Blog Post Andy Woolley at Homes.com Swanepoel Trends Report ShowingTime's Acquisition of CSS Lone Wolf Technologies Software is Eating Real Estate on Industry Relations EP029 Cloud CMA Developers Page BombBomb Curaytor Connect with Michael: FBS Flexmls Michael on LinkedIn

"These combinations are fragile. You're pulling 43 associations together. You're pulling all these different boards together. You're pulling all these different things together … so, I suppose you could look at blowing it up and go, 'Why the hell did you do that?' [The consolidation of MLSs] was a big deal and was very, very expensive. It really was, both in time and energy and everything involved. But you could also look at it this way: It's something that had to be done. It really, really did. So, you can take your pain now or later." Brian Donnellan is the interim CEO of Bright MLS, a consolidation of nine forward-thinking MLSs in the Mid-Atlantic region that serves 85K real estate professionals and facilitates approximately 250K annual transactions valued at more than $70B. Brian has 13 years of industry experience, serving as CFO and COO of MRIS prior to the merger. On this episode of Listing Bits, Brian shares the challenges of merging different personalities and cultures and explains how the Bright consolidation gave others the courage to follow suit. Brian also offers insight around the power of relationships in the real estate industry, the factors that influence growing agent attrition, and the value of building a product that helps brokers and agents make better decisions. Listen in to understand why Bright MLS is bringing on new staff from outside the industry and learn how the team's commitment allowed them to endure criticism during the consolidation and get to a place they can be proud of! **A quick note, due to a microphone issue the sound quality of this isn't that great.** What's Discussed: Brian's background in information systems and public policy How we underestimate the relationship aspect of real estate Brian's insight on the factors that influence agent attrition How building a better product supports agent production The challenge of merging the cultures of MRIS + TREND MLS The distinction among members, customers and subscribers The rocky start to the process of consolidating Bright MLS How the Bright team endured the criticism on social media The value of bringing in new staff from outside the industry Brian's pride in Bright's progress and vision of the future Resources: Inman Connect Teaching Strategies Homesnap Tom Phillips David Charron Frank Major Chris Finnegan Mike DelGaudio Connect with Brian: Bright MLS Brian on LinkedIn