Listing Bits

“A phone call is worth a thousand emails, and a Slack channel is worth a million conversations.”  RESO’s push for an industry shift from RETS to Web API makes a lot of developers nervous. You can spin your wheels for days trying to figure out how to make the new way to consume MLS data work with your application. But here’s the thing: Somebody else has probably already solved that problem. So, how do we create a platform where developers can team up to move adoption forward? How much does accessibility to the experts serve as a game-changer in the switch to Web API? Jon Druse is a Senior Developer at W+R Studios, a software company dedicated to building tools for the real estate industry. Prior to W+R, he served as a Software Engineer and Interaction Designer with Socialcast, Sleepy Giant, and Central Desktop and cut his teeth as a Senior Developer at PhishMe, Inc. Jon has 11-plus years of experience in the industry, and he was recently responsible for leading Cloud Agent Suite’s shift away from RETS, making W+R the first vendor to put Web API into production.  Today, Jon explains why direct access to ‘people with answers’ was critical to his success on the project. He describes how Web API is less error-prone and requires fewer requests than RETS yet displays in the same format. Jon also discusses the minimal differences among Bridge, Trestle and Spark when it comes to replication of a data set. Listen in to understand why collaboration among developers is key in moving Web API adoption forward and learn how Jon was able to make the transition happen at W+R in just 6 months!   What’s Discussed:    How John set up the Web API feed in W+R’s Cloud Agent Suite Why accessibility to ‘people with answers’ was crucial to Jon’s success RESO’s push for an industry shift from RETS to Web API The intention behind RESO’s Replication Workgroup How Web API outperforms RETS in terms of time and accuracy How a common schema will solve for maintenance in Web API The 3 vendor-MLS partnerships delivering data through Web API The minimal differences among Bridge, Trestle and Spark for replication Jon’s insight around how to move Web API adoption forward How Jon taught himself to program working tech support at a high school   Resources: RESO Conference Mike Wurzer & Andy Woolley on Listing Bits EP035 Al at CoreLogic on LinkedIn The Bridge API Trestle Spark API   Connect with Jon:  W+R Studios Email: jon@wrstudios.com Jon on LinkedIn Jon on Twitter

In a world where national brands like Zillow and Realtor.com dominate search results, how can individual brokerage websites compete? And how do real estate brokerages stay relevant as the iBuyer market continues to grow? Eric Stegemann believes the firms that adapt and take on alternative options for transacting will be well-placed for the future—and adopting the right real estate tech is a big part of that solution. Eric is the founder and CEO of TRIBUS, a custom brokerage platform vendor tasked with providing medium and large real estate firms with made-to-order websites, intranet, email marketing, transaction management and CRM systems. Eric became a licensed agent at the age of 18 and started his own tech-oriented brokerage, River City Real Estate, at 21. In short order, River City became the largest independent brokerage in St. Louis due in large part to its real estate tech innovations, which became the framework for TRIBUS. Eric is often called upon to speak at industry events, including Inman Connect and the NAR Annual Conference. Today, Eric explains why brokerage websites still matter in the age of Zillow and Trulia, discussing what differentiates a TRIBUS site from the national brands. He shares his conservative approach to growth for TRIBUS and offers advice for aspiring vendors in terms of building trust and fixing your mistakes. Listen in for Eric’s insight around the challenges facing brokerages today and get his industry predictions on MLS consolidation, the changing role of the agent, and potential winners in the iBuyer market. What’s Discussed:  How Eric started selling real estate to pay for college What inspired Eric’s shift from broker to software vendor The meaning behind the company name, TRIBUS TRIBUS’ aspiration to be a zebra rather than a unicorn Eric’s take on the challenges facing brokerages today Eric’s insight on why brokerage websites still matter How TRIBUS customer sites rank in Google search results How local content differentiates a TRIBUS site from Zillow TRIBUS’ pioneering collaborative search mechanism How brokers can build their own iBuyer programs Eric’s top advice for vendors on persistence and presence Eric’s predictions on MLS consolidation + iBuyer success   Resources: RESO Conference Doyle Real Estate Team LeadingRE Blackstone Connect with Eric: TRIBUS TRIBUS on Facebook TRIBUS on Twitter TRIBUS on LinkedIn Eric on LinkedIn

The Clash. The Police. Journey. Talking Heads. Some of the most well-known bands in recent history also happen to have some of the most powerful names. Names that describe their music and articulate what separates them from everyone else. Just like those bands, the name of your real estate brand has a job to do. So, why are so many of us afraid to break traditional paradigms? Why is every brokerage Insert-Last-Name Realty? And why are so many logos a roofline? What if you liberated yourself from what everybody else is doing and made your own kind of music?  We recorded this podcast live after Marc spoke at the MLS Summit, an event hosted by Annie Ives of The MLS™/CLAW. Marc Davison is the cofounder of 1000watt, an agency dedicated to helping real estate brokerages, tech vendors, mortgage and title companies, MLSs and associations build better brands through marketing and design. Prior to 1000watt, he served as the Vice President of OnBoard Informatics and founded Access Media. Marc’s resume also includes a long stint in the music business as a musician and manager, and he is the author of All Area Access: Personal Management for Unsigned Musicians.   Today, Marc shares the parallels between building a band and building a company, discussing how his background in music informs his work at 1000watt. He offers insight around the dynamics of the team at 1000watt, describing the unique voice of the company and how its name serves as a differentiator. Listen in for Marc’s challenge around breaking paradigms in branding your real estate organization and learn how your name, logo and messaging can work together (in harmony, of course) to articulate what’s important to you as a company.   What’s Discussed:    How Marc’s background music relates to his work at 1000watt The parallels between building a band and building a company How 1000watt’s unique voice differs from its team members Marc’s take on real estate as an intoxicating, aspirational business The significance of thinking of your company as a product Marc’s insight on the charisma of the name W+R Studios How names serve as vehicles to create differentiation Why 1000watt chose to brand itself as an agency vs. consultancy Marc’s challenge around real estate terminology (i.e.: Team, Realty) The necessity of alignment among names, logos and messaging   Resources:   The MLS Summit TheMLS.com All Area Access: Personal Management for Unsigned Musicians by Marc Davison ‘An Uncommon Brokerage Vision’ in 1000watt Nick Shivers The Police - Bring on the night -LIVE PARIS -79.   Connect with Marc: 1000watt 1000watt Blog Marc on 1000watt Marc on LinkedIn

This episode was recorded live at the Clareity/Corelogic MLS Executive Workshop in Scottsdale.  Art and Josh were good sports when I spotted them at the lobby bar at the Scottsdale Plaza.  Also, full disclosure, I think I’ve had at least one drink. So, what’s it going to take to get vendors to transition away from RETS to Web API?RESO is hoping that both a carrot (providing easy-to-use replication tools) and a stick (large MLSs putting a ‘death date’ on RETS feeds) will facilitate the move. Art Carter is the Chair of the 2019 RESO Board of Directors and CEO of California Regional MLS. Josh Darnell is the Chief Architect at RESO and Founder and CEO of kurotek, a real estate tech consultancy. Both Art and Josh are committed to RESO’s mission around creating and promoting the adoption of standards to drive efficiency in the real estate industry. Today, Art and Josh discuss the transition from RETS to Web API and discuss what RESO is doing to rectify the replication issue. Art gives us an update on the progress of RESO’s search for a new CEO, describing the combination of technical skill and evangelism the organization is looking for in a leader. Josh shares his take on independent systems like Trestle and Spark API and walks us through the RESO initiatives that address the separation of listing input. Listen in for insight into the ongoing evolution of real estate standards and learn how you can support RESO’s work to give agents access to the data they need.   What’s Discussed:  The progress of RESO’s search for a new CEO What RESO is looking for in a leader for the organization What the RESO Board is doing to rectify the replication issue RESO’s understanding that standards will continue to evolve RESO’s focus on giving agents access to the data they need Josh’s take on independent systems like Trestle, Spark API The intent behind RESO’s RCP010 and RCP019 initiatives Why we will eventually rely on MLSs to handle compliance The value of working together in an open-source model Art’s insight on how proprietary systems impact innovation Why vendors need to accept that RETS is going away Who Josh would like to see at RESO’s Workgroup meetings What it will take to get vendors to transition to Web API   Resources: Mike Wurzer on Listing Bits EP035 OAuth Trestle Spark API RESO on RubyGems Amy Gorce at RESO   Connect with Art & Josh: RESO Josh at RESO kurotek Art on LinkedIn CRMLS  

Is it better to develop an all-in-one CRM? Or focus on relationship-management and work with other vendors to create a flexible package of best-in-class offerings? In the ever-evolving world of real estate tech, LionDesk is choosing integrations, leveraging partnerships with top third-party applications to create a CRM that plays well with others—and allows agents to maintain their independence.   David Anderson is the founder and President of LionDesk, a complete sales and marketing solution for real estate agents, broker and lenders. As one of the premiere CRMs, LionDesk makes it easy for sales professionals to connect, communicate and close more leads, and its open API platform integrates with hundreds of the best management tools, allowing professionals to run their entire business from a single system.   Today, David shares the challenge LionDesk faced in designing a CRM flexible enough to accommodate any workflow. He discusses the early days of the startup when he was ‘giving it away for free,’ focusing on individual agents and referral business and developing the subscription business model. David also speaks to Compass’ acquisition of Contactually and how it is impacting his business. Listen in for insight around how LionDesk integrates with other best-in-class real estate systems like Cloud CMA and ShowingTime and learn why agents prefer an independent, third-party system to an all-in-one, broker-led platform. What’s Discussed:   How David’s experience building tools for travel translated to real estate The challenge LionDesk faced in designing a flexible CRM for any workflow David’s focus on individual agents and referral business in the early days LionDesk’s recent deal to provide CRMLS members with a full account How LionDesk integrates with best-in-class apps like ShowingTime + Cloud CMA Why agents appreciate the freedom and independence of a third-party system How Compass’ acquisition of Contactually is affecting David’s business Why David believes an all-in-one brokerage CRM system is the wrong play The LionDesk SaaS month-to-month subscription business model Why David discourages new vendors from pursuing the freemium model The challenge around determining a CRM’s number of active users   Resources:  Greg’s Blog on the LionDesk Partnership with CRMLS ShowingTime Cloud CMA Contactually ‘Compass Acquires Contactually’ Press Release ‘Compass to Acquire Alain Pinel Realtors’ in Inman MoxiWorks   Connect with David Anderson: LionDesk   David on LinkedIn

We’ve all heard the rallying cry to drop RETS and move over to the RESO Web API. What’s been less clear is exactly how to go about making that transition. So, what’s step one? How exactly might vendors help make this shift happen?   Rebecca Jensen is the President and CEO at Midwest Real Estate Data, the real estate data aggregator that provides the Chicagoland multiple listing service to more than 45K subscribers. Under Rebecca’s leadership, MRED was named Most Innovative MLS by Inman News. Rebecca also serves as the Board Chair for MLS Grid, a technology company created by MLSs across the country to deliver on the RESO Standards and provide vendors with a single access point for the data of participating MLSs in addition to a unified licensing agreement, standardized business rules and policing processes. Today, Rebecca explains how the MLS Grid provides both a unified data feed and compliance process. She shares the tech company’s progress in getting the IDX feed and licensing agreements up and running as well as her long-term vision to have all software connect through the platform. Rebecca discusses the cost to vendors to access MLS data through the Grid and walks us through her efforts to facilitate a graceful transition from RETS to Web API. Listen in to understand the opportunity for vendors to test their apps against new systems like MLS Grid and get access to MRED’s step-by-step guide for RESO Web API adoption.   What’s Discussed:    How the MLS Grid serves as a unified platform to deliver RESO standards How the Grid provides a unified data feed and licensing agreement MRED’s step-by-step guide for vendors regarding Web API adoption MLS Grid’s work to finalize VOW and back office licensing agreements How MLSs set prices for vendors to access their data through MLS Grid Rebecca’s long-term vision to have all software connect through the Grid The benefits of the unified compliance process provided by MLS Grid Rebecca’s insight on the different ways to approach consolidation Rebecca’s efforts to transition from RETS to Web API gracefully How long it may take to convert a RETS infrastructure to Web API The difference between an API and the data dictionary itself The need for vendors to test their apps against new systems like MLS Grid Rebecca’s call for vendors and MLSs to plan for Web API adoption   Resources: REALTORS Conference & Expo RESO Conference Mike Wurzer & Andy Woolley on Listing Bits EP035 MLS RoundTable RealTracs Homesnap (BPP) MLS 2020 Agenda Trestle Spark API MLS Aligned Bridge API Crossing the Chasm: Marketing and Selling Disruptive Products to Mainstream Customersby Geoffrey A. Moore   Connect with Rebecca Jensen: MLS Grid MRED LLC Rebecca on LinkedIn

ShowingTime was built to help people buy homes more efficiently by making the process of scheduling a showing much easier. Since it was founded 18 years ago, the company has grown to include a family of technology products that serve MLSs, brokers and agents in the areas of showing management and market statistics. Mike Lane is the Co-Founder and President of ShowingTime, the most widely used showing management service provider in the market. ShowingTime serves 1M agents and 200 MLSs, scheduling up to 5M showings per month. Mike has been with the company since its inception in 2000, and he continues to head its sales and marketing divisions and serve as the primary contact for MLS clients and large brokers. A former Naval Officer and seasoned athlete, Mike has competed in a number of triathlons, including three IRONMAN races, and he holds an MBA and Master’s in Engineering Management from Northwestern. Today, Mike explains how ShowingTime facilitates the scheduling of showings by way of its online calendar and call center. He describes the company’s evolution, discussing how they got into market stats as a complement to their core business. Mike covers the ShowingTime Index, explaining how agents might leverage the information and what showing activity reveals about market demand. Listen in for insight on ShowingTime’s business model and learn what the company is doing to reach brokers and agents, remove the hurdles to ordering online, and navigate the complexities of bundling—and unbundling—its products and services. What’s Discussed:  How ShowingTime facilitates online scheduling of showings How the ShowingTime call center unburdens brokers/agents How Mike got into the real estate software business ShowingTime’s acquisition of 10K Research and RBI MRIS How agents might leverage the ShowingTime Index How showing activity reveals demand in the market Mike’s insight on the predicted turn in the market ShowingTime’s focus on supporting mobile adoption ShowingTime’s ability to facilitate reverse prospecting How ShowingTime serves MLSs, brokers and agents How to reach brokers and agents via online marketing Vendor efforts to remove the hurdles to ordering online The complexities of bundling products/services for REALTORS   Resources:   RESO Conference Cloud Agent Suite 10K Research RealEstate Business Intelligence Greg’s Blog on MarketView ShowingTime’s Showing Index Zillow Research   Connect with Mike Lane:   ShowingTime Mike on LinkedIn

Tim Dain has a reputation for being the ‘mad scientist’ of the MLS world. He is not afraid to challenge established systems and ask WHY things are done a certain way. Tim facilitates innovation by assigning a creative writing piece, commissioning a study or building a spreadsheet—and then implementing the best ideas with a commitment to being of service.   Tim is the President and CEO of MARIS MLS, a multiple listing service out of St. Louis that serves 13 REALTOR associations, 58 counties and more than 13K members. A seasoned MLS executive with a unique resume, Tim spent two years running the Austin Board of REALTORS and four years as Executive Director of SIR/MLS prior to joining MARIS. Tim has a background in information technology, and he has served the real estate industry in multiple roles since 2006.   Today, Tim explains why he is not afraid to disrupt established systems and shares the improvise-adapt-overcome leadership mantra he learned in the Marines. He offers insight around the redesign of the MARIS MLS website in collaboration with 1000watt, describing the skills development video library featured on the site. Tim addresses his work to rebuild the infrastructure at MARIS, offering insight on his essentialist approach to technology tools and his commitment to service over shiny objects. Listen in for Tim’s take on the current plight of the broker and learn about his dedication to facilitating an honest dialogue around industry challenges—and publishing the unscripted answers.   What’s Discussed:    Tim’s reputation as the mad scientist of the MLS world MARIS’s marketplace approach to the board structure Why Tim is not afraid to disrupt established systems Tim’s improvise-adapt-overcome leadership mantra The redesign of MARIS’s web presence with 1000watt Related content to continue learning process Video library tied to skills development Tim’s work to rebuild the infrastructure at MARIS MLS Negotiating price vs. subsidizing tech for small brokerages The essentialist approach to MLS technology tools Tim’s commitment to make basics available at a low cost Why service should be the Holy Grail of the MLS AMP’s origins in a thought exercise re: small MLSs Tim’s view of the consumer as the ‘lion over the hill’ How the MARIS Asksseries facilitates an honest dialogue   Resources:   RESO Conference 1000watt Cloud Agent Suite Bright MLS Clareity DASH Salesforce Tim’s Infrastructure Spreadsheet The Buckminster Fuller Institute Bill Chee’s ‘Lions Over the Hill’ MARIS Asks   Connect with Tim Dain:   MARIS MLS Tim on LinkedIn

Let’s say you have your heart set on a kitchen with hardwood flooring, natural light and an island. Imagine having the ability to search images on the MLS for those specific features. With advancements in artificial intelligence, it is possible to have software read the images, identify the room type and even recognize the objects in it! There are an infinite number of use cases for the real estate industry and Restb.ai is quickly becoming a leader in the space.    Dominik Pogorzelski is the Vice President of Product and Operations for Restb.ai, a machine learning computer vision company specializing in visual recognition for real estate. The company’s plug-and-play solutions employ AI to automatically tag and classify property photos with industry-specific information. Dominik earned his MBA from IESE Business School in Barcelona.   Today, Dominik discusses the societal shift to consume information in a digital way, explaining Restb.ai’s ability to filter images by room, features and amenities. He offers insight around the potential use cases for AI in real estate and the technology’s ability to unlock the data available in images and create value in a number of ways. Dominik describes how the pain points in the online ecosystem differ between Europe and the US, and he addresses the decision to apply Restb.ai’s technology to historical data or active listings. Listen in for insight on how an MLS might establish a partnership with Restb.ai and learn why AI is the next big thing in real estate technology.   What’s Discussed:    Restb.ai’s niche as an AI company playing in the real estate space Dominik’s path to Barcelona and his role as VP at Restb.ai Restb.ai’s client base in Europe, Canada and the United States How Restb.ai’s AI filters images by room, features and amenities The societal shift to consume digital information in a visual way The potential applications of AI tech for real estate professionals AI’s ability to unlock the data available in images and create value How Restb.ai could automate the compliance review process The moral obligation AI companies have to the industries they serve The horizontal players in the space vs. the specialists like Restb.ai How the online ecosystem in Europe differs from that of the US No central source in Europe like US MLS Duplicate listings, competitor watermarks The technical aspects of establishing a partnership with Restb.ai The decision to apply Restb.ai to active listings vs. historical data   Resources:   RESO Conference MLSOK TLCengine   Connect with Dominik Pogorzelski:   Restb.ai Email: dominik@restb.ai

As real estate professionals spend less and less time in the office and real estate offices host fewer and fewer walk-ins, you might start to question the merit of spending top dollar for office space in a high-rent district. What if you saved that money and reinvested it in agent services? What if you could build a full-service brokerage in the virtual world, conducting business and meeting with colleagues in VR?   Cameron Paine is the Senior Vice President of Industry Relations at eXp Realty, the world’s most successful virtual, full-service brokerage. eXp invests the money saved by having very few offices into the technology that helps its agents stay relevant. In his role as Senior VP, Cameron is responsible for seeking collaboration opportunities with MLSs, Associations, brokerages and technology partners. Camron’s resume includes 15-plus years combined experience as top executive for an MLS and Association, and he has been recognized by Inman Newsas one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate.   Today, Cameron shares eXp’s decision to invest in change rather than fight it. He explains how a progressive MLS facilitates a broker’s ability to do business and offers insight around the innovative joint system between Arizona Regional and Metro MLS. Listen in to understand how eXp helps its agents build wealth by investing in the company and learn how the brokerage is creating a virtual world for its employees and partners!   What’s Discussed:    eXp’s decision to invest in change rather than fight it How eXp serves as a virtual, full-service brokerage How eXp agents build wealth by investing in the company The benefits of running a brokerage without office space Cameron’s background in MLS and Association leadership How a progressive MLS facilitates a broker’s ability to do business The innovative joint system between Arizona Regional and Metro MLS Greg’s argument for a New Jersey and Palm Beach MLS data share Cameron’s responsibilities as SVP of Industry Relations at eXp Collaborations with other brokerages Opportunities with tech vendors How eXp was designed for agents as a tech-forward brokerage How eXp has created a virtual world for employees and partners   Resources:   Russ Bergeron ARMLS|Metro MLS   Connect with Cameron Paine: eXp Realty Cameron on LinkedIn