Agent Reboot hits the OC
I’m in Washington DC for NAR Midyear meetings and “raising professional standards” is a topic that keeps coming up. One of the ways that can help is education. Inman News has been putting their “Agent Reboot” roadshow for the past few years and it keeps getting better and better. The event is always highly rated by agents. I was speaking to Katie Lance, Social Media Director and Contributing Editor at Inman News, she says this year’s event is focusing on strategy, more live demos and less slide decks.
Next week the Agent Reboot roadshow stops in my home town of Orange County. Click on the link below for more details:
Agent Reboot – Orange County
Wed. May 23rd
8am to 3:30 pm (continental breakfast included)
$49 when they register online, $99 day of the event
The Orange County Association of REALTORS is the exclusive sponsor of the Orange County event.
If you’re an MLS or Associaiton and you are looking for ways to help your agents step up their game through education, check out the city list below and find out when Agent Reboot will be stopping by your home town.
MRIS and MFRMLS choose reDataVault
This is the first press release from RED that, to me, really clarifies what reDataVault does, and how it can help MLS providers.
“reDataVault addresses the real estate industry’s pressing need to simplify, standardize and streamline the MLS listing data licensing process by offering a document workflow system for all licensing-related documents and contracts (e.g., IDX and broker participation agreements). The system also offers automated dashboard alerts and unlimited cloud-based document storage and retrieval for 24/7 access.”
It’s interesting to see how vendors are all approaching these challenges differently. But I’m still confused to the differences between, Clareity SAFE Syndication, OnBoard’s Listing360Insight, (does FBS’ new Spark platform fall in to this category?”. Somebody should make a chart.
Full Press Release Below
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Metropolitan Regional Information Systems (MRIS) and MY Florida Regional MLS (MFRMLS) Select Real Estate Digital’s reDataVault
Service Gives Industry Professional Organizations (MLSs, Associations and Brokers) More Control Over Use of Licensed Listing Data
5.11.2012 – Aliso Viejo – Today, Real Estate Digital (RED) announced that MRIS, which serves more than 42,000 real estate professionals across the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and MFRMLS, Florida’s largest MLS with over 32,000 members, have both signed agreements for reDataVaultTM, the industry’s leading real estate MLS data license management system.
reDataVault addresses the real estate industry’s pressing need to simplify, standardize and streamline the MLS listing data licensing process by offering a document workflow system for all licensing-related documents and contracts (e.g., IDX and broker participation agreements). The system also offers automated dashboard alerts and unlimited cloud-based document storage and retrieval for 24/7 access.
“MRIS is deeply committed to a secure and robust environment for our Brokers’ data,” said John L. Heithaus, Chief Marketing Officer, MRIS. “RED’s reDataVault meets and exceeds our requirements thus far. We’re very pleased with the first generation of the product and look forward to the next generation of tools and resources to manage our most vital asset.”
“We are thrilled to be working with the professionals at Real Estate Digital. Implementation of reDataVault has been a great team effort. The new system offers us many advantages beyond simple document management and helps our staff better serve our members’ future need for properly licensed MLS data,” said Deanna Rogers, Vice-President of Business Development, My Florida Regional MLS.
According to Ira Luntz, Senior Vice President at Real Estate Digital, “data is one of the most valuable assets in the industry. With reDataVault’s MLS-branded web portal, MLSs can upload and store agreements between Brokers and vendors, view account summaries and track all of their licensing and data transactions in detail.”
About Real Estate Digital
Real Estate Digital is the leading provider of integrated technology, media and data solutions to real estate franchisors, brokerages, agents and MLS organizations and associations. Some of its offerings include rDesk® Websites, Real Estate & Living Media®, reDataVaultTM, TransactionPoint®, DocCentralTM, FormCentralTM, MLS Portal, Neighborhood and School Reports, rDesk® CRM, rDesk® CMA and rDesk® IDX. The company has relationships with over 400 MLS organizations, 350 broker companies, nearly 60 settlement services companies and more than 250,000 real estate professionals. Visit us on the web at www.realestatedigital.com, and follow us on Twitter: @re_digital and “Like” us on Facebook.com/redigital.
About MRIS
MRIS is real estate in real time™, enabling its customers to list and sell nearly $100 million in real estate each day. In 2011, the company facilitated $33.6 billion in cooperative broker sales. A leading systems developer and integrator of real estate information technology and databases, MRIS connects its customers with timely, accurate and actionable data with a growing portfolio of technology solutions. This includes broker and agent software products, an industry-leading consumer real estate portal, HomesDatabase.com and many others. MRIS also showcases unique homes and offers tailored community information through its online television network, mrisTV.com. Behind the scenes, the CURE Solutions Group subsidiary of MRIS provides back-end technology to other MLS systems through CURE, a proprietary solution. MRIS serves nearly 45,000 real estate professionals spanning a 22,000 square mile section of the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and markets located in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Visit MRIS at MRIS.com, “Like” us on Facebook.com/MRISonFB, and follow us on Twitter, @MRIS_REal_News.
About My Florida Regional MLS
Headquartered in Orlando, FL, My Florida Regional MLS (MFRMLS) is Florida’s largest multiple listing service (MLS) company with over 32,000 members in 13 central and southwest Florida counties. Owned by 15 shareholder Realtor® boards, MFRMLS offers a comprehensive suite of productivity and marketing tools to professionals in the real estate industry. To complement its core residential offerings, MFRMLS operates a commercial information exchange, called My Florida Commercial Real Estate, located at www.MFCRE.com. MFRMLS also operates the consumer home and property search website www.MyFloridaHomesMLS.com. For more information, please visit www.MFRMLS.com.
Great Cloud CMA review…
Sorry for the shameless plug but wanted to point out a great Cloud CMA review on GeekEstateBlog. The reviewer is Daniel Beer who is an active agent at Santaluz Real Estate, he focuses on real estate in San Diego. Here’s an excerpt…
“Cloud CMA is by far my favorite new toy I have come across, not just this year, but in the last several.
Why? Because it gives me two things I desperately want. Efficiency (time) and professionalism. In an industry that sometimes stinks of cheese, Cloud CMA reports look great, professional, and best of all, they take only minutes more than printing out a sad little basic CMA from your MLS. The extra minutes look like hours to your clients, making you look like a superstar.”
You can read the whole post here:
Rapattoni tests new tablet interface.
I’m just catching up from traveling this week and caught this news from Monday. Looks like Rapattoni is testing a “touch-based” tablet interface in a few markets right now. I’m not clear whether this is a native app or not. Perhaps someone from Rapatoni can clarify in the comments.
One of the challenges I think with these new touch based devices and MLS systems is searching. Typically MLS systems are all about searching and filling out forms. Typing on a tablet can be cumbersome. Rapattoni’s use of the draw feature really does tackle of lot of this issues. The video is worth a watch (click the above image). Nice job!
It was only a matter of time. With CoreLogic existing MLXchange MLS system only being able to work on Internet Explorer and their new Fusion MLS system not able to work on mobile devices like the iPad it looks like Miami agents have had enough.
This move seems to be unprecedented. The Miami Association of REALTORS is now paying for two different MLS solutions. This isn’t a vendor just setting up a free MLS system in hoping to gain traction, their getting paid.
I’m told that the Discover iMapp solution will be different than any of their other installations.
This is setting up to be The Showdown In The Sunshine State!. The real question is will the iMapp/Discover MLS solution gain enough traction and be able to push CoreLogic out and become Miami’s single solution? What about Greater Fort Lauderdale REALTORS? RMLS? They all must have similar issues.
One thing is for sure, mobile matters.
Full Press Release Below:
MIAMI Association of REALTORS® Selects Discover/iMapp
as Alternative MLS Application
TAMPA, FL — May 7, 2012 — iMapp® and Discover MLS today announced that the MIAMI Association of REALTORS®, the largest REALTOR® Association of the National Association of REALTORS®, have signed an agreement to launch Discover iMapp, the new initiative merging MLS and tax data into a unified, property-centric application.
“Our members demand the best tools available and Discover iMapp gives them a powerful, easy way to access the MLS on any computer, including Mac and iPad, on any browser and the ability to effectively use their mobile devices and stay in contact with their clients.” said Teresa King Kinney, CEO of the MIAMI Association of REALTORS®. “We are excited to be the first association in the country making this powerful benefit available to our members. They deserve the best and it’s our job to make sure they always get it.”
Keeping Agents at the Forefront
Existing MLS software providers have been slow to embrace mobile technology while consumer access to listing data has skyrocketed. By putting agents first, Discover iMapp emphasizes the MIAMI REALTORS’® role as the leading source for real estate information and marketing tools for agents, brokers and their clients.
“Our REALTOR® subscribers are used to having iMapp running on their iPads and all other mobile devices.” said Bill Rovillo, CEO of iMapp. “Now they can share MLS and any public record data with consumers from a single, mobile solution using trusted, MIAMI Association of REALTORS® data.”
Strong Demand From Associations
“The MIAMI Association of REALTORS® saw our presentation for the first time just three weeks ago.” said Bret Wiener, CEO of DiscoverMLS. “They instantly recognized the value to their members and approved the product for launch.”
Discover iMapp includes a real-time client portal with a live-chat feature that allows agents to interact with their clients, react to feedback on properties and instantly modify results to include the dynamic changes that often occur in the challenging search process. Discover iMapp is optimized for mobile and runs on all major web browsers, freeing users from PCs and allowing agents to use their preferred devices.
Roll-out Scheduled for Summer, 2012
The MIAMI Association of REALTORS® anticipates having the Discover iMapp System running with their existing MLS data in Summer 2012. An implementation team and work group will guide the launch and work with iMapp and Discover MLS to insure a smooth transition for all MIAMI REALTORS®.
Big announcement, when you think about it. CRMLS is the largest in the country in both membership size and the population is covers. Congrats!
Full Press Release Below:
California Regional MLS Joins Partner InfoNet by CoreLogic
Nation’s Largest MLS Also Extends Matrix System Agreement
May 10, 2012, Santa Ana, Calif. –
CoreLogic® (NYSE: CLGX), a leading provider of information, analytics and business services, and California Regional MLS (CRMLS), the nation’s largest multiple listing service (MLS) provider, today announced that CRMLS has joined Partner InfoNet™ by CoreLogic. The companies also announced that CRMLS has agreed to a multi-year extension of its Matrix™ MLS system contract.
Launched in June 2010, Partner InfoNet is an innovative revenue-sharing program in which MLSs license their listing data to CoreLogic for use in risk management products for mortgage lenders, servicers, and capital markets (but not consumer outlets). With the addition of CRMLS, Partner InfoNet now encompasses nearly 1.1 million active listings and more than 450,000 real estate professionals from 78 MLSs.
Matrix is an enterprise-class MLS system that provides real estate brokers and agents with a flexible, high-performance platform for managing real estate listings. 16 MLSs serving more than 163,000 real estate professionals currently use Matrix, and six more installations are scheduled for this year. In total, CoreLogic serves approximately 550,000 real estate professionals with its MLS systems—more than half the North American market.
“Through our local member associations, we strive to provide the most dependable, convenient and affordable listing technology services available,” said Art Carter, CEO of CRMLS. “Matrix has proven to be an extremely fast and reliable MLS system that meets the needs of our progressive subscribers by supporting virtually all computing platforms and devices. Partner InfoNet supports our goal of keeping costs down for our members by simply and securely leveraging the value of our listing data.”
“This new agreement with CRMLS is a powerful endorsement of both Partner InfoNet and our Matrix MLS platform,” said Ben Graboske, senior vice president of Real Estate and Financial Services for CoreLogic. “We are honored to serve the nation’s largest MLS in these critical capacities and are working hard every day to provide the highest level of service and security in the industry.”
About CoreLogic
CoreLogic (NYSE: CLGX) is a leading provider of consumer, financial and property information, analytics and services to business and government. The Company combines public, contributory and proprietary data to develop predictive decision analytics and provide business services that bring dynamic insight and transparency to the markets it serves. CoreLogic has built one of the largest and most comprehensive U.S. real estate, mortgage application, fraud, and loan performance databases and is a recognized leading provider of mortgage and automotive credit reporting, property tax, valuation, flood determination, and geospatial analytics and services. More than one million users rely on CoreLogic to assess risk, support underwriting, investment and marketing decisions, prevent fraud, and improve business performance in their daily operations. The Company, headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., has approximately 5,000 employees globally. For more information, visit www.corelogic.com.
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@crmls.org.
CORELOGIC and the stylized CoreLogic logo is a registered trademark owned by CoreLogic, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. MATRIX is a common law trademark of CoreLogic, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. CRMLS and the stylized CRMLS logo is a trademark of the California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. No trademarks shall be used without the express written consent of their respective owners.
5 MLS providers play it SAFE
Looks like Clareity is gaining some traction on their SAFE Syndication platform. Some big names here.
See full press release below:
May 7, 2012 – Scottsdale, Arizona – Clareity Security (www.clareitysecurity.com), the leading provider of data security and syndication management solutions for the real estate industry, is pleased to announce new SAFE Syndication™ agreements with the My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service (MFRMLS), the Cooperative MLSs of Contra Costa Association of REALTORS®, East Bay Regional Data, Inc. and the Bay East Association of REALTORS®, and the greater Sacramento area’s MetroList Services, Inc (MetroList®). These customers have chosen SAFE Syndication™ as their solution for data compliance and distribution management joining an ever-growing list of Clareity customers.
SAFE Syndication is designed to serve as a contract management, compliance and reporting tool for MLS organizations, brokerages and franchisors. SAFE Syndication provides a consolidated system for measuring and reporting on all listing distribution activity. In addition, the compliance tools in the product provide independent verification and reporting by the MLS and/or Clareity Security as a neutral, trusted third party. These features allow the MLS to eliminate unnecessary expansion of compliance costs and refocus internal resources on more strategic projects. Most importantly, SAFE Syndication, with a focus on compliance reporting and complaint tracking, complements all existing and emerging syndication tools, along with producing detailed information to help brokers and MLS organizations make better syndication and distribution decisions.
“Starting late last year, MFRMLS went through an extensive search and review of the various listing syndication solutions available to the market. The capabilities of SAFE Syndication to meet our immediate, as well as long-term needs, were readily apparent. My team is very much looking forward to implementing SAFE Syndication as a piece of our overall data distribution strategy,” said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of MFRMLS.
Clareity Security would like to invite everyone interested in SAFE Syndication to meet with our team. Contact sales@clareitysecurity.com to schedule a detailed presentation.
About Clareity Security:
Clareity Security, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the leading provider of data security, Single Sign On and compliance management products and services for the real estate industry. Our Scout for SAFEMLS® and SAFEACCESS™ products help MLS organizations and real estate professionals easily and effectively safeguard sensitive consumer information against unauthorized access and provides strong authentication solutions for secure online transactions. Additionally, Clareity Security is the creator of Safe Syndication™, the leading listing syndication and IDX/VOW compliance management tool for brokerages and MLS organizations.
Contact:
Amy Geddes, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
480-444-0014 or Email
Seain Conover is leaving CoreLogic
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, anytime someone leaves the real estate industry an angel gets his wings. Well the bells are ringing.
Looks like Seain after selling the company he and Brian de Schepper co-founded , Tarasoft, has decided to step down. You may recall CoreLogic acquired the company back in December of 2011.
I hear Seain will make one final trip up and down the escalators at the Marriott at Midyear Conference later this month, and then fade in to the Canadian wilderness from which he came….
Congrats Seain, and godspeed.
Why FBS’ new Spark platform matters
I just had to say something about the new Spark platform that FBS announced earlier this week. Often the word “game changer” is used but in this case I think it’s truly warranted.
As a 3rd party software developer in the real estate space I can attest its not easy. I see 3 points of friction to get products in to the hands of real estate professionals.
1. Data standards
2. Permissioning
3. Awareness
Credit card processing and billing is also a huge factor, and new entrants are going to appreciate an e-commerce solution. For the purposes of this post I’m going to focus on the challenges listed above.
Data standards and Permissioning.
At a recent Inman Conference I sat in on a session moderated by Mike Wurzer and Rebecca Jensen. The topic swirled around data standards. I raised the issue that even if we had a single data standard for all MLS systems in the country 3rd party data developers would still have the issue of Permissioning to deal with. As an example we can get Cloud CMA up and running with a proper RETS feed from an MLS in less than 48 hours, but it sometimes takes months to go thru the approval/permissioning process.
I’m not saying that MLS providers should just open its data to all 3rd party developers. They have the responsibility to the safeguard that data. But that problem needs to be solved. After reading FBS’ post on Spark their new Spark API looks to have the ability to manage and streamline the permissioning/approval process. This is HUUUGE.
I’m super excited knowing that our next app could realistically launch and be available to hundreds of thousands of real estate professionals, DAY ONE!
Awareness
I’m flattered that at most events I go to Cloud CMA seems to be the poster child for 3rd party MLS apps. We’ve been working hard with many MLS providers to integrate Cloud CMA in to their online stores. You can see some examples of these stores below:
Metrolist Marketplace
MLSListings PERKS
MRIS Products
Coastal Carolinas Storefront
I think all these MLS providers/vendors have done an excellent job with these sites. And I love the fact we can tailor the message to each market. But there is a fundamental issue with all of them. For the most part, they stand alone and don’t get much traffic. Little traffic means little sales. Not good for me or my revenue sharing partner (the MLS provider). The Spark Platform looks to be a way to bridge this gap.
My belief is the best solution would be to have a direct link to an MLS App Store from the MLS system itself. Not a link buried somewhere, but visible at all times. The Spark Bar solves seems to solve this issue in a very innovative and elegant way.
This is why I’m so excited about this news. With the Spark platform, Spark API and Spark Bar the whiz kids at FBS have really studied these issues and come up with what appears to be a winning solution.
Now I’m not naive enough to believe that this will be an overnight success. They will have a lot of work to do. But, the framework and thought process is solid. And it looks like the big MLS providers are jumping in.
The only problem is…. I want it now! Hell, I wanted it 20 years ago. Imagine being in Stellar and downloading Lightning. Boom.
I had a chance to sit down with Joel Macintosh, CEO of WolfNet, at ARMLS‘ Technopalooza conference last week (which was great BTW).
We had a great conversation covering such topics as the history of IDX, VOWs, owning vs. leasing your website and keeping a business going for 16 years.
Joel Fun Fact: He recently got married. So be sure to congratulate him next time you see him. : )
Enjoy.
