NAR Midyear 2010- Tales from Fort Sumter

May 14th, 2010

Bombardment_of_Fort_Sumter,_1861 — The bombardment of Fort Sumter

The red and blue badges at the 2010 National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Midyear Conference took on a different meaning for me this year.

Fort Sumter as many of you know was the place where the first shots were fired in the Civil War. The Civil War I’m talking about was first written about by Rob Hahn, entitled “The coming Civil War in Real Estate.”

I believe that Rob’s predictions are coming true, and the first shots fired were here in D.C. The vibe from a lot of vendors that I spoke with was that they are feeding the beast (NAR) that might eventually bite them.

NAR, thru RPR and other entities either own or have a significant interest in a data and analytics business, an association management business , not to mention a web portal (Realtor.com), a lock box company (Sentrilock), and a forms company (Zipforms).

In a nutshell just take a look at the exhibitor list to the conference and you basically have a list of NAR competitors.

With the deck so completely stacked against them why do vendors who have products that compete with NAR even bother to show up to NAR events?

NAR has also cranked up the pressure on their competitor/exhibitors too. Tactics such as kicking vendors out of Suites if they don’t pony up more money (in the form of registrations and booth space), and enforcing a “no meeting” rule in Suites when official NAR business is being done.

These heavy handed tactics could end up doing more harm than good. Other conferences could grow or new conferences could be created that cater more towards exhibitors wants and needs.

Google IO 2010 Predictions from Mark Scheel of Digital Construction

May 12th, 2010

This is Mark Scheel from Digital Construction (a software consultancy focused on helping Real Estate industry members succeed) bringing you more on Google IO 2010– Google’s largest developer event of the year, taking place next week. Last week I told you why you should be excited about this event if you care about business, technology or Real Estate. This week I will put on my Swami hat, gaze into my crystal ball, and make some predictions. Fifteen in total!

To hear about the gPad that will have free internet access on T-Mobile, all you can eat Office functionality, and a new Flash app store, please keep reading …

NAR Midyear 2010 – I’m Going Commando!

May 10th, 2010

I’m registered as an attendee at this year NAR Midyear but was unable to secure a room big enough to hold meetings. This is due to a NAR points system. The system favors vendors who have spent more money with NAR with first dibs on premium rooms and hospitality suites. I loved the system when I was one of those vendors who spent big money with NAR, now….not so much.

No matter. I’m gong to be rocking NAR Midyear commando style! Which means I’m going to basically carve me out a space in whatever lobby bar I can find to hold meetings (which is where I did most of my business anyway!). I’ve also loaded my iPad with my slide decks and have some example Cloud CMA reports. So this will be an experiment whether just having an iPad on the road will be sufficient. I think it will, but I don’t want to take any chances so I’m also bringing my MBP. I’m also doing a 30 day trial of Verizon’s MiFi, so anywhere I’ll go I’ll be able to get on to the net (important for a web based software company).

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Rapattoni scraps plans to migrate MLS system to Silverlight.

May 7th, 2010

Early this year I was speaking with Nick Rapattoni about what they were working on next. He had mentioned that plans were on the table to migrate their MLS system to Microsoft’s Sliverlight platform. Browser compatibility was one the issues he cited as a reason for looking in that direction.

Speaking with Rapattoni today they have scraped those plans and “our goal is to develop our applications (both MLS and AMS, but it’s most relevant to the MLS) in a way that recognizes and takes advantage of different form factors (desktop, mobile, etc…), and Silverlight would back us into a corner — ”

Smart move if you ask me.

Now with one major MLS vendor getting off the Flash/Silverlight bandwagon will LPS Real Estate Group and Marketlinx follow suit? LPS Real Estate Group has already announced that Paragon 5 is cross browser compliant. But poor Tempo MLS is still tethered by Microsoft’s Internet Explorer ball and chain.

Me thinks that LPS and Marketlinx are too far down the Flash path to change direction. Time will tell.

Meanwhile companies that don’t have to worry about such trival details as “will my MLS system work in Firefox” have their development staff working on some true innovations. Case in point FBS. Their new Listing Activity API is simply awesome. It will be interesting to see how companies will implement their new API. Nice to see some great innovation come from the MLS space.

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New Version of Rapattoni MLS is Firefox® and Mac® Compatible

New Version of Rapattoni MLS is Firefox® and Mac® Compatible SIMI VALLEY, Calif., April 29, 2010 – Rapattoni Corporation (Rapattoni) announced today that the newest version of the Rapattoni MLS is fully compatible with the Mozilla Firefox® browser, which will allow the software to operate natively on Apple® Mac® computers.

Rapattoni released the new version to its customers on April 28, giving their users the ability to access the Rapattoni MLS from the Firefox® web browser on PCs and Macs®. Rapattoni’s initiative to become cross-browser and cross-platform compatible began in 2009 and will continue throughout 2010, as additional browsers are added.

Nick Rapattoni, president of Rapattoni, said, “Over the past two years, the popularity of the Mac® has increased significantly among real estate professionals. As the numbers increased, Rapattoni recognized the importance of cross-platform compatibility and invested in making its robust Rapattoni MLS software work natively on both PCs and Apple® computers. Our new version provides our customers with a faster end product capable of running on Internet Explorer® and Firefox®.”

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, a robust statistics and trends analysis package, language translation, the Rapattoni Secure Logon system featuring Adaptive Authentication technology, and the ability to operate a convenient Single Sign-On (SSO) identity portal. The Rapattoni MLS is compatible with the Internet Explorer® and Firefox® web browsers and can be operated natively on PCs and Mac® computers.

About Rapattoni
Rapattoni Corporation has been serving the real estate industry under the same name and management for 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/.

There, should be, a new Sheriff in town!

May 6th, 2010

Back in the day when I worked at eNeighborhoods I would attend these meetings hosted by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). They were for participants in their “REALTOR VIP program“. Basically a bunch of companies who, by working with NAR, would have closer ties to their members via advertising and branding.

The meetings were always a good time and I got to meet and hang with most of NAR’s senior leadership. They are a great group of talented people and I got to know them and their families pretty well over the years. So a big shout out to Bob Goldberg, Mary Stark-Hood, Kristin Stafford, Frank Sibley and everyone else if they are reading this now.

Every year they began with a session, led by the very smart, and always dapper, Frank Sibley,( who is in charge of events, publications, and PR at NAR) to go over NAR/REALTOR basics. One thing Frank would focus upon is how to say the name “REALTOR” properly. “It’s not REEEELTOR”, Frank would say. “It’s pronounced like detour, REALTOR”.

If you ever hear those NAR radio spots they really over emphasize the word REALTOR it really sticks out.

A quick side story about Frank. It you ever see a NAR commercial, notice the name on the yard sign. More than likely it says “Sibley Realty”, or something like that. I also have another story about the time I showed Frank the proofs for our Fabio ads, but that’s for another post. : )

I always thought these guys were went a bit wacky on their whole branding/identity thing. When I would submit advertising with the “Realtor VIP” logo on it I would always get something back from NAR about the proper use of the logo or I didn’t use capital lettered or forgot the registered trademark symbol. Always something! They were more than attentive, they were passionate about it.

So what’s this have to do about RPR?

So the dirty secret out there is that MLS information is being collected and sold under the table. This is mostly done by entities outside of the industry that don’t understand they just can’t scrape or download (or claim they don’t) MLS information and sell it to the highest bidder.

sheriff-custom — "Where'd you get that data son??"

NAR needs a “Data Sheriff”

I’m not sure if this would be a NAR or RPR ( or LPS?) job but they need somebody, maybe from their branding enforcement team (jk), who is going to sniff out, investigate where that data came from and how it was licensed. If RVM is ever to become the “gold standard” they must make a concentrated effort to shut down companies that are obtaining and using MLS data nefariously.

Part of this can be helped with technology. But if NAR spends even half the effort they do protecting their precious “R” symbol it will be time and money well spent.

dynaConnection’s announces compatibilty with iPad

May 5th, 2010

I love my iPad, when I can pull it away from my son. I think that other MLS vendors (LPS Real Estate Group, First American Core Logix, and Rapattoni) are making a big mistake by jumping on the Flash, Air, Silverlight bandwagon with their yet to be released next generation MLS systems. We all know how Dear Leader feels about Flash! Maybe Mark Scheel can offer some input about the new tablets running Android, and Adobe’s Flash.

Go dynaConnection!

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dynaConnections’ connectMLS seamlessly compatible with iPad

On-the-go Realtors have an out-of-the-box solution to all their MLS needs with connectMLS on the iPad.
AUSTIN, TX – April 22, 2010 – dynaConnections announces that its flagship product, connectMLS, is accessible and highly functional on Apple’s new iPad. Unlike many other MLS systems, connectMLS works seamlessly on Apple’s popular web browser, Safari. And because connectMLS avoids excessive use of flash technology, it is ready to use on Apple’s Safari-based, iPhone, iTouch, and now the iPad. connectMLS continues to lead the pack through its ability to provide seamless accessibility for their customers.

“We were the first MLS system to embrace Mozilla’s Firefox browser because we saw the high potential for adoption across all platforms,” said John Kennedy, Product Manager at dynaConnections. “Likewise, we saw the huge popularity of the iPhone and iTouch and anticipated Apple would come out with derivative products. By making connectMLS work well with Safari, we knew all our bases would be covered.”

About dynaConnections

Based out of Austin, Texas, dynaConnections Corporation is a privately held company that provides web-based Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Solutions to MLS organizations. dynaConnections’ flagship product, connectMLS, is a patent-pending, all-in-one MLS Solution that increases agent productivity without a steep learning curve. dynaConnections continues to create innovative solutions that keep its customers at the forefront, as real estate technology evolves.
For more information, visit: www.dynaconnections.com .

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dynaConnections and connectMLS are registered trademarks of dynaConnections Corporation. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

dynaConnections Corp.
(512) 306-9898
www.dynaConnections.com

Reporting Google IO 2010 – Google’s Largest Developer Event of the Year

May 5th, 2010

Google IO 2010 Logo

Post 1: The Introduction

Guest Reporter: Mark Scheel

I have been to some cool technical conferences. MotoDev 2009, was a spectacle put on by Motorola at the Hard Rock in San Diego last fall. Open Bar! Android Robots! Free Sushi and Cupcakes!

But I have never been more excited for an event than this year’s Google IO, taking place May 19-20, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

Reasons to Get Excited

The event is sold out. Participants get a free Droid phone. The published sessions make it sound like Space Camp, but with more nerdiness and less astronomy. And lets not forget … the drama! This year will feature updates to the very public media battle between Apple and Google. It could even feature a cage match between Eric Schmidt and representatives of the Chinese government.

Let me say now that I think Steve Jobs is a marketing genius. That guy could sell ice to Eskimos (A $500 tablet that is a great deal? Really!?). He has positioned Android as the Porn Platform. And just last week he unleashed a manifesto decrying Flash as has-been technology.

This is no coincidence.

Android is set to unveil Flash integration at Google IO. Should be huge news about something Google accomplished where Apple failed … or has Steve Jobs preemptively stolen all the mojo?

Google hasn’t been winning the PR battle recently. Their January launch event for the Nexus One was a joke compared to the iPad launch. Jobs got the covers of Newsweek and Time magazine! But I think in 2010 the media darling image of Apple may shift. Apple may become the Big Brother they once tried to distance themselves from. Did you know Apple is a larger company than Microsoft and Google now? What is this strange future where Bill Gates cures diseases with candy while Steve Jobs menaces travelers by Lear Jet and silver Mercedes?

Steve Jobs is famous for his “one more thing” announcements. Will Eric Schmidt or any of the other Googlers have something exceptional for us the week after Mid-Year? I have some theories I will flesh out in later posts (Flash 10.1? New App Market? Better storage for Apps? And that is just the Android stuff!).

Real Estate Implications

What are the Real Estate implications? A major industry player is a Developer Sandbox featured participant. I will have pictures of their demo area and all the real estate related news from the event. Many vendors use Flash, or are considering it, will they be encouraged or discouraged after Google IO to keep using Flash? Lets find out together.

This is only the first in a series of postings about Google IO. I will be posting before, during and after the event to keep you up to date on the business, technical, and TMZ-like news (must. respect. VendorAlley readership) that will make tomorrow’s headlines.

About Me

My name is Mark Scheel. I run a boutique software consultancy from Denver that serves the industry. We are called Digital Construction.

If you forgot to sign up for Google IO, or just couldn’t travel the week after mid-year, fear not. We offer Google training customized for your organization as one day intensive sessions.

If there is anything you want to see discussed in my future posts, mention it in the comments. I am here so Vendor Alley readers can have an inside look at Google IO and how it will impact the Real Estate Industry.

Bonus Reading Links

BUSINESS – Recent WSJ article about Google’s plans to show TV Software at Google IO. RE/MAX is a TV innovator with their own production studio and private satellite television network. And they make great ads. What will this do to the industry?

TECHNICAL – Have you read the Cathedral and the Bazaar recently? Here is a great piece by John Sullivan from the Free Software Foundation titled Pot, meet kettle: a response to Steve Jobs’ letter on Flash. Grab a (Free as in) beer and enjoy.

TMZ – Read about Eric Schmidt’s wild girlfriend, or read about a Google IO performance by Flight of the Conchords and speculate on who this years live entertainment might be. Or play the Steve Jobs spotting game and learn he is a crazy driver.

Don’t believe the hype, RPR is a hit!

May 5th, 2010

Word on the street is that despite some early misteps, one of the larger MLS providers saying “thanks, but no thanks”, and being declared “dead” by industry bloggers MLS providers are signing up in droves for NAR’s RPR.

The RPR folks have been pretty quiet for several weeks, but it’s pretty clear they are have been busy! I expect some big numbers from RPR to be released before and after next week’s NAR Midyear meetings. This will be great news for Dale Ross, Marty Frame and team.

What that means for other vendors in the MLS industry is not clear. But it looks like one, First American Core logic, might be feeling the heat. Recently it was reported they were suing “rivals” including Zillow and the data vendor for NAR’s RPR program LPS Real Estate Group, to “compensate CoreLogic for its profits lost.” Seems pretty desperate to me.

The Geeks Are Taking Over Vendor Alley!

May 4th, 2010

More accurately I should say a geek is taking over. In a first for Vendor Alley Mark Scheel will be VA’s beat reporter from Google IO conference in a couple weeks.

Mark has some serious street cred in the real estate technology world. He worked with Dan and I at eNeighborhoods helping build one of the largest, if not THE LARGEST MLS data aggregation systems in the industry. He now runs a software consultancy firm in Denver called Digital Construction.

I happy to have Mark contribute and hope to continue the trend with more contributors in the future.

So without further adieu….Mark Scheel!

MRED to provide RE Technology

May 4th, 2010

I’ve talked about RE Technology before. I’m curious to see how this is implemented in MRED and other MLS providers.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MRED Provides RE Technology as Newest Member Benefit

Date: 5-4-10

Arroyo Grande, Ca- April 19, 2010: Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED) announced today it is launching RE Technology, as a new member benefit, RE Technology is an online portal that provides vendor directories, product reviews and user ratings of real estate technology products all in one easy to use location. The site will be available to every MRED subscriber directly from the MRED homepage.

“We believe RE Technology will help our agents succeed through better understanding and utilization of available technology products. In the past information was limited and agents and brokers didn’t know where to start. Now REALTORSÒ can start from within their own MLS provider,” says Bud Fogel, CEO of MRED.

Until RE Technology.com, real estate professionals did not have a single destination to learn about technology products and real estate technology vendors did not have a national marketplace to inform agents and brokers about their products and services. MLSs and Associations want to provide their members with a resource for finding and learning about technology tools and services that will help them sell more real estate. RE Technology meets all of these needs.

“RE Technology provides a one-stop-shop for agents and brokers to learn about technology specific to the real estate industry. We are thrilled to partner with MRED. MRED is the third largest MLS in the country, and certainly one of the most progressive,” says Victor Lund, CEO of RE Technology, Inc.

MRED currently has a membership of over 37,000 agents; now participation in RE Technology is free to each one.

About RE Technology:

RE Technology is the most comprehensive real estate technology website, reaching hundreds of thousands of real estate agents. By embedding directly into MLS Systems across North America, RE Technology.com makes it easy for agents to access clear product descriptions, objective product reviews, and stay current with technology trends. Providing a rich assortment of tutorials, how-to’s and technology training articles, RE Technology helps agents understand the benefit technology can bring to drive business, and how to strategically implement them. RE Technology is colored with user ratings and comments, creating a rich community of product feedback and user-driven endorsements.

To learn more about RE Technology, please visit www.retechnology.com .

Press Contact:

Paden Followwill

(805) 503-5506

paden at retechnology dot com