Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Who’s next at REALTOR.com?

I’ve been asked and have been thinking who might be a good replacement for Errol’s position at MOVE. It’s an interesting question. Although I believe Errol’s role had changed over time. So to me the person is about:
1. Repairing the damage.
2. Offer some fresh thinking.
3. Reaching out (schmooze) to the industry to help execute the plan.

And I do realize this position might be considered a step down from their current gig, but I’ve found successful people like a challenge and a new stage once in awhile. Also, while I think there are a lot of persons that are qualified for the position I didn’t include them because they couldn’t offer all three. Here’s my short list, in no particular order, with a bit of commentary.

Marnie Blanco, Executive Director, Strategic Accounts – Dotloop
Marnie is a triple threat. She was instrumental in launching remax.com’s “network of broker IDX websites”.

Sherry Chris, President and CEO of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate , LLC
I get the impression Sherry likes a challenge. Maybe another Canadian could do the job.

Rebecca Jensen, CEO at UtahRealEstate.com/Wasatch Front Regional MLS
She runs an MLS, a successful public portal, and a software company (her MLS system is home grown), and leads RESO. ‘Nuff said.

Andy Woolley, Vice President- Homes Media Solutions
Super smart, been in the industry forever, respected, lives in California, plus I taught him everything he knows (he is going to love that!)

Art Carter, CEO of CRMLS
He already runs the largest MLS in the country. Manages tons of relationships, current president of CRMLS, and I know always loves a challenge. Think about it.

Kirby Slunaker, President & CEO at Metrolist
I’ve been impressed with Kirby over the last year. He’s taken a very tough position at Metrolist and successfully guided them through an MLS conversion. I call him “the outsider”, because he appears to take his experience from outside the industry and apply them to real estate. Which normally doesn’t work, but in his case, has. Perhaps he could do the same at realtor.com.

Bob Hale, President/CEO of Houston Association of REALTORS
No list would be complete with Bob, although I doubt he would consider it. But maybe, just maybe, Bob could show us all how its done.

So that’s my short list. I’m sure that I forgotten some (or maybe not). I didn’t include any internal candidates, I kept it outside the company. I would love to hear your thoughts on other choices and why.

Jason Doyle, GM of Homes.com, is leaving for new gig.

Screen Shot 2014-04-05 at 8.10.25 AMWord on the street is that Jason Doyle, after 14 years at Dominion Enterprises, is resigning. Dominion Enterprises is the parent company of Homes.com. I knew Jason from back when eNeighborhoods was acquired by Dominion and always found him to be a smart guy and straight shooter. With juggernauts like Zillow, Trulia and MOVE and their big budgets Jason did a great job in keeping Homes.com relevant, and profitable. Please join me in wishing him well on his new gig.

Wanna be a REALTOR?

An open letter to anyone wanting to get their real estate license
The trials and tribulations of starting a career as an agent

Greg Nino, REALTOR Houston Texas

“Several times a year I am approached by people who want to become a Realtor. Many of them think it’s a great way to supplement their income while they keep their day job. A lot of others are interested in a career change. I decided to type this blog post to save myself time. Each time I’m asked I’ll simply send the inquiring person a link back to this post”

My favorite is #3.

Brad Inman’s take on Zillow.

Zillow Plays To Win
Brad Inman, Publisher Inman News

“Zillow’s relationship with this segment of the industry is shaping up somewhat like Amazon’s relationship with big book publishers.

Tense cooperation is the best way to describe how Amazon works with publishers (think brokers and franchises). They have no choice but to partner, but Amazon has the power because it controls the consumer. On the other hand, Amazon seems to favor authors (think real estate agents), as their position in the value chain is closer to the reader (think home shopper).

Great analogy and spot on.

“As many real estate insiders know, there is a secret real estate initiative dubbed Upstream that promises to give brokers more control over their listing data and leverage with the likes of Zillow. Is this folly? If it follows the path of becoming a feeble reaction to Zillow like publishers tried with Amazon, certainly yes.”

Brad instinct here is also correct. Those who find themselves backing Upstream will be left without the proverbial paddle. –I’ve been waiting six weeks to use that last sentence-thanks Brad!

“After the recent fiasco with Zillow, a leading real estate executive was somehow inspired to call me and unload his frustrations with NAR. (I promised to keep him on background, sorry for the mystery).

He pointed to the suing of the ex-Move exec as only one example of problems with NAR.

In the last several years, he calculates that NAR has spent $100 million on ventures outside of its core competence — including RPR, a credit union, a university and a venture capital fund — without the level of adoption or return on member money that was expected.”

How great would it be that the incoming President came in to NAR and made it his/her mandate shut these down? (I would also add HouseLogic.com to the list.)

Excellent read and analysis and reminds me of the old adage, “The only thing new in the world is history you don’t know.” This game has been played out long before online real estate. Get your popcorn out.

Link list of best April Fool’s Day Posts.

44413491_head_getty_203-The largest brokers in the country want to start their own private MLS.
-The whole debate that “Pocket Listings” are the beginning of the end of MLS.
-A well respected MLS vendor changes its name to “Black Knight”.
-This site still exists (and this post might triple their traffic. You’re welcome.)
–Errol Samuelson defects to Zillow.
–Sami Inkinen, co-founder of Trulia, is rowing across the Pacific Ocean (with his wife) to raise awareness against sugar, the “silent killer”. The name of this venture is aptly dubbed, “Fat Chance”.
-Zillow gets sued by the very industry it says its trying to “build relations” with.
–Curt Beardsley leaves MOVE and joins Zillow too.
–RPR releases version 1.29

Seriously people, for fucks’ sake, stop. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

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