Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Cloud Streams to include new data, online map search, and an Android app.

Screen Shot 2015-11-05 at 10.30.12 AMW&R Studios updates Cloud Streams to include new data, online map search, and an Android app.

““We are happy to announce that a Cloud Streams app is now available in the Google Play store,” stated Dan Woolley, co-founder of W&R Studios. “We’ve had an iPhone version available and are pleased that we can now offer our Android customers this option as well. …

The company also announced integration with GreatSchools data and integration with Retsly’s Public Data API.”

Huge release, right on time for NAR. Map search, new school data, public records info. Customers are going to be stoked!

Robertson interviews Frame

This Friday I’ll be interviewing Marty Frame from RPR at the MLS Executives Session. I’ll be asking Marty a few questions about RPR, Upstream, AMP and maybe get some weight loss tips. I hope you’ll join me.

P.S. If you have any questions you would like me to ask just send them to me via email.

RPR inks deal with Upstream

RIS Media got the scoop yesterday…

NAR’s Realtors Property Resource Executes Definitive Agreement with UPSTREAM, Begins Development

“The National Association of Realtors® and its wholly owned subsidiary, Realtors Property Resource®, have signed a technology agreement with UPSTREAM™, a revolutionary industry-owned and controlled data management company, to develop UPSTREAM™’s cross-industry, state-of-the-art platform for real estate data entry, collection and distribution for real estate brokers.

A win’s a win.

Brad Inman interviews David Charron

I’m enjoying Brad Inman’s “Unlisted” audio interviews. Last week he was able to get Chris Crocker on record about his motivations for sending his “whistleblower” letter to MOVE, Inc. about Zillow’s alleged shenanigans.

Today, an interview with David Charron, CEO of MRIS. At only 18 mins, the interview covered a lot of topics. MRIS/TREND MLS “merger“, pocket listings vs. coming soon listings (which I kind of disagree with, to me its all about brokers trying to double-end deals, nothing else), the role of MLS, third party data licensing. Just a ton of stuff, definitely worth your time.

MRIS CEO David Charron on evolving role of MLSs

CRS intros MLS Tax Suite

CRS Data Introduces Innovative MLS Tax SuiteNew property records product leads with interactive, customizable features

“Through extensive research and customer surveys, the CRS Data team pinpointed several expansion opportunities and aesthetic changes that could create a better user experience, said Casey. A few highlights include:

-Complete optimization for mobile devices, including on iPads, iPhones and Androids
-Expanded and diverse integrated map views
-Expansive simple and advanced search capabilities
-A cleaner, dynamic interface making simple and advanced searches quick and easy”

Looks like that packaging/productizing data is getting to be the norm here. And speaking of packaging, not sure how many of you got CRS’s marketing piece sent in the mail, But I thought it was pretty cool. Basically it’s a video sent in the mail. Super cool!


Here’s a link to the full video in the mailer to check out if your are so inclined…

CRS Commercial Video

Zillow/Retsly announce judges for upcoming “zip.code” hackathon

ff_hackathons_f-2I’m very excited to be selected as a judge at Retsly’s “zip.code” hackathon this weekend!

For those of you who don’t know Retsly is a software company acquired by Zillow Group last year. They have created “Listing and Public Data” APIs.

zip.code

“Embracing the power of the Retsly Listings and Public Data APIs, zip.code 2015 aims to bring together the most creative and tireless hackers for a weekend of furious, sweaty, real estate innovation.”

Up to 300 developers will participate. Many of them from companies like Lyft, Uber, Microsoft, ModCloth, OpenDoor and schools like Stanford, Berkeley and SFSU.

The panel of judges also include Realogy CEO, Alex Perriello, Lynette Keyowski from OMREB and Brad Griffith, CEO of Gametime.

I’m looking forward to see what types of products and services the developers come up with. Should be a fun weekend!

Diane Ruggiero joins Ann Bailey at Pranix

Diane Ruggiero to join industry consultancy firm Pranix

“In joining Pranix, Ruggiero leaves her role as CEO of the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®, where she has served since 2001 and as CEO of the Heartland MLS (Kansas), a role she has occupied since 2007.
Throughout her career, Ruggiero has gained extensive experience in association strategic planning, financial management and organizational mergers. In 1993 she helped implement the merger of the Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Montgomery County and other Maryland-based MLSs into what is now MRIS—one of the largest regional MLS in the country, serving more than 40,000 real estate professionals in the mid-Atlantic region.”

Good fit.

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