Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Has Remine found a new way to launch a listing portal?

I don’t know how I got the job of MLS data cop. I guess ever since the whole thing happened with HouseCanary, I get MLS providers and Vendors asking me what I think about this and that.

Enter “the new Remine.com”. At first glance it appears that they have just taken public record data and matched it with Google Street Views. No active listings. But……there is a callout box that says “Curious about listings in your area? Match With An Agent”

So I clicked on the “Match With An Agent” box (Even I’m not brave enough to click on the box that said “Claim Your Home”).

I go through a process where I’m asked a series of questions and then presented with a few “top local” agents to choose from. Not sure what Remine does to qualify them as “Top”. The first time I did this I got agents from all over, not where I was looking to buy. After trying it a few times I saw an agent from Huntington Beach.

So I choose that agent.

I am then directed to create an account. Not with an agent, not with a broker, but with Remine.com.

So I created an account.

Bingo! Now I can see all active listings on the MLS!

Everything goes downhill from there. The site is just awful. It seems like every page reload prompts a message box asking “The website “remine.com” would like to use…”. I swear I must have given permission 50 times.

I also get spinners that last forever when I try and view photos and some photos don’t display. And for some reason there is no way that I can modify/change/add a new area on a saved search. I have to start every search all over again. Maddening. Remine have your QA guy call me. Seriously.

All of which is fine; they can fix these things. I get it…I make software for living; it’s a version one product.

But the thing is, I wasn’t taken to a personalized agent page. So, did I really create the sort of VOW required relationship? Is Remine a broker? Did the agent even know about this or me?

So I called the agent.

I got voicemail, so I left a message. He called right back. I told him that I was on a website and I was “matched” with him (this was about 24 hours after I created the account), and I asked if he knew anything about me. He said no, he had never heard of me. Based on his voicemail I think he was at another brokerage than the one listed on Remine.com, too. Yikes.

On one level I can see some real innovation here from Remine. Start with public record data and bait site visitors to see real listings. Cool, right? I recently recorded a podcast with Mark Schacknies , CEO of Remine. This guy is a serious cat, and they are definitely in it to win it. I can also appreciate the need to push boundaries. I’m all for it.

But I just can’t say that it’s completely kosher. Maybe, but if this is possible then why do other listing portals need agreements with MLS Providers? I mean Homes.com could just put a list of random agents on their site and get visitors to click on a button that says “match me with an agent” and Bingo, MLS listings!

This gets back to what many Vendors have been saying lately…Many MLS Providers give newer Vendors more leeway, and existing vendors get slapped on the wrist or denied for every….little….thing. Sour grapes? Whining? Maybe.

It’s a tough balance and competition is getting rough. But here’s the thing, and those who attended the CMLS conference will understand.

Chip had a point.

[Quick side note HouseCanary has done a complete mea culpa and have been very diligent on following proper MLS data licensing rules. Big shout out to Russell and team]

[UPDATE: Remine has decided to disable the Agent Match feature on their website. It will revisit the feature at a later time. Here is their statement.]

Bright MLS throws support to NAR’s 8.0 policy

‘Pocket listings,’ those secretive, off-market offerings of homes for sale, to disappear in the D.C. area

Bright MLS, the region’s multiple listing service, on Wednesday announced a policy that requires all real estate agents and brokers in its system to submit the listing within one business day of marketing the property to the public. The policy is in effect now, but fines won’t be imposed on agents who break the rule until Dec. 1. The fines for noncompliance are $5,000 for the first infraction, $7,500 for the second and $10,000 for the third instance.

Washington Post

Bright MLS did make a slight edit to NAR’s 8.0 policy, allowing for one business day, not 24 hours, which I think is smart. The WaPo article is interesting to read. I always get a kick out of how main stream news covers issues in organized real estate.

And love Jon Coile’s quote, which I first heard Dave Liniger, co-founder of RE/MAX first say back in the day; “That’s like coming to a potluck dinner with just a fork.

Overall is great to see the larger MLS provider coming out and supporting NAR’s 8.0 policy. But I don’t find many addressing what I think is a core problem, Fair Housing. Maybe its too controversial for MLS providers to talk about.

Pro Tip: “Private, Not A Secret” by MRED

Major Midwest MLS throws support behind NAR’s pocket listing policy

In a report released last week, MRED revealed that it was voicing support for a proposed policy from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) “so that the [multiple listing service] industry can maintain an efficient and effective marketplace.” The proposed NAR policy was announced earlier this month and, if adopted, will require agents to submit their properties to their local multiple listing service (MLS) within 24 hours of marketing them.

I really liked the “Private, Not A Secret” report put out by MRED last week. It’s a great reference for anyone wanting to get a primer on what issues surround “pocket listings” and “coming soon” statuses and how other MLS providers are dealing with these issues. The report goes over MRED’s PLN solution but also includes examples from other MLS providers along with marketing programs MRED has used to educate their membership. Well done MRED!

Jon Coile appointed VP, MLS & Industry Relations of HomeServices of America

HomeServices of America Appoints Jon Coile as VP, MLS & Industry Relations

“n addition to his new role, Coile is chairman of Bright MLS, one of the largest MLSs in the U.S., with 95,000 members in the Mid-Atlantic region. Coile was integrally involved in merging the organization, which brought together 43 REALTOR® associations and consolidated nine MLSs. Coile is also on the MLS and Emerging Technology Advisory Board committees for the National Association of REALTORS®”

Welcome to the Thunderdome Jon! Your timing is perfect.

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