Expedia & Zillow: Rich Barton

“Expedia launched from inside Microsoft but was so successful at transforming the travel industry that it was spun out into a public company with Rich as CEO. Then in 2005, Rich moved on to a new idea with some Expedia colleagues, co-founding Zillow as a way to “turn on all the lights” in another sprawling industry: real estate.”

I’m a big fan of this podcast so I was thrilled to see my worlds collide when I saw Rich Barton was being featured. Guy does a great job of weaving a compelling narrative with his guests, this interview is no exception. While I think there is a bit of revisionist history going on, Rich’s accomplishments cannot be overstated.

Real Estate Technology Leader SentriLock Continues Strong Growth With Addition of National Sales Director

Prior to joining SentriLock, Sims worked with the Birmingham Association of REALTORS® as the Director of Marketing Communications, with previous tenures as Chief Executive Officer for the Dayton Area Board of REALTORS® and, most recently, the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS®. Sims has been a SentriLock customer for over five years, and is an avid fan of SentriLock’s lockbox, showing service and experience management solutions.

“I appreciate the board’s confidence in me, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead such a customer-focused and innovative organization,” said Sims. “It’s going to be an amazing time as SentriLock continues the launch of SentriGuard® and SentriKey Showing Service®, two very important technology advancements for the real estate industry.”

While I’m on the topic of new gigs I’m a little late reporting this hire by SentriLock. I’m sensing a growing trend where MLS execs are starting to move into the vendor space. Congrats Andrew!

I’m hearing that it looks like Marty Reed is joining CRMLS in a CIO role. I can’t think of anyone else with as much experience in the MLS industry as Marty. Big win for CRMLS. Congrats to both.

#scoop

MLS Solutions Coordinator – Austin Board of REALTORS

“Assists in the analysis, planning, development, and implementation of new technology solutions and enhancements that support the organization’s products and services.”

The find out about this job, or post a job, please visit the Vendor Alley Job Board.

#jobboard

Bright MLS, CRMLS, and MRED Collaborate on Offering Choice in Showing Management

“Leaders from each MLS stressed that this is neither a consolidation nor an attempt to own any showing service provider. Rather, it is a collaborative effort to offer brokers and agents options in how they handle showings via the MLS. 

“We want to offer an API to unite showing solutions across the entire residential real estate industry in North America,” said Art Carter, CEO of CRMLS. “Whether a broker subscribes to one or more than one MLS, their challenge is working with numerous showing platforms that don’t talk to each other.”

“This project gives showing services a Rosetta stone,” Carter added. “It enables easy translation between different showing service ‘languages.'”

Love this. I have so many questions, and how this might be implemented to other solutions.

TRREB to make BrokerBay showing service available to members

“TRREB CEO John DiMichele says, “Through forming strategic partnerships with innovative companies like BrokerBay, we can further advance how our members support their clients, manage their business and elevate their integral role in the home ownership journey.”

Zillow Launches New Neural Zestimate, Yielding Major Accuracy Gains

“The new Zestimate algorithm leverages neural networks, the latest machine learning approach, and incorporates deeper history of property data such as sales transactions, tax assessments and public records, in addition to home details such as square footage and location.”

Looks like “neural” is the new “AI”. Count down from 10 until vendors start issuing press releases about their “neural CRM platform”. ????‍♂️

Foley Stepping Down As Black Knight Chairman of the Board

“Foley has been among the top leadership of former Black Knight parent company Fidelity National Financial Inc. (FNF) since 1984.”

End of an era, but you never know…

It Does Work Best When It’s On the MLS

“A free, open, and transparent market works. Easy to say, difficult to prove, unless you are Bright MLS. Brian shares details of their study analyzing properties listed, marketed, and sold on the MLS compared to properties sold off the MLS. Rather than speaking in generalities, the study uncovered empirical evidence supporting the assertion that the MLS works. Beyond its role providing a transparent, unbiased marketplace, the MLS provides consumers unquestionable value.”

I’m a little late in posting about this great podcast hosted by Andy Woolley of Homes.com (now CoStar), and Brian Donnellan, CEO of Bright MLS. I agree with Andy, the numbers that Bright MLS’ study found are “astounding”. Worth a listen.