If I had to pick the biggest story in U.S. real estate this year (aside from the ongoing housing crisis) I would have to say Zillow’s IPO. But looking back I’ve been really impressed at what an incredible year Move, Inc. has put together. Yes, that’s right I said Move.
When you take a look everything Move announced in 2011 you have to say that these guys have been hard at work. Not convinced? Take a look at some of the bigger stories.
January 13. Move, Inc. powers AOL. One of the untold stories about this deal is it was actually a “take away” from LPS. So they not only signed AOL, but took the business away from a competitor. – Well played.
February 11. Realtor.com Android App was showcased a the 2011 Mobile World Conference. In the world of mobile this is a huge deal.
April 21. Move, Inc. signs listing syndication deal with Zillow. Crazy? Like a fox.
April 26. Realtor.com launches iPad App. By far the best real estate app on the iPad.
July 18. Move acquires Social Bios. I’m looking forward to see the implementation points Realtor.com does with this technology.
August 17. AOL Real Estate Launches New Search Experience Powered by Move, Inc. The fruits of their agreement begin to bear fruit.
November 1. Release first real estate CRM app to be powered by HTML5. Super cool update to their Top Producer application.
November 3. Realtor.com goes global. Oh yeah, they launched an international site, just for kicks.
November 21. Reverse Stock Split takes effect. I think this is more a mental thing than anything else.
Plus their Find app has been launched in several MLS markets around the country.
And that’s not including another biggie: “Connections” which allows Realtors to generate leads from listings within a specifc zip code (even if those listings are not their own). While I think Realtor.com lost the “high ground” with this service I do think by displaying all photos within that sponsored zip code is a clever way of placating most agents.
And then they launched a Facebook app dubbed “Social Connections“, with Ernie Graham (founder of recently acquired Social Bios).
Whew, no wonder Audie is so damn busy!
Just half of those initiatives would be a huge undertaking. There are some potential game changers on this list. But, as a wise man once said, “ideas are just multipliers of execution”. 2012 needs to be Move’s year of executing the vision (generating revenue) of what the 2011 bumper crop products and services.
So, what do I take away from this? If Zillow, Truila or anyone else wants to play in this sandbox Berkowitz, Samuelson, Beardsley and the the rest of the Move team is ready for a fight.
