Former Re/Max exec joins dotloop

“Marnie Blanco, who led real estate franchisor Re/Max Inc.’s broker- and agent-facing technology initiatives for close to 10 years, is joining paperless real estate transaction management firm dotloop to help the start-up build relationships with brokers.”

Whoa! I have written about Marnie’s departure from RE/MAX just this past December, seems like she just couldn’t get real estate out of her blood. The Inman article also has a Google + interview of her with Paul Hagey (smile Paul, it won’t hurt I promise). I confess not to know too much about dotloop but they have my respect for knowing how to pick talent. Marnie is rockstar and if the past is any indication they will have to keep up with her (so no pressure Marie).

The article also has this tidbit.

“In May 2012, dotloop, which was founded in 2009, had 35 to 40 employees. Now, Allison said, it has 105 employees in its headquarters in Cincinnati, a relatively new office in San Francisco and now Denver, where Blanco lives and the company expects to open an office.”

109 employees (mostly in Cincinnati?) with a new office in San Francisco and now possibly one in Denver? That’s a lot of overhead. Less than a year ago they raised 7 million dollars from venture capital firm Trinity Ventures, so that helps.

I’ve always been a bit skeptical of the whole idea of “transaction management”. Seems like a very tough problem to solve and there are too many competing platforms, regional nuances, state regulation, etc. But its clear something needs to make the process better. But it isn’t going to happen overnight. Like a castle siege, dotloop is going to need all the resources they can spare to penetrate the tall walls of paper and deep moat of ink surrounding today’s real estate transaction.

Can you tell I’ve been watching too much Game of Thrones lately?

Errol Samuelson Appointed Move’s Chief Strategy Officer
Seasoned leader promoted into newly created role to guide company strategy

“Move’s return to double-digit growth is due in part to the changes made in personnel, technology infrastructure, and revenue streams. The company is uniquely positioned to lead the Real Estate industry, and to rapidly grow revenue. “It is precisely this environment and opportunity that makes Errol’s appointment exciting,” Berkowitz said. “In his new role, Errol will work closely with me to define the vision, strategy and future direction of Move. He will also explore new areas where Move can expand its offerings.”

High, and well deserved praise from Steve Berkowitz, Move’s CEO. Looks like Errol will also continue as president of Realtor.com. Awhile back I had heard rumors Errol was “exploring new opportunities” but this seems to show he has chosen his path.

Errol deserves all the praise, he really “gets it”. He is the big reason why I think you can’t underestimate Move. Congrats to Move for recognizing what a truly creative and talented leader they have with Errol.

Update: Also a good interview with Errol about his new position here:

Errol Samuelson Named Chief Strategy Officer Of Move

Oregon’s RMLS Selects SentriLock

“By choosing to work with SentriLock, RMLS™ offers subscribers the best products available and aligns itself with a company who also controls their own technology and chooses their own destiny,” said RMLS™ CEO Kurt von Wasmuth. “I think that our subscribers will be thrilled with the SentriLock system and the functionality that it provides.”

Knowing the geography/history of the area, this is going to be very interesting to watch. Great win for SentriLock, congrats!