Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

John Walsh out at Dataquick

Word on the street is that John Walsh has left Dataquick. This just weeks after the acquisition by CoreLogic was finalized. From what I hear, this is not the way CoreLogic wanted it to go down. Typically these transitions have C-level execs stay on for a couple of years to help with the transition.

In fact I recently received an email co-sent by John Walsh and Ben Graboske just a couple weeks ago stating…

“In the coming months we will reach out to you with integration updates and introduce other solutions available to you; including new products, expanded technology, enhanced business services and more. Please let us know if we can answer any questions about the acquisition. Together, we look forward to serving you for many years to come.”

“…many years to come” eh?

The deal was being scrutinized by many, and turned out to be a big win for RealtyTrac which gained national coverage and recently launched a file licensing business for sales deed mortgage and tax data along with the hiring of Brian Mushaney. Brian is a heavyweight in this industry. I had a chance to work with him for a short time on a consulting project. This deal immediately puts Realty Trac at the big boys table.

Developing….

LARSON SKINNER PLLC

Screen Shot 2014-04-09 at 8.33.43 AMLARSON/SOBOTKA PLLC CHANGES NAME TO “LARSON SKINNER PLLC”

“Mitch has taken an increasing role in leading our firm and advising our clients.” He leads the firm’s counseling of the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) and works with Larson to advise the Council of Multiple Listing Services, along with dozens of other industry clients.”

Great to see good things happen to good people.

Congrats to Mitch and Brian!

DOORSTEPS SWIPE

SWIPEI got a chance to preview and now playing around with a fun app called SWIPE, created by Michele Serro’s team at DOORSTEPS. DOORSTEPS was was acquired by MOVE last year.

The premise is easy, you are presented with a single property photo and the street address. If you like the home you swipe the photo the left in you “PASS” on the home, or swipe to the right to “SAVE” a home. It also aggregates statistics about your preferences. Like I said, easy peasy.

It reminds me of the old website “Hot or Not”, and I’m told mimics a new popular app, Tinder (which for martial reasons I have chosen not to install on my phone). : )

The design is exquisite. Too me it functions basically as a triage for choosing homes.

If I had one quibble it would be that I would rather have the price, beds, and bath on the main screen. I found myself tapping on every photo for more detail. One photo and an address were not enough for me to give a decision to “Pass” on the house or “Save” it for later. Having said that I fear adding too much to the screen might make the app less fun.

I love the fact MOVE is releasing stuff like this. More please! Real estate needs to be more fun. Great job Michele!

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