September 6, 2016 - Vendor Alley

Powered by RPR?

September 6th, 2016

Something struck me as not quite right about this recent video from Upstream (at least I think Upstream made it). I think the video is well produced (the worse parts are anytime the Upstream logo makes an appearance). The video is kind of like one of the “Prop XX” videos you see during election times, you can’t really tell who is benefiting if it passes, “Consumers” or “Big Tobacco”!

First I find it super interesting that they are hitting on the “re-keying of data”, as Upstream’s main value proposition. The real reason (as I see it), brokers wanting things to go back to how they were in 1995, is nowhere in the messaging. It’s all about saving “significant costs” and “risk of data being entered incorrectly” now. Which I think is smart on their part.

What I don’t get is the “powered by RPR” moniker. To me RPR is just the vendor on this project. I just can’t figure out who wanted this, RPR or the peeps at Upstream?

Cui bono?

Lone Wolf lays off over 60 employees.

September 6th, 2016

After taking full control it looks like new management is making some serious cuts. This is the second cut I’m aware of. I’m told the 60 people recently let go represents over 20% of total staff. Brutal. I know a lot of brokerages depend on Lone Wolf, methinks this space is about to get a lot more competitive.

NTREIS adds TransactionDesk Suite from Instanet Solutions

September 6th, 2016

Instanet Solutions adds over 32,500 new Authentisign® and InstanetForms® subscribers

” Subscribers of North Texas Real Estate Information Systems (NTREIS) will now have the full TransactionDesk® suite as an MLS member benefit including TransactionDesk, InstanetForms, Authentisign, DocBox® along with a robust set of brokerage tools. Members will also be able to create MLS listings using InstanetForms.

The member benefit will include unlimited form creation, electronic signings, document cloud storage, etc. Members will have access to the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) forms. Those that are Texas Association of Realtors® (TAR) members will also have access to the TAR forms library. Also included is brokerage dashboard, brokerage reporting, brokerage branding, brokerage set-up and configuration tools.”

Remember when N.A.R. thought they were going to lock down the forms and transaction management space by providing zipLogix as a free member benefit? good times….good times….