Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

RE/MAX acquires First

RE/MAX Acquires Data Science Startup First, Continuing the Brand’s Technological Transformation

“The four-year-old, North Carolina-based technology startup is known for creating the First app, an intelligent coaching platform that makes it easy for agents to identify likely sellers within their own network of contacts. With a focus on helping agents identify future listings, the app prioritizes who agents should reach out to and when, so they may strengthen current relationships when it matters most. It also organizes and consolidates an agent’s database and provides reporting on how much business is both won and lost from within an agent’s network.
 
“We have set our sights on becoming the global leader in real estate technology, and the acquisition of First is evidence of that steadfast commitment,” said Adam Contos, RE/MAX Chief Executive Officer. “With First, we found next-level talent combined with a game-changing service, delivering exclusive access to one of the best products for agents out there today.”

Big congrats to Mike Schneider of First and Adam Contos of RE/MAX. It will be interesting how they weave this in with their acquisition of booj last year.

So, the vendor consolidation continues. The year started with another CRM company, Contactually being acquired by Compass and BoldLeads being acquired by PropertyBase. ShowingTime acquired CSS. OJO Labs after acquiring Wolfnet in 2018, just acquired RealSavvy and chief puppy killers Scott Smith and Tom George of Constellation Software bought Offrs and SmartZip.

I believe First was represented by T3Sixy in the capable hands of Michele Conn. Seems like they might getting busier in the months to come.

Still no word from Realogy. ????

Would the last independent vendor leaving the building please turn off the lights.

Does realtor.com have their heads in the sand?

Everyone’s rushing to be an iBuyer — except for Realtor.com

“Industry observers said the fact that Zillow views iBuying as a do-or-die phenomenon makes Realtor’s indifference that much harder to understand.
“How do you have a situation where it’s an existential threat to one portal, but the other is twiddling their thumbs at the back of the classroom?” asked Mike DelPrete, a scholar in residence on real-estate technology at the University of Colorado who studies iBuyers. “I don’t think [Realtor] needs to be buying and selling houses directly,” he added. “That’s not what this is about, and that’s probably a bad idea for them.”

I’ve been curious about this for a long time. I still surprised how many people still don’t understand the value proposition that iBuyers give consumers. The narrative on Wall Street still seems to be centered around iBuying as “flipping” houses. ????‍♂️

Video highlights from around the industry

I’ve been a big proponent of the use of video for a long time. Lately, I’ve been seeing an uptick in video creation in the MLS world.

CoreLogic videos are well produced, I also like the way FBS uses gifs showing product functionality within their blog posts and agent communications. CRS recently used video to highlight their company people and history. MARIS recently upgraded its website featuring industry luminaries answering the question, “How will tech impact real estate in 5 years?”

Sometimes you can have fun with it, last year we did a “W+R Employees Try Weird Flavored Candy Canes“. Which was super fun.

The latest video to catch my eye comes from Realcomp. I just love the fun after-effects (Karen waving her hand) and the use of real staff members and 70’s style music. The whole vibe of the video made me smile. Take a look.

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