Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Listing Bits Podcast: Austin Allison, CEO of Pacaso

Overview:

In this episode, Greg Robertson chats with Austin Allison, CEO of Pacaso, about his entrepreneurial journey in real estate, starting with Dotloop and transitioning to his current venture, Pacaso. The discussion covers lessons learned from his early career, how Pacaso is revolutionizing second home ownership, and insights into raising capital through innovative approaches like Regulation A.

Key Takeaways:

1. Austin’s Journey in Real Estate:

• Austin Allison started his real estate career early, getting his license at 18. His early experiences selling homes during college inspired him to create Dotloop, which he later sold to Zillow.

• The entrepreneurial lessons from Dotloop, including navigating challenging markets and working with large real estate brands like Keller Williams, set the foundation for his future ventures.

2. The Birth of Pacaso:

• After selling Dotloop, Austin co-founded Pacaso, a platform aimed at democratizing second home ownership by enabling people to co-own luxury homes. The idea stemmed from his own experience of buying a second home and realizing most vacation homes sit unused for much of the year.

• Pacaso allows people to purchase a share of a vacation home, creating more efficient and accessible ways to own luxury properties.

3. The Challenges of Scaling a Startup:

• Pacaso had rapid growth, especially during the early days of the pandemic when people sought second homes, but faced new challenges in 2023 due to rising interest rates and a cooling real estate market.

• The company has refocused on profitability and expanding its market presence globally, with operations in the U.S., Europe, and Mexico.

4. Innovative Fundraising through Regulation A:

• Pacaso recently explored raising capital through Regulation A, a public fundraising method that allows retail investors to buy into private companies. This method democratizes access to investment opportunities typically reserved for institutional investors.

• Austin believes this approach aligns with Pacaso’s mission of making second home ownership more accessible and also raises brand awareness by turning investors into advocates.

5. Future of Pacaso and Second Home Ownership:

• Pacaso aims to continue expanding its product offerings and entering new markets. While the current focus is on high-net-worth individuals, Austin envisions future opportunities to lower the entry point for ownership, making the Pacaso model more accessible to a broader audience.

• Austin emphasizes the long-term potential of Pacaso and the importance of scaling the business carefully to meet the demands of a large, untapped market.

Reach Out: 

Austin on LInkedIN

Find out more about Pacaso

• Learn more about Pacaso: Pacaso.com

Explore Regulation A investment opportunities with Pacaso.

Our Sponsors

Trackxi – Real Estate’s #1 Deal Tracking Software

Giant Steps Job Board – Where Proptech gets hired

Production and editing services by:

Sunbound Studios

Listing Bits Episode 90:  Upgrading Client Engagement with HŌM

I hope you enjoy this great conversation with the co-founders of HŌM, Jeff Zakrzewski and Nhan Vo.

In a wide ranging conversation we discuss their orgin story.  Where they came up for the idea of their app and the struggles of going to market with a real estate software solution.

If you are new vendor getting in to the space, an MLS exec, or franchisor professional its worth a listen. 

HŌM is a well designed app that is doing a lot of interesting things with data and collaboration with some great people behind it.

Join us!

Find out more about the HŌM experience

homagent.com | myhom.ai

Reach Out:

Connect with Jeff

Connect with Vo

Our Sponsor:

Trackxi – Real Estate’s #1 Deal Tracker

Production and editing services by:

Sunbound Studios

Listing Bits Episode 91: Tether RE, keeping Agents Safe

What do Willie Nelson and keeping real estate agents safe have in common?  You will have to listen to this great conversation with Tether RE founder Scott Martin to find out.

Did you know that in 2020 60,000 real estate agents reported being victims of assault, sexual abuse, robbery or were murdered in the US?  In 2023 over 75,000 real estate agents reported being victim of a crime.  And there are a ton of more incidents that go unreported.

In this wide ranging conversation with Scott Martin, a serial entrepreneur, we talk about where the idea came from, and the journey that got Scott here.  It’s a wild ride!

Join us for fun and entertaining conversation.

Find out more about the Tether RE 

https://tetherre.com

Reach Out:

Connect with Scott

Our Sponsor:

Trackxi – Real Estate’s #1 Deal Tracker

Production and editing services by:

Sunbound Studios

Listing Bits Podcast: Building Real Estate Technology: The Story of Real Geeks with Kevin McCarthy

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Greg Robertson talks with Kevin McCarthy, co-founder and CEO of Real Geeks, about his journey from a small-town tech enthusiast to creating a leading real estate technology company. Kevin shares insights into Real Geeks’ origins, its evolution, and how its all-in-one platform empowers real estate agents. The conversation touches on the early challenges of building a tech company, the role of SEO in the early internet era, and how AI is shaping the future of real estate technology.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Birth of Real Geeks

• How Kevin’s move to Hawaii led to a partnership with Jeff Manson, Real Geeks’ co-founder.

• The transition from building a single real estate website to creating a scalable product for agents.

2. The Real Geeks Platform

• Combining IDX websites with a CRM for seamless lead generation and management.

• The importance of fast, user-friendly software and SEO optimization.

3. AI Innovations

• Introduction of “SEO Fast Track,” an AI-powered website builder.

• The future of CRMs: AI taking over repetitive tasks to let agents focus on client relationships.

4. The Journey of Growth

• Challenges of starting in Hawaii and expanding operations to Dallas, TX.

• Navigating the sale of Real Geeks to Fidelity National Financial while preserving its mission.

5. Advice for Entrepreneurs

• Building a profitable, self-funded business in challenging markets.

• The value of focusing on user experience and sustainable growth.

Quotable Highlights:

• “Fast software is good software. Even milliseconds matter when it comes to user experience.”

• “AI will make CRMs fade into the background, automating tasks agents hate so they can focus on building relationships.”

• “Real Geeks is more than just software; it’s a tool that powers the livelihood of real estate agents.”

Reach Out:

LinkedIn for Kevin McCarthy

Real Geeks – Tools Tailored to Your Ambitions

Our Sponsors

Trackxi – Real Estate’s #1 Deal Tracking Software

Giant Steps Job Board – Where Proptech gets hired

Production and editing services by:

Sunbound Studios

Listing Bits Episode 87: Ben Graboske’s Big Bet

In 2020 Ben knew they needed to make a change.  So he went to the Black Knight board and made a pitch, “give me the resources to build a modern MLS system”.  To his surprise, they said yes. Now, 3 years later, that dream has been realized.

His dream was a mobile-first MLS platform that understands the history of how MLS platforms operate but offers a modern user experience.

That’s exactly what Ben Graboske and Lucie Fortier are working on, and their new product, Paragon Connect, is ready for its close up.

Ben is President of Data & Analytics and Lucie is Executive Vice President of MLS Solutions at Intercontinental Exchange or ICE, the financial services firm that bought Black Knight in September 2023.

On this episode of Listing Bits, Ben and Lucie join Greg to discuss ICE’s history of digitizing complex transactions and explain why its acquisition of Black Knight makes sense.

Lucie shares her motivation for joining the team at Intercontinental Exchange, and Ben describes how ICE’s resources benefit his department in the development of Paragon Connect.

Listen in to understand what differentiates Paragon Connect from other MLS vendors and learn how it simplifies the agent experience by providing an entire MLS platform on both a responsive and native app.

What’s Discussed:  

ICE’s history of digitizing complicated transactions and why its acquisition of Black Knight makes sense

How being an MLS vendor supports ICE’s vision for making mortgages easier

Lucie’s journey to joining the ICE team and how technology drives her career decisions

What features differentiate Paragon Connect from other MLS vendors

Why Ben’s team decided not to change Paragon’s name (despite offering an entirely new experience)

How Paragon Connect provides an entire MLS platform in a native app experience

The talented team of designers behind Paragon Connect

How Ben’s team benefits from ICE’s data assets and information security

Lucie’s approach to transitioning existing users to Paragon Connect

How Paragon is introducing a consumer app in Q1 of 2024

Why the rules around marketing to members need to change in an MLS system-of-choice model

What makes Paragon Connect ‘the MLS platform of the future’

Connect with Ben Graboske & Lucie Fortier:


Intercontinental Exchange

Ben on LinkedIn

Lucie on LinkedIn

Email lucie.fortier@bkfs.com 

Resources:


ICE Acquisition of Black Knight

Paragon Connect Demo

Damien Huze on Listing Bits EP85

Paragon Connect on Vendor Alley

Our Sponsors:


Trackxi

Listing Bits Episode 82: Jeremy Henley of QuikFix

Dealing with things that come up during a home inspection is a challenge for all involved in a real estate transaction. 

But what if there was a way to get an accurate quote for home repairs in seconds? And then connect with licensed contractors who are available to do the work now?

Jeremy Henley is Founder and CEO at TheQwikFix, a proptech platform that leverages AI and predictive modeling to generate a quote for repairs based on the home inspection report.

On this episode of Listing Bits, Jeremy explains how his experience as a real estate investor inspired the creation of TheQwikFix and why contractors love getting work from its marketplace.

Jeremy describes who manages the process of using the platform to do home repairs, discussing how buyers can leverage TheQwikFix quote to negotiate—and then follow through on the repairs they care about after closing.

Listen in to understand why TheQwikFix doesn’t have issues with contractor availability and learn how Jeremy’s service makes life easier for contractors, buyers, sellers and real estate agents!

What’s Discussed:  

How Jeremy’s background in sales and cybersecurity led to founding a proptech startup

Jeremy’s experience as a real estate investor and how it inspired the creation of TheQwikFix

How TheQwikFix software generates a quote based on the home inspection report

Why contractors love getting work from TheQwikFix marketplace

The combination of AI and human confirmation TheQwikFix uses to generate a quote

Who manages the process of using TheQwikFix to do home repairs

Why contractors are willing to accept TheQwikFix’s binding quotes

How TheQwikFix does most of its business in SoCal but its service is available nationwide

How buyers can leverage TheQwikFix to negotiate and then complete repairs after closing

Why TheQwikFix doesn’t have issues with contractor availability

What Jeremy’s team is doing to help TheQwikFix stay top-of-mind with agents

The potential for TheQwikFix to handle ongoing home maintenance/repairs or remodels

Connect with Jeremy Henley:

TheQwikFix

Jeremy on LinkedIn

Jeremy on X

Resources:

TripIt

Expensify

1000watt

Listing Bits Episode 93: Real estate data, myths and cowboy boots with Kevin Shtofman of Cherre

Listing Bits is back with a great guest, Kevin Shtofman, Global Head of Innovation at Cherre. Cherre is a global real estate data management platform. Kevin is from Texas and comes from a very entrepreneurial family that owned retail stores selling western wear, including honest-to-goodness cowboy boots! Yee-haw! Kevin talks about his journey from Wall Street back to Dallas and Cherre. It’s a great conversation where we dive into the breadth of real estate data available now, housing affordability, real estate myths, and the changing vendor landscape. Kevin is a super smart guy, and I found this conversation very insightful—I know you will too.

Reach Out: 

Kevin on LinkedIn

Greg’s website

Find out more about Cheere

Cherre.com – Follow your Data

Our Sponsors

Trackxi – Real Estate’s #1 Deal Tracking Software

Giant Steps Job Board – Where Proptech gets hired

Production and editing services by:

Sunbound Studios

A working agent’s perspective on the current state of organized real estate- Maggie Etheridge, REALTOR.

I sat down with a long-time friend and former business partner, Maggie Etheridge. Maggie was one of my co-founders at IRIS, a real estate software company we started back in 1992. She is a second-generation real estate agent. Maggie’s mom, Martie, was the inspiration for starting a software company focused on real estate and is likely the reason I have a career today.

This episode began from a series of texts between Maggie and me about her thoughts on NAR, the lawsuits, exclusive listings, and what the pundits are getting wrong. It was a great conversation and a huge reality check for me, making me rethink some of my previous assumptions. It was a discussion that could have gone on for hours; somehow, I think we’ll have to have her on as a guest again.

Reach Out: 

Maggie’s website

Maggie’s Insta

Greg’s website

Our Sponsors

Trackxi – Real Estate’s #1 Deal Tracking Software

Giant Steps Job Board – Where Proptech gets hired

Production and editing services by:

Sunbound Studios

Listing Bits Episode 89: Kelly Robinson, an MLS pioneer comes back for more

“Hotel California”, is one of the phrases people attribute to the organized real estate industry, “you can can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave”.

Kelly Robinson is an industry pioneer in that she co-founded a software company, Realty Plus Online, that created one of the first web-based MLS systems.  In my conversation with Kelly we talked about the old days, her journey, and what brings her back to organized real estate game.

It’s a fun conversation between old friends and talks about the challenges of the MLS vendor business.

Connect with Kelly Robinson:

Kelly on LinkedIn

Resources:

VESTAPLUS

Our Sponsors:

Trackxi

Listing Bits Podcast: The Front-endless MLS System with Carlos Grass and Paul Hethmon of Amplify

Carlos Grass

Overview:

Greg Robertson sits down with Carlos Grass and Paul Hethmon, co-founders of Amplify, to discuss their innovative “front-endless” MLS backend platform. This episode highlights Amplify’s approach to creating a flexible, adaptable MLS backend designed to empower MLSs with greater control and cutting-edge technology.

Key Takeaways:

1. Amplify’s Mission and Flexibility:

• Amplify offers a decoupled backend solution that allows MLSs to use multiple frontends, enabling greater customization, data control, and integration with new technologies.

2. Innovative Technology Integration:

• The platform features advanced capabilities like natural language processing and machine learning, allowing users to search MLS data through voice or natural language, while also automating content creation such as audio descriptions and marketing videos.

3. Real-Time Changes and Responsiveness:

• Amplify’s backend allows MLSs to make updates and add fields in real-time, drastically improving adaptability and response time compared to traditional MLS systems.

Paul Hethmon

4. A New Vision for MLS Accessibility:

• Amplify enables MLSs to extend data access to a broader network, including appraisers, attorneys, and financial institutions, fostering a more collaborative ecosystem.

Reach Out: 

Carlos Grass, Co-Founder of Amplify and CEO of Stratus Data Systems

Paul Hethmon, Co-Founder of Amplify

Visit Amplify at ampsystems.us

Download Amplify’s new White Paper: Adapting to the post DOJ ruling

Our Sponsors

Trackxi – Real Estate’s #1 Deal Tracking Software

Giant Steps Job Board – Where Proptech gets hired

Production and editing services by:

Sunbound Studios


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