Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Realtor.com Bets on Collaboration in an Industry Addicted to Conflict

Realtor.com® Unveils Realtor.com®+™: A First-of-Its-Kind Collaborative Home Search Experience 

“Realtor.com® was born from the partnership between the National Association of Realtors® and MLSs, and for three decades we’ve championed an open marketplace that delivers transparency and meaningful value to consumers and professionals,” said Damian Eales, CEO of Realtor.com®. “Realtor.com®+™ modernizes that legacy by putting more powerful tools into more agents’ hands than any product in our history, keeping professionals at the center of the transaction, and giving MLSs the valuable AI-driven capabilities and member tools they need to lead the industry forward. ”

I love this move from Realtor.com. While everyone else is fighting and suing each other, Realtor.com’s CEO, Damian Eales chose to build alliances instead. Who would’ve thought a portal, run by an Australian, might be the one to bring collaboration back to the MLS?!

That’s the thread running through this entire announcement: collaboration.

First, the partnerships. Realtor.com+ is launching with more than 15 MLS organizations, representing over 120,000 agents. That speaks to a void in the market.

Then there’s the app — enter the whiz kids from Zenlist. The team at Zenlist already built a world-class agent–client collaboration experience, and now it’s seamlessly tied into the broader Realtor.com ecosystem.

Next, the integrations. Deep connections into MLS systems, plus vendors like Realtors Property Resource, DocuSign, and Hover.

While CoStar leans into bluster, Zillow toys to play big daddy, and Compass pushes seller-centric exclusivity as a wedge, Realtor.com is betting that the open marketplace still matters — and that strengthening it beats fragmenting it.

So Realtor.com is doing the logical thing: reinforcing the network that made it relevant in the first place. The difference is how they’re doing it. We all know Damian isn’t afraid of a picking fight, but instead he’s picking partners.

In a sea of “disruptors,” collaboration might be the most disruptive move of all.

Bravo.

Can You Regulate “Public Marketing”?

Overview

Rob and Greg open the episode by honoring Glenn Kelman’s retirement from Redfin, reflecting on his leadership style, industry impact, and memorable moments. The conversation then pivots to new state-level legislation in Wisconsin and Washington targeting listing transparency, and whether laws attempting to regulate “public marketing” will actually change broker behavior—or simply create loopholes.

Key Takeaways

  • Glenn Kelman’s legacy: Widely regarded as a first-ballot industry Hall of Famer for his longevity, candor, and mission-driven leadership at Redfin.
  • Marketing vs. data: “Marketing” a listing is not the same as disclosing full MLS data—an important distinction lawmakers may be overlooking.
  • Legislation limits: New laws requiring public marketing are difficult to define and enforce, and may fail to prevent private or limited-exposure listings.
  • Free market tension: Over-regulation can lead to workarounds and unintended consequences rather than the transparency it aims to create.
  • MLS role evolving: MLS participation is increasingly seen as a trade-off rather than a necessity, though inertia and seller expectations remain powerful forces.

Links

Satirical Realtor Video

Connect with Rob and Greg

Rob’s Website 

Greg’s Website 

Watch us on YouTube

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Martin


“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.”

Martin Luther King jr.

RentSpree goes “all-in-one” with banking services

RentSpree Expands Landlord Platform With Interest-Earning Accounts and Automated Money Management

“This is more than a banking feature; it’s the realization of a truly integrated rental lifecycle,” said Michael Lucarelli, CEO and Co-Founder of RentSpree. “No longer do mom-and-pop landlords have to juggle complex systems. We take them from the crucial first step, finding a qualified tenant, to the final step of effortlessly managing their money, making the entire process easier and more profitable.”

Plenty of companies talk about “end-to-end” or “all-in-one” solutions. Most of the time, they fail because they don’t actually have access to the right customers.

RentSpree does.

Mom-and-pop landlords still make up the majority of the rental market, which makes this move feel genuinely smart—not just a feature grab. A dedicated bank account for rental income is exactly how many accountants want landlords to operate, largely because it keeps everything clean and defensible at tax time.

This isn’t flashy fintech. It’s practical. And for new landlords especially, I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes one of RentSpree’s stickiest additions yet.

Where we are headed…

Glenn Kelman’s last day

Unemployed, In Greenland

“Running so fast with people so smart made me feel free when I once viewed the business world as a prison. The whole miracle of human ingenuity starts with the simple act of thinking for yourself, but that depends on finding people to whom you can say what you really think. I discovered those people while Redfin was still based out of an apartment, and that grew a thousandfold into our culture.”

Such a class act. Great writer. And one of the last ones who would tell it like it is and cut the corporate gobbledygook.


GFK I’m gonna miss you. Good luck on your new adventures.

MetroList continues expansion

MetroList Expands Regional Footprint with Madera County Association of REALTORS®
-Joining Its MLS Platform

“With the addition of MAR, MetroList now serves 15 Central and Northern California counties and supports data-sharing across 29 relevant counties, creating expanded exposure and opportunity for real estate professionals and consumers alike. This strategic move reflects MAR’s commitment to equipping its members with forward-thinking tools, innovative technology, and comprehensive service and support in an increasingly value driven real estate landscape.”

Looks like MetroList is building some momentum. The consolidation continues…

Chris Osborn and Valentina Shenderovich join Larson Skinner

Larson Skinner Adds Seasoned MLS and Brokerage Counsel as Real Estate Industry Evolves

“Chris has a long history of helping MLSs strategically evolve their forms, policies, and legal strategies” said Mitch Skinner, co-owner and managing member of Larson Skinner. “And Valentina brings the grounded, business-first perspective of someone who has built products and managed risk from inside a brokerage.”

“Together, they add even more depth to how we can support MLSs, associations, and brokerages as the industry navigates rapid change” added Camille Beshara, Larson Skinner co-owner and member.”

Congrats to Chris and Valentina and the Larson Skinner team!

SP200 MLS Movers and Shakers

I always like comparing this year’s Swanepoel Power 200 (SP200) list to last year’s. There’s quite a bit of movement overall, but my focus is on the MLS community. This year, it looks like Art Carter, CEO of CRMLS, and Brian Donnellan, CEO of Bright MLS, swapped the top MLS spot on the list.

One move that really jumped out at me was Justin Haag, CEO of Northwest MLS, who climbed 81 spots, from 194 to 113. NWMLS showed real courage by sticking to its guns in its stance against Compass. Other notable jumps came from Emily Girard, Kevin Greene, and Tim Dain. And it was good to see Matt Fowler, CEO of Doorify land at 199—when I was first eligible, that was exactly where I started. Congrats to everyone who made the list.

NOTE: If I forgot anyone, or got something wrong, please let me know and I’ll update the list. Seems like every year I screw up on at least one name.

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