Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Bright MLS adds ICE’s Paragon Connect

Bright MLS to Integrate ICE’s Paragon Connect into Its Technology Ecosystem

“Our relationship with ICE allows us to expand access to the Bright experience beyond our traditional geographic borders in a way that respects how agents and brokers already work,” said Brian Donnellan, President and CEO of Bright MLS. “We’re committed to innovation that empowers agents, and this is one more way Bright is making the MLS more accessible and useful in a rapidly changing marketplace.”

My take is Bright is hedging. They’ve been building their own stack (Bright Solutions plus their research arm), but they’re not afraid to bolt on something that helps them scale faster or reach beyond current boundaries. Partnering with ICE gives them optionality without ripping out their existing systems.

For vendors, big MLS organizations are building hybrid ecosystems, some in-house, some licensed, and others launched as entirely new entities, all under pressure to modernize fast as rules, compensation structures, and user expectations change.

And yes, it also means ICE just landed one of the few whales left. Congrats to Lucie and her team at ICE.

ICE Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

Lucie Fortier just dropped a mic.

Her latest post is a must-read for anyone tracking where MLS data, AI, and real estate innovation collide. ICE isn’t just building tech, they’re building trust.

With a clear stance on data ownership, enterprise-grade security, and AI tools that actually help real estate pros (think: natural language search and chatbots that don’t suck), ICE is proving that working with MLSs can drive real transformation.

Lucie connects the dots between agent empowerment, consumer transparency, and platform consolidation, and ties it all back to ICE’s roadmap. The takeaway? When the market shifts, ICE leads with integrity, intelligence, and innovation.

My thanks again to ICE Paragon Connect for sponsoring this month’s Vendor Alley!

ICE Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

Let’s be honest, nobody gets fired up about compliance checklists or infrastructure diagrams. But if you’re building anything in PropTech and not thinking about security, you’re basically playing Jenga with live data.

Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when MLSs can experiment without worrying about bad actors. When AI tools don’t accidentally leak client info. When your systems are locked down tighter than a Supra box on a Friday night.

Security isn’t just another box to tick, it’s the launchpad. It’s what lets you scale, automate, and actually sleep at night.

Lucie Fortier and the team over at ICE Paragon Connect just dropped a new post on how security turns risk into resilience, and why it’s the quiet engine behind the tech breakthroughs everyone loves to hype.

👉 Check it out: From risk to resilience: How security fuels real estate technology breakthroughs

ICE Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

Let’s talk security.

Not the “oops, forgot my password again” kind — the real stuff. The kind that keeps CTOs up at night and makes compliance teams reach for a second coffee.

PropTech’s booming. MLSs are modernizing. Agents are finally embracing mobile. But with every leap forward comes new ways for bad actors to try and sneak in.

The team over at ICE and Paragon Connect just published a solid read on:

  • The top 5 security threats hitting PropTech right now (yep, ransomware’s still in the mix)
  • What you can actually do about it (beyond panic and patch notes)
  • Why strong security isn’t just table stakes — it’s your next competitive advantage in a trust-driven market

If you’re building real estate tech and not thinking about security, you’re already playing catch-up.

Read the full post and get ahead of the curve

My thanks to ICE Paragon Connect for sponsoring this month’s Vendor Alley.

ICE Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

CMLS served up plenty to ponder this year, but one panel really got the gears turning, Lucie Fortier dropped some AI + MLS Security wisdom that deserves a second helping.

Lucie’s take? Security isn’t a barrier to innovation. It’s the bouncer that keeps the riffraff out so the real work can happen.

When MLS platforms bake in security from the jump, they’re not just safer, they’re freer to build bold innovations without sweating the fallout.

Lucie even wrote a blog post about it. It’s worth a read if you like your innovation with a side of common sense.

Read how secure design drives smarter innovation.

My thanks to ICE Paragon Connect for sponsoring this month’s Vendor Alley.

ICE Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

My thanks to ICE Paragon Connect for sponsoring this month’s Vendor Alley.

Paragon Connect puts the MLS system in the palm of your hand. On-the-go access means you get the same experience on your phone as you do on your desktop.

My thanks again to ICE for sponsoring Vendor Alley.

ICE Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

My thanks to ICE Paragon Connect for sponsoring this month’s Vendor Alley.

Last week we asked if you and your leadership team have had any discussions regarding the role of AI-enhanced tools incorporated into MLS and how AI capabilities can save considerable time, help decrease compliance issues and streamline workflows for everyone across the home ownership transaction.

Positive Results:

Based on the poll results, many of you are already looking into seizing the tremendous opportunity to both expand your business AI technology capabilities and offer even more value to your members and their clients.

Offering more connectivity and opportunity through enhanced AI tools can help preserve the important role that MLS organizations play. 

My thanks again for ICE Paragon Connect for sponsoring this month of Vendor Alley.

ICE Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

My thanks to ICE Paragon Connect for sponsoring this month’s Vendor Alley.

The real estate landscape can be a tumultuous storm to navigate with constant change and disruption. How are you delivering more value to your members and their clients to help be the calm that guides them through the storm?

AI capabilities can save considerable time, help decrease compliance issues and improve customer satisfaction by streamlining workflows for both real estate professionals and MLS staff.

My thanks again to ICE Paragon Connect.

Going to Inman Connect NYC? Have you heard about The Real Estate Exchange?

Just wanted to pass along that the Intercontinental Exchanges (ICE) is hosting an exclusive event at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) for the real estate industry’s top movers and shakers (MLS leaders, brokers and technology leaders).  

They’ll discuss the state of the real estate industry with CNBC contributor Andy Walden, and highlight the latest technology, data and analytics solutions that serve to fast-track deals and minimize friction during the real estate transaction. They’ll also examine how technology, data and analytics can support the needs of the real estate industry tomorrow. Following the event attendees will enjoy a signature cocktail reception in the revered halls of the NYSE. If you’re interested in attending

 REGISTER HERE. Space is extremely limited so RSVP soon to reserve your spot.

Where: The New York Stock Exchange | 11 Wall St. 

When: January 21, 2025 | 3:00PM 

RSVP: REGISTER HERE

See you there!

Ben Graboske leaving ICE?

Word on the street is that Ben Graboske may be leaving ICE. Can anyone confirm this?

Ben is an OG in the industry and responsible for one of the smartest acquisitions in the industry, acquiring Tarasoft (which became Matrix) while he was at CoreLogic, which is now the largest MLS vendor in North America.

After moving to Black Knight he transformed their MLS solutions team and appointed Lucie Fortier as EVP of Data and Analytics and the MLS team. I had a great time interviewing Ben and Lucie on my Listing Bits podcast last year.

Not sure if this was his plan from the beginning? I can’t imagine help shepherding the protracted ICE deal along was fun. Maybe a new venture? Who knows??

Sponsored By Aligned Showings