Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

VestaPlus [Sponsor]

My thanks to VestaPlus™ for sponsoring Vendor Alley this month.

VestaPlus is a premier MLS technology provider dedicated to delivering innovative, intuitive solutions that empower real estate professionals and streamline MLS operations. Its comprehensive suite of products — including VestaPlus™ MLS, ShowingPlus™, SearchPlus™, MarketSnap™, and CheckMate™ 

Speaking of CheckMate, they have been on a roll lately. The system has been licensed by several major MLSs and REALTOR® associations, including MIAMI REALTORS®, BeachesMLS, Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service (ARMLS®), Oregon Data Share, and the Central Panhandle Association of REALTORS® (CPAR). Read full press release here.

That’s pretty impressive and makes CheckMate one of the most successful MLS led technology solutions.

My thanks again to them for sponsoring Vendor Alley.

Looking for a new gig?

Digital Marketing Specialist – Northern Nevada Regional MLS

“NNRMLS is seeking a Digital Marketing Specialist to plan, build, and measure multichannel campaigns that promote our organization and support member success. A core focus of this role is managing and growing our social media presence: creating content, driving engagement, and monitoring performance across all platforms. You will also support web and email marketing efforts, partner with our Training and Support Teams, and use analytics to improve adoption, engagement, and overall member satisfaction.”

To find out about this job and more please visit the Giant Steps Job Board

How Brokers Can Win Without Going to War

I was asked to collaborate on some insights with Realtracs.

How Brokers Can Win Without Going to War

“Collaboration Isn’t Kumbaya

Collaboration doesn’t mean holding hands and singing around a lockbox. It means using shared data and tools to sharpen your own edge.“

CoStar sued for breach of contract. CRMLS data feeds to Homes.com to terminate November 1st.

REcore Solutions, LLC Files Lawsuit Against Homes.com and CoStar Group for Breach of Contract

“However, Homes.com failed to pay the full amount they agreed to. After more than a year of REcore’s efforts to negotiate a resolution, the company was left with no choice but to protect MLS data and the listing brokers who supplied it by filing a lawsuit against Homes.com and CoStar.

As part of this action, REcore will terminate the Homes.com and HomesPro data feeds containing CRMLS listing records as of November 1, 2025. REcore and CRMLS remain committed to ensuring that listing brokers retain access and control over their own MLS listing contributions. Any listing broker that wishes to have their CRMLS listing record sent to Homes.com may contact REcore to establish a Participant’s Data Return feed. The service provided will be at no cost and without restrictions on Homes.com monetization of that data.”

Issues like these are never simple. As a REcore board member and an industry watcher I hope this gets cleared up amicably and quickly.

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.

Maine Listings get new identity

Maine Listings Unveils New Brand Identity and Strategy to Reinforce Real Estate Data Leadership

“At Maine Listings, we’re not just moving with the industry. We’re committed to redefining what customer-centricity looks like, as our commitment to customer success is our north star,” said Denise Libby, CEO of Maine Listings.

“This new brand look reflects who we are today: humble and friendly, yet proud and sophisticated. It’s a visual symbol of how we blend rural beauty and hometown values with modern technology, always putting people first,” she added.”

You can see it in its natural habitat on their website.

VestaPlus wins integration award

VestaPlus wins “Excellence in Technology Integration” award at International MLS Forum

“Congratulations to VestaPlus™ MLS Software Solutions for winning the award:

Excellence in Technology Integration! ANNIE IVES CEO of VestaPlus received the award.”

Congrats Annie!

Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS, to step down from role in early 2026

Stellar MLS CEO Merri Jo Cowen to Step Down After Transformative Tenure; Longtime COO Named as Successor

“Widely recognized as a thought leader and trailblazer in the real estate industry, Cowen has led Stellar MLS since 2008, guiding it through a period of transformational growth and modernization. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its customer base to become the largest MLS in Florida and Puerto Rico.”

Shayne Fairley, who has been named Merri Jo’s successor, has some big shoes to fill, but I’m sure he’ll do a great job.

It’s impossible to capture just how much Merri Jo has contributed to this industry, so I’ll save that for another post as we get closer to her departure. But I will say this: a lot of people owe their careers to Merri Jo, and the industry is a better place because of her.

Looking for a new gig?

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Mid-Carolina Regional Association of REALTORS®

“The Mid-Carolina Regional Association of REALTORS® is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive Officer to drive strategic growth, member engagement, and operational excellence in the heart of Pinehurst, NC—a world-renowned golf destination and luxury second-home hotspot.

Chief Executive Officer
Mid-Carolina Regional Association of REALTORS® (MCRAR)
Pinehurst, North Carolina

Ready to lead in one of the most beautiful and stable real estate markets in the country?

Home to the USGA and 40 golf courses in just 15 miles, Pinehurst offers an unmatched lifestyle with a real estate market fueled by affluent second-home buyers and a deeply rooted sense of community.”

The find out about this job or post a job, please visit the Giant Steps Job Board.

Sponsored By Cotality