Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Are A.R.E.A. and NLS for real?

National Association of Realtors Faces Competition From New Group

“Mr. Umansky said that AREA will offer its members a nationwide database of home listings as an alternative, built from the technology he acquired for his own private listings service. That platform, which they’re calling the National Listing Service, is currently live with limited listings at theNLS.com.

“A centralized database with access to the full scope of listings across the country is better for everyone in the industry, and someone just had to do it,” Mr. Umansky said.

Debra Kamin, New York Times

A good question I would ask the two luxury real estate agents/brokers launching this new endeavor is this: “Will this new entity follow (or match) the Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) guidelines?”

That would be a good tell.

Cameron Paine is the new CEO of MARIS as David Price retires

MARIS Announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of New Leadership

“Expressing gratitude for his journey with MARIS, Price said, “I am immensely proud of the accomplishments we have achieved together at MARIS. It has been an honor to lead such a talented team and I am confident in the bright future that lies ahead for the organization. Cameron has earned a well-deserved reputation as an innovator and I can’t think of anyone better suited than he is to lead MARIS into the future.”

MARIS

Nice quote about Cameron from David. David was always a class act. Also great to see Cameron back on the saddle again. Congrats Cameron and Happy Trails to David.

Inman announces “MLS Reinvented” Awards

Inman unveils inaugural class of MLS Reinvented honorees

“Today, Inman announces the honorees for its inaugural class of MLS Reinvented honorees, recognizing the contributions of 22 leaders who are powering the MLS ecosystem forward across America.

“The MLS offers consumers unparalleled benefits” stated Emily Paquette, CEO of Inman. “This recognition underscores the importance of embracing innovation and pushing the boundaries of industry standards. It highlights the dedication and commitment of leaders to drive the MLS into a new era of efficiency and effectiveness, ultimately enhancing the real estate ecosystem.” 

INMAN NEWS

Pushes favorably to the “MLS owned” crowd. Great to see Annie Ives and Ross Buck included. Would have liked to see a few more that I know who are making a difference out there (especially in California), but a solid list.

Industry Relations Podcast: Impact and Consequences of the Zillow Lawsuit

What happens when a real estate giant like Zillow takes legal action against their own clients?  Things get a little complicated as Rob and Greg explore the issues of the delicate balance of being a participant, vendor and MLS organization (sometimes all at the same time!)

***Disclaimer – Due to MLS Aligned being a consulting client of Greg, the views expressed on this podcast are Greg’s opinions and DO NOT represent the views of MLS Aligned.***

Rob and Greg discuss the recent Zillow lawsuit against two MLSs, ARMLS and Metro MLS, which alleges control over technology distribution and the practical implications of not being integrated into the MLS member portal and how it affects the functionality of platforms like ShowingTime. Greg gives his own first-hand experiences with MLS system integration and Cloud CMA.

They explore what could be the potential impact on competition and the challenges faced by MLSs in making integration decisions.  And can MLS organizations choose who they do business with or not?  Mountain? Molehill? Listen to Rob and Greg try and grapple a tricky situation as only they can.

Watch us on YouTube!

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative 2024.

Rehn Chavez named COO of VESTAPLUS(TM)

VESTAPLUS™ Elevates Rehn Chavez to Chief Operating Officer, Spearheading Growth and Innovation

“VESTAPLUS™, a leading provider of MLS software solutions, is pleased to announce the promotion of Rehn Chavez to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). In her new role, Chavez will drive the company’s strategic initiatives, oversee operations, and contribute to the realization of CEO Annie Ives’ vision for VESTAPLUS™.”

THEMLSBLOG

Congrats Rehn!

Swanepoel Power 200 for 2024

It’s that time of year again! T3 Sixty has published their SP200 list for 2024. Each year I like to parse out the list and see how our brothers and sisters made out in the MLS community.

The Mt. Rushmore of MLS Execs (as I previously coined them last year) has not changed but each of their respective positions have slightly improved. Art Carter, CEO of CRMLSBrian Donnellan, CEO of Bright MLS and Bob Hale, CEO of HAR.

Art and Brian both jumped 7 spots, Bob broke in to the twenties.

Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS leaps 32 spots to #52 to the fourth highest ranking MLS exec on the list beating Teresa King Kinney of Miami AOR who dropped 5 spots to # 60.  Jeremy Crawford of FMLS catapults 48 spots up this year to #54.

John DiMichele of TREBB (the only MLS on this list that doesn’t offer Cloud CMA to its members) falls to #66.  ( you know I love you Jon. 😆)

Dionna Hall, CEO of Beaches MLS, glides up to #96 on the list.  Rebecca Jensen, CEO of MRED lands at # 99 while Matt Consalvo, CEO of ARMLS, climbs up 10 spots to #100.  Gene Millman, CEO of REColorado.com soars to #102 on the list (that’s a leap of 65!) Emily Chenevert, CEO of Austin Board of REALTORS jumps 18 spots up from last year to #124

AnneMarie DeCatsye, CEO of Canopy MLS climbs to #174. Brad Bjelke CEO of UtahRealEstate.com landed at #175.  

Stuart White, CEO of Realtracs rockets 56 spots to land at #120.  Plus “the mad scientist” Tim Dain was listed at #130 ( a jump of 58 spots)

Erm Grasso, CEO of MLS PIN, and Richard Haggerty , CEO OneKey MLS, debuts on the list at #195 and #198 respectively.

Congratulations everyone!

***Please forgive me if I missed someone or got something wrong. Just DM me and I’ll make the correction.***

Carl

It was announced back in September that long time industry vet Carl DeMusz was set to retire this year. I didn’t get a chance to write anything back then but wanted to give him a shout out today. Let it be said that Carl was one of the good guys. I always appreciated how he never sugar-coated things and just was matter of fact about everything. He has contributed so much to the industry with his time on various conferences and advisory boards. Marilyn did a nice write up earlier this year.

I got a chance to see him at the COVE meeting in Chicago early this year. And hearing him speak reminded me of what I most like about Carl. His optimism. Which we all know we need more of, especially in these trying times.

Happy trails Carl and thank you!

DOJ objects to MLS PIN settlement, again.

DOJ objects to 2nd settlement bid in MLS PIN commission case

“In a Dec. 18 letter, DOJ attorney Jessica Leal informed Judge Patti Saris of the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts that the agency had conferred with lawyers for the plaintiffs and MLS Property Information Network (MLS PIN) to attempt to address concerns that the deal’s proposed commission rule changes may not go far enough, but wasn’t satisfied with the latest version of the deal.”

Andrea Brambila, Inman News

FFS, just tell us what you want.

New RESO Board Elections results announced

RESO Announces 2024 Board of Directors Election Winners

““The real estate industry is constantly changing and growing, and we need strong leaders to help navigate the wealth of technology at our disposal,” said Rebecca Jensen, President and CEO of Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED), who was re-elected as a director and chosen to return as 2024 Chair of the RESO board. “RESO’s membership elects an amazing group each year, and I am honored to be given the opportunity to continue to help create and enhance standards for an increasingly global housing market.”

RESO

I know I’m a little late on this but still wanted to recognize these individuals. Thanks everyone for supporting this industry.

CMLS elects new board members

Chris Haran
Justin Haag

COUNCIL OF MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICES ELECTS NEW DIRECTORS FOR 2024

“The Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS), the professional trade organization serving the Multiple Listing Services industry and representing 231 member organizations with 1.8 million subscribers, has elected new directors for 2024. They will assume their roles on January 1, 2024.

Justin Haag, General Counsel and incoming President and CEO (Jan. 1, 2024) of Northwest MLS (Washington); and Chris Haran, Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer of MRED (Illinois), were elected to serve three-year terms on the CMLS Board of Directors. Matthew Consalvo, CEO of ARMLS (Arizona) was re-elected for a second three-year term.”

Megan Moore, CMLS

Congrats to Justin, Chris and Matt. They certainly have signed up for some interesting time in the MLS industry!

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