Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

New York Times article calls out NAR’s “lavish perks and payouts…”

Chauffeured Cars and Broadway Tickets: Inside the National Realtors Group

“The group’s president, president-elect and first vice president are elected by members and receive annual six-figure payments, tax records show. N.A.R. refers to officers as “volunteers.” They have been given corporate credit cards, and on work trips, they have racked up charges from expensive dinners, golf outings, spa treatments and sports tickets, The Times found.”

I don’t know who pissed off the New York Times but they are not leaving NAR alone anytime soon. Seems like every other month they find another angle to wound or embarrass the organization and its leadership. This article (and others) may or may not have some valid points but this whole campaign feels a bit like…well… a campaign. I’m not one to be too much of a conspiracy theorist, but this is has a “Blue Horseshoe loves Anacott Steel” sort of vibe.

Two great pods to listen to on your way to NAR Boston

I know a lot of you like me are traveling to NAR Boston today, so I’ve got a special twofer for you.

“The Worst of All Possible Worlds?” – Industry Relations Podcast. Rob and I explore how the upcoming election could reshape the real estate industry, focusing on regulatory impacts, DOJ actions, and antitrust issues. They also discuss potential changes to industry practices and transparency in agent behavior. We both made a steak dinner bet on the outcome of the election. Listen to see which one of us was right.

“The Front-Endless MLS System with Carlos Grass and Paul Hethmon” – Listing Bits Podcast. I sit 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 unique approach to creating a flexible, adaptable MLS backend designed to empower MLSs with greater control and cutting-edge technology. This is an exciting category with a few players ready to take on the future of MLS.

Listen to them both on your favorite podcast player!

Industry Relations Podcast: The Worst of All Possible Worlds?

Episode Overview

Rob and Greg explore how the upcoming election could reshape the real estate industry, focusing on regulatory impacts, DOJ actions, and antitrust issues. They also discuss potential changes to industry practices and transparency in agent behavior.

Key Topics

1. Election Predictions:

• Friendly wager on election outcomes, with predictions on how results could shift real estate policies, especially through DOJ and FTC actions.

2. Antitrust Settlement and NAR Challenges:

• Tanya Monestier’s objections to the recent antitrust settlement, highlighting concerns over consumer confusion and potential loopholes that could benefit attorneys over consumers.

3. Future of Industry Regulation:

• Speculation on how political shifts might influence NAR’s regulatory environment and broker responsibilities.

• The potential for new, transparent compensation practices led by industry figures like James Dwiggins.

4. Ethics and Agent Behavior:

• Debate over real estate agent intentions, balancing consumer interests with profit motives, and the industry’s response to Monestier’s critiques.

Key Takeaways

• Election’s Influence on Real Estate: Election outcomes may bring regulatory changes, with possible implications for NAR and antitrust enforcement.

• Transparency and Trust in Agent Practices: Increased focus on clear buyer agreements and ethical practices to protect consumer trust.

Watch Us on YouTube 

Connect with Rob and Greg: 

Rob’s Website

Greg’s Website

Our Sponsors

CoreLogic

Notorious VIP

The Giant Steps Job Board

Production and editing services by:

Sunbound Studios

Kathi King announced as Head of Sales at CoreLogic’s Real Estate Solutions team

Welcome Kathi King to the CoreLogic Real Estate Solutions Team 

“We are thrilled to announce that Kathi King has joined the CoreLogic team as Head of Sales, Real Estate Solutions.  With her extensive background in real estate relations and a track record of success in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings, Kathi brings a wealth of expertise and innovative thinking to our team. “

Great hire. Kathi has the experience, chops and know-how to get things done. Congrats Kathi and CoreLogic.

Toby’s Eagle Scout Project

As he nears the end of his Scouting journey, my son Toby is starting his Eagle Scout project, which must be completed through donations. He’s chosen a great project: refurbishing and restoring one of the bleachers at his high school. The bleachers are used by the tennis team, which Toby is part of.

Venmo Link -> Toby’s Eagle Scout Project

Wurzer asks, “Dude, where’s my listing?”

Dude, Where’s My Listing?

“The other day I posted some Unsolicited Advice About Clear Cooperation and, in this post, I want to follow-up on my promise to address some of the tired arguments trotted out in favor or against Clear Cooperation. Here we go:”

Both blog posts are a good read. As someone who has been a bit hyperbolic about the implications of removing CCP it’s great to read a measured (and informed) opinion that we all need to calm down a bit.

Exciting news from ICE [SPONSOR]

We are thrilled to announce that Leesa Baker has joined our team as the new Director of Sales! We’re confident that she’ll bring tremendous value to our team and customers with her extensive experience and success in the MLS industry. 

Join us in welcoming Leesa to ICE MLS Solutions!

Aligned Showings passes 2 millionth mark and introduces usage-based pricing

Aligned Showings Reaches 2 Millionth Showing and Introduces Usage-Based Pricing

“Having booked over 2 million showings across our MLS partners is a huge milestone for us. We continue to add new features to Aligned Showings, which has led to over 91% of active listings using the platform in RMLS alone,” stated Kurt von Wasmuth, CEO of RMLS in Portland, Oregon.”

Many MLS software solutions are bundled or provided at little or no cost. The drawback to these tethered solutions is that they limit choice and competition. Additionally, many of these vendors require licensing and terms that MLS organizations would rather not concede. As the saying goes, ‘When the product is free, you’re the product.’

With Aligned Showings usage-based pricing, MLS organizations can now offer more choice to their agents without surrendering unwanted or aggressive data usage rights.

MetroList finds a voice

MetroList Introduces Revolutionary Voice-Activated Property Add-Edit Feature

“MetroList President and CEO Dave Howe highlighted the significance of this launch, “This new Add-Edit feature is important for the industry to radically modernize the day-to-day business of real estate professionals. We are thrilled to continue partnering with Lundy and Rapattoni to set new real estate standards.”

Pretty cool! The new voice search on MetroListMLS.com (also powered by Lundy) just keeps getting better and better—super fast! So, adding their voice recognition to listing input seems like a no-brainer.

Side note: Zillow’s voice search experience on the iPhone is much slower and more finicky, in my experience, compared to what Lundy has accomplished. Not sure why Zillow (or Realtor.com/Homes.com) hasn’t bought Lundy already… hint, hint.

That being said, I mostly use voice as an input device at home with Siri on my HomePod: “Siri, start a timer for 4 minutes,” or “Siri, what’s the weather like today?” I’ve just started getting more comfortable using voice with ChatGPT. I’m still a little self-conscious about it, but I know that will fade as AI improves.

Great to see MetroList and Rapattoni driving this innovation—it’s really close to magic!

Lauren Hill joins Perchwell

The rumor mill has been spinning but I now can confirm Lauren Hill has joined Perchwell as their sales director. I spoke with Lauren and she was kind enough to give me a quote,

“I’m absolutely thrilled to join this incredible team that’s passionate about making an impact in the MLS space. They truly have something special to offer and I can’t wait to share this exciting journey with everyone” 

Smart move by Perchwell. Having a seasoned rep like Lauren to drive sales and relationship efforts is key. Congrats Lauren! I hope Boston has enough Champagne.

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