A little birdie told me that Costar CEO, Andy Florance dropped the name of the celebrity spokesperson for Homes.com. The news dropped while Andy was being interviewed by Brad Inman at Inman Connect NYC. And who is it? Dan Levy. I think Dan Levy is a great choice, although I think his father, Eugene Levy, would have been awesome too. There will be other celebrities featured too but it sounds like Dan is the man.
The first commercials start dropping February 11th.
[UPDATE: Clarification, Mr. Florance said there were 4 new actors and Dan Levy one of them and the only one he disclosed.]
Brand building and marketing are everything in any business. They are especially important in fragile times when survival and growth require sharp claws, tenacity, and a plan.
Winners rise out of markets like this. It’s trite, but true. We want to help them — you — be out ahead. So we’re bringing together some of the brightest brand and marketing minds from both inside and outside of real estate to exchange ideas, strategies, and action items for what to do and what to say, right now.”
-1000watt
This is going to be good. Who better to put on a conference about brand and marketing than 1000watt? 1000watt has been delivering the goods on high quality marketing, branding, design and content for way over a decade. If you aren’t reading their Friday Flash and newsletters you’re missing some of the smartest takes and analysis in real estate. Also excited about one of their speakers, April Dunford, her book on positioning, titled “Obviously Awesome” is a must read.
My advice, bring a few people from your company that need to get recharged and inspired. It’s time. I’m sure tickets will go fast. Get Yours => 1000watt Brand & Marketing Summit
“As the former director of Data Operations & Strategy at RE/MAX, BPP stated that Troup has a demonstrated history of driving strategic initiatives, fostering collaboration, and delivering exceptional results. In his new role as CEO of Broker Public Portal, he will be responsible for the organization’s strategic vision, partnerships, business model, financials, product development roadmap, and launch.”
RIS Media
Congratulations to Dan. Interestingly enough this is the second gig Dan has had taking over for something Homes.com used to manage. First when RE/MAX ended its agreement with Homes.com for data aggregation and lead management services for remax.com (which first started at eNeighborhoods) and now when BPP ended its relationship with Homes.com (first started with Homesnap).
I will say I’m super curious on what direction BPP goes. It’s unclear to me (everyone?) what the play could be here, I honestly don’t have any idea. Maybe a partnership with Nestfully? 🤷♂️
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.
“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™.”
“In partnership with Lone Wolf Technologies (“Lone Wolf”), Realcomp is announcing expanded MLS subscriber benefits as the new year approaches. Beginning in December 2023, Realcomp will once again provide the agent edition of Lone Wolf Transactions (TransactionDesk Edition) (“Transactions”) and many connected digital tools, including digital forms, document storage, mobile access, single sign-on, and one-click access to MLS subscribers as a complimentary benefit, building on their existing access to Lone Wolf Authentisign. Through this partnership, Realcomp continues to demonstrate a dedication to providing MLS subscribers with access to industry-leading solutions, designed to support real estate professionals in meeting the demands of any market.”
Vendor Alley Sponsorships are now open for 2024. I haven’t promoted that I’m selling sponsorships for 2024 yet but organically companies have reached out and I’ve already sold 3 months. These are all repeat customers.
Sponsorships on Vendor Alley are for a full month. You get your logo on the site all month. Plus I write a “thank you” post every week during that month (4 total). You can just send me the copy you want to post, or I can take your copy and write it in my own voice. Totally up to you.
I have close to 900 industry people that are signed up to receive email alerts every time I post something. So those email recipients will see your posts at least 4 times during that month.
Also, I’m doing a couple new things this year…
A site redesign. I’m going super minimal this time and it’s going to make your ad pop.
Also I’m including an interview on my Listing Bits podcast. So that is something else you are can promote and I will also post it on my blog, giving you effectively 5 posts during that month. Keep in mind I’m still going to do other Listing Bits podcasts along with these sponsored ones.
I expect the remaining sponsorship slots to go fast. If you are interested reach out to me at gregrobertson@gmail.com and I will send you an invoice which will also serve as an insertion order. First come first serve.
“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.”
“The Notorious ROB Interesting List is none of those things, although there are obvious overlaps because I find influence and power to be interesting. It is simply a list of people I find interesting for a variety of reasons. They may or may not be influential, may or may not be powerful, and in fact, you may or may not have heard of them at all. But I find them interesting, and it’s my list. Sunny Hahn and special 2023 advisor Wild Turkey Rare Breed have assisted in this list.”
Rob Hahn, NotoriousRob Substack
I think Rob and Sunny had a bit more Wild Turkey than he is admitting to honor me with a place on this year’s list (#5).
As I said on Twitter, it feels like Eric Clapton told me I was a great guitar player. Thank you my friend.
