Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

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.

FBS [Sponsor]

My thanks to FBS for their sponsorship of Vendor Alley.

FBS has had a lot of exciting news recently. They recently announced a new partnership with Northwest Ohio Real Estate Information System (NORIS).

Here’s what NORIS CEO had to say…

“After a thorough evaluation of MLS platforms, Flexmls stood out as the one that will allow us to elevate our service to members,” said Megan Foos, CEO of NORIS. “Its seamless integration across devices, ease of use and customization options are exactly what our members need to better serve their clients and stay ahead in a fast-paced market.”

They also announced a pretty slick integration with Zillow...

“This integration introduces innovative functionality that simplifies and enhances the process of importing high-value, critical listing media into the MLS. This collaboration represents a shared vision between FBS and Zillow: to improve the agent experience and showcase the value of the MLS.”

FBS will have a full crew next week at the CMLS conference, be sure to look out for Michael, Dave, Matty, Kim, plus Allie and Tom.

My thanks again to FBS for sponsoring Vendor Alley this month!

FBS [Sponsor]

My thanks to FBS for sponsoring Vendor Alley this month.

FBS has been a leader in innovation in the MLS community. FBS focuses on a partnership first approach through deep collaboration & co-creating solutions. Our MLS clients walk alongside us as we develop what they need.

The Flexmls Platform puts the freedom and control to customize the experience in the hands of the MLS. From integrations with preferred third party software products to on-demand admin controls and agent-level dashboard preferences, the Flexmls Platform is the pinnacle of market-level customization.

My thanks again to FBS for sponsoring Vendor Alley this month.

FBS [Sponsor]

My thanks to FBS for sponsoring Vendor Alley this month. With so many name changes, acquisitions and mergers FBS stands alone with over 40 years in the MLS business. Over 40 years. Think about that.

Here are some other numbers…

FBS has a 99% renewal rate, while still seeing unmatched industry growth in member count. They were recognized #1 in Platform Satisfaction, #1 in Platform Performance, #1 in Key MLS Features, #1 in Net Promoter Score, and #1 in Likely To Renew in T3 Sixty’s most recent industry survey.

If you are an MLS and would like a live demo. Just click here and they will be happy to help.

My thanks again for FBS sponsoring this month of Vendor Alley.

Giant Steps [Sponsor]

Inman Connect San Diego Recap

“As the last day of Inman Connect wraps up, I’m sitting at the desk in my hotel room, looking out across the downtown San Diego skyline and marina. Tiny people, much more disciplined than I, are already out on their morning runs. It’s early, around 7 AM. I still navigate the host hotel, the Hilton Bayfront, with some trepidation now that Inman Connect has officially moved to San Diego from Las Vegas. “

Read more on the Giant Steps Blog

Giant Steps Advisors [Sponsor]

When I came up with the name Giant Steps, it was completely intentional.

Yes, I had other inspirations—being a big John Coltrane fan, I’ve always loved his complicated masterpiece (you can watch a great video about it here). And later I remembered that one of my favorite bands, The Police, starts a song with the line: “Giant steps are what you take, walking on the moon…” Those were happy accidents.

The real intention behind the name was this: after 33 years in the real estate technology business, I’ve made every mistake in the book. Some even twice!  I figured I could help others avoid those same mistakes and make giant steps toward their goals.

And when you look at the experience that… [Read more on the Giant Steps Blog]

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