Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Listing Bits Podcast: Dan Fortin of Lone Wolf Technologies on designing a proper Foundation

Dan Fortin was one of my favorite people I met working at Lone Wolf. He came over from the Instanet acquisition and has had a front-row seat to see big changes in the industry. From Lone Wolf acquiring 8 companies, 5 of them in less than 9 months, to the challenges of being a forms company during COVID when everyone wanted a specific form, and they wanted it NOW! Sounds familiar, eh?

We discuss Dan’s background, the lessons he’s learned over the 10 years, and how taking a data-driven approach to making decisions has helped him during his career.

We also get to talk about Lone Wolf’s recent announcement on its newest platform, Foundation, and the tremendous amount of work that took. We also delve into product, design, and what the future holds for Lone Wolf.

For more about Lone Wolf Foundation please visit here.

To connect with Dan check out his LinkedIn profile.

Lone Wolf Foundation [Sponsor]

My thanks to Lone Wolf for sponsoring this month’s Vendor Alley. Lone Wolf is rolling out its new platform, dubbed Foundation.

Lone Wolf Foundation is an all-in-one platform that gives real estate professionals a modular approach to their software. Users can choose the Lone Wolf software they need and integrate third-party solutions as well to personalize their tech stacks. Its continuous data flow and connected experience means real estate professionals have the shared data, applications, and security they need to cover every step of what they do. One platform, one login, one experience, one set of contacts from lead to close.

Having worked at Lone Wolf I know what an incredible effort it has been to get Foundation to the market. Great to see that they have really focused on the design of the product. Super clean.

To learn more visit here => Lone Wolf Foundation

Lone Wolf Foundation

Lone Wolf Technologies officially introduces Lone Wolf Foundation and the new generation of real estate software.

The future of real estate has arrived: Lone Wolf launches Lone Wolf Foundation, new generation of software

“This is the end result of that extensive research; a platform that goes beyond integrations, beyond connections, beyond a rebrand to create a real solution. From a single login to a modular design that allows real estate professionals to pick and choose the solutions they need, with shared data workflows that keep information consistent from lead to close and the latest in digital security, there’s nothing like this in the industry today—and it will transform the way real estate professionals work, now and into the future.”

Sean Wheeler, CTO of Lone Wolf Technologies

This has been a huge project and I’m loving what Lone Wolf has pulled off. Having acquired some of the most popular and widely adopted software in the real estate space, they have taken a fresh approach on how to create an end-to-end platform. Am I biased? Of course! It’s all because I know the team there is made up some of the most creative and talented people in the industry, people from HomeSpotter, Instanet, zipForm, Terradatum and W+R Studios.

I hear some of you say, “But, Greg, I thought you didn’t like all-in-one solutions?” I think that Lone Wolf’s CEO Jimmy Kelly said it best, “Real Estate Doesn’t Need More Software“. In a nutshell what he is saying real estate has a lot of point solutions; it needs what it already has to pull more weight. The industry wants its existing software to work together, and be more automated. What Lone Wolf is doing is creating a foundation (see what I did there) for their software (and also giving the flexibility to add other solutions) to let brokers and agents create the experience they want. Experience I believe is the key word here.

Congrats to everyone at Lone Wolf!

Giant Steps [Sponsor]

My thanks to Giant Steps for sponsoring last month of Vendor Alley. Giant Steps is a consulting company I started earlier this year. With me in this new endeavor is Staci Wood, Dan Woolley and Ohan Antebian. It’s a great team, with a lot of experience and I enjoying working with them.

Below is a list of services we provide. Please reach out if we can help => info@giantstepsadvisors.com

Go-to-Market Strategy

The team at Giant Steps has launched hundreds of products and services in the real estate technology industry. We’ll create a tailored go-to-market strategy specifically for your needs. Whether you plan on going direct to agent (D2A), enterprise contracts with MLS, franchisors, brokers or a hybrid approach, let the team at Giant Steps give you its full attention and give your product or service the best chance of success.

  • Discovery call with Giant Steps team members
  • Follow-up meetings with key team members
  • Full presentation of plan to executive team
  • Delivery of GTM Strategic Plan Document

Strategic Plan Facilitator

Planning your next strategic planning session? We can help! With the industry moving so rapidly, you need all the help you can get to ensure your board members are up to date on the latest industry trends and important topics. The team at Giant Steps can help you plan your next meeting, create engaging and relevant content, and provide a knowledgeable facilitator to help you communicate your plan in an engaging way to foster maximum audience participation.

  • Discovery call with Giant Steps team members
  • Help create agenda, assist on content, and meeting planning
  • Includes an “Industry Update” presentation from facilitator
  • On-site facilitator

Product Design and Technical Advisory

Are you struggling to bring your real estate tech vision to life? Our seasoned experts at Giant Steps can help you navigate the complex landscape of product design and technical implementation. With decades of experience in proptech, we offer invaluable insights to refine your product concept, optimize user experience, and ensure technical feasibility.

  • In-depth product concept review and refinement
  • User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) consultation
  • Technical architecture assessment and recommendations
  • Integration strategies with existing real estate systems (MLS)
  • Scalability and performance optimization guidance

Whether you’re a startup with a groundbreaking idea or an established company looking to innovate, our team can provide the critical feedback and direction you need. We’ll help you avoid common pitfalls, leverage industry best practices, and position your product for success in the competitive real estate technology market.

Asset Valuation

Are you interested in getting a professional opinion on the value of your company? This could be useful, as many organizations are restructuring their ownership due to recent market changes. We can forecast the market value of your assets so you can solicit outside funding, evaluate your share of contribution to a partnership/merger, or plan a spinoff. We will create a defensible model based on research and experience. We have experience working with some of the largest MLS organizations in this space.

Speaking

Do you need a dynamic presenter at your next board meeting, trade show, or conference? Would you like a presenter who can both entertain and educate your board/leadership on the current events of the industry? Greg Robertson will deliver a customized, compelling presentation that educates, entertains, and, most importantly, inspires your audience.

Office Hours with Dan and Greg

Are you a founder looking for some guidance, feedback, or maybe a little therapy to help you get your product launched or take your company to the next level? Where do I start? How much equity should I give up? Should I be selling to agents or brokers? Dan and Greg have had 3 successful exits and have made all the mistakes. While not licensed therapists, they do bring their first-hand experience in bootstrapping 3 companies in the proptech space. Let them give you their undivided attention.

Please reach out if we can help => info@giantstepsadvisors.com

Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

My thanks again to Paragon Connect for sponsoring Vendor Alley. 

Continuing today is their list of the top 10 topics to review when making the decision on an MLS platform for your members:

How to choose the right MLS platform for you  

The top 10 “must-haves” when considering a front end for your members 

Last time you learned how powerful search options and an easy-to-use mobile app, can help you find the right MLS for your members, now let’s get to the top reason why choosing the right front-end is so important.

  1. Freedom of movement 

Real estate agents are constantly on the go. From paperwork at the office, to showing a home, to staging open houses and broker tours, agents never stand still. So, ask yourself: Can you take your MLS with you and have the same experience no matter where you’re working from? Do you have the same workflows on your desktop as you do on your phone? Or are you using different systems for each location, wasting time training on and learning several pieces of software that weren’t designed to work together. Look for a system that delivers the same seamless experience from one device to the next. 

If you’re looking for an MLS that offers this and so much more, discover Paragon Connect.

Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

My thanks to Paragon Connect for sponsoring Vendor Alley.

Continuing today is their list of the top 10 topics to review when making the decision on an MLS platform for your members:

How to choose the right MLS platform for you  

The top 10 “must-haves” when considering a front end for your members 

Earlier this week you learned how advanced mapping, efficient speech-to-text and powerful sharing capabilities can help you find the right MLS for your members, now onto the next three topics.

  1. “Near me” search 

The right MLS system offers users more than one way to search. Another must-have option is near me search. If your client doesn’t like a current property, but loves the neighborhood, then “near me” search enables you to quickly find other listings in the same area that might be just what they’re looking for. This type of search provides a more personalized experience for users and saves time, gas and effort in the property search process by finding properties in close proximity.  

  1. Powerhouse searching  

Search is the most-used feature of any MLS system, an outdated search technology can make it cumbersome and confusing with continuous scrolling to find the information to enter and search for your buyers and sellers. Don’t settle for anything less than intuitive search functionality. You should be able to completely customize your searches to search the way you want and get matches in a snap.  

  1. Mobile App

In today’s digital age, an MLS with a mobile app helps agents access the full power of the system on the go, while using mobile features like facial recognition, push notifications and contact import to save time and increase efficiency. Not only that, the right MLS can also integrate with other apps already on your device – like car play, mapping, messaging, calendars, social media and beyond. If your current MLS app only has limited functionality, it’s reasonable to ask for more.  

We’ve almost made it to number one. Don’t miss us this weekend as we kickoff NAR Midyear when we’ll reveal the number one “must-have” in your next MLS system.

If you’re looking for an MLS that offers these capabilities and much more, discover Paragon Connect. 

Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

My thanks to Paragon Connect for sponsoring Vendor Alley this month. 

Continuing this is their list of the top 10 topics to review when making the decision on an MLS platform for your members:

How to choose the right MLS platform for you  

The top 10 “must-haves” when considering a front end for your members 

Last week you learned how fast CMAs, simple client collaboration and effective property watches can help you find the right MLS for your members, now onto the next three topics.

  1. Advanced mapping 

Helping guide buyers to their future neighborhood is key to a successful real estate transaction. The best MLS has advanced mapping tools that provide a visual representation of property listings on a map interface. This visual aid helps users understand the location of properties in relation to amenities, schools, transportation, and other important landmarks – because when buyers can see the possibilities, everything feels more real for them. Armed with MLS and public records data, agents can make more informed decisions when marketing or searching for properties.  

  1. Speech-to-text  

Real estate agents are busy, and the last thing they have time for is manual data entry. Look for a MLS platform that has speech-to-text fields enabled for your most common tasks to save you time and effort every day. If your mobile MLS doesn’t allow this functionality, you’re missing out. 

  1. Power sharing  

Get your homes in front of buyers, so you can get buyers into homes. Gain exposure for your listings with power sharing, so your properties can show up on as many channels as possible. The right MLS promotes sharing listings the way your client prefers via email, text message, and social media.

See you next week for more top “must-haves” as we count down to number one.

If you’re looking for an MLS that offers these capabilities and much more, discover Paragon Connect.

Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

My thanks to Paragon Connect for sponsoring Vendor Alley this month.

Starting this week they will cover the top 10 topics to review when making the decision on an MLS platform for your members.

How to choose the right MLS platform for you


The top 10 “must-haves” when considering a front end for your members 

  1. Simple Competitive Market Analysis (Easy CMA) 

You’re at a party and the question comes up: “Hey, aren’t you a real estate agent? I’m thinking about selling my house.” You reach for your phone, knowing that because you chose the right MLS, you can capitalize on that opportunity before hors d’oeuvres are done. When you use a front-end system that delivers competitive market analysis in the palm of your hand, you’re only ever moments away from showing a potential customer all that you can do for them.

  1. Buyer and seller connection 

Relationships are built on good communication with your buyers and sellers. The right MLS helps buyers find homes they’re interested in, while keeping open lines of communication. And it helps sellers see activity on their listing. The right MLS has a buyer and seller portal for your clients to communicate with you along with push notifications to keep you up to date along the way.

  1. Property watch 

Information is power, and staying on top of pricing trends, competition, and market conditions can help you deliver the best possible experience for buyers and sellers. Of course, real estate agents can’t spend their days watching properties like a hawk – but the right MLS can, helping you get the latest scoop on properties in your area, meeting your clients’ needs, achieving a competitive edge, and representing your sellers efficiently. The right MLS will have the ability to monitor properties no matter where you’re working from, so you can jump on opportunities the minute they arise.  

Looking forward to catching up next time for your next three topics. 

If you’re looking for an MLS that offers these capabilities and much more, discover Paragon Connect.

Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

My thanks to Paragon Connect for sponsoring this month’s Vendor Alley. Paragon Connect is the latest and greatest version of the popular Paragon MLS system. In my podcast with Lucie Fortier at ICE we talked about how they started by adopting the Material UI design system, created by Google, and reimagined an MLS system. Check out the video below for a peak of its clean interface.

Learn about Paragon Connect’s new all-in-one dashboard, power and near me search, and many other features at this website. My thanks again to Paragon Connect.

Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

My thanks to Paragon Connect for sponsoring this month of Vendor Alley. I had a chance to talk to Lucie Fortier and Ben Graboske on my Listing Bits podcast late last year about the journey to bring Paragon Connect to market. It was a great conversation that you listen to it here.

Learn about Paragon Connect’s new all-in-one dashboard, power and near me search, and many other features at this website. My thanks again to Paragon Connect.

Sponsored By Lone Wolf