Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

When Software Eats Real Estate

Hug your kids.

Marilyn Wilson asks a great question

Marilyn Wilson on the WAV Group Blog…

Why are MLSs making it SO hard to innovate?

“We have made it REALLY hard for the smart 16 year old in her garage to build the next big thing for a brokerage. Frankly, even well-established tech companies have major challenges working with more than 600 organizations. Refer to my commonapp article for more on that topic.

Let’s put ourselves in the shoes of a tech start-up. They have built something interesting. They find a broker that wants to try it out. The broker says go to the MLS and apply for a data license. They are not aware of the differences between an IDX, VOW or Back Office Feed. Most don’t even know what an IDX, VOW or Back Office feed IS! They don’t know that IDX feeds can include actives, actives, pendings and solds or just actives and solds. They have no clue what a non-disclosure state is, what that means and how it affects their product in those states. They don’t know what a “RESO” is or the benefits of using a feed that is RESO Data Dictionary compliant. They may know how to leverage API’s, but don’t know the difference between a RESO Web API and one offered by another group.

The start-up diligently follows the advice of the broker. They set out on a path to get a data feed.

Here’s what happens…or more accurately what DOESN’T happen, on most MLS websites. We make it REALLY difficult for someone new to the industry to figure out how to get that data feed the broker has asked the start-up to go after.”

This whole post is so damn good. Go read it now.

T3 Sixty releases “scorecards” for real estate technology companies

Comprehensive scorecards for real estate tech companies

“The T3 Tech Scorecards consist of an independent, standardized survey of each company’s users, an analysis of the company’s products with a detailing of the pros and cons, a description of the ideal customer for each product and best practices for effective agent adoption. Additionally, an overall description of the product and the company is included as well as an actual scorecard grade.

According to Jack Miller, President and Chief Technology Officer of T3 Sixty, these are but the first four T3 Tech Scorecards and they will be followed by at least one new assessment every month “until we’ve reviewed and analyzed all meaningful quality technology offerings in the market that brokers and agents should consider.”

Here’s a link to a scorecard they did for BombBomb ====> BombBomb – Tech Satisfaction Report – Scorecard – August

Nice data viz on the results.

You can see more scorecards at http://t360.com/scorecards

ITIF: Using Technology To Make Real Estate More Competitive

This is happening in Washington D.C. TODAY at 1PM E.T.. It will be moderated by Mr. Daniel Castro. You might remember Mr. Castro as the co-authored of a study that N.A.R. and MLS organization harmed Redfin’s ability to compete. Chelsea Goyer and Redfin’s CEO Glenn Kelman co-authored a blog post refuting those claims.

I’m in D.C. on spring break trip with my family but will be able to attend the event live. I also believe they will be live streaming it as well (here’s a link to their Facebook page), but don’t have the details, as of yet. The hashtag is #ITIFrealestate

UPDATE:

More info on LIVE STREAM here:

What’s missing from this picture?

I’ve be seeing a few friends post pictures like this from NAR’s “MLS Technology and Emerging Issues Advisory Board” meeting going on this week(the one above is from Jon Colie’s Facebook feed).

One thing struck me. What’s missing from this picture?

Vendors.

The industry is changing quickly, we need as many perspectives/help/leadership/ideas as possible.

Could Cloud MLX be the answer to your consolidation efforts?

CLOUD MLX LETS BROKERS AND AGENTS SEARCH DATA FROM MULTIPLE MLS PROVIDERS USING A SINGLE MODERN INTERFACE

“Rather than combining data into a single database, Cloud MLX acts as a virtual MLS layer on top of multiple MLS databases. Real estate agents are able to search for listings similar to how they search on Google, providing a modern way of searching, sharing and collaborating with MLS data, clients and other agents.

I’ve been excited to share this with everyone. I think Cloud MLX can serve as another tool in regard to consolidation challenges. Right now SFAR and BAREIS are on Rapattoni, and BridgeMLS is on Paragon. Theoretically we could have any type of MLS System under Cloud MLX and multiple MLS providers, and all those databases are still separate. This allows everyone to maintain their independence while providing their respective members with seamless access to the MLS data they need.

With this type of setup we could have launched BrightMLS (BrightMLX?) in under a month. It could also work for combined single database efforts like GRID MLS (GRID MLX?). You could have agents search either their local traditional MLS system, or login in to Cloud MLX and have access to multiple MLS providers with an easy to use modern interface. See below for a quick promo video we created to promote the Bay Area launch to get a better idea.

As is often discussed, the tech is somewhat easy, the politics are hard, but the MLS providers in the Bay Area made it happen. Kudos to K.B., Walt, DeVina and the others for starting this journey with us.

And if you are interested in learning more about Cloud MLX this video is a good start.

What does that neighborhood sound like?

Imaginary soundscapes composed by AI

“For a stadium, it correctly concocted crowd noise from a ball game but also Gregorian chanting (because presumably it mistook the stadium’s dome for a church’s vaulted ceiling). A view outside the Notre Dame in Paris had seagulls and waves crashing…but if you turned around to look into the church, you could hear a faint choir in the background.

Interesting tech. You can try it for yourself. Only works on Chrome desktop browsers.

If you are an IDX vendor, please, for the love of god, DON’T add this as a feature to your next build. That is all. Thank you.

Vendor Alley 2017 Gift Guide

Here’s a list of items any Vendor would love.

1. Apple MFi Certified USB to Micro USB + USB Type-C + Lightning Charge & Sync Cable, 3ft Black. Currently out of stock but you must have this cable in your bag.

2. Juiced Systems BizHUB USB-C Multiport Gigabit HDMI Hub, 3x USB 3.0 Ports, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 4K, SD/Micro SD, USB-C Power Delivery
For those having gone to the pain of upgrade to a new MacBook Pro and the nightmare of USB-C, this thing is a life saver, better than Apple’s in my opinion.

3. Apple iPad Pro
Speaking of Apple, I just love this thing. I prefer the 10.5″ version. And spend the extra money and get WIFI + Celluar. As shitty as airport and hotel’s WIFI is its always cool to have another option. Think of it as you own personal WIFI spot with a huge battery. PRO TIP: If you are on AT&T with your phone get on another network with your iPad. That way if one network is down or not accessible you have a backup.

4. Eyekepper 5-pack Spring Hinges 80’s Reading Glasses +1.25
These are cheap ray ban knock off reading glasses. They come in a 5 pack so I can just keep a pair upstairs, downstairs, in the garage, wherever.

5. AirPods
One of the those products that you wonder how you did without them.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Save Net Neutrality

This has been circulating around the web and I thought it would be a good idea to pass on.

Please do this. I just did and it took me less than a minute.
1. On a computer, (not your phone!), go to: www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings/express
2. Enter (under “Proceeding”) the numbers 17-108.
3. In comments, say you support Title 2 oversight of ISPs. Also say that you support net neutrality. (I used the exact statement, “I support Title 2 oversight of ISPs and net neutrality.”)

*Fill in the form carefully; they’ve made it less friendly and impossible to fill in by phone, on purpose.
*Don’t be silenced. Do it now.
*Copy & Paste and Pass it on. (Don’t just share! Copy and paste this status!)

Industry Relations Podcast: The Firestorm Around the Zillow ‘Instant Offers’ Rollout

If Zillow thought that the industry would thank them for reworking the Opendoor model to involve agents in the process of “Instant Offers”, they underestimated what Rob likes to call “Zillow Fever”, the intense dislike so many in real estate have toward the company.

Today Rob and Greg are engaged in a rousing conversation about the rollout of the Instant Offers test program and subsequent uproar. They work through the source of the industry’s angst toward Zillow and whether or not it is warranted in this particular case.

Listen in as Rob and Greg discuss the arguments against Instant Offers, how the feature might lend itself to predatory behavior by investors, and how Zillow might have changed their messaging to avoid the blowback.

What’s Discussed: 

The firestorm created by Zillow’s Instant Offers test program
Greg’s take on how a different naming convention would have tempered agent reaction
How the Instant Offers feature works
– Response to consumers looking for easier ways to sell
– Hand-picked 15 private investors
– Seller can accept investor offer and sell directly, accept offer and use agent to complete transaction, or reject offer and move forward with agent to list on MLS
The weaknesses of the argument that Zillow is duping consumers
The hypocrisy/lack of awareness of agents criticizing Instant Offers
How agents can use Instant Offer as a tool to generate seller leads
The importance of establishing a sphere of communication
The vast number of tools available to help agents stay in touch with past clients
Instant Offers as a potential avenue for predatory investor behavior
– Bad actors might target the poor, uneducated
– May require government to step in with regulations
Rob’s problem with the premise that consumers cannot make best decision for themselves based on circumstances
The potential monster success of the Instant Offers feature
The flaws in the argument that Zillow is trying to come between the agent and the homeowner
The way Zillow priorities the consumer over the agent
Whether Zillow has given up on trying to make people happy or if they were caught off guard by the negative reaction to Instant Offers
How other big web operators might respond to this innovation

Resources:

Greg Schwartz ‘We Come in Peace’

Connect with Rob and Greg:

Rob’s Website
Greg’s Website

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