My thanks again to Remine for sponsoring this month’s Vendor Alley.
Remine has a solid suite of tools to help MLS organizations as they bring on MLS-only subscribers. Remine Docs+ gives agents everything they need for online forms and e-signature, no clutter, no bloat, just a modern, intuitive platform that’s easy to learn and easy to use.
Reach out to their sales team and see what Remine can do for your organization.
Thanks again to Remine.
“You’re playing a game whether you realize it or not, and seeing the game helps you play it better” – Seth Godin
I was forwarded Zillow’s “strategy document” last week and was asked if I had any opinions on it. I read the document, as much as I could since a lot of it was redacted (blacked out), and put it aside. Later I called my friend telling him my thoughts. Here are those thoughts.I was forwarded Zillow’s “strategy document” last week and asked if I had any opinions on it. I read what I could (most of it was blacked) and set it aside. Later, I called my friend and walked him through my thoughts. Here they are.
First, I was surprised at how early this came out. December 2024.
Then I thought: of course Zillow would be drafting something like this early. They’re a big company, and big companies plan ahead. They have responsibilities to employees and shareholders.
The document read like it came from a team that didn’t give a hoot about optics. That wasn’t their job. And honestly, you don’t want anyone crafting a strategic document with those biases anyway. You want cold, hard, black-and-white suggestions.
Some of the ideas were smart. Some weren’t. I have no clue how senior or junior the authors were, or what context they were given.
I didn’t plan to write anything about it, and what I definitely didn’t expect was for people to lose their freaking minds over a strategic plan. Then again, most of them were just using it to push their own agendas.
Every business should have a strategic plan. Having one is a good idea. You should do one.
And in my opinion, if your plan doesn’t have at least a few crazy ideas, you didn’t push hard enough.
Ladies and gentlemen Sheriff Grady Judd, the greatest story teller west of east Polk County.
I just want to know when the Netflix series launches.
From Vegas to venture capital: Navigating the uncertain path of the proptech founder
“I think as a founder, what I have found through this journey is almost every couple of months I have to be a different CEO,” Reddy said. “Like I have to be a completely different person because what was needed from me for the company a few months ago isn’t what we need today because we’re inherently shifting, evolving, scaling as the industry goes.”
A great read from Craig Rowe at Inman News. Really captures the struggles of being a founder in this space. I know a lot of the people and companies he is talking about.
Hat tip to Vanessa, Scott, Terrance, Malte, Vijay, Andy, Greg, Alex, Dan, Audie, Shelia, and many others You guys all inspire me. And a special shout out to Cole Boyer with Tuesday. LFG!
Rob and Greg break down what happened at NAR NXT in Houston — from the empty expo floor to major MLS–Association policy changes. Greg shares on-the-ground insights from meetings, parties, and conversations with MLS leaders, while Rob analyzes the strategic implications of NAR’s 18-point PAG recommendations and what he calls the “emancipation” of MLSs. They also discuss winners and losers of the policy shifts, potential impacts on associations, vendors, portals, and brokers, and tee up a future episode on NAR’s new strategic plan.
Connect with Rob and Greg
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Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios
My thanks again to Remine for sponsoring this month’s Vendor Alley.
Recently acquired by Place, Remine is back on solid ground. With over 650K subscribers and a loyal user base Remine is ready to equip your MLSs and Associations with next-generation tools that deliver data, speed, and simplicity from start to finish.
My thanks again to Remine.
Bright MLS to Integrate ICE’s Paragon Connect into Its Technology Ecosystem
“Our relationship with ICE allows us to expand access to the Bright experience beyond our traditional geographic borders in a way that respects how agents and brokers already work,” said Brian Donnellan, President and CEO of Bright MLS. “We’re committed to innovation that empowers agents, and this is one more way Bright is making the MLS more accessible and useful in a rapidly changing marketplace.”
My take is Bright is hedging. They’ve been building their own stack (Bright Solutions plus their research arm), but they’re not afraid to bolt on something that helps them scale faster or reach beyond current boundaries. Partnering with ICE gives them optionality without ripping out their existing systems.
For vendors, big MLS organizations are building hybrid ecosystems, some in-house, some licensed, and others launched as entirely new entities, all under pressure to modernize fast as rules, compensation structures, and user expectations change.
And yes, it also means ICE just landed one of the few whales left. Congrats to Lucie and her team at ICE.
Just got forwarded this news last week…
Former MLS Executive Rosemary Scardina joins C Data Labs
Constellation Software Inc. to restructure its Residential Real Estate Group creating a wholly owned subsidiary, C Data Labs.“We recognize how critical MLS organizations, RESO standards, and their data guidance are to shaping the future of real estate technology. That’s why we created our Industry Relations function – to build stronger bridges between C Data Labs, MLSs, and the broader industry ecosystem, ensuring alignment, collaboration and transparency in how Data powers innovation.
Leading this effort is Rosemary Scardina, whose deep MLS experience, strategic mindset and passion for partnership make her the perfect fit to champion this initiative and strengthen our industry relationships” says VP of Ops of CDL
Now you know who to call.
Hat tip to Rob Hahn for surfacing this video. Don’t let the title fool you, while the context is relating to the recent chatter about the a 50 year mortgage option, it’s really a history of housing in America. On the same note, don’t let the length scare you off (its about 55 minutes), would won’t be disappointed.
Overview
Rob and Greg dig into expectations for the NAR Annual Conference, MLS attendance patterns, and broader industry sentiment heading into 2025. They cover speculation around possible committee decisions, how the settlement fallout is (or isn’t) impacting MLS membership and commissions, and the overall vibe leading into the event. The conversation then shifts to affordability, mortgage rates, and the recent proposal of a 50-year mortgage. They close with discussion of a new Zillow/RESPA-related lawsuit, Rocket/Redfin implications, and observations from Zillow Unlock.
Key Takeaways
Links
Connect with Rob and Greg
Watch us on YouTube
Our Sponsors:
Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios
