Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

Real Geeks and SkySlope announce integration

SkySlope and Real Geeks Partner to Deliver Seamless Workflows for Real Estate Agents

” SkySlope, a leader in real estate transaction management, has partnered with Real Geeks, a high-converting real estate CRM and marketing platform, to launch a powerful new integration that simplifies and unifies the agent experience—from first contact to final signature—without ever leaving the Real Geeks platform.”

I think it’s a good idea for any vendor trying to be a platform to let other applications work seamlessly with their tools. Lone Wolf does this well, as do others. I had a chance to chat with Chris Morgan, VP of Sales at Real Geeks about this integration.

“At the end of the day, agents didn’t get into this business to juggle platforms—they got in to help people navigate one of the most important decisions of their lives,” said Chris Morgan, VP of Sales at Real Geeks. “This integration with SkySlope is about honoring that by removing the noise. We’re not trying to be everything—we’re trying to be the right things, deeply connected, where and when agents need them. The real win here is simplicity. When tools talk to each other and workflows disappear into the background, agents can be more present, more responsive, and ultimately more successful. That’s the kind of progress we’re proud to be a part of.”

Love that quote, “We’re not trying to be everything—we’re trying to be the right things”.

Audie Chamberlain joins Rechat

Audie Chamberlain named Rechat head of growth, communications

“Chamberlain has long been a vocal advocate for real estate agents and their evolution through smart marketing and technology. He’s led public outreach campaigns for the likes of Concierge Auctions, Luxury Portfolio, Hawaii Life, Contactually and Zillow, among others. The relationship with Rechat developed after Chamberlain was hired to advise Hamidi on new ways to broaden the company’s national presence.”

Audie is one of the good ones. Excited to see what’s next for Rechat.

Industry Relations Podcast: Cui Bono?

The latest Industry Relations episode is now available on your favorite podcast player!

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg analyze Zillow’s recently released ZLAS policy language and debate whether it reflects a shift in Zillow’s priorities. They discuss the implications of allowing broker direct feeds, the enforcement challenges around delayed marketing, and whether Zillow’s current stance can still be considered “consumer first.” The conversation also explores how MLSs and major brokerages are interpreting ZLAS and how this policy intersects with Clear Cooperation rules and VOW/IDX frameworks.

Watch us on YouTube!

Links

Howard Hanna in open rebellion against Clear Cooperation Policy – https://www.inman.com/2025/05/23/howard-hanna-in-open-rebellion-against-clear-cooperation-policy/

Zillow’s ZLAS: Make Zillow Great Again – https://substack.com/home/post/p-164029933

Hoby Hanna don’t like the rules – https://www.vendoralley.com/2025/05/27/hoby-hanna-dont-like-the-rules/

Key Takeaways

  • Zillow’s ZLAS Policy Language – The official policy now allows listings to be submitted via MLS or broker syndication feeds, raising questions about enforcement and intent.
  • Broker Compliance and Enforcement – Rob and Greg explore whether Zillow has the capacity or systems in place to enforce ZLAS, and how it compares to MLS-style rule enforcement.
  • Direct Broker Feeds as a Loophole – The inclusion of broker syndication feeds in the policy language could enable firms like Compass to bypass ZLAS restrictions.
  • VOW vs. IDX Access – Discussion on how Zillow’s VOW-powered listing visibility may conflict with its public consumer-first messaging.
  • Local MLS Rule Conflicts – ZLAS policy explicitly overrides local MLS or state-level rules that allow extended delayed marketing, creating potential legal and operational conflicts.
  • Marketplace Power Shift – Zillow’s self-enforced policy is viewed as a signal of its growing authority in the real estate ecosystem, independent of MLS governance.

Connect with Rob and Greg

Rob’s Website https://notoriousrob.substack.com/

Greg’s Website https://www.vendoralley.com/about-2/

Our Sponsors:

Cotality https://www.cotality.com/

Notorious VIP https://notoriousrob.substack.com

The Giant Steps Job Board https://vendoralley.jobboard.io/

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios

Hobson’s Choice

The Truth Behind the Private Exclusive Listing Shell Game

“The term “Hobson’s Choice” indicates something that provides the illusion of choice but is not a real choice. And that would most accurately describe the “consumer’s choice” the real estate industry spends so much time discussing. Various theoretical reasons are presented for the choice that Refkin suggests consumers want. Those reasons for choosing a private exclusive listing have been easily addressed by the real estate industry for over 100 years with the existing rules set. In this new model, consumers are introduced to the program through manipulation disguised as concern and counseling, which contradicts the obligations of agency under which most real estate practitioners receive their licenses.”

Can’t believe this is the first time I’ve linked to Bill Lublin’s excellent blog.

Listing Input via voice is now live at MetroList thanks to Lundy

Voice is Here: MetroList Agents Streamline Listings with Lundy-Powered App

“MetroList agents are now collecting property data on-site with the new voice-controlled app, capturing property details instantly and accurately by simply speaking as they walk through the home. Once agents experience the speed and convenience of this technology, there’s no going back. The app intelligently interprets spoken descriptions, automatically populating listing fields and reducing manual data entry. This allows agents to collect more complete and descriptive data in less time, enhancing the quality and searchability of listings across the platform.”

I never really thought that doing listing input via a mobile device was that practical. I just thought it might be too cumbersome to “type” that data on a phone. But this new voice stuff by Lundy is pretty slick.

Hoby Hanna don’t like the rules

Howard Hanna in open rebellion against Clear Cooperation Policy

“We won’t pay the fines,” Hanna said. “We don’t think our agents should pay the fines if a seller has choice.

“What does that lead to, if we don’t pay the fines, then, okay, they’re going to say we can’t participate in the MLS? Well, is that really what they want to do? They want to have less inventory in the MLS? Do they want to destroy the MLS?”

Hanna has previously said his company was considering leaving the MLS due to NAR’s mandatory MLS policies.”

Maybe I’ve been watching too much basketball lately, but in my opinion, the concept of brokers wanting to change the rules because they have a new “novel” strategy is akin to an NBA team saying, “We don’t think that ‘shot clock’ is valid, so we aren’t going to follow it, and if you don’t change it, we are going to start our own league.”

Maybe not the best analogy, but as Sam DeBord elegantly stated in his LinkedIn post,

“The MLS ruleset is the lever that creates the marketplace for better seller outcomes. Like laws that make for an organized society, these rules create an organized marketplace that benefits those who participate.”

Mr. Hanna has every right to leave. If he has a better idea for what an MLS should be he should pursue it.

Denne Evans to step down as CEO of CMLS

Denee Evans to Step Down After 10 Transformative Years Leading CMLS

“Leading CMLS has been the honor of a lifetime,” said Evans. “Together, we’ve built something lasting—an organization that supports, elevates, and connects the MLS community like never before. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and confident in what comes next. While I’ve decided not to renew my contract at the end of the year, I remain fully committed to supporting a smooth transition and continuing our momentum through 2025.”

It’s amazing to look back over the past 10 years and see everything that’s happened in our industry. Denee certainly had her work cut out for her. I imagine this will be a well-deserved break for her and her family.

But as we all know, this is the “Hotel California”, so I’m sure we’ll see Denee again.

Thank you, Denee, for all you’ve done for the industry.

Industry Relations Podcast: Full Circle

In this episode of Industry Relations, Rob and Greg explore the idea of the elusive “end-to-end platform” in real estate. Prompted by Lower’s acquisition of Movoto, they revisit decades of efforts by portals and brokerages to deliver a seamless transaction experience—from search to closing. They examine why this model has struggled to take hold in residential real estate, compare it to consumer experiences like Amazon and Tesla, and consider whether the real estate agent has always been the true end-to-end solution.

Key Takeaways

  • Lower Acquires Movoto – Discussion of the strategic rationale behind a mortgage company acquiring a real estate portal.
  • Why End-to-End Platforms Struggle – Analysis of why Zillow, Redfin, and others have failed to deliver a fully integrated homebuying experience.
  • The Agent as Platform – Debate over whether real estate agents already fulfill the role of a true end-to-end solution for consumers.
  • Lessons from Other Industries – Examples from Amazon, Tesla, and travel that highlight the differences in consumer expectations and loyalty.
  • Professional End-to-End Platforms – Exploration of whether a consolidated platform for agents—covering lead gen through payment—could be built, and what it would require.
  • Tech Stack Attempts – Review of efforts by companies like Lone Wolf, Inside Real Estate, and MoxiWorks to build comprehensive agent-facing platforms.


Connect with Rob and Greg

Rob’s Website https://notoriousrob.substack.com/

Greg’s Website https://www.vendoralley.com/about-2/

Our Sponsors:

Cotality https://www.cotality.com/

Notorious VIP https://notoriousrob.substack.com

The Giant Steps Job Board https://vendoralley.jobboard.io/

Production and Editing Services by Sunbound Studios

CRMLS helps agents showcase the power of the MLS

The Value of Representation

“Your clients may not always see the behind-the-scenes effort you put into delivering an exceptional real estate experience. The expertise, dedication, and tools you leverage—especially your connection to the MLS—are key to providing outstanding service. “

I love this. It reminds me of the Making the Market Work campaign that CMLS and 1000watt put together, but this effort feels more localized and broader in the range of assets being delivered. It’s designed to be easy for agents to incorporate into their listing presentations or social media campaigns.

What I especially appreciate is that CRMLS is both talking the talk and walking the walk. CRMLS CEO Art Carter and General Counsel Ed Zorn have long been leaders in championing the value of the MLS, and they’re backing up that commitment with real tools their members can use to demonstrate that value.

ICE Paragon Connect [Sponsor]

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

After the poll results, we learned many of you are looking to add more value across the entire homeownership lifecycle with AI technology capabilities. 

It’s important to partner with an organization that has a robust, extensive, and compliant AI strategy. At ICE, the AI Center of Excellence delivers AI solutions with the goal of supporting the entire homeownership lifecycle; flawlessly integrated into consumer workflows. When you partner with ICE, you not only get a device-agnostic MLS platform with Paragon Connect, but also the insight of a powerful AI-focused organization. 

My thanks again to ICE Paragon Connect.

Sponsored By Styldod