Author Archive

Online buyers want more video content, and video technology has become much simpler to use.  I’m challenging myself, and anyone who’d like to join me, to create 100 neighborhood videos in 100 days.  To make that happen, I’m going to shoot video only on my smartphone. Where did this idea come from?  R.E. agent discussions focus a lot on what the big data aggregators are doing to beat them online.  However, no amount of server capacity or programming staff can drive through a neighborhood, take video, … Read More »

Walk Score has always been at the forefront of delivering a digital representation of a neighborhood’s walkability to consumers.  From a standardized scoring system to interactive maps showing entertainment, dining, transit, and retail options, the Walk Score system has become a standard metric for many consumers considering whether or not they need a car for their intended relocation.  It’s also a way for the car-free local resident to find a similar neighborhood as they search for a home near work and play. Walk Score’s measures … Read More »

I had a chance to review a new product recently that takes a more strategized approach to finding listing leads for real estate agents.  Rebogateway (R.E.B.O. being an acronym for Real Estate Back Office) is a product that focuses on which homeowners are most likely to sell in the near future.  The emphasis is on saving the agent time and money by focusing their marketing efforts on the leads that are most likely to convert. Rebogateway is tied into a number of data sources, from … Read More »

Realtor.com just went through a major design overhaul and I thought it would be interesting to see the reaction of the tech crowd. It looks to me like it’s a move in the direction of most of the larger internet-based companies: simplify, streamline, and create a sleek, modern feel. (Disclaimer: I’m a guest writer for Realtor.com, but I receive no compensation or financial incentives from the company.  I just enjoy picking apart this stuff.) The home page for first-time visitors has been redesigned with just … Read More »

I was recently introduced to the founders of Closing Time, a collaborative online service for real estate agents, lenders, and home buyers who are navigating the purchase process.  The founders, Jonathan Aizen and Paul Knegten, come from a mix of technology and marketing/advertising backgrounds, and were more recently introduced to the real estate industry as they went through the home buying process for the first time. Jonathan and Paul were surprised at the transition from the ultra-busy rushing of house hunting to the quiet sit-and-wait … Read More »

Realtor.com released their new agent-branded mobile real estate app on the Apple iPhone and iPad this week (Android can’t be far off).  With their previous version of the mobile app already being the most accurate nationwide real estate app (direct MLS listing data) and having the most advanced search (draw an outline of a neighborhood with your finger), integrating agent-client relationships is sure to increase this app’s use by professionals and consumers. Before going into the new features, it’s important to see the value of … Read More »

In case you haven’t read it yet, Realtor.com is planning to release a new version of its mobile app that is branded for the individual agent–and it’s going to be free.  You can read Inman’s review of the upcoming product but, to put it simply, an individual agent can have their clients download one of the best mobile apps available for iPad, iPhone, or Android, and all of the app’s contact features, including the ability to schedule appointments and chat about a property in real-time, … Read More »

I wrote a previous piece on the five things that Realtor.com could learn from Zillow including the newer, fast-paced marketing techniques that they have been using to catch up to Realtor.com in terms of consumer traffic online. While “shiny and new” always generates attention, it’s worthwhile to also examine some of the superior traits of a company with a long track record.  Experience creates some wisdom in marketing and an attention to detail that can sometimes be missed in a pell-mell startup environment.  Ergo: Five … Read More »

Zillow and Realtor.com are at the top of the list for the most popular real estate destinations online.   While Realtor.com has been the leader for years, Zillow’s skyrocketing success has recently had it matching or beating Realtor.com’s traffic numbers, and its current trajectory certainly points to a growing lead in the future. Instead of lamenting the current outlook or ignoring the ever-growing elephant in the room, it would be wise for the folks at Move, Inc (the current operators of Realtor.com) to take a step … Read More »

If This, Then That is a new company with a plethora of tools designed to automate, simplify, and organize your online world.  They have broken down the code and APIs of online services including Facebook, Twitter, Google, and many others, and created services that automate many functions that users would ordinarily have to do themselves. For a more in-depth overview of the technology, see Chris Smith’s article on Inman, “If This Then That will melt your face off“, inspired by Gahlord Dewald, which introduced me … Read More »