The value proposition of HomeBay: THE SMARTER WAY TO SELL. Sell Your Home, Keep The Commission. Commissions, that dreaded topic most love to avoid. (read some of my prior analysis on the topic here and here). The field of those trying to get rid of…

The Swanepoel T3 Group, residential real estate’s definitive strategic information firm, has hired award-winning former Inman News writer Paul Hagey as managing editor of its Swanepoel Trends Report and industry power-ranking list Swanepoel Power 200. Hagey will work closely with Swanepoel T3 Group Chairman and…

Great agents have deep, deep local expertise — and an incentive to share it. Hence why I’ve long thought there is a play to be made around showcasing local experts. Zillow Advice and Trulia Voices and Localism (check this press release from 2008) used to…

Localism says they are “the first national neighborhood-level news site!” I’m sorry, I’m calling bullshit. Ever hear of Patch? Outside.in (see here and company history here)? Blockfeed? Seriously marketers — you ruin all credibility (aka trust) by making outrageous claims you are the first to do something. 99.9% you’re lying,…

OpenStreetView recently launched (SearchEngineLand coverage). Real estate is a big vertical for Google Maps and StreetView. For the mapping geeks out there, you should take a look. If you’d like to learn more, here’s a presentation with more of the thinking/vision: For those interested in the mapping…

Yesterday I came across Joinery.nyc, another player tackling medium term rentals in NYC by connecting renters directly with departing tenants. Given how crazy broker fees are there, it’s no surprise New York City is a hotbed for startups working on medium and long term rentals — Flip…

I spoke with Jerry at Nestigator while I was in San Francisco a couple weeks ago. Their stated value proposition: Connect Search Collaborate Nestigator lets you build your home searching dream team with your family, friends, and agent so your home search can be a…

Can you still build a real estate search portal? Yes, absolutely. Anything is possible. That said, if you plan to build a portal and compete – you need to win the consumer (buyers), somehow. Without buyers, no one in the industry makes any money. So,…

If you read this blog, and don’t know I’m passionate about giving back — well, you’re not really reading. While in San Francisco at Inman Connect, I attended the “Finding a Cause that Aligns With Your Brand” panel that included good friends Caroline (Giveback Homes) and Greg…

We’re simplifying advertising options to a basic monthly sponsorship package. We’ll take 6 sponsors at $500 per month. Each will receive: 100% share of voice with a 180 x 150 ad module on the home page 100% share of voice with a 180 x 150 ad module…