Nice review of Cloud CMA on 1000watt’s Blog

I’m a little biased, but Brian Boero is a genius….

Cloud CMA and the downfall of crappy real estate software
via 1000watt Blog

 

J. Wellington Wimpy joins RPR

yeah, right.

Via MLS Tesseract

 

calREDD-Use at your own risk!!

This came up in my Twitter feed.

Check out this jewel in the calREDD’s EULA. It’s in Section 7.

In case you think I’m making this shit up check you can access it here.

[UPDATE: June Barlow, C.A.R. Vice President, General Council (and now apparently CTO) responds to post -CHECK COMMENTS!]

SECTION 7. LIMITED WARRANTY; DISCLAIMER OF OTHER WARRANTIES; LIMITATION OF LIABILITY; REFUNDS FOR INDIVIDUAL FORMS SOFTWARE LICENSE PURCHASES.

A. Disclaimer of Warranties. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT SOME CALREDD PRODUCTS MAY BE EXPERIMENTAL IN NATURE, STILL IN THE DEVELOPMENT STAGE, AND MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FULLY TESTED PRIOR TO YOUR USE. CALREDD, ITS AUTHORIZED PROVIDERS AND SUPPLIERS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES FOR THE CALREDD PRODUCTS AND CALREDD SERVICE. EACH CALREDD PRODUCT AND ANY RELATED DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, WORKMANLIKE EFFORT, TITLE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. THE ENTIRE RISK ARISING OUT OF USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE CALREDD PRODUCTS AND CALREDD SERVICE REMAINS WITH YOU. NEITHER CALREDD NOR ITS AUTHORIZED PROVIDERS OR SUPPLIERS MAKES ANY WARRANTY THAT ANY CALREDD PRODUCT OR THE CALREDD SERVICE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, TIMELY, SECURE OR ERROR-FREE. CALREDD, ITS AUTHORIZED PROVIDERS AND SUPPLIERS DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY INTERFERENCE OR SUSPENSION OF INTERNET SERVICE OR FOR ANY LOSS OR CORRUPTION OF DOCUMENTS, DATA, OR LOSS OF ANY OTHER MATERIALS YOU MAY STORE ON THE INTERNET. NEITHER CALREDD, NOR ITS AUTHORIZED PROVIDERS OR SUPPLIERS MAKES ANY REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE SUITABILITY, RELIABILITY, OR AVAILABILITY OF THE CALREDD PRODUCT OR CALREDD SERVICE FOR ANY PURPOSE. INFORMATION PROVIDED BY CALREDD AND ITS SUPPLIERS MAY BE COMPILED FROM PUBLIC RECORDS AND OTHER SOURCES, AND NEITHER CALREDD, NOR ITS AUTHORIZED PROVIDERS OR ITS DATA SUPPLIERS GUARANTEE THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE MATERIALS. THE MANNER AND PURPOSE FOR THE USE OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE CALREDD SERVICE AND THE VERIFICATION OF ITS ACCURACY IS YOUR SOLE RESPONSIBILITY.

 

Is the agent website business dead?

Call it a case of the tail wagging the dog or just the fact someone took the wrong apple from the apple cart, but change is in the air. Today the wunderkinds at Diverse Solutions are releasing dsIDXpress. In a nutshell dsIDXpress is:

“A plug-in for WordPress that give gives IDX functionality to your website, allows your users to search for and browse available properties on in your MLS, and lets search engines index properties from the MLS on your website.”

I think their tag line says it better.

“MLS on your blog”

For SEO purposes adding dynamic listing content to your blog is like pouring gasoline on a lit fire. And it takes the “agent website” completely out of the equation. In the past the biggest reason you had a website separate from your blog was IDX. Not anymore. Now your blog is your website!

You want to know the test of true innovation? True innovation happens when it puts someone else out of business.

—————-

Diverse Solutions Releases New WordPress IDX Plugin For Indexable Listings

Irvine, CA January 25th, 2010 – Diverse Solutions announced today that they have released a new IDX product called dsIDXpress. The product allows agents and brokers using WordPress to get property listings on their own website and own domain to be indexed by the major search engines. dsIDXpress is different than traditional IDX solutions in that it has both the standard consumer search capabilities as well as the ability to insert specific listings or groups of listings into any page or blog post with their Live Listings(sm) shortcodes. The plugin also automatically builds in search-engine-friendly city, community, and zip code pages that show available properties in the respective areas. Furthermore, listing detail pages are available for every property in the MLS. Overall, dsIDXpress is being touted as a low cost alternative to functionality that was previously only available in high- end custom websites.
The development of dsIDXpress came out of the desire for agents and brokers to have search-engine-indexable IDX listings on their website. With the National Association of Realtors recently adopting changes allowing for search engines to index property listings on an agent’s or broker’s website, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Diverse Solutions recently completed their beta testing period, and the increase in website traffic from search engines was staggering. Active listings were being indexed by Google and ranking higher than results from the big national sites and large brokers. When asked about the new product, Justin LaJoie, CEO of Diverse Solutions, said, “Since WordPress is quickly becoming the platform of choice for real estate websites, it only made sense that we develop a WordPress IDX plugin that provides the functionality that the industry has been asking for.”
The plugin is built with flexibility in mind with the goal of placing the creative power back in the agents and brokers hands instead of being at the mercy of their vendors. Additionally, the Live Listings(sm) shortcode functionality provides the ultimate control on where listings show up on pages or posts. Live Listings(sm) allows agents and brokers to create the perfect city, community, or zip-specific pages with listings that are updated in real time for that area. dsIDXpress also include a number of WordPress IDX widgets, including their search and mapping widgets.
For more information about dsIDXpress, visit http://www.dsIDXpress.com or simply search for “dsIDXpress” in the WordPress plugin directory.
About Diverse Solutions
Headquartered in Southern California, Diverse Solutions is a leading provider of IDX technology for clients nation wide. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to enhance the productivity and marketing efforts of real estate professionals through cutting-edge technology, excellent service, and superior quality.

 

An app store for RE Vendors?

1000Watt Consulting released the “1000watt Index” this week. To me this is the next generation of the “Real Estate Mind Map” they published awhile back. Here’s a few thoughts I have about the site.

First off, I LOVE the design. It’s as simple as it gets. Great layout. They have about 35 categories, laid out nicely, and already have over 300 links to companies/products.

This reminded me of a simliar web site launched a couple months ago called Haystack.com (now called Sortfolio.com). It was put out by the guys at 37signals. Basically it’s was a way for companies to find web designers. Web designers can get a free posting or pay for a premium posting (bigger, more content).

Joel at 1000watt says there are no plans for charging vendors. But I think it is something they should consider.

Taking it a step further is the WAV Group. They are launching a new site called RETechnology.com. The site is not launched yet but will launching in several markets early this year. They also provide free listings for vendors AND a way to pay for premium ads. Agents will able to access the site through their MLS system is some markets.

 

Marketlinx signs multiyear deal with SoCalMLS

Or the headline could read.

THE LARGEST MLS IN CALIFORNIA SAYS NO TO CALREDD.

Take your pick!

Either way, a HUGE win for Marketlinx. Congrats guys!

MARKETLINX SIGNS MULTIYEAR AGREEMENT WITH SOCALMLS
—Largest California Multiple Listing Service Renews TEMPO Contract—

LOS ANGELES Calif., Jan. 20, 2010 – SoCalMLS, California’s largest multiple listing service (MLS), and MarketLinx, Inc., a leading provider of information technology to the residential real estate industry and a member of The First American Corporation (NYSE: FAF) family of companies, today announced they have signed a multiyear agreement for MarketLinx to provide MLS software products to SoCalMLS and its nine REALTOR® associations. Serving more than 46,000 members in Southern California, SoCalMLS is one of the largest multiple listing service providers in North America.
“MarketLinx has an excellent track record with us,” said Russ Bergeron, chief executive officer of SoCalMLS. “We selected MarketLinx years ago because of their experience serving large and active memberships like ours. Since then, the TEMPO system has proven to be a very robust MLS system that continues to evolve with our changing needs. MarketLinx’s support services have also been exceptional—evidenced by the outstanding job they did integrating SoCalMLS with the California Real Estate Technology Services (CARETS) database, which now supports 4 million listings and more than 100,000 real estate professionals. We are very pleased to extend our partnership with MarketLinx.”
“We’re privileged to have this opportunity to continue serving SoCalMLS,” said Ben Graboske, chief executive officer of MarketLinx. “Their confidence in our customer service and product vision has helped make us the industry’s top MLS system provider. All of our clients will benefit tremendously as we push forward with new technologies that make the process of buying and selling real estate faster, easier and less expensive.”
For more information on MarketLinx’s full suite of real estate information technology solutions and services, visit http://www.marketlinx.com.
About MarketLinx®
MarketLinx, Inc., a subsidiary of The First American Corporation, offers a full range of products and support services to address the information technology needs of the real estate brokerage and multiple listing service (MLS) market segments. The company’s full array of capabilities streamlines the real estate listing, financing and closing processes, resulting in increased efficiency and profitability. MarketLinx provides North America’s leading MLS and real estate software systems, including solutions for broker business management, agent productivity, and MLS data aggregation and distribution. For more information, visit http://www.marketlinx.com.
About First American
The First American Corporation is a FORTUNE 500® company that traces its history to 1889. With revenues of approximately $6.2 billion in 2008, it is America’s largest provider of business information. First American combines advanced analytics with its vast data resources to supply businesses and consumers with valuable information products to support the major economic events of people’s lives, such as getting a job, renting an apartment, buying a car or house, securing a mortgage and opening or buying a business. The First American Family of Companies, many of which command leading market share positions in their respective industries, operate within five primary business segments, including: Title Insurance and Services, Specialty Insurance, Information and Outsourcing Solutions, Data and Analytic Solutions, and Risk Mitigation and Business Solutions. More information about the company and an archive of its press releases can be found at http://www.firstam.com.
About SoCalMLS
For more than 16 years, SoCalMLS, the second largest MLS in the United States, has prided itself on a record of outstanding customer service while supporting a vast array of products and services to as many as 55,000 real estate professionals throughout the Southland, earning itself the reputation as the preferred provider of real estate information technology services. For more information, please visit news.SoCalMLS.com or e-mail info@SoCalMLS.com.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

First American Media Contact:
Carrie Gaska
Corporate Communications
The First American Corporation
(714) 250-3298 • cgaska@firstam.com

First American Investor Contact:
Mark Seaton
Investor Relations
The First American Corporation
(714) 250-4264 • mseaton@firstam.com

SoCalMLS Media Contact:
Russ Bergeron
Chief Executive Officer
SoCalMLS
714-517-2626 • russbergeron@socalmls.com

 

Kurt von Wasmuth Named President and CEO of RMLS™

Vendor Alley readers already are familar with the drama. Great to see one of the good guys make the cut. Congrats Kurt!!

Kurt von Wasmuth Named President and CEO of RMLS™
RMLS™ Board of Directors promotes company’s Senior Vice President

PORTLAND, Ore. – RMLS™ (Regional Multiple Listing Service), the largest Realtor®-owned multiple listing service in the Northwest, announced the promotion of Kurt von Wasmuth to President and CEO today.

Von Wasmuth joined RMLS™ in 1998 as a Help Desk Technician and most recently served as Senior Vice President. He has also held management positions in training, communications and information services within the company. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington.

“With more than a decade of leadership in the industry and a strong focus on subscriber priorities, our Board of Directors is confident in Kurt’s ability to lead RMLS™ in this challenging market,” said Gary Whiting, a principal broker with John L. Scott and the 2010 Chairman of the RMLS™ Board.
Kurt von Wasmuth

“I’m excited to step into this role and look forward to helping RMLS™ grow its services and solutions for real estate professionals in the Northwest,” said von Wasmuth.

Former-president and CEO Beth Murphy retired in December after 11 years in the position and 15 years with RMLS™. After initial plans to move into a consulting role with RMLS™, she has instead elected to embrace full retirement.

About RMLS™
RMLS™ produces and provides multiple listing and related services to facilitate cooperation between its more than 12,000 REALTOR® subscribers. It is the primary source for real estate information and the premier Multiple Listing Service in the Pacific Northwest. For more information, visit http://www.rmlsbenefits.com.

 

Ira Luntz joins LPS Real Estate Group on “hush hush” project

Ira Luntz

Industry veteran Ira Luntz has joined LPS Real Estate group. After a successful stint at Listingbook (albeit a bizarre ending) it didn’t take long for Ira to find a new gig.

What’s interesting is that there seems to be a bit of secrecy on the project Ira is woking on. It will be interesting to see what LPS has up their sleeve next….

Congrats Ira!!

 

Inman NYC Warm Up!

*** This post is best read while listening to Jay Z’s track “Empire State of Mind” off his new album “The Blueprint III ***

Oh man I’m getting pumped up for next week! Brad Inman and his team have certainly put together another great conference. I’ve heard attendance is up from last year. So I’m looking forward to seeing everyone. Dan and I have a lot going on at the conference that I wanted to share with you.

First up:

Cloud CMA launch!
Yup, we plan to officially launch our latest web app, Cloud CMA at the show. We will have a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT about this later this week so STAY TUNED!

We will have a demo pod on Wednesday only in “Start-Up Alley” so if you want to come and see a live demo of Cloud CMA please stop by!

Wednesday, January 13

ConnectTech

Dan Woolley will be moderating a Workshop called ConnectTech from 9AM to 11:30AM
Topics include:
Tips and Tricks For Working with the iPhone SDK
How to code IDX Solutions that Don’t Suck
CTO Roundtable: What’s the Next Round of Online Real Estate Innovation?

Thursday, January 14

10:20AM – 10:40AM
I (Greg Robertson) will be on stage for “Start-up Shoot-Out” Part I:The Entrepreneurs”
There will be six us of us pitching our new products and the audience and a panel of judges will decide who take home a prize valued at $25,000!

11:10AM – 11:30AM
Start-Up Shoot-Out Part II: The Investors
High-profile venture investors weigh-in on the start-ups. What do they like? What don’t they like? Will they invest? (Not sure if we get back on stage for this or not yet?)
Investors include: Simon Baker, Vanessa Fox, Brad Inman, and Michael Yang

3PM to 4:PM

I’m doing “CONNECT LAB 2”:

Vendors Only: Selling Technology Solutions in Real Estate
“You’ve got an application. A service. Something you think is killer. But you have no idea how to market and sell it. Learn how to price your product, message it, and get in front of the people who will buy it in this session led by one of the most battle-tested marketing and bus dev executives in the business.”

I’ll be giving a short presentation on what I’m calling “The Twin Peaks of real estate app sales”

I’m kind of bummed a bit because Michael Wurzer is moderating one of the “INNOVATION TRACKS” around the same time:

TRACK 3 – The MLS
2PM to 5PM

MIke has a killer line up of topics and panelists.

RPR Reverb: Should MLSs Love it or Fear it?
Breaking Data Taboos for Fun and Profit
For Those Who Think Big: Charter an Alternate Strategy for Your MLS
Not if, But How To: Work Towards Best Practices for MLS Data Sharing

Ought to be a good show. See you there!

 

Top 10 Vendor Moments of 2009

Top 10 Vendor Moments of 2009

Number 10…
Connect Create at Inman SF 2009. Diverse Solutions and Real Estate Web Masters went head to head on a challenge to develop an new real estate web app in less than 3 days. The spirit and enthusiasm of this event was truly something special. Can’t wait to see what happens in New York next month!

9. Connection 20?? Looks like the bad rep Connection developed for not allowing Vendors (even after Beth and Kurt nixed the idea for Connection 2009) has killed the event. na na na na, hey hey-ey, goodbye!

8. CMLS 2009! One of the best if not the best CMLS conference ever! Shelley and her crew hosted the event in Lake Tahoe and lots of fun and great content ensued!

7. The smile on Mike and Dave‘s face when they beat all comers in a grueling selection process for the right to be Tuscon Area’s MLS Vendor.

6. The smile on Seain and Brian‘s face when they realized they added over 50k new users in 2009 to Tarasoft’s Matrix platform.

5. The smile on Rapattoni‘s face when Fresno Association of REALTORs kicked out calREDD MLS and switched back to their Rapattoni MLS system.

4. The rise of CARETS. One MLS database to rule them all! Great for members, great for Vendors who only have to develop to one system and have access to over 100,000 members!

3. RPR. Call me an optimist but I think that Marty and his crew are smart enough to know that making robust APIs to RPR data will allow software developers to create fantastic new applications for N.A.R. members.

2. Social Media. Vendors have to realize that the advent of these new marketing channels are the best way to reach their clients. Vendors that embrace this will find themselves having a great 2010 and beyond.

and the number 1 top vendor moment of 2009 is….

1. The smile on Jay‘s face when they completed the deal with N.A.R. to be their exclusive vendor for the the RPR. LPS Real Estate Group has redefined what a big deal is in this industry.