This piece was substantively published on Inman on March 4, 2021. This may be old news to some, but not for others. Regardless, the questions about purchasing MLS tools from participants and … Read more about A Zillow-owned ShowingTime: MLS Strategic Concern and Opportunity
Virtual Showings: buyers and their brokers’ considerations
In a previous post we discussed some sellers’ concerns related to the possibility of ‘virtual showings,’ where buyers’ agents come to listings, take photos, make video recordings, or even live-stream … Read more about Virtual Showings: buyers and their brokers’ considerations
Virtual Showings: seller considerations
These days business as usual looks a little different. Stay-at-home orders, social distancing, and other efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 make some in-person activities more difficult. Showings … Read more about Virtual Showings: seller considerations
MLS photographer program considerations
Several MLSs have recently launched MLS photographer programs. Under such a program, the MLS works directly with photographers to increase market options and transparency, reduce risk for involved … Read more about MLS photographer program considerations
A conversation about Fair Input Guidelines
The buzz and competition regarding alternative listing input seems to have waned a bit. In April 2017 when I wrote this piece, it was a hot topic. And despite it getting less press, it seems the … Read more about A conversation about Fair Input Guidelines
Legal considerations for alternative listing input
This piece was originally published on Inman in April 2017. In it, I posit questions I might work through with a client that is considering adopting an alternative listing and input maintenance (AIM) … Read more about Legal considerations for alternative listing input
Direct syndication alternatives
On April 8, ListHub data will no longer flow to Zillow Group (ZG) and it’s causing consternation for many. Some of that stress centers around MLSs that have not established a direct feed to ZG. There … Read more about Direct syndication alternatives
Change the game
We don’t often represent MLS vendors. There are exceptions. The primary basis for an exception is when the MLS vendor’s interest very closely aligns with MLSs’. This is one of those times. We are … Read more about Change the game
MLS Direct Syndication Negotiation
In my last blog post I promised that, “In a future post, I will take a closer look at the direct syndication model. Why? It’s more complex, it’s more interesting, it gives MLS’s more flexibility, and … Read more about MLS Direct Syndication Negotiation
MLS syndication strategy
As MLSs reevaluate their strategic planning going into the New Year, we’ve been getting many questions about how to approach the dynamic world that is listing syndication. We thought it might be … Read more about MLS syndication strategy
Strategic hypocrisy and management by anecdote
Of course, you’ve read about the dust-up in Boise at the CMLS conference, where Craig Cheatham, CEO of The Realty Alliance (TRA), alerted MLS executives that the big brokers in TRA are fed up with … Read more about Strategic hypocrisy and management by anecdote
Spark Platform 3: Understanding the Technology Framework
Previously, I outlined my general understanding of FBS’s Spark Platform and the legal framework it creates. Now, as promised, I’m considering the technology framework. I should warn all readers, … Read more about Spark Platform 3: Understanding the Technology Framework