Chris Colwell's Blog

takebacktheMLS.com - a proposal to improve MLS data management & value

Chris Colwell (Realsys) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:25:03 -0800

Is it time to "Take Back the MLS"? Do you feel you are receiving the value you should from your MLS data... or think that the keeper of the R.com url is overcharging for services? Is there a better way that serves both practioners and the consumer?

Visit: www.takebacktheMLS.com

Fixing the system is beneficial for all practioners and can be profitable. Why not? If you know how the system works it's achievable. Join the forum, register in support of this proposal or sign the guestbook.

Have other ideas on how to fix the system? ... let's hear them.

takebacktheMLS.com

Chris Colwell (Realsys) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:37:42 -0800

For discussion. Is it time to create a new broker-agent owned national MLS data site?
Visit: www.takebacktheMLS.com Click on "The $50 Solution"

Fixing the system is beneficial for all practioners and can be profitable. If you know how the system works it's achievable.

The real estate industry is changing...

Chris Colwell (Realsys) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:27:53 -0700

and with change comes opportunity.

Need 10 agents to provide feedback and critique website for a new 'bring agents together for the benefit of the profession' venture. Free 1 year membership in return for your help.

Reply via email if interested.

9 Pillars of the Citadel

Chris Colwell (Realsys) — Fri, 30 May 2008 08:35:15 -0700

Every agent should read this:

Nine Pillars of the Citadel - MLS Report

MLS / Realtor Poll

Chris Colwell (Realsys) — Thu, 29 May 2008 08:10:56 -0700

Poll: Would you still be a "Realtor" if you didn't have to be in order to gain access to the MLS.?

Agents of Change - new group

Chris Colwell (Realsys) — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:04:13 -0700

If you are interested in where the real estate industry is headed... and want to add your 2 cents and viewpoint, you are invited to join a new AR group called "Agents of Change".

Be sure to read the initial post: Industry Outlook - Change on the Horizon

http://www.activerain.com/groups/agentsforchange

Press Release:

Chris Colwell (Realsys) — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:48:45 -0700

Note: Posted here upon recommendation of Re/Max agency owner. Attempted to get info distributed via your nationwide office network but they won't do that. Program is designed to generate serious buyer and seller prospects in addition to helping sell homes faster.

New Service Launches To Help Sell Homes Faster

Apex, NC, 5/28/08 - As the real estate market continues to contract and properties sit on the market for longer periods of time, sellers and agents are looking for new ways of attracting serious buyers to get homes sold.

A NC company has developed one answer to this problem through a new service called "EZClose" ( www.EZCloseHomes.com ) EZClose is a "marketing and positioning" solution that puts a team of service experts behind each listing to help get property sold faster.

Unlike most homes on the market, EZClose Homes are "professionally prepared to sell fast", not just "offered" for sale. This distinction naturally attracts buyers who understand that properties enrolled in the service have taken measures ‘above and beyond' traditional methods to ensure a smooth and hassle-free sale. A combination of web, print and signage is used to make EZClose Homes stand out in their market.

The EZClose solution is not for everyone. It requires a commitment from the seller to price their property realistically and to listen to the advice of the team. "This is a serious program for serious sellers and it works to maximize the benefit for all parties involved."

One of the most attractive aspects of EZClose is that there are no added marketing fees for sellers as these costs are covered by participating agents and professionals. "It's a win-win situation for everyone".

Consumers with properties for sale and professionals interested in offering EZClose in their area may learn more at: www.EZCloseHomes.com

End.

New AR Group - Agents of Change

Chris Colwell (Realsys) — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:39:59 -0700

If you are interested in where the real estate industry is headed... you are invited to join a new group here at Active Rain called "Agents of Change".

Be sure to read the initial post: Industry Outlook - Change on the Horizon

http://www.activerain.com/groups/agentsforchange

Industry Outlook - Change on the Horizon

Chris Colwell (Realsys) — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:18:58 -0700

The real estate profession is experiencing considerable change as a result of technological innovation and competition.

Quietly, large media companies and private equity groups are entering the picture and purchasing real estate related ventures that serve their interests. Their mission in life is to get between you and potential customers. Why? -- because they have found a way to monitize the home search process and convince consumers that they can help save them money.... at your expense. What most consumers don't realize is that these companies add no value in a real estate transaction and actually increase their overall costs.

Many are chasing ad revenue as more and more home shoppers go online. Major web portals such as Yahoo, Google and AOL all now have their own real estate divisions.... not to mention Zillow. They want to capture the consumer "upstream" in a real estate transaction so that they can sell ads to companies that seek to influence buyer/seller decisions early.

Banks, mortgage companies, title companies, software companies, etc. are all going after the real estate industry because there is money to be made. Technology is allowing some of them to earn large fees from the ability to sell leads back to you. Many times this is done using property information you placed in local real estate publication. You've seen commissions erode with the national average rate dropping from 6% to 4.9%.

It may not seem like it now, but our industry has reached a critical juncture. These companies will continue to capitalize on our information and make inroads into the real estate business until consumers are given better choices.

If you would like to discuss the future of the real estate industry ... join the new group here at activerain named: Agents Of Change

Consider these transactions of note:

CitiVenture Group Purchase of parent of The Real Estate Book for $380MM
Scripps aquires uswitch.com for $366MM in cash
Classified Ventures purchase of Homegain.com for $105MM in 2005
Apollo Groups proposed purchase of Realogy Realogy.com
Ebay's purchase of a 25% interest in Craigslist.com
Ebay's purchase of Rent.com
ServiceMaster agrees to $4.7 Billion Buyout
Dominion Enterprises purchases Advanced Access
Dominion Enterprises purchases eNeighborhoods
Lucero Summit bought out by First American Title
ActiveRain takes investment from HouseValues.com

Articles worth reading:

Industry Outlook - Change on the Horizon

Chris Colwell (Realsys) — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:10:29 -0700

Consider these transactions of note:

CitiVenture Group Purchase of parent of The Real Estate Book for $380MM
Scripps aquires uswitch.com for $366MM in cash
Classified Ventures purchase of Homegain.com for $105MM in 2005
Apollo Groups proposed purchase of Realogy Realogy.com
Ebay's purchase of a 25% interest in Craigslist.com
Ebay's purchase of Rent.com
ServiceMaster agrees to $4.7 Billion Buyout
Dominion Enterprises purchases Advanced Access
Dominion Enterprises purchases eNeighborhoods
Lucero Summit bought out by First American Title
ActiveRain takes investment from HouseValues.com

Articles worth reading: