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The opposite of Redfin...

By
Real Estate Agent

Brio's mission is to become the opposite of Redfin.

As far as I can tell after talking with Glenn, Redfin's CEO, Redfin wants to be known for providing a minimal level of service to "rich geeks" for a cheap price. 

Brio will be known for providing the highest level of service, to those who care about that kind of service and expertise, and offer it at a fair price.

I believe Redfin's intentions are pure.  They are looking out for the consumers best interest by attempting to make the home buying and selling process more effecient. The way they propose doing that will likely work well for some percentage of their target niche; rich, cheap, geeks, that are knowledgable of their local real estate market. (Glenn used the phrase "rich geeks" in an interview with ActiveRain.  I think both Glenn and I are comfortable using that word because we both easily qualify as geeks.)  

I hope they succeed because having a Redfin, gives Brio an anchor to play against. 

Redfin is on one end of the service spectrum and Brio is on the other.  We are both breaking convention in the quest to make the real estate process better.  We are just going about it in different ways.  Redfin and Brio occupy opposite ends of the same spectrum.  Both ends are remarkable, it is the center, where everyone else plays that is the slow death.

Update: This post was inspired by this post authored by Seth Godin.  

Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent
Realty Executives -BRIO - Seattle, WA

Gentlemen...choose your niches!  :  )

You are so right Jonathan, it does help to have an idea of your target market.  I have recently expressed the exact same thought to several people.  Choice is great for consumers, everyone can choose the level of service that works for them and the cost for the service. 

Aug 16, 2007 07:56 PM
Todd Murphy
Fitts Agency - Tuscaloosa, AL

Just wait until you meet Zealtor(r).  More choices. Better Value.  The agent wins, the customer wins.

Coming soon... :)

Aug 16, 2007 09:09 PM
Gabe Lombard
Today's Realty - Guam, IT
Interesting take, enjoyed the post!
Aug 16, 2007 10:43 PM
Linda Reynolds
Bradenton Real Estate - Linda Reynolds - Bradenton, FL
Bradenton Real Estate
I too run my brokerage the opposite of Redfin, I believe most people want that full service since this is something they only do a few times in their lifetime, it is a daunting experience for most.
Aug 16, 2007 11:08 PM
Mike Jaquish
Realty Arts - Cary, NC
919-880-2769 Cary, NC, Real Estate

Good target, Johathan.

I have a current client whose aunt is a Realtor in another state, and Auntie is in total shock at the things I have done and offered to do for them.

Bring that value, and be remembered!  Full service lives!

Aug 16, 2007 11:14 PM
Beth Butler
Beth Butler - Big Mouth Consulting - Miami, FL
It will be interesting to find the definition of Full Service in the new market.  Determining which services provide what value is the key.  Every model has merit and the spectrum is good for the consumer.
Aug 17, 2007 12:04 AM
Anonymous
Lani, RERevealed.com
aha, you read Seth's blog... way to define yourself!  Glen won't mind a bit :)
Aug 17, 2007 05:17 AM
#7
Jon Washburn
Seattle, WA

Lani,

Yes, that was definitely my inspiration.  I should have credited him with the post last night, but was too lazy and tired.  I put a link to him today. I LOVE Seth.  He is amazing.   

Aug 17, 2007 06:30 AM
Anonymous
Lani

You know, so many people are scared to set their sights on a competitor because it feels wrong.  But it's not.  Just ask Wal-Mart who claims not to (but they totally do) select another big box competitor each year to directly crush.  Locally, our grocer HEB was in Wal-Mart's destruct-o-vision and instead of crumble like most, they said "oh yeah, watch this, we're building SUPER HEBs" and KAZAAM- Wal-Mart hasn't re-offered to buy them out again and is actually suffering in our area.

Competition and having goals is a part of any successful business person's portfolio.  Being opposite something gives consumers a clear choice- you or them.  I love Seth too... don't tell my husband. :)

Aug 17, 2007 02:36 PM
#9
FRANK LL0SA Esq.- Northern Virginia Broker .:. FranklyRealty.com
Northern Virginia Homes - FRANKLY REAL ESTATE Inc - Arlington, VA
Brilliantly put.
Sep 03, 2007 01:19 PM