Chime Unveils New Three-Line Dialer to Expedite Calling Efficiency and Increase Agent Productivity
PHOENIX, May 05, 2020 -- Chime Technologies, an award winning operating system for the real estate industry, today announced a new fully integrated Three Line Dialer tool to expedite calling efficiency and support increased agent productivity. An addition to Chime's existing Call Packages, the new feature allows ISAs, agents and brokerages to quickly dial up to three leads at once making it easier to identify sales ready buyers and sellers and save agents valuable time. By relying on innovative technology from Chime, forward thinking brokerages eliminate the time consuming and mundane task of wading through long lead lists with individual calls, freeing agents to instead focus on revenue-generating activities. To learn more about Chime's sales acceleration platform, please visit HERE. "Time is an agents" most valuable asset. Adding a Triple Line Dialer to Chime's already powerful CRM helps me focus on money making activities like writing contracts and conducing house tours as opposed to tedious hours spent on the phone dialing one by one," said Brett Baker, The Baker Team. "Now, instead of spending nine hours on the phone with a single line dialer, I can spend three hours, call the same amount of people, and still catch my kids little league game in the same afternoon. Priceless!" Today's agents and brokerages often have hundreds of cold or expired leads to contact, requiring several hours per week to call one-by-one with little to no return as the majority of leads don't even answer. The new Three Line Dialer was built to allow for the dialing of up to three different numbers at the same time. As a result, an agent can connect with the one that actually answers to not only work through the lead lists more quickly, but efficiently connect with high quality leads. Unlike competitors, the Three Line Dialer is fully integrated into Chime's AI-powered sales acceleration platform, ensuring call logs are immediately and directly synced to lead profiles in the platform. This results in an up to date CRM that accurately reflects all contact attempts made. In addition, by filtering out fake leads, agents are armed with reliable lead lists to reach high quality buyers and sellers in a relevant and timely manner. With unlimited call minutes and the ability to make up to 2,000 calls per day, the Three Line Dialer tool features several key options including: Questionnaire: Outlines common questions to ask leads; automatically populates lead profile in Chime platform Call Scripts: Templates can be customized to ensure messaging stays consistent and focused Callback Message: Record a personalized callback message to avoid missing the opportunity to connect, should more than one lead answer Automated text message: Customize as follow-up for each individual lead "We make it a priority to connect with agents across the country to intimately understand their day to day challenges and deliver the most valuable platform on the market today," said Mike McGowan, Vice President, Sales, Chime. "Our new Three Line Dialer reflects our commitment to streamlining time consuming processes that plague the real estate industry and empower agents with valuable tools, built on innovative technology, to increase productivity for long term success." About Chime Technologies Chime is an all-in-one Sales Acceleration Platform for the real estate industry headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Its award-winning productivity suite offers a robust set of features that help real estate professionals and teams of all sizes run and grow their business. Chime Technologies operates as a US subsidiary of Renren, Inc. (RENN). For more information, contact [email protected] or 888-682-4463, or visit www.chime.me.

National Association of Realtors Builds Marketing and Creative Capabilities
New vice presidents to lead the organization’s communications and marketing strategies WASHINGTON (March 5, 2019) – The National Association of Realtors® announced today two new additions to a newly integrated marketing communications team to increase member engagement and satisfaction and enhance NAR's relationship with consumers. Effective March 5, Mantill Williams will become NAR's vice president of PR and communication strategy, and Susan Welter will become NAR's vice president of creative and content strategy. Both will report to Victoria Gillespie, NAR chief marketing and communications officer. "Mantill and Susan bring more than 40 years' combined experience developing and executing major marketing and communications campaigns both within the real estate industry and for other professional associations," said Bob Goldberg, CEO of NAR. "They will elevate member communications and help us tell more creative and compelling stories about Realtors® and property owners." With more than 20 years of public and media relations outreach, speechwriting and advocacy communications experience, Williams will develop strategic communications campaigns for NAR. His public and media relations strategies have garnered extensive news coverage in top tier media. Prior to joining NAR, Williams served as director of advocacy communications for the American Public Transportation Association, leading the public transit industry's national advocacy program. He also previously led communications teams for the largest membership association, AAA. "I am thrilled to begin this new role at NAR using my previous association experience to enhance the ways in which we reach and connect with our current and prospective members," said Williams. "I look forward to promoting the value and services offered to our members and advancing NAR's position as the leading voice in the real estate industry." Welter joins NAR with the unique perspective of having worked alongside the REALTOR® Magazine, Expo, and REALTOR Benefits® Program teams as a partner for more than six years. Throughout her 25-year career in publishing and marketing, she has held prominent roles in every aspect of print, digital, video communications, and events. She has enjoyed over a decade of success working with more than 50 regional, national, and international associations helping them enhance their communications and grow non-dues revenue. Most recently, Welter consulted with associations to develop multimedia content strategies and implement cross-organizational programs designed to increase member acquisition, engagement and retention. "Having served the association market for most of my career, I'm excited to put that collective experience to use at NAR to better engage with our members and deepen our relationships with our industry partners, providing an exceptional experience for all," said Welter. The National Association of Realtors® is America's largest trade association, representing more than 1.3 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Delta Media Group Launches Connect Everywhere with Microsoft Exchange Integration
CANTON, OH Oct 30, 2018--Building on the already robust feature set included with the Delta Media Group Platform, today announced the launch of Microsoft Exchange Integration within our platform. This allows for real-time synchronization of contacts, email, and calendars across all devices, saving real estate professionals time and ensuring up to date information at their fingertips. "Delta Media Group works hard to partner with our brokers to implement feature requests that will enhance the overall experience of all our clients. Our product development team has worked hard to get the Microsoft Exchange bi-directional integration live allowing brokers and agents to sell faster and smarter, from anywhere on any device with the most updated information at their fingertips," says Mike Minard, President of Delta Media Group. The Microsoft Exchange Integration will work alongside the already launched Google integration of Gmail, Google People (Contacts) and Google Calendar Sync. With this new integration, Delta Media Group can now support either contact platform making it easier than ever for agents to stay on top of their communication with their clients. A perceived challenge we hear from many real estate firms today when considering a move to a new technology platform is the training, support, and adoption of their agents. At Delta Media Group we strive to make the transition to new technology as easy and turn-key as possible. This approach allows agents to focus on the new technology features available to them on the Delta platform without having to make a change to their familiar email and contact systems. This increases overall productivity, the adoption of a new broker system, and the seamless integration of their existing tools. There are several key elements with this integration that brokerages of all sizes will find compelling: 1 Stop Shop – no more jumping around different apps to accomplish customer record changes or communications. Reduces mistakes by not having to enter information into multiple systems Enter a new contact on your mobile device and that contact becomes a DeltaNet platform customer Changes to a DeltaNet customers' information will be reflected in real time on your mobile device Enhanced interface with Office 365 so agents can send/receive and reply to emails from inside DeltaNet Calendar sync with the DeltaNet making it an effective tool when scheduling showings, planning meetings and running their business without using multiple apps About Delta Media Group Delta Media Group is the enterprise marketing and business management solution for many real estate professionals across the country. Servicing over 65 of the top Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and hundreds of brokers nationwide. Delta partners with its customers at the point where marketing meets technology, helping clients successfully run their real estate businesses and maximize profits. Delta Media Group was founded in 1994 and has grown to become the leading real estate website and lead management developer in the country.

Bright MLS Connects Distributed Workforce and Enhances Customer Experience with RingCentral Cloud Communications and Contact Center Solutions
BELMONT, Calif.--RingCentral, Inc., a leading provider of global enterprise cloud communications and collaboration solutions, today announced that Bright MLS, one of the nation's largest real estate multiple listing services (MLS), has selected RingCentral's unified solutions across voice, video, online meetings, and contact center to boost workforce productivity and enhance the customer experience. Serving approximately 85,000 real estate professionals who in turn serve over 20 million consumers, Bright MLS is a combination of two leading multiple listing services, MRIS and TREND, along with a number of other similar organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region. With the formation of the new entity and the offering of more listings across a broader geographic area, Bright MLS needed to standardize its new IT environment to better connect its distributed workforce and contact centers across the Mid-Atlantic. Previously, Bright MLS had legacy on-premises systems, which primarily supported voice-only communications and were difficult to support a distributed workforce. By standardizing on RingCentral's cloud communications platform, Bright MLS uses RingCentral Office® to connect its workforce across distributed locations and enable communication across different modes. In addition, Bright MLS also uses RingCentral Contact Center™ to better support customer engagement. "Our real estate professionals conduct $100 million worth of transactions each hour," said Garry Marsoubian, Senior Vice President of IT and Project Delivery at Bright MLS. "With RingCentral, we're able to enhance the customer experience while saving costs, making it a business decision that translates to tangible value across our organization. RingCentral has addressed the confidentiality, integrity, and availability questions that all IT leaders must ask when considering cloud services and solutions." The other key aspect of RingCentral that convinced Bright MLS it was the right solution was the availability of a robust call center solution, RingCentral Contact Center. Vernon Jones, Vice President of Customer Support explains: "Every minute that our customers are on the phone with a support representative is a minute that they aren't initiating or closing deals. Our call centers have to be available to their fullest extent, and the support reps need tools to answer questions quickly. RingCentral Contact Center makes that happen." Key benefits of RingCentral for Bright MLS include: Enhanced mobility: Real estate agents can work remotely while staying engaged with customers and peers through web and video meetings with RingCentral Meetings™. Robust contact center solution: RingCentral Contact Center empowers customer support center managers with the visibility and reporting tools they need to ensure that everyone is working optimally. Open platform: Integration with Salesforce CRM allows support agents to handle calls from directly within Salesforce, ensuring an extra measure of efficiency to answer questions quickly. Security: Meets the Bright MLS vetting process for confidentiality, integrity, availability; and follows the same model Bright MLS has architected—multiple data centers with highly redundant circuits. "Standardized on a single cloud communications solution, Bright MLS is an example of the harmony that can be achieved in an organization with multiple locations and a distributed workforce," said Ryan Azus, EVP of Global Sales and Services at RingCentral. "We look forward to further supporting their needs in the future as their business evolves." For additional information, click here. About Bright MLS The Bright MLS real estate service area spans 40,000 square miles throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, including Delaware; Maryland; Washington, D.C.; and parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. As a leading Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Bright serves approximately 85,000 real estate professionals who in turn serve over 20 million consumers. About RingCentral RingCentral, Inc. (NYSE:RNG) is a leading provider of global enterprise cloud communications and collaboration solutions. More flexible and cost-effective than legacy on-premises systems, RingCentral empowers today's mobile and distributed workforce to communicate, collaborate, and connect from anywhere, on any device. RingCentral unifies voice, video, team messaging and collaboration, conferencing, online meetings, and integrated contact center solutions. RingCentral's open platform integrates with leading business apps and enables customers to easily customize business workflows. RingCentral is headquartered in Belmont, California, and has offices around the world.

Terradatum Announces Acquisition of VScreen and OnHoldUSA
Terradatum announced the dual acquisition of Schweickart, Inc. media companies VScreen and OnHoldUSA today, collectively the leading video content solutions provider within the residential real estate industry, and the leading voice messaging telecom solution within the apartment industry. Terradatum and VScreen have shared a long-standing technology and data partnership since 2011. "Increasingly, more brokerages and apartment management companies are recognizing the need to integrate video and audio marketing content into their lead generation, relocation, and digital marketing strategies in order to better target Millennials. VScreen and OnHoldUSA both offer turnkey content solutions that are affordable and require minimal technical effort to deploy," said CEO Stephen Schweickart. "Terradatum provides service to thousands of real estate offices across the country and we're excited to further leverage our synergies together. Terradatum CEO, Mark Spraetz, noted, "Analytics that Terradatum provides through BrokerMetrics® and its other services, are critically important content that elevates a brokerage's ability to better execute its business strategy. VScreen and OnHoldUSA's multimedia content services offer tools that can elevate marketing efforts in a similar manner. Good content, regardless of form, seeks to engage a person with the brand. Their collective content educates and engages, offering utility across the spectrum of digital marketing. The combination of analytics and marketing content will be a differentiator for our clients." About VScreen VScreen is the nation's leading real estate video content provider, offering turnkey video solutions to brokers and agents looking for the latest in consumer centric video content and technology. In addition to Community Videos, VScreen is also the parent company of ListingVideos.com, VidBrander.com, and the patent pending MarketVideos.com portal. About OnHoldUSA OnHoldUSA® has been providing voice messaging solutions to American businesses for over 30 years, with a team of professional voice artists, copy writers and production experts with the experience and know how to elevate telephone and in-store messaging to business-class. About Terradatum, Inc. Terradatum, creators of Listing Advantage, MLSWEB, BrokerMetrics(r) is an industry leader in real estate market analytics. Aggregating millions of data elements drawn nationally from MLS sources over many years, analytics derived from its services provide clarity and vital insights to real estate professionals to enable better forecasting, compensation modeling and market performance. Originally founded in 1989, Terradatum is a privately held company. For more information, please visit www.terradatum.com.

Introducing Contactually’s newest way to connect with your relationships — sending cards
Digital communication...breakdown In the digital world, communication is key. Texts, emails, and phone calls are accessible from anywhere in the world. There's really no excuse to overlook an opportunity to connect with your prospects, clients, and leads. Having all those open channels of communication can come with a risk, and they often devalue the message you're sending. When you're competing with a barrage of digital communications from friends, family, and advertisers it's difficult to break through the noise. Stand out from the average agent So what's the secret to making your message stand out? Keep it simple. Not only the content, but the way you send it. Contactually is proud to introduce the ability to send handwritten cards directly to your network. Tear down the digital barrier and show your prospects, leads, and clients how valued they are by sending a handwritten card. The personal approach guaranteed to win you more business Sending handwritten cards takes extra time and effort, but the investment is guaranteed to generate you more real estate leads. With Contactually's send cards feature you'll have the best of both worlds: take the time out of sending handwritten cards and maintain your powerful, heartfelt message. I love sending handwritten cards, especially around the holidays. It lets my clients know that I truly care, instead of the typical newsletter they're used to. – Mary A. SC, Realtor Sending handwritten cards When your clients or leads have notable dates coming up, share a special message with just a few simple clicks. Whether a birthday, anniversary, 'thank you' or anything in between, choose from a variety of designs to match the tone of the occasion. Tips for sending cards When you're taking time to send a card, keep it simple, make it memorable, and be personable. You might have been working with a client recently and just want to thank them. Maybe you have an old lead who has sent you several referrals. It could be something as simple as a birthday. No matter the reason, this is your moment to make your recipient feel special for the support they've given you and your real estate business. Take advantage of Contactually's send cards feature and deliver a handwritten card to your clients this holiday season. Make sure to get your orders in early to ensure your message shows up in time for that special moment. Look out for more to come... We'd love to hear your feedback on Contactually's new handwritten cards feature — just email feedback(at)contactually.com. As 2016 comes to a close, stay tuned for more features and announcements in 2017 that will help you accomplish all of your real estate business goals. To view the original post, visit the Contactually blog.

Real Estate Industry Veteran to Lead WAV Group Communications
  Arroyo Grande, CA, September 23, 2014 – Real estate industry communications and marketing veteran Kevin Hawkins has been named President of WAV Group Communications, the newest division of the real estate industry's leading consulting firm, WAV Group. Being officially introduced at the CMLS2014, the Council of Multiple Listing Services national conference that starts tomorrow, September 24-27 in Huntington Beach, California, Hawkins will expand and deepen the communications services The WAV Group provides to leading MLS firms, REALTOR® Associations, top real estate brokerages, and real estate technology firms. "We have known and worked with Kevin for a long time. He is a consummate professional that brings a breath and depth of experience that is not found in our industry," said Victor Lund, a founding partner of the WAV Group. Lund called Hawkins "a natural fit," noting he brings a combined expertise in working in real estate, and world-class experience in PR and Communications that meets the needs for both consumer and industry messaging." Marilyn Wilson, also a founding partner of the WAV Group and former SVP Marketing at Fisher-Price, said Hawkins is "well-schooled in innovative methods for generating interest and attention among consumers and real estate professionals alike, leveraging the latest in media and communications technologies." "Kevin can not only talk the talk, but has walked the walk," Wilson said, noting Hawkins has worked directly with real estate agents and broker owners for more than two decades. "He has successfully launched and promoted literally hundreds of new business and consumer products and services harnessing both traditional and digital media. His creative and affordable grass root campaigns targeting have helped firms increase both product adoption and profitability." Real estate radio talk show host, columnist, and author Tom Kelly, who collaborated with Hawkins at Inman News, said, "I've witnessed Kevin's boundless energy and execution for nearly three decades. Both may not be surpassed by his creativity, but it's a close call." Hawkins, who worked with WAV Group was as a client, lauds the firm's reputation. "Businesses today often need wisdom and insight that comes from personal experience," Hawkins said. "The WAV Group is the industry's seasoned voice of reason, giving strategic and innovative yet practical, actionable and affordable advice to help real businesses create positive momentum and growth. It's a privilege to be associated with such quality and class." Hawkins brings to the WAV Group more than 25 years of experience leading and transforming communications programs for small and medium sized businesses, as well as Fortune 500 companies. . Previously he held marketing, communications and leadership positions at Fannie Mae, HomeGain, Inman News and its first eight Real Estate Connect conferences, and Great Western Bank (now CHASE). Hawkins also worked as an Account Supervisor at a Los Angeles-based PR agency, was a top producing mortgage loan officer in the Seattle area for eight years, was the Associate Publisher at hyperlocal news blog InsideBainbridge.com, and as award-winning freelance writer, authored more than 50 major magazine feature stories. Hawkins most recently was VP, Communications and Marketing at Imprev and left to start his own public relations consulting firm. ABOUT THE WAV GROUP The WAV Group is a leading consulting firm for the real estate industry, serving many of the largest and most successful Multiple Listing Services (MLS), REALTOR® Associations, real estate brokerages, and real estate technology firms for more than 15 years. With an unsurpassed depth of experience in technology, strategic planning, research, business development, sales, product development, marketing and communications in the real estate industry, the WAV Group serves as a virtual executive, and helping clients meet the objectives of their business or association, more quickly, more effectively and more affordably. The firm's diverse collection of global industry experience allows it to cross-fertilize ideas and bring best of breed solutions to its clients. More information is available at http://www.wavgroup.com.

WebsiteBox Introduces Live Chat App Zopim to Their Line-up
REALTORS® know the importance of a good conversation. It can create clients, close deals and solidify their expertise. Now WebsiteBox is giving you the ability to have a real-time conversations with your website visitors! No longer will your visitors have to wait for a response from you--they can get one instantly. You can also use your smartphone or tablet to chat when you are away from your desk! Answer questions, engage clients and get more leads with this powerful live chat app by Zopim. This powerful new app allows you to: Chat with your visitors in real-time Stay connected anywhere at anytime Dashboard Analytics Inter-agent Chat and Transfer Customize your chat box Automatic Translator And so much more! The Zopim App is available now on our App Store, where you can choose from 3 different plans, including a free plan! Get your Zopim Live Chat here.

Effective Communication Practices Boosts Home Buyer Confidence
  Proper document management and electronic signatures increase efficiency in the home buying process, but effective, one-to-one communication between agent and client remains of basic importance for selling real estate. People are naturally cautious about buying real estate, because it's typically the most important investment they'll ever make. They need to feel confident, with a sense of trust in their Realtor® as they make the decision to become a homeowner. The key to gaining this special type of trust comes from good interpersonal communication. Here are some tips to communicate with potential clients to help them feel comfortable about buying real estate: Be credible: Every property is unique. It's up to the agent to do as much research about each property as possible. Clients will have serious questions about what they're buying, and a knowledgeable, thorough agent builds trust among buyers – building great references in the community as well. Be patient and listen: If the client wants to talk, actively listen to their questions and concerns. Rather than immediately responding, absorb what they've said and try to empathize with their position in the home buying process. Once you think from another's perspective, you can help them make more informed decisions as you have more of a vested interest in finding them the right home. Ask clear, well-defined questions: You can't effectively establish your clients' needs unless you ask them about their specifications. You're questions should be very easy to understand, with very clear intentions. Be patient with clients new to the home buying process and thoroughly explain what information you need from them. Turn down your phone or mobile device: Switch your phone or mobile device to its silent setting and never answer it when meeting with potential clients; unless it's an absolute emergency. Doing so sends the message that you're placing less importance on a client's time than your own; exactly what you don't want when establishing a sincere relationship built on mutual respect. While you have other potential clients, you only have one right in front of you. While these tips are applicable to real estate transactions, they also apply in everyday life. Without effective communication, life can be very frustrating. With all of the work that goes into the purchase and sale of a home, it would behoove an agent to consciously employ these practices in every transaction to increase customer satisfaction and their overall business. Read the original blog post. Learn more about DotLoop.

Goomzee Connects with Three More MLSs
Missoula, Montana – May 05, 2010 – Home buyers in Illinois, Oregon, and Texas will soon be able to receive for-sale home information, pricing, and photos, sent directly to their phone using text messaging (SMS) thanks to Goomzee.  Peoria Area Association of Realtors® (PAAR), Willamette Valley MLS (WVMLS), and Temple-Belton Board of Realtors (TBBOR) recently joined the growing number of REALTOR® associations, multiple listing services (MLS), brokerages and real estate agents connecting with Montana’s Goomzee, a nationwide text message marketing solution provider for real estate professionals. Goomzee’s real estate text message marketing solution, Realty Connect®, helps connect buyers and sellers using mobile technology and integration with MLS data systems.  Real estate professionals place signs or ads prompting homebuyers to send a text message with a unique property code to receive for-sale property information.  Potential buyers just have to send the property code as a text message to 44133 and within seconds they receive for-sale information, and optionally photos, on their cell phone.  The real estate agent is alerted, and may connect with buyers in real time, providing timely follow up.  “This is an essential tool for today’s real estate professional.  Goomzee’s technology allows agents to reach the growing population of consumers who rely on their mobile phone to access information anytime, anywhere,” says Mike Sparr, Goomzee’s CEO. Jay Gordon, CEO of the Willamette Valley MLS, says “Our goal is to provide Realtors with the best tools and information available in the industry. We are very happy to create a relationship with Goomzee that will improve our members’ productivity, professionalism, and relationships with buyers and sellers.” An increasing number of Americans look to their cellular phones for instant access to information.  According to the International Association of Wireless Telecommunications, also known as CTIA®, there are 285.6 million US mobile phone subscribers, representing 91% of Americans. Text messaging has rapidly become one of the most commonly-used features on mobile phones.  Wireless carriers have reported that over 1.5 trillion text messages were delivered in the U.S. in 2009 and average monthly messages per subscriber was 357.  Cellular text communication has surpassed voice calls since November 2007.  Once a technology primarily for chatting amongst friends, text messaging is now the preferred source for instant information.  With Goomzee’s text message marketing service, Realty Connect, real estate professionals have yet another arrow in their quiver to reach America’s home buyers. About Peoria Area Association of Realtors The Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® serves over 1,000 REALTOR® members and 145 Affiliates. The PAAR Mission is "To be recognized by the public and our peers as an Association dedicated to equal opportunity in housing, to the protection of private property rights and to high ethical standards of professional conduct; to provide an opportunity for a productive life in sales by providing the education and resources necessary for growth, keeping alive the American Dream." About Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service Located in Salem, OR, the Willamette Valley Multiple Listing Service is a member-owned cooperative MLS, serving the Mid-Willamette Valley since 1949.  The WVMLS mission is to provide the highest quality, preferred real estate products and services the industry has to offer, maintain and encourage a high level of member cooperation and professionalism, and expedite real estate transactions by providing accurate and timely information and services for the benefit of our membership and the public. About Temple-Belton Board of Realtors The Temple-Belton Board of REALTORS® is based in Temple, TX.  The TBBOR mission is to provide support and resources in an effort to build, maintain and educate our membership to establish and promote a professional, ethical business atmosphere in which the membership can properly serve the public.  About Goomzee Goomzee Corporation provides a mobile marketing technology platform that connects buyers and sellers at the point-of-interest.  Goomzee’s flagship product, Realty Connect, and Mobile Virtual Tours, specifically assists real estate professionals to win more listings, acquire more leads and close more sales.  The Company was established in 2003 offering hosted online storefronts to small businesses as well as consulting for some of the world’s largest companies and brands.  Goomzee is an industry leader in text message marketing and continues to innovate from a client first perspective.  We connect buyers and sellers at the point-of-interest.  To learn more, visit us online at www.goomzee.com or contact us at (877) 324-1796 (toll free). For more information about Goomzee, click here.  

MLS Listings Now Available Through IDX's iPhone App
EUGENE, OR—IDX, Inc., is excited to introduce the very first and only integrated and brandable Multiple Listing Service (MLS) search application for the iPhone. This is a unique product offering and the first of its kind in the real estate industry. This new iPhone app is officially being released today, just in time for the 2009 National Association of REALTORS® conference beginning November 13, 2009.  This innovative and highly anticipated application, named myAgent by IDX, now puts the power of an iPhone app in the hands of every single real estate agent and broker nationwide. With 300+ MLSs already covered by IDX, Inc.’s, existing IDX platform, myAgent by IDX is the Nation’s first and solitary integrated IDX application that has the ability to serve agents, both big and small, without them having to spend excess and valuable time building their own custom iPhone application. So how does this particular IDX iPhone application differ from other already existing iPhone real estate applications? -     Although IDX, Inc., manages over 4 million listings nationwide on a daily basis, it is not a national aggregator of data, like Trulia or Zillow, rather it is a utility that enables a local agent in a specific MLS market to have a competitive advantage through the use of innovative and brandable tools. -     IDX, Inc., already has existing relationships and contracts with over 300 independently owned and operated MLS systems throughout the United States. No other company has direct feeds from this many MLS systems, nor can they service any agent throughout the US with an integrated iPhone data feed. -     This is an integrated application, therefore the home search tools are built directly into the application through an advanced map search function; Other real estate apps that display MLS listings do so through a window that displays a webpage online, making myAgent by IDX much more functional and desirable to individual agents and brokers. For over 5 years IDX, Inc., has provided real estate professionals with a plethora of unique features, as well as a customizable interface, enabling them to integrate local MLS listings into their already existing websites, without the need for complex programming. This brand new iPhone application, myAgent by IDX, extends this same unparalleled and innovative service, to the mobile Web. Home seekers with the desire for this new IDX iPhone application can receive a special Agent Code from their participating real estate professional. Consumers that do not currently have a specified agent or broker can receive a code automatically through the geo-location tool, built directly into the app, catering to each individual looking for a new property. Some of the benefits to users include: The ability to search for homes within the actual MLS, in their local and surrounding areas. Having access to the most current MLS listing data available, which is updated in all markets every 24 hours. The ability to locate a property using map search tools, allowing them to tour neighborhoods and view all homes on the market within that specific area, which is great for partaking in a mobile self-guided search and/or tour. This brand new and advanced IDX iPhone application is provided free of charge to all existing IDX, Inc., customers and their clients. According to the latest mobile usage studies from Admob, iPhone users compromise 48% of all mobile browsing sessions, thus opening a previously untapped marketing channel for tech savvy agents and their clients. This unique IDX iPhone application, myAgent by IDX, caters to each individuals' want and need, developing a whole new era of IDX technology,   About IDX, Inc. Based in Eugene, Oregon, IDX, Inc., is nationally known as a leading provider of real estate search applications. IDX, Inc., actively manages over $1 trillion worth of active listings data from over 300 Multiple Listings Services (MLS). IDX Broker is IDX, Inc.’s, principle real estate software utility and myAgent IDX is its principle mobile application available for the iPhone. The easy to manage and customizable software helps real estate professionals display home listing data from their multiple listing service (MLS) on their individual and/or office websites. For more information on all the services provided by IDX, Inc., please visit www.idxbroker.com. For more information about this release, please contact: Cara Coffey IDX, Inc. Director of Media & Public Relations [email protected] Eugene, OR 800-421-9668 (phone) 541-343-3915 (fax)      

LinkedIn Joins Forces with Tungle
Announced today on LinkedIn’s blog is Tungle.me’s integration of the LinkedIn Widget. This is an exciting announcement because it not only brings together the scheduling power of Tungle.me and LinkedIn’s 55 million+ member network; it also makes meetings happen even easier for you (just when you thought it couldn't get any easier). We're super excited about the integration, becuase we truly believe that these two services were made for each other.  We all know that looking someone up on LinkedIn is an integral part of planning a meeting (whether you are the meeting planner or an invitee). This is one of those relationships that just makes sense. You now have one-click access to everything you need to know about your meeting participants, right from your Tungle.me meeting pages—current roles, company profiles, past and present affiliations, recommendations, network contacts and so much more. It’s all just a click away. As if scheduling a meeting with Tungle wasn't already super fast and easy, you now can get your pre-meeting recon done right from your meeting invitations. So forget the searches. Forget Google (sorry our friends at Google), forget the new browser, forget the extra leg work all together. Just point, click, and make meetings happen.

Smarter Agent Available on All Carriers
CAMDEN, N.J., Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Smarter Agent, a mobile technology company that provides GPS and MLS search applications to consumers and real estate agents, today announced general availability on all carriers, devices and platforms including key partnerships with Verizon Wireless and an application for the Android platform. Smarter Agent can already be found on wireless carriers Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile, reaching traditional cell phones as well as the iPhone and BlackBerry devices, making Smarter Agent the only company to have robust downloadable real estate applications on all major carriers for all US cell phones. The application is being downloaded at a rate of a new user every 1.5 minutes. "The addition of Verizon Wireless as a carrier and Android as a platform puts us in a unique position in the marketplace," said Brad Blumberg, CEO of Smarter Agent. "Consider that the iPhone reaches less than 9% of all mobile users, and that applications on Verizon are not necessarily available on Sprint, T-Mobile or AT&T. Selling homes is not as easy today as it was in the booms of the past and our application immediately gives real estate professionals a mobile marketing strategy to stay in sync with the Gen X and Gen Y homebuyers." "The Smarter Agent application with GPS gives me an edge, a non-obtrusive way for homebuyers to search on their own time," said John Badalamenti, CRS, Associate Broker for Prudential Fox and Roach, REALTORS®. "The 'Call to See' button— the ability for buyers to contact me directly to arrange a showing or ask questions about a listing, regardless of who listed the property—helps me to gain qualified leads and convert them into sales." For consumers, Smarter Agent's Homes for Sale application is a powerful tool for anyone interested in accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive real estate information. The application features three location-aware, including GPS-triggered, real estate searches in one easy-to-use application. Homes for Sale lets users search every public MLS listing in over 300 markets, more than any other real estate application available today. With Recently Sold Homes, consumers can see the prices of homes sold within the last three years, and Apartments for Rent offers a growing list of apartments from top websites like apartments.com. All three applications use Smarter Agent's patented property search technology to pinpoint the user's location and find available property listings in the immediate area with the touch of a button. Consumers can also search by address, community name, city or zip code. For the real estate sector, Smarter Agent provides agents and brokers with a mobile marketing strategy to help them stay in front of prospective homebuyers. Six out of ten homebuyers are aged 28-45, who are often early adopters of technology. Smarter Agent gives real estate professionals a customized and brandable application for their prospective customers to leverage. The application is distributed easily, with a text code that real estate professionals send directly to consumers. When the prospective customer uses the application to search and find a home, the calls to schedule an appointment go directly to the agent that provided them with the application. To view the original press release click here.  

NAR Technology Acquisition
Washington, November 09, 2009- The National Association of Realtors® has acquired technology to create a database of all properties in the U.S. so Realtors® can better assist consumers in a high-tech, fast-paced business world. The technology acquisition includes licensed data and secured data aggregation services from LPS Real Estate Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lender Processing Services Inc. (NYSE:LPS), a leader in real estate technology. NAR will use the assets to develop the Realtors® Property ResourceTM, a parcel-centric information database covering all of the more than 147 million property parcels in the country as a resource for NAR members. NAR is planning to launch RPRTM in the second quarter 2010. “Realtors® are the first, best source for real estate information, and the RPR™ is another emphatic feature to that resource. RPR™ will give Realtors® nationwide data on all properties at their fingertips so they can respond quickly to consumers interested in residential and commercial real estate. This is exciting news and a terrific NAR member benefit. NAR is committed to keep Realtors® central to the transaction and to the buying and selling experience with their clients and customers,” said NAR President Charles McMillan, broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Dallas-Fort Worth. NAR CEO Dale Stinton said, “These acquisitions will allow Realtor® interests to control the program and the content. Realtors® need to respond quickly to today’s tech-savvy consumers, and the RPR™ provides a means for multiple listing services (MLS), commercial information exchanges (CIEs) and real estate brokerage business models to support the Realtor® community, rather than requiring Realtors to purchase data aggregated by third parties.” RPR™ is not a national MLS, and will carry no offers of cooperation and compensation, Stinton added. “It is a private, NAR members-only benefit. The assets acquired by NAR will be directed through a wholly owned subsidiary corporation, Realtors® Property Resource, LLC,” Stinton said. The management team of RPR™ includes CEO Dale Ross, co-founder of the Metropolitan Regional Information System, the country’s largest regional MLS; President Marty Frame, former General Manager of Cyberhomes; Senior Vice President of Industry Relations Mona Steen, former SVP with Cyberhomes; and Jeff Young, NAR director of the Realtors® Property Resource™ and 2008 president of the Michigan Association of Realtors®. RPR™ will provide nationwide access to public record information such as tax and assessment data, liens, zoning, permits, environmental information, and information on neighborhoods, school district and community demographics, along with advanced search features for property searchers, as well as market-to-market comparisons and referral opportunities not currently available. “We’re honored to have been selected by the National Association of Realtors® to provide technology, data and other services for the RPR™,” said Jay Gaskill, president, LPS Real Estate Group. “Being involved with such a transformational industry initiative serves as an endorsement for our company and the premier products and services we provide to MLSs and associations, brokers, franchisors and sales associates.” RPR™ will develop business strategies to make it affordable and feasible for NAR members, and will complement, not compete with, MLSs and CIEs. While many MLS and CIE systems provide a range of services, no two are alike. Brokers are looking for tools that support their agents across multiple markets with similar service levels and access to robust and valuable data. RPR™ is designed to support local MLS and CIE models to create a common experience for agents and brokerages. RPR™ will have many partners, including the California Association of Realtors® and the Florida Association of Realtors®, offering a number of technology applications which will be incorporated within the RPR™. “The California Association of Realtors® believes the RPR™ project provides the significant opportunities of scale and reach necessary to serve our members future needs for many years to come. We are already working closely with the RPR™ team to incorporate additional functionality directly into the RPR™ system using Realtor®-owned zipLogix electronic forms as well as Relay transaction management and risk reduction software for members nationwide,” said Joel Singer, CAR CEO. “The Florida Association of Realtors® and its 122,000 members are excited about the launch of Realtors® Property Resource™, which we believe will be a valuable addition to the toolkit for Realtor® business success. The Florida association and its business subsidiary also look forward to discussing potential partnerships to further enhance the value of RPR™ to Realtors® nationwide,” said John Fridlington, FAR EVP. For more information on the Realtors® Property Resource™, visit www.realtor.org/about_nar/realtors_property_resource. To view the original press release, please Click Here. If you would like to learn more about LPS Real Estate Group, please click here.   MRED Launches New Brand Image. 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