Listing Bits

Overview Greg Robertson sits down with Michael Wurzer, CEO of FBS (Flexmls), right after CMLS 2025 in Toronto. They reflect on the state of the MLS industry, FBS’s growth and culture, and how AI, standards, and industry consolidation are shaping the future of organized real estate. Key Takeaways FBS growth & longevity FBS is now the #2 MLS system vendor with near-100% retention. Employee-owned culture drives long-term stability and customer focus. Industry leadership Wurzer has been influential in pushing APIs, RESO standards, and long-term tech adoption. Stresses that standards work is critical and shouldn’t be overshadowed by hype around AI. AI & MCP New protocols like MCP let large language models connect directly to MLS APIs. This evolution validates years of investment in standards and API development. Compass/Anywhere merger Private listing networks challenge cooperation but face adoption hurdles. Consolidation could create distractions; agent adoption remains the b

Overview Greg Robertson sits down with Andy Taylor and Greg Fischer from RetroRate to discuss assumable loans and their potential to reshape real estate transactions. They explore the history and career paths of both founders, the challenges of discoverability in MLSs, and how RetroRate aims to make assumable loans more visible and accessible for agents, buyers, and sellers. Key Takeaways Backgrounds of the founders: Andy Taylor: From gaming at EA, to Apple, to Redfin, to startups like Approved and Credit Karma. Greg Fischer: From brokerage and realtor.com to innovative consumer tools like Doorsteps and Doorsteps Swipe. RetroRate’s mission: Helps real estate professionals identify and transact on assumable loans. Assumable loans can drastically reduce monthly payments compared to current market rates. Market potential: 22–25% of homes on the market have an assumable loan, yet less than 1% are marketed that way. Properly marketed assumable loans can increase sale prices and attract more b

In this episode of Listing Bits, Greg Robertson sits down with Rich LaRue, Designated Broker for HomeSmart Arizona and VP of Corporate Brokerages for HomeSmart’s Western region. Rich shares his background in real estate, thoughts on exclusive listings and MLS rules, and his perspective on the evolving role of associations, NAR, and vendors in the industry. Key Takeaways Rich LaRue oversees over 12,500 agents across Arizona, California, Colorado, and Texas, with more than 40 years in the business . On exclusive listings: HomeSmart’s stance is client-focused—market broadly unless specific client needs dictate otherwise . LaRue acknowledges MLS rules can feel restrictive but stresses the need for common guidelines and transparency with clients . Predicts exclusive listing programs may be a short-term fad, with market cycles determining their relevance . Believes associations and MLSs may eventually separate, but stresses the ongoing local value associations provide, especially around advocacy and forms

In this episode of the Listing Bits Podcast, Greg Robertson sits down with Dalip Jaggi, co-founder of Revive, to discuss his entrepreneurial journey and how Revive is helping homeowners maximize the value of their properties. Dalip shares how his early background in tech led him to real estate, the challenges and lessons of scaling a business, and Revive’s unique approach to empowering homeowners through renovation and financial solutions. Key Takeaways Dalip’s background: from web development and running an agency to launching Revive. Early exposure to real estate tech through working with “Rich Uncles” and scaling investment platforms. Why Dalip sold his agency and shifted focus to solving one problem deeply. Revive’s mission: helping homeowners build wealth through smarter real estate decisions. Flagship program: Renovate to Sell, which funds and manages home renovations to maximize sale price. Additional equity-extraction program for homeowners needing faster liquidity. Difference between Re

Greg Robertson sits down with Michael Lucarelli, CEO and co-founder of RentSpree, to explore how RentSpree streamlines rental transactions for agents, landlords, and tenants. They discuss RentSpree’s growth, integration with MLSs and Associations, the role of rentals in agent business, and the increasing importance of data-driven tools for tenant screening and rental management. Michael also shares thoughts on how the rental ecosystem can be improved through standardization and better agent education. Key Takeaways RentSpree’s Purpose: Simplifies rental workflows by offering a one-stop shop for applications, tenant screening, rent payments, and more. MLS Partnerships: RentSpree is integrated with over 300 MLSs, enabling rental tools directly within agent workflows. Agent Opportunity: Rentals are an underused income source for agents; RentSpree helps make them more manageable and profitable. Tenant Screening: The platform provides comprehensive tenant screening through credit, criminal, and eviction ba

In this episode of Listing Bits, Greg Robertson sits down with Todd Carpenter, SVP of Industry Relations at Styldod, to talk about the evolution of real estate technology—from mortgage lead gen to photo AI. They dive deep into how Styldod uses artificial intelligence to help agents with virtual staging, automate compliance workflows, and extract property data directly from listing photos. Todd also shares his career journey through early online mortgage startups, NAR, and RE.net culture to where he is today—working on AI-powered tools designed to modernize listing input and photo compliance for MLSs. Key Takeaways Career Journey – Todd shares his path from growing up in real estate, to working in mortgage tech, to leading social media strategy at NAR, and now serving at Styldod. Photo Compliance and Automation – Styldod’s AI can detect and automatically correct issues like branding, people, pets, or license plates in listing photos based on MLS rules. Data Extraction from Photos – The AI identifies room

In this episode of Listing Bits, Greg Robertson sits down with Ben Kinney, CEO and co-founder of Place, to talk about Place’s acquisition of Remine, how Ben built his PropTech empire from the ground up, and what’s next for the platform. Ben shares his personal journey from growing up in rural Washington to building a half-billion-dollar business, and lays out his vision for supporting agents, MLSs, and consumers through technology, services, and long-term stability. Key Takeaways Place Acquires Remine – Ben shares why his team bought Remine out of bankruptcy, what they plan to do with the platform, and how MLSs can expect immediate support. A Business Built for Agents – Place focuses on helping top teams across brokerages run more profitable and efficient businesses without trying to replace brokers or compete with their models. Three Keys to Product Adoption – Ben breaks down his framework for driving usage: show users how, show them why, and show them others who’ve succeeded. From CRM to Services –

In this episode of Listing Bits, Greg Robertson is joined by Megan McFarlane from New Mexico MLS and Jeff Allen from CubiCasa to discuss the growing importance of floor plans in real estate listings. They dive into why New Mexico MLS has taken the bold step of requiring floor plans on every listing, how technology like CubiCasa is making this easier, and the industry-wide momentum pushing for more complete and transparent listing content.   Key Takeaways • New Mexico MLS’s Bold Move: Why they made floor plans mandatory and how it enhances listing accuracy and consumer experience. • The Tech That’s Changing the Game: How CubiCasa and other solutions make floor plans more accessible for agents and MLSs. • Overcoming Pushback: Addressing concerns about liability, data privacy, and adoption challenges. • Consumer Demand is Clear: NAR research shows floor plans are the #1 most requested listing feature. • Global Trends in Real Estate: Why countries like Finland and Australia have already made floor plans standard—

Episode Summary: In this episode, Greg Robertson talks with Kevin McCarthy, co-founder and CEO of Real Geeks, about his journey from a small-town tech enthusiast to creating a leading real estate technology company. Kevin shares insights into Real Geeks’ origins, its evolution, and how its all-in-one platform empowers real estate agents. The conversation touches on the early challenges of building a tech company, the role of SEO in the early internet era, and how AI is shaping the future of real estate technology.   Key Topics Discussed: 1. The Birth of Real Geeks • How Kevin’s move to Hawaii led to a partnership with Jeff Manson, Real Geeks’ co-founder. • The transition from building a single real estate website to creating a scalable product for agents. 2. The Real Geeks Platform • Combining IDX websites with a CRM for seamless lead generation and management. • The importance of fast, user-friendly software and SEO optimization. 3. AI Innovations • Introduction of “SEO Fast Track,” an AI-powered website bui

Overview: Greg Robertson sits down with Carlos Grass and Paul Hethmon, co-founders of Amplify, to discuss their innovative “front-endless” MLS backend platform. This episode highlights Amplify’s unique approach to creating a flexible, adaptable MLS backend designed to empower MLSs with greater control and cutting-edge technology. Key Takeaways: 1. Amplify’s Mission and Flexibility: • Amplify offers a decoupled backend solution that allows MLSs to use multiple frontends, enabling greater customization, data control, and integration with new technologies. 2. Innovative Technology Integration: • The platform features advanced capabilities like natural language processing and machine learning, allowing users to search MLS data through voice or natural language, while also automating content creation such as audio descriptions and marketing videos. 3. Real-Time Changes and Responsiveness: • Amplify’s backend allows MLSs to make updates and add fields in real-time, drastically improving adaptability and response ti

Overview: In this episode, Greg Robertson chats with Austin Allison, CEO of Pacaso, about his entrepreneurial journey in real estate, starting with Dotloop and transitioning to his current venture, Pacaso. The discussion covers lessons learned from his early career, how Pacaso is revolutionizing second home ownership, and insights into raising capital through innovative approaches like Regulation A.   Key Takeaways: 1. Austin’s Journey in Real Estate: • Austin Allison started his real estate career early, getting his license at 18. His early experiences selling homes during college inspired him to create Dotloop, which he later sold to Zillow. • The entrepreneurial lessons from Dotloop, including navigating challenging markets and working with large real estate brands like Keller Williams, set the foundation for his future ventures. 2. The Birth of Pacaso: • After selling Dotloop, Austin co-founded Pacaso, a platform aimed at democratizing second home ownership by enabling people to co-own luxury homes. The i

I sat down with a long-time friend and former business partner, Maggie Etheridge. Maggie was one of my co-founders at IRIS, a real estate software company we started back in 1992. She is a second-generation real estate agent. Maggie’s mom, Martie, was the inspiration for starting a software company focused on real estate and is likely the reason I have a career today.   This episode began from a series of texts between Maggie and me about her thoughts on NAR, the lawsuits, exclusive listings, and what the pundits are getting wrong. It was a great conversation and a huge reality check for me, making me rethink some of my previous assumptions. It was a discussion that could have gone on for hours; somehow, I think we’ll have to have her on as a guest again.   Reach Out:  Maggie’s website Maggie's Insta Greg's website Our Sponsors Trackxi - Real Estate's #1 Deal Tracking Software Giant Steps Job Board - Where Proptech gets hired Production and editing services by: Sunbound Studios

Listing Bits is back with a great guest, Kevin Shtofman, Global Head of Innovation at Cherre. Cherre is a global real estate data management platform. Kevin is from Texas and comes from a very entrepreneurial family that owned retail stores selling western wear, including honest-to-goodness cowboy boots! Yee-haw! Kevin talks about his journey from Wall Street back to Dallas and Cherre. It’s a great conversation where we dive into the breadth of real estate data available now, housing affordability, real estate myths, and the changing vendor landscape. Kevin is a super smart guy, and I found this conversation very insightful—I know you will too. Reach Out:  Kevin on LinkedIn Greg's website   Find out more about Cheere Cherre.com - Follow your Data   Our Sponsors Trackxi - Real Estate's #1 Deal Tracking Software Giant Steps Job Board - Where Proptech gets hired   Production and editing services by: Sunbound Studios  

Dan Fortin was one of my favorite people I met working at Lone Wolf. He came over from the Instanet acquisition and has had a front-row seat to see big changes in the industry. From Lone Wolf acquiring 8 companies, 5 of them in less than 9 months, to the challenges of being a forms company during COVID when everyone wanted a specific form, and they wanted it NOW! Sounds familiar, eh? We discuss Dan's background, the lessons he's learned over the 10 years, and how taking a data-driven approach to making decisions has helped him during his career. We also get to talk about Lone Wolf's recent announcement on its newest platform, Foundation, and the tremendous amount of work that took. We also delve into product, design, and what the future holds for Lone Wolf. For more about Lone Wolf Foundation please visit here. To connect with Dan check out his LinkedIn profile.    

What do Willie Nelson and keeping real estate agents safe have in common?  You will have to listen to this great conversation with Tether RE founder Scott Martin to find out. Did you know that in 2020 60,000 real estate agents reported being victims of assault, sexual abuse, robbery or were murdered in the US?  In 2023 over 75,000 real estate agents reported being victim of a crime.  And there are a ton of more incidents that go unreported. In this wide ranging conversation with Scott Martin, a serial entrepreneur, we talk about where the idea came from, and the journey that got Scott here.  Trust me, it's a wild ride! Join us for fun and entertaining conversation.   Reach Out: Connect with Scott Check out Tether RE Our Sponsor: Trackxi – Real Estate’s #1 Deal Tracker Production and editing services by: Sunbound Studios

I hope you enjoy this great conversation with the co-founders of HŌM, Jeff Zakrzewski and Nhan Vo. In a wide ranging conversation we discuss their orgin story.  Where they came up for the idea of their app and the struggles of going to market with a real estate software solution. If you are new vendor getting in to the space, an MLS exec, or franchisor professional its worth a listen.  HŌM is a well designed app that is doing a lot of interesting things with data and collaboration with some great people behind it. Join us!   Find out more about the HŌM experience homagent.com | myhom.ai   Reach Out: Connect with Jeff Connect with Vo   Our Sponsor: Trackxi - Real Estate's #1 Deal Tracker   Production and editing services by: Sunbound Studios

"Hotel California", is one of the phrases people attribute to the organized real estate industry, "you can can check-out any time you like, but you can never leave". Kelly Robinson is an industry pioneer in that she co-founded a software company, Realty Plus Online, that created one of the first web-based MLS systems. In my conversation with Kelly we talked about the old days, her journey, and what brings her back to organized real estate game. It's a fun conversation between old friends and talks about the challenges of the MLS vendor business.

The verdict against NAR in the Sitzer lawsuit has organized real estate up in arms. But Michael Lissack thinks the decision is the best thing to happen to the industry in 100 years. In fact, he sees the trade association as a criminal enterprise with little value beyond MLS access. Michael is Managing Broker for The Virtual Realty Group, a 100% commission brokerage that operates in 12 states.  On this episode of Listing Bits, Michael joins Greg to discuss the real issue behind the lawsuits against NAR and describe what he would do to make buyer’s agent commission negotiable. Michael explains why it’s necessary to decouple the MLS from NAR membership and how that would likely lead to bankruptcy for the trade association. Listen in for Michael’s provocative take on why associations don’t deserve a way forward in a world where MLS access is open to anyone with a real estate license.   What’s Discussed:   The real issue behind the lawsuits against NAR and several real estate brokerages What Michael would do to ma