Michael Wurzer I’ll be moderating the MLS track (track 3) at Inman Connect in San Francisco on August 6th, and I hope you consider coming to participate as I think we’re going to explore some interesting topics.
Thursday, August 6, 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Discussion
From Listing Data to People Data: The Next Challenge in VOWs and MLS Consumer Sites
Bill Chee, President, Prudential Locations
Kathy Condon, CEO, MLSPIN
I heard Bill Chee speak at MLS Connection in Portland earlier this year, and he said something to the effect that he’s far more focused on people data today than listing data. Of course, the MLS has long been laser-focused on listing data, as it should, but the premise of this session is that the future of MLS has a lot more to do with people data than listing data. What are MLSs doing to leverage the people data they have for the benefit of their brokers and agents? What should they be doing? These are the core quesions we’ll be exploring in this session.
Thursday, August 6, 2:50 pm – 3:35 pm
Presentation
The Market Analytics Opportunity: How MLSs Can Conquer the Neighborhood
Mark Allen, CEO, Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors
Bob Bemis, CEO, Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service
Spencer Rascoff, COO, Zillow.com
I wrote about the challenge of neighborhoods awhile back, and so this topic is very exciting for me. MLSs have some of the best data on the real estate market and yet the analytics produced aren’t always helpful to consumers. I think one of the key reasons for this is that the geographic market boundaries are not well defined, and that a significant opportunity exists for MLSs to improve in this area.
This panel includes Mark Allen, CEO of the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS, who also recently launched 10k Research to help MLSs produce more consumer friendly analytics. Bob Bemis, CEO of ARMLS, also will be participating. ARMLS serves the Phoenix and surrounding market, and has worked closely with Mike Orr of the Cromford Report to integrate detailed analytics into the MLS system. Spencer Rascoff from Zillow also will be joining us. Spencer and Zillow have been focused on developing neighborhood level analytics for some time, and has become one of the go to voices for the media for trends in the real estate market. If that isn’t interesting to MLSs, I’m not sure what is.
Thursday, August 6, 3:40 pm – 4:25 pm
Debate
Agent Ratings: Truth, Consequences or Camouflage?
Bob Hale, CEO, Houston Association of Realtors
Glenn Kelman, CEO & President, Redfin
Bob Hale from the Houston Association of REALTORS recently launched agent ratings through the MLS, and the system has already generated some interesting discussions. Glenn Kelman from Redfin has been rating their own agents for some time. Hearing these two dynamic personalities discuss the merits of their respective rating systems should be one of the best events at Inman.
There’s more, too, but I’m most excited about these three sessions. I’m looking forward to learning and listening.