Here we go again. The last time a discussion about real estate websites was mentioned on TechCrunch, it led to more than 100 commented posts.  Not surprising, the good folks at TechCrunch are now seeing that there is a major audience listening to anything about real estate technology. Today’s post says that MLS Tired of Zillow, Trulia: Goes Direct To Consumers Homesdatabase has been around for more than 10 years, but as the post accurately points out, this new website will soon replace the power of third party websites in the midlantic states, bring the consumer closer to accurate and timely [...]

A big WTG to Rapattoni - the first MLS system provider to offer agents a search tool for the iphone.  If only GE Supra would progress beyond the 90s and and dump thier antiquated IR lock box technology - agents would be able to move away from the treo toward real productivity solutions like the iphone and the blackberry. What follows is the press release from Rapattoni Simi Valley, Calif., November 4, 2008 Rapattoni Corporation announced today that the Rapattoni MLS PDA interface has been optimized for the Apple iPhone. Elegant changes to the user interface now put the power [...]

Like many of you, WAV Group members are excited about today’s historic election.  There will be record turn-outs at polling stations today, and the internet has impacted the presidential race more than any other in history. I did some research this morning and looked at CNN, ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and a variety of other media outlets to find the best source to stay in touch with the election.  Hands down, CNN has the best information. Here is the link to the CNN Election page http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/ You will find all types of great news throughout the day, and you can customize [...]

Hard to believe forty is no longer in sight! Knowing Victor, he won’t go down without a fight. There’s some good to be said about forty one: You’re still able to have a lot of fun! There is a sober reality that lies ahead. Fifty certainly doesn’t mean one’s dead! However, when that AARP letter arrives, One starts to ponder being able to survive. Let’s not move ahead too fast! Alexandra’s childhood has to last. While Marilyn keeps Victor in line, Alexandra will keep Victor’s heart divine. So as Arroyo Grande continues to be home, Victor and Marilyn continue to [...]

Strong organic growth across all business lines Integrated Financial Solutions increases 9.0% Enterprise Solutions increases 3.7% International increases 25.5% Pro forma free cash flow of $118 million JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (NYSE: FIS), a leading global provider of technology services to financial institutions, today announced consolidated financial results for the third quarter of 2008. Consolidated revenue increased 25.4% to $893.8 million, including approximately $142.8 million in revenue from eFunds, which FIS acquired in September 2007. Excluding eFunds, organic revenue increased 9.4% over the comparable 2007 quarter. GAAP net earnings from continuing operations totaled [...]

I must say that I am underwhelmed.  Thankfully I have an iphone as my primary and a blackberry as my first backup.  I was hoping for brilliance from google.  Ho Humm. My 5 year old just got her first phone, i guess. Set up was totally great.  I did not need to connect my device to a computer!  I just logged in using my gmail account - all of my contacts and calendar were there (thanks to free backup from Google). So I just turned it on, put in my gmail account name and address, 4 minutes later I was [...]

I was socialzing with friends of mine who operate 10 Cenutry 21 offices along the Central Coast of California.  Thier spirts where high, which impressed me given the challenges facing brokers and agents today.  Fortunately for us, all is not lost in this unique corner of our Nation. I asked them about being a Century 21 Franchise, and how that helps them.  They responded in unison with acclaim “Tom Kunz just gave us a great idea!” And went on to explain: “Buyers are looking at houses, but not making offers.  Tom suggested that we sit down with our sellers and make the [...]

Contact: Stephen Schweickart / Realty Video USA / 866.720.0204 / Stephen@RealtyVideoUSA.com LeadingRE Launches Cutting-Edge Video Program Video content tool helps LeadingREs 700 firms tap into the power of Internet Video CHICAGO (10/09/08) Enabling their members to take advantage of the rapidly growing trend in real estate video, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (LeadingRE), a global real estate network, has named Realty Video USA™ as its newest vendor associate for its Leading Real Estate Solutions™ division, which endorses leading edge real estate products and services for the networks 700 member firms. Realty Video USA™ has just released a turnkey [...]

“Evolution from Talk to Text” read the headline today in the New York Times today. Yesterday there was an announcement on TechCrunch about Verizon raising their SMS fees 15% According to Nielsen Mobile, the typical subscriber sent or received 357 text messages compared to 204 phone calls. Here are some more Nielson Stats from Q2, 2008: 43 Million US mobile subscribers use mobile internet 33 Million receive text alerts 32 Million use instant messaging 4 Million subscriber to mobile video   CALL TO ACTION Mobile Search in real estate is lagging behind consumer demand…..again. MLS and Brokers should strongly consider [...]