Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® has taken a stand opposing NAR's policy allowing franchisors (Realogy brands, Prudential, etc,) to post IDX listings on their national websites for all of the markets where they have affiliates and have the permission of those franchisees. LeadingRE is requesting that this policy - approved last November - be rescinded for several reasons, the main one being that those franchisors are not cooperating members of the MLS systems and are therefore not bound by the same obligations concerning those listings, nor do they have the same rights as other brokers within the MLS systems. The more that listings move out of the control of local brokerages, the more liable listing brokers become concerning the protection of that data

In addition, there are restraint of trade issues around the fact that certain national networks are being given a competitive advantage. LeadingRE, along with HomeServices of America and Realty Alliance, will be voicing these concerns to the NAR Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee on May 12 during the NAR mid-year convention in Washington. This move – and other policy proposals coming before NAR involving distribution of IDX listing data to social media outlets and mobile devices, underscore the growing concerns about listing syndication and the increasing erosion of control of listing data by brokers, despite the fact that they own that data. We believe it is important to take a stand to begin reversing this trend. 

This matter has been covered by Inman News and the larger issues around syndication are addressed quite aptly by two recent industry white papers from The WAV Group and Clareity Consulting.

Have an opinion? Let us hear from you on this important topic!

Posted by:  Pam O'Connor

You might think that my trip to Las Vegas is for a chance of luck. But it is quite the contrary. If I don’t go to Las Vegas for the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® Annual Conference I would be taking a huge risk. This year’s conference is an exceptional value and is worthy of your time and money. The return on your investment is a sure win!

If you are uncertain if you will attend, consider these reasons.

• Re-Energize Yourself: The conference has a history of high energy and exciting experiences, and this year will be no exception with the partnership of the lights and dazzle of Las Vegas.
• Re-Tool Yourself: The conference is known for the quality sessions and speakers, and this year will be no exception. In fact, the conference program has been expanded and enhanced to provide a broader audience with valuable take home information.
• Re-Kindle Relationships and Make New Ones: It has long been known that conference is the best time to build relationships and re-kindle old ones. It is a wonderful opportunity to put faces with those voices we have long been talking with. It is commonly known that people want to do business with people they know, and if they don’t know you, how can they do business with you?

Read the complete article >

With business planning season in full swing, it is important for all of us to look ahead to the coming year and outline specific objectives to ensure our success. What do you plan to do differently in 2010? What actionable goals do you have in mind? Now is the time to evaluate where you want to go and how you plan to get there.

With this aim in mind, we invited noted industry coach Steve Harney to be the keynote speaker at the upcoming LeadingRE Sales Rally and Executive Exchange, being held during the NAR conference in San Diego on November 13. Steve will share “Five Keys to Preparing for a Great 2010” to inform and motivate us.

A panel of top producing agents will offer more inspiration, sharing success tips on topics ranging from luxury marketing, to mentoring, to green initiatives and social networking. And, brokers and managers will participate in a lively and informative brainstorming session where they set the agenda and share ideas on current challenges and solutions.

We invite you to attend and get started now on a terrific 2010!  LeadingRE members can learn more here: conference.leadingre.com/salesrally. You do not have to be registered for the NAR conference to participate in this meeting (but your company does have to be a member of LeadingRE).

Posted By: Dan Schmitz, LeadingRE Director of Broker Resources 

Leading Real Estate Solutions has introduced a new service being offered through Realty Video USA: Mobile Listing Service. This great new tool allows agents to give instant information about a listing by text messaging. Read the recent press release to learn more.

I was reading a newspaper story the other day in which the reporter was trying to sum up George Bush’s presidency in 10 words. I won’t tell you what they were since I would offend at least some portion of you! But what really struck me were the 10 words she closed with: “We can’t fully know the present while we’re in it.”

When we look back on 2008 and 2009 from the comfortable perspective of 2012, what will we be saying, and how will it differ from what we’re saying today? I know I’m at least a little embarrassed to review presentations I made in 2006 and 2007 asserting that even though the market was overheated in some areas, the fundamentals were strong and no “bubble” was looming ahead. Not! Read the complete article >

In the midst of mostly bad industry and general economic news, it was refreshing to see a Twitter post about LeadingRE member Fillmore Real Estate in Brooklyn, NY, whose 2008 results bucked the industry trend with transactions up by 7% and closed commissions up by 4.8%! 

Likewise, several members are reporting increases of 5 to 10% in market share even though volume is way down….positioning their companies to be the market leaders relative to other competitors.  It’s all relative, right?

Read the complete article >

We know everyone is watching travel dollars, so we convinced our hotel for The Event of the Year – the 2009 LeadingRE annual conference March 26-28 in Scottsdale, Arizona – to provide an Internet rate special of $259 from January 26 to February 6 when you book online, stay at least three days, and prepay. To do this, go online between those dates to and book your room.

If you have an existing reservation – Call reservations and cancel current reservation with the reservations department (480.624.1202). At this time, you can rebook your reservation with the $259 non-refundable rate, which requires pre-payment and 3-night minimum stay. You may also rebook your hotel reservation online.

The rate will revert to $289 after that so act soon!

Other conference incentives/savings and program information can be found at http://events.leadingre.com.

Also, our principal and managing brokers (only!) will soon receive a special invitation to a session not on the official conference program on Thursday afternoon, March 25…a “tech strategy symposium” that we believe will be a pivotal discussion on how brokers will lead in this new space going forward. Watch for that…and join some of our top strategists – recognized industry-wide – for straight talk and behind-the-scenes intelligence on how to make technology and the online world work for you.

Lastly, we are eliminating our usual fall regional workshops for 2009, so keep that in mind as you plan for Scottsdale, to make sure your team connects with other members for referral business.

Posted by: Suzi Madonia, LeadingRE Director of Events