Congrats goes out to all the contributors on Rain City Guide! We were nominated as a finalist for the “Most Innovative Blog Award” by Inman News. In my world, contributors are not only the people with their photo up on the sidepanel, but also those of you who return to give your comments on a regular basis. This site thrives off of your continued involvement!
The winners in each category will be announced in SF at the Inman Connect Conference. I’m definitely going to be there (I’m speaking on a panel on lead conversion)… Additionally, I would really enjoy organizing a meet-up of bloggers one evening. If you’re interested in joining us, then leave a comment below and I’ll send details as things get closer!
[photopress:Luther_engineering.jpg,thumb,alignright]In the meantime, I’m not proud to say that I didn’t know many of the non-blog nominations so I spent some time this evening on google researching the other companies nominated. Here are some notes (or at least links) I took while scanning the other nominees.
Most Innovative Brokerage
- Alain Pinel Realtors
- Weichert Realtors
- RE/MAX International
- Intero Real Estate
- Michael Saunders & Co.
- Chase International
I wish Inman provided some more context so that I could know why they picked these particular real estate brokers. If anyone can let me know what sets these firms apart, please share!
Most Innovative Web Service
- VisiStat. Website stats
- Trulia. More.
- HouseValues’ HomePages.com. More.
- PropSmart. More.
- Homethinking. Agent Rating Site
- Google Base. More
- HomeGain Neighborhood Maps. I can’t find a link to these… any help?
- RealLiving.com. Organizes a home search online.
- Coldwell Banker Video Library. Home buying, selling and investing videos.
[photopress:Luther_engineering_2.jpg,thumb,alignright]Most Innovative New Business Model
- Redfin Direct. More.
- BuySide Realty
- Expert Realty
- RebateReps.com (I’m surprised to see that they are using the Realtor icon for their URL-logo…)
- Move’s Top Marketer. Congrats Errol!
Most Innovative Real Estate Blog
- Rain City Guide
- Matrix. Jonathan wrote a humble article on his nomination. You can learn more about Jonathan from an interview I published a few months ago.
- The Walk-Through (New York Times)
- Center for Realtor Technology blog
- SocketSite
- Urban Digs. Another humble article about his nomination… You can learn more about Noah from the interview I published a few months ago!
Most Innovative Real Estate Data Site
- Zillow. They do data?
- HomeSmartReports.com
- PropertyShark. Aggregation of Public Property Info
- RealEstateABC. Very interesting home valuation tool.
- RealtyTrac. Foreclosure information
[photopress:Luther_engineering_3.jpg,thumb,alignright]Most Innovative Technology
- Stewart Title’s SureClose. These guys have an amazing slew of products.
- Blogging Systems. Guy’s behind RealtyBlogging
- CellSigns. Real estate text messaging (?)
- RealPING
- Smarter Agent’s Mobile GPS
- WolfNet’s MapTracks
- LocoModa’s StreetSurfer. Can’t find a link…
Most Innovative Mortgage Company or Service
Most Innovative Media Site
- Realtor Magazine Online
- YourHub.com
- RIS Media
- October Research. Real Estate Market Intelligence.
- Planetizen. The Planning and Development Network
Most Innovative Rental/ New Home Online Service
The only difference I remember regarding Weichert on the East Coast, was every office was a yellow building. I do remember that Drew Ferrara, an agnt in Yardley, PA had the most innovative “stuff” on Realtor. com back in the beginning. Seems a lot of the bells and whistles he used back then (over 10 years ago) are no longer available on Realtor.com He had a flashing, Weichert yellow, Batman style moving flashing thingie that said “Click Here”. No matter what listing you were looking at in Bucks County, it seemed Drew’s flashing click here was in your face and it linked to his website.
I don’t see anything like that on Realtor.com anymore.
Ardell,
I’m guessing, although I haven’t checked, that the “Batman style moving flashing thingie” is not even on the list of things to revive at Realtor.com. 😉
Ardell,
I’m guessing, although I haven’t checked, that the “Batman style moving flashing thingie” is not even on the list of things to revive at Realtor.com. 😉
Congrats!
Congrats on your nomination. I would be interested in meeting other bloggers at the Inman conference. Please e-mail the details as they become available.
Cheers,
Michael Price
Congrats on your nomination. I would be interested in meeting other bloggers at the Inman conference. Please e-mail the details as they become available.
Cheers,
Michael Price