Are App Stores the Next Zillow or Trulia?

I have been giving a lot of thought lately to the idea of App Stores in the real estate technology industry and it has raised a number of questions that I want to put out there to inspire a conversation with the industry. Let me say right up front that I am not neutral in this discussion, as I am one of the founders of RE Technology which has, as an option, the ability to create an eCommerce store which is different, but related to, an App store.

My partner Victor did a great job of discussing the differences in his post titled: “Explaining an MLS App Store”.

So, while I may not be unbiased in my perception of the the whole concept of an app store I welcome any and all feedback on the questions I am raising because the more I think about this approach the more concern I have on multiple levels.

As Victor explained, the three typical components of an App Store are:

• A common platform (like the iPhone)
• Online delivery
• eCommerce enabled

The process goes like this; a user sees something they like in the store, they click the button and presto, they are ready to install and use the technology product. This all sounds good at first blush.

The App Store that is creating the buzz at present is the FBS “Spark Platform”.  Their website puts it this way:

“The Spark Platform connects software developers with Multiple Listing Services to provide innovative tools for brokers, agents and their customers.”

The idea behind Spark, as I understand it, Continue reading →