Real estate listing distribution platform ListHub has re-signed franchisors Re/Max and Realty Executives to its Real Estate Network, and inked a new deal bringing independent brokerage network Leading Real Estate Companies of the World on board.
ListHub launched its national distribution program, Real Estate Network (REN), in 2012, giving brokers and multiple listing services the ability to send their listings to the national websites operated by franchisors and other real estate groups.
REN was expanded last year to include public-facing MLS portals and mobile apps as a category of publisher. Other REN members include Redefy, a franchisor with full-service, flat-fee brokerage affiliates in eight markets in four states, and the Houston Association of Realtors, which is using REN to expand HAR.com’s coverage area to include all of Texas.
“Agreements with these networks signify a mutual long-term commitment to manage listings data and advertising exposure through a single industry platform,” said Celeste Starchild, ListHub’s vice president and general manager, in a statement.
LeadingRE President and CEO Pam O’Connor said joining REN provides more exposure for members’ listings, and “will help us offer an all-inclusive listings search experience on our website and better connect real estate professionals with transaction-ready homebuyers and sellers.”
In addition to operating REN, ListHub syndicates listings it receives from nearly 600 MLSs and 50,000 brokers currently to more than 150 publisher websites, including REN participants. Listings are distributed on a permission basis, with brokers picking and choosing which sites their listings will appear on.
REN works a little differently. REN participants are required to provide their listings to other members of the network, and to display the listings of other REN members in any states where they have a brokerage or franchisee license.
On the syndication side of the business, ListHub — which is owned by realtor.com operator Move Inc., a News Corp. subsidiary — is scheduled to stop providing listings to Zillow on April 7, when its agreement with the nation’s most popular real estate expires.
ListHub is seeking to terminate its agreement with Trulia before the original June 19, 2016, expiration date, citing Trulia’s recent acquisition by Zillow as grounds. Last month Trulia obtained a temporary restraining order to keep its ListHub feed in place, a decision that will be revisited as the ongoing legal battle between the companies resumes Thursday at a hearing before a San Francisco Superior Court judge.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to note that the Houston Association of Realtors is also a member of REN. A previous version of this story stated that REN had six members, an error introduced in editing. A Move spokeswoman declined to say how many members REN has.
