A Tech-Driven Vision for the Future

By Arianna Marino | December 13, 2024

On December 11th, the PropTech Innovator Network wrapped up the year with an exceptional session featuring Matt Fowler, Executive Director of Doorify MLS. Fowler has a deep knowledge and passion for developing and deploying cutting-edge software solutions that enhance the local brands of REALTORS® and provide them with the best tools and data to serve their clients. Fowler shared his journey, industry insights, and vision for the future of MLS and PropTech.


Matt Fowler Conversation Highlights:

Fowler emphasized that MLS organizations must shift their mindset from being purely real estate-focused to recognizing their role as technology providers. He noted that many MLS executives don’t come from tech backgrounds, which can limit their ability to fully embrace the technological opportunities available. "We’re no longer just in the real estate business, we’re in the technology business," he asserted, advocating for a tech-forward perspective to drive growth and relevance.

Fowler also discussed Doorify MLS’s pioneering creation of Choice, deployed around November 2023, which was built to give the choice to subscribers on the tools that work best for them. By enabling a competitive, multi-vendor environment, this model fosters innovation and gives users greater control. Fowler shared that 76% of users have opted to stay with their existing platforms, which in his eyes, that’s the best metric of the project. He explained that thanks to this project, they now have a 3-time RESO-certified backend that Doorify MLS wouldn’t have otherwise, and users were not disrupted to the point that they had to leave the platform they’ve been using for 10 years. Overall, the initiative has introduced significant flexibility and opened the door for new technologies. "We got what I call a vending machine," he explained. "You pick what you need, and we ensure it works seamlessly."

Innovation, however, comes with challenges. Fowler highlighted the technical difficulties and user confusion that accompanied the rollout of the model. He emphasized the importance of proactive communication, meticulous documentation, and comprehensive support systems to mitigate disruptions. 

The rebranding of Triangle MLS to Doorify MLS was another big step toward a more consumer-focused identity. Fowler remarked on the need for MLS organizations to market their value directly to the public. "This rebrand isn’t just for us; it’s about trying to talk to consumers about MLS being the most fair and open housing network in the world," he noted.

Looking ahead, Fowler outlined a vision for MLSs to lead with adaptability, transparency, and a relentless focus on customer needs. By embracing competition, fostering collaboration with vendors, and prioritizing user-friendly solutions, MLSs can stay relevant and drive meaningful change in the industry.


Member News & Updates

Josh Kuchar, Director of Marketing and Sales: Showami has launched location tracking, allowing showing agents to share a location time stamp with Showami.

Donald Jackson, VP of Strategic Partnerships: Ocusell announced Ocusell Assurance™, a compliance software for MLSs that detects listing violations in real-time, notifies violators, and generates comprehensive reports and actionable insights. 

Madeline Salzman, Head of Strategic Partnerships: Earth Advantage owns and operates the Green Building Registry, the largest database of verified green home and energy label data records in the country. Last month they reached over 3.5 million verified green home data records in the database across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. 

 

About the PropTech Innovator Network

Each month, Modern.tech highlights an industry executive who will delve into the intricacies of the organized real estate sector in an exclusive gathering of PropTech Executives. This presents an opportunity for PropTech Innovator Network members to expand their network with high-caliber individuals and acquire insights that are truly unique and unavailable elsewhere. Become a member to join us every month.