I am the former VP of Content of Inman News, where I had worked for nearly six years. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Real Estate Editors, a national trade group of real estate journalists and public relations specialists. I received my bachelor's degree at West Virginia University, and live in San Francisco.
I downloaded the iphone app over the weekend. It's entertaining, but when I try to use the filters for a more useful set of results, it shuts down every time. Still, it's admirable that they were able to create this app in a short time, while many others fumbled with mobile MLS for many years. The devices are much more sophisticated now, which changes the whole approach. Hopefully Trulia's move will spark others to innovate on the mobile front too.
You're right in pointing out the trust issue, Brad. In pouring through personal finance blogs these last few weeks, it's clear the consumer-to-consumer messages on the housing front are 1) never trust your agent; 2) never trust your mortgage broker; and 3) repeat 1 and 2. People are looking around and seeing the foreclosure wasteland as evidence that no one was looking out for them (including themselves). It's clear the biggest hurdle for the industry in climbing out of this mess is to figure out how to win consumer trust. Jessica Swesey
I'm stunned to hear of this loss. Joe was a great leader in industry information and news and will be missed for sure.
