With the REA Group warring it out with REDMS over listing fee negotiations, Real Estate Business can reveal the new industry portal is being strongly backed and will be live within a matter of weeks.
Last month, Real Estate Business exclusively revealed the identity of the real estate networks, independents and franchise groups banding together to take the online listings fight to realestate.com.au.
The name of the portal has still not been disclosed by the group involved, but its recently installed CEO, Nick Christian, said it now has members signed in all states, representing more than 50 per cent of the industry and more in the process of joining.
"The overwhelming response to the initial announcement of an industry portal has been extremely positive across the board," Mr Christian told Real Estate Business.
Although he could not provide concrete details, he confirmed the portal's marketing strategy, style guides and rollout are now in place, and that it will be conducting information meetings around the country next month to officially launch the initiative.
Mr Christian reiterated that some key features of the initiative include that the shareholding structure is available for the entire industry, including independent offices who are invited via IRENE (Independent Real Estate Network), and there is a no cost option for member offices to upload listings.
"A leading edge mobile app is complete and will be integrated with the portal," added Mr Christian.
Independent agents recently raised concerns about where control of the new industry portal will lie, with the head of one of the country's leading independents stating agencies like his need to be on an even playing field with the major franchises for it to work.
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