In the video Jim Abbott, managing broker of Abbot Realty Group offers clear and detailed reasons about his objections to third party lead generating companies, even going to the point of describing how a “buyer lead” is often processed through a call center at a lead generator, and how most third party websites sell advertising space right next to ARG listings to other REALTORS who may or may not be experts in the area.

We have included their video in its entirety below so that you may view the case that they make AGAINST syndicating listings. We invite you to comment after viewing it as to what your views are for your particular firm and area.

The real estate blogging community has been mixed in its reaction to the news, with some brokers reconfirming their commitment to post listings EVERYWHERE that they can be syndicated, while other applaud the decision by Edina to try and stop the increasing ads, the upward spiral of leads costs to their agents, and the intervention of third party sites.

Will others follow suit? 2012 should prove to be an interesting year!

According to the press release the company has 6,000 REALTORS as clients who it provides IDX services and other marketing tools to. The acquisition price of Diverse Solutions according to SEC filings was reportedly $5.5 million in cash and 75,000 shares of class A restricted stock in Zillow, which will vest over the coming three years.

The deal, according to industry experts will provide Zillow with increased ability to provide marketing tools to REALTORS and an increased share of that market.

While many in the industry were against the Agent Scouting Reports, many welcome them as long as the data was accurate. One of the biggest problems that Redfin (or anyone assembling sales data on REALTORS for that matter) had was that the data provided by the MLS’s was inaccurate. That is not the fault of Redfin. There are simply no accurate sources of detailed sales information currently in the industry that can be relied upon to tell consumers which agent, team or brokerage is more effective than any other.

This new step in rating other REALTORS (including those not working for them) is sure to put more information in the hands of consumers,(which consumer and tech folks like), is pretty sure to grate on REALTORS nerves, and is equally sure to end in a lawsuit if data is found to be inaccurate.

The real estate blogging community is starting to chime in with a detailed write up by Jay Thompson, and 1000 Watt Consulting,among others.

What we’d like to get is YOUR opinion. Take the Real Estate Industry Watch Poll and tell us how you feel! Reactions to this run the gamut and we’d like your input.

“We have enjoyed a long-time relationship with Dave and are pleased now to take that relationship to the next level,” said Brent Gray, CEO and co-founder of Pinnacle Quest. “The addition of the popular Dave Beson LetterWriter series and other products to our current product mix adds a dimension to Pinnacle Quest that is a perfect fit.”

Dave Beson has been a featured real estate speaker for 30 years and according to the agreement, he will continue to support the Beson brand of marketing tools as well as to speak to limited engagements. He will also continue to consult with PinnacleQuest on the strategic direction of the brand.

The reseller agreements that are in place now will remain in place according to Pinnacle Quest.

The Board of Directors for both the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® (MORe) and the REALTOR® Association of Northwest Chicagoland (RANWC) have voted unanimously for the merger of the two groups and now just need their members to approve it in July.

The new group would include 16,000 members serving 185 communities in Cook, DuPage and Lake Counties. It would be the largest association of realty agents in Illinois.

The economies of scale for MLS mergers are particularly attractive in a time period where membership is declining, technology can be deployed in a very scalable way, and support staff can be more efficiently managed in a larger setting. Real Estate industry Watch has confirmed a number of MLS’s are currently considering the option to merge with nearby boards.

The difference between this and the current REALTOR.com tab is that those who are NOT paying for “Enhanced listings” from REALTOR.com are now able to put the listings on their fan page at no charge. Industry experts are waiting to see how many REALTORS will download the new apps to their Facebook page and utilize them.

Other FAcebook apps offered by Zillow include a Contact form, Reviews, and Local information.

“I want to quit NAR” was one reaction.

“I REALLY don’t like the fact that I have to donate to political candidates that may or may not be of my choosing.” was another.

“I think NAR is becoming the new AARP.”

“Am I now a union employee? Forced to donate to candidates that I don’t like in order to have my listings on the MLS?”

One thing that is almost universally true. In the people we have talked to, almost noone who is an agent or broker and has to pay the dues agrees that it is a good idea. The issue does not appear to be the amount of money, but the principle of donating to candidates that they disagree with.