The Inman Innovator Awards will be presented July 23 at Real Estate Connect in San
Francisco.
What does your product do?
The g3
technology platform provides a suite of Web services for the residential real
estate industry, from transaction management through a full broker enterprise
solution using a single technological base.
Why did you
introduce this product?
It was clear the
trends in the industry would require new technology solutions, including a
complex access control system to meet the security needs of evolving Internet
business models.
How long did
it take to develop your product?
We are now in
our third generation of products, which have been implemented based on our
proprietary Object Model, developed beginning in 1994.
What was the
hardest part of creating this product?
Having the
courage, around the time the Internet was in its infancy, to invest in an
unproven market—doing something everyone said couldn't be done—to automate the
entire transaction process over the Web.
What is the
most innovative aspect of your product?
We have created
a methodology that allows us, by just altering permissions and building new
roles, to fit any business model with flexibility that was heretofore
impossible. The automation tools to build it earlier just did not exist.
What is the
biggest misconception people have about your product?
That it is built
by "newcomers" to the industry.
What trend in
real estate today is related to your product?
There are five
major trends that have driven our development?
- The Internet
- RETS and other standards
- The move from multiple databases to
one single database
- Transaction Management
- VOWs
What was the funniest or most unusual comment anyone ever
made about your product?
Strategy consultant
Stefan Swanepoel, author of the "Real Estate Confronts" series, said,
"In an industry that is still learning to integrate residential real
estate data and master the art of riding a transaction management bicycle, GURU
has already created a Rolls Royce software and technology service that is ready
to be taken out on the open road."
Who are the
primary customers for your product?
g3Direct is focused on agents, teams, associations
and smaller brokers.
g3Enterprise
is a comprehensive
product for large multi-office brokers and franchises.
g3Association
is focused on associations
who want to provide a branded service with more (or less) function than our
current g3Direct product.
g3MLS is available for integration with the
existing MLSs, giving the users a full transaction management platform that is
accessible through their MLS ID.
g3Transaction
Management Network which
is a place for professional transaction coordinators to advertise their
services to "paperwork-challenged Realtors."
What do your
customers love most about your product?
The people, the
support and continuing education that GURUnet provides.
What do your
customers hate most about your product?
That it isn't
free!
If your
product were edible, what food would it be and why?
A Crock Pot stew?
It has been brewing for a long time and there is something in it for everybody.
What catch
phrase, quote, motto or tagline is associated with your product?
"Creating
Efficiency" is one, and, at the last NAR show, we gave out buttons that asked,
"Do you GURU?" which were a hit.
What one word
best describes your company/product?
Productivity
The hottest
real estate and mortgage industry companies will be honored at Real Estate Connect Conference,
July 23-25 in San Francisco. Real Estate Connect brings together the top
leaders from the real estate industry, including mortgage lenders, technology
firms, industry analysts and news media.
