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MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 

What the heck is "Project Maverick"??

Anyone know what the heck Project Maverick is??

Link: http://projectmaverick.ca/

From the video:
1. "New Face to the Canadian Real-Estate Industry" - So, some new brand must be launching
2. Launching on October 4th - Cool. We will know soon enough.
3. Definition of Maverick - "An independent individual who does not go along with a group or party" - Soooo... Someone is trying to change the way things work.

Maybe RedFin is coming to Canada?? Maybe Zillow is coming to Canada?

Anyone have any ideas??
50
Canada / Resale Discussions
 
 
 
ARA MAMOURIAN
Buzzer
reply 74 vote 12
 
 
The vid seems too low budget for RedFin or Zillow, no? Guess we'll find out on the 4th.
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
^^Great point. For some reason, maybe end of day, I didn't even look at that.
For some reason, maybe because we love technology and cool stuff at BBH, I am kind of excited to see what this is!
 
 
BRIAN PERSAUD
BabbleBee
reply 280 vote 17
 
 
I'm curious, I've seen many brands come fail and flounder....except for buzzbuzzhome of course
 
 
MARCO DIFOTI
Senior Buzzer
reply 550 vote 45
 
 
I agree that it looks too low budget to be either of those. What about: Homelink.org, Homes.com, or ZipRealty?
 
 
RATEHUB.CA
Buzzer
reply 115 vote 5
 
 
Everyone seems focused on a website. Is it possible it's a realty brand like Century 21 or something? Not sure what is considered a real estate 'brand', actually.
The video is kind of kitsch and we like kitsch.
 
 
ARA MAMOURIAN
Buzzer
reply 74 vote 12
 
 
They say; "something different" these days that phrase means flat fee or flexible selling options. My guess is that it's a fairly successful American flat fee real estate company (they likely partnered with a local indie brokerage or something) and are launching an online brokerage.
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
^^What are the big Flat-Fee brokerages in the US? I tried Googling it, but couldn't find much....
 
 
MATT GOULART
Buzzer
reply 22
 
 
Ara said:
The vid seems too low budget for RedFin or Zillow, no? Guess we'll find out on the 4th.

I'm sure the person who made this would be hurt by that comment lol
 
 
DAVE CHOMITZ CRS, BROKER
NewBee
reply 4
 
 
If they're as innovative as their name it's probably a repackaging of something that's already been done.
 
 
AMIT BHANDARI
Buzzer
reply 167 vote 13
 
 
Matt said:
Ara said:
The vid seems too low budget for RedFin or Zillow, no? Guess we'll find out on the 4th.

I'm sure the person who made this would be hurt by that comment lol

LMAO
 
 
AMIT BHANDARI
Buzzer
reply 167 vote 13
 
 
Matthew said:
3. Definition of Maverick - "An independent individual who does not go along with a group or party" - Soooo... Someone is trying to change the way things work. Anyone have any ideas??

I wonder if it's something to do with the way the COMPANY helps it's agent's to function, work better (more like a business), so that they can service their own clients better?
 
 
ROY BHANDARI
Senior Buzzer
reply 512 vote 60
 
 
Very interesting....can't wait to find out what this is all about. Is that the Hollywood guy doing the voiceover???
 
 
ROY BHANDARI
Senior Buzzer
reply 512 vote 60
 
 
Maybe Project Maverick is referring to the opening of the MLS systems to third parties similar to how they have in the States which allows companies like Zillow to run?
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
^^But, will the MLS in Canada be opened up by October 4th??? I don't think so?
 
 
LEONARD THE BEE
Buzzer
reply 162 vote 4
 
 
FYI: According to Richard Silver (President of the TREB) on Twitter: "never heard of it!"
 
 
EUGENE MEZINI
Buzzer
reply 157 vote 7
 
 
I just googled the address that they gave and there is already a real estate company at the site. GMAC
5636 Glen Erin Dr
Streetsville, ontario L5M 6B1
 
 
BRIAN PERSAUD
BabbleBee
reply 280 vote 17
 
 
Eugene said:
I just googled the address that they gave and there is already a real estate company at the site. GMAC
5636 Glen Erin Dr
Streetsville, ontario L5M 6B1


Ha Ha crazy
 
 
MICHAEL
Buzzer
reply 22 vote 1
 
 
There are some new changes coming in October as well through the Toronto Real Estate Board. It may open up some new business options in the real estate industry?
 
 
ARA MAMOURIAN
Buzzer
reply 74 vote 12
 
 
Michael said:
There are some new changes coming in October as well through the Toronto Real Estate Board. It may open up some new business options in the real estate industry?

What changes have you heard of Michael? I think the mls will open up in 2011 but not sure it will be ready by Oct 4th.
 
 
MATT GOULART
Buzzer
reply 22
 
 
Michael said:
There are some new changes coming in October as well through the Toronto Real Estate Board. It may open up some new business options in the real estate industry?

I think Project Maverick is also going to help the Real Estate Industry. It's going to raise the very low standards currently in place.
 
 
MARK MCLEAN
Buzzer
reply 51 vote 2
 
 
I'm guessing it is probably a VOW or something. VOW's are Virtual Office Websites. basically an online website hosted by a real estate company where people can log in and search TREB data. They have had them in the states for awhile but are really lost leaders. I wouldn't call them a threat to the bricks and mortar business model.
 
 
ARA MAMOURIAN
Buzzer
reply 74 vote 12
 
 
Matt said:
Michael said:
There are some new changes coming in October as well through the Toronto Real Estate Board. It may open up some new business options in the real estate industry?

I think Project Maverick is also going to help the Real Estate Industry. It's going to raise the very low standards currently in place.


Alright, now I'm confused. One guy says there are changes to to TREB Oct 4th, now Matt with the above quote. Do you guys know something I don't? As far as we know this is just some company launching a new Brokerage like I've just launched (www.springrealty.ca) or an Online Brokerage like RedPin. I think it's a brokerage that is going to offer flexible selling options, give cash back on closing for buyers and perhaps have some sort of search capability on their site. Will be good, sure, competition is always good but I doubt it will be anything revolutionary.
 
 
MICHAEL
Buzzer
reply 22 vote 1
 
 
I agree with Mark's comments completely. I'm almost certain it's VOW related.
With little information being provided by TREB to its members (following the CREA lead in keeping the wool over the sheep's eyes) we will only find out once the National Post or Globe and Mail report on it. Then a week or so later TREB will issue a statement to its members. ;)
 
 
MARK MCLEAN
Buzzer
reply 51 vote 2
 
 
Matt said:
Michael said:
There are some new changes coming in October as well through the Toronto Real Estate Board. It may open up some new business options in the real estate industry?

I think Project Maverick is also going to help the Real Estate Industry. It's going to raise the very low standards currently in place.


It's interesting that you say that Matt. I noticed there is a webstar tag at the bottom of the Project Maverick website and you work at webstar. Hmm, any chance there is a connection? And do you think you could give some words of wisdom on what those low standards are that are currently in the real estate industry?

From where I stand (20+yrs), the industry has worked incredibly hard over the last ten years at raising its game. Agents are way more educated and the protection of the buyer and the seller has never been better. (something that The Competition Bureau hasn't really thought about) .
 
 
AMIT BHANDARI
Buzzer
reply 167 vote 13
 
 
mark said:
Matt said:
Michael said:
There are some new changes coming in October as well through the Toronto Real Estate Board. It may open up some new business options in the real estate industry?

I think Project Maverick is also going to help the Real Estate Industry. It's going to raise the very low standards currently in place.

It's interesting that you say that Matt. I noticed there is a webstar tag at the bottom of the Project Maverick website and you work at webstar. Hmm, any chance there is a connection? And do you think you could give some words of wisdom on what those low standards are that are currently in the real estate industry?
From where I stand (20+yrs), the industry has worked incredibly hard over the last ten years at raising its game. Agents are way more educated and the protection of the buyer and the seller has never been better. (something that The Competition Bureau hasn't really thought about) .

People's perceptions haven't changed.........You'll always get the few bad apples that spoil it
 
 
MARK MCLEAN
Buzzer
reply 51 vote 2
 
 
Amit said:
mark said:
Matt said:
Michael said:
There are some new changes coming in October as well through the Toronto Real Estate Board. It may open up some new business options in the real estate industry?

I think Project Maverick is also going to help the Real Estate Industry. It's going to raise the very low standards currently in place.


It's interesting that you say that Matt. I noticed there is a webstar tag at the bottom of the Project Maverick website and you work at webstar. Hmm, any chance there is a connection? And do you think you could give some words of wisdom on what those low standards are that are currently in the real estate industry?

From where I stand (20+yrs), the industry has worked incredibly hard over the last ten years at raising its game. Agents are way more educated and the protection of the buyer and the seller has never been better. (something that The Competition Bureau hasn't really thought about) .


People's perceptions haven't changed.........You'll always get the few bad apples that spoil it


Actually I think people's perceptions have changed. CREA undertook a survey last year and the public responded positively when asked how they perceived realtors. There are few bad apples like there are in almost every industry. There are some agents who are less than ethical however I still think that Matt's comments are way off base. The Competition Board, in their ultimate wisdom, thinks that simple posting companies are a good thing. Maybe so but to suggest that allowing people to hire discount brokerages, who take no responsibility for what they post on MLS, somehow raises the "standards" is a complete joke.
 
 
MATT GOULART
Buzzer
reply 22
 
 
mark said:
Amit said:
mark said:
Matt said:
Michael said:
There are some new changes coming in October as well through the Toronto Real Estate Board. It may open up some new business options in the real estate industry?

I think Project Maverick is also going to help the Real Estate Industry. It's going to raise the very low standards currently in place.

It's interesting that you say that Matt. I noticed there is a webstar tag at the bottom of the Project Maverick website and you work at webstar. Hmm, any chance there is a connection? And do you think you could give some words of wisdom on what those low standards are that are currently in the real estate industry?
From where I stand (20+yrs), the industry has worked incredibly hard over the last ten years at raising its game. Agents are way more educated and the protection of the buyer and the seller has never been better. (something that The Competition Bureau hasn't really thought about) .

People's perceptions haven't changed.........You'll always get the few bad apples that spoil it

Actually I think people's perceptions have changed. CREA undertook a survey last year and the public responded positively when asked how they perceived realtors. There are few bad apples like there are in almost every industry. There are some agents who are less than ethical however I still think that Matt's comments are way off base. The Competition Board, in their ultimate wisdom, thinks that simple posting companies are a good thing. Maybe so but to suggest that allowing people to hire discount brokerages, who take no responsibility for what they post on MLS, somehow raises the "standards" is a complete joke.

Seems like my words were taken out of context. I don't remember saying anything about a discount brokerage or VOWs. That being said, I do agree with your comment that the industry has worked hard the last ten years to educate consumers. I also agree that the buyer and seller protection haven't been better. Now with that all stated and cleaned up, I believe even with this standard that you are stating, Maverick will increase it.
 
 
MATT GOULART
Buzzer
reply 22
 
 
Forgot to add: I'd love to see the CREA study you mentioned (mark). Can you please send over a link. I've seen the recent NAR study.
 
 
MARK MCLEAN
Buzzer
reply 51 vote 2
 
 
Matt said:
Forgot to add: I'd love to see the CREA study you mentioned (mark). Can you please send over a link. I've seen the recent NAR study.


I guess I'm objecting to your comments that Maverick was going to raise the very low standards in the industry? Unless you are willing to spill the beans, my guess is that Maverick is some sort of VOW, probably associated with a discount broker and probably hooked up with a media company.

As for the survey, I found them on the CREA website under 'research- spring 2010 membership survey. I tried copying the link but it is secure.
 
 
BRAD SAGE .SAGE REAL ESTATE
Buzzer
reply 11 vote 1
 
 
Matthew said:
Anyone know what the heck Project Maverick is??
Link: http://projectmaverick.ca/
From the video:
1. "New Face to the Canadian Real-Estate Industry" - So, some new brand must be launching
2. Launching on October 4th - Cool. We will know soon enough.
3. Definition of Maverick - "An independent individual who does not go along with a group or party" - Soooo... Someone is trying to change the way things work.
Maybe RedFin is coming to Canada?? Maybe Zillow is coming to Canada?
Anyone have any ideas??

I want to take the discussion back to the original question...
First off just want to give kudos to Matt for generating some good solid buzz (pun intended) with his video. Given that Matt Goulart is the son of Nelson Goulart the owner of a GMAC franchise out in Mississauga my guess is that they are rebranding under an American brand that is new to our market. My guess is that it will be either Better Homes and Garden or Real Living. I am leaning towards Real Living because i cant see a brand like BHG starting their attack on the Canadian market out in Mississauga. Am I close Matt?
 
 
MARK MCLEAN
Buzzer
reply 51 vote 2
 
 
Brad Sage said:
Matthew said:
Anyone know what the heck Project Maverick is??

Link: http://projectmaverick.ca/

From the video:
1. "New Face to the Canadian Real-Estate Industry" - So, some new brand must be launching
2. Launching on October 4th - Cool. We will know soon enough.
3. Definition of Maverick - "An independent individual who does not go along with a group or party" - Soooo... Someone is trying to change the way things work.

Maybe RedFin is coming to Canada?? Maybe Zillow is coming to Canada?

Anyone have any ideas??


I want to take the discussion back to the original question...

First off just want to give kudos to Matt for generating some good solid buzz (pun intended) with his video. Given that Matt Goulart is the son of Nelson Goulart the owner of a GMAC franchise out in Mississauga my guess is that they are rebranding under an American brand that is new to our market. My guess is that it will be either Better Homes and Garden or Real Living. I am leaning towards Real Living because i cant see a brand like BHG starting their attack on the Canadian market out in Mississauga. Am I close Matt?


Nice sluething. Wasn't there a BetterHomes and Gardens franchise in Toronto about 15 yrs ago?
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
If you are too lazy to Google them, here are the links:
- Better Homes and Gardens: http://www.bhg.com/
- Real Living: http://www.realliving.com/ ....it should also be noted that they have an "international franchise" section, HERE.
 
 
BRAD SAGE .SAGE REAL ESTATE
Buzzer
reply 11 vote 1
 
 
mark said:
Brad Sage said:
Matthew said:
Anyone know what the heck Project Maverick is??
Link: http://projectmaverick.ca/
From the video:
1. "New Face to the Canadian Real-Estate Industry" - So, some new brand must be launching
2. Launching on October 4th - Cool. We will know soon enough.
3. Definition of Maverick - "An independent individual who does not go along with a group or party" - Soooo... Someone is trying to change the way things work.
Maybe RedFin is coming to Canada?? Maybe Zillow is coming to Canada?
Anyone have any ideas??

I want to take the discussion back to the original question...
First off just want to give kudos to Matt for generating some good solid buzz (pun intended) with his video. Given that Matt Goulart is the son of Nelson Goulart the owner of a GMAC franchise out in Mississauga my guess is that they are rebranding under an American brand that is new to our market. My guess is that it will be either Better Homes and Garden or Real Living. I am leaning towards Real Living because i cant see a brand like BHG starting their attack on the Canadian market out in Mississauga. Am I close Matt?

Nice sluething. Wasn't there a BetterHomes and Gardens franchise in Toronto about 15 yrs ago?

Why thank you Mark. I am not sure about BHG's history in Canada i just know they have been making major plays south of the boarder in recent years. At all the forward thinking conferences we go to down south they are always the title sponsor and put on some impressive sessions.
 
 
BRAD SAGE .SAGE REAL ESTATE
Buzzer
reply 11 vote 1
 
 
Matthew said:
If you are too lazy to Google them, here are the links:
- Better Homes and Gardens: http://www.bhg.com/
- Real Living: http://www.realliving.com/ ....it should also be noted that they have an "international franchise" section, HERE.

As pointed out on the International Franchise Page Real Living is owned by Brookfield. When Brookfield bought Real Living back in 2009 they merged GMAC (another Brookfield brand) with Real Living down in the States. It seems to make sense that they would do the same up here.
 
 
RATEHUB.CA
Buzzer
reply 115 vote 5
 
 
We just got our invite for the big unveiling Oct. 4th, so I guess we'll find out then!
@Brad Sage: good sleuthing, indeed!
 
 
MARK MCLEAN
Buzzer
reply 51 vote 2
 
 
RateHub said:
We just got our invite for the big unveiling Oct. 4th, so I guess we'll find out then!

@Brad Sage: good sleuthing, indeed!


Funny, I didn't get mine. ;0
 
 
MILK BEE
NewBee
reply 3
 
 
Oct. 4th....unveiling.... = iPhone5?
 
 
SANDIP DAGLI
NewBee
reply 5
 
 
I don't think it's anything to do with TREB or MLS opening up. It really sets up for a some American company (...moving North) coming to town!
 
 
ANDREW LAFLEUR
Buzzer
reply 119 vote 39
 
 
What? John Mccain is opening up a real estate brokerage in Mississauga?
 
 
SANDIP DAGLI
NewBee
reply 5
 
 
mark said:

Actually I think people's perceptions have changed. CREA undertook a survey last year and the public responded positively when asked how they perceived realtors. There are few bad apples like there are in almost every industry. There are some agents who are less than ethical however I still think that Matt's comments are way off base. The Competition Board, in their ultimate wisdom, thinks that simple posting companies are a good thing. Maybe so but to suggest that allowing people to hire discount brokerages, who take no responsibility for what they post on MLS, somehow raises the "standards" is a complete joke.

No matter how good it is out there (which it is not, but let's assume it is), there is always room for growth and scope to 'raise the standards'. From the video, it appears there's someone, some company, some brand out there that feels it can do so - all the power to them, why not?!
PS : I have my invite ;) (not for the Apple launch though)
 
 
ARA MAMOURIAN
Buzzer
reply 74 vote 12
 
 
Kudos on creating the Buzz! Looking forward to the new competition. Always good to keep the industry on it's toes! Now, not to be rude but hey, where's my invite?
 
 
MORGAN GRAY
Buzzer
reply 24
 
 
Brookfield owns Royal LePage and Real Living in the states so wouldn't opening up another brokerage firm be cutting into their own market share?
Unless its a completely different business model but do we really believe that Brookfield is motivated enough or innovative enough to try and change the business model for resale homes in Canada?
Especially when they would essentially be putting downward pressure on commission and fees for Royal LePage?
I could be wrong here because admitedly I have done 0 research into this but I would assume major real estate companies LOST money when the MLS was opened up in the states as companies such as Zillow grabbed up market share so would also assume (I know a lot of assumptions, sue me I have been on vacation) it would be in Brookfields best interest to keep the status quo until forced to change.
 
 
MORGAN GRAY
Buzzer
reply 24
 
 
Or I also just realized maybe Brookfield knows something we all don't and is trying to be first to market with a new business model in canada.
 
 
BRAD SAGE .SAGE REAL ESTATE
Buzzer
reply 11 vote 1
 
 
Morgan said:
Brookfield owns Royal LePage and Real Living in the states so wouldn't opening up another brokerage firm be cutting into their own market share?
Unless its a completely different business model but do we really believe that Brookfield is motivated enough or innovative enough to try and change the business model for resale homes in Canada?
Especially when they would essentially be putting downward pressure on commission and fees for Royal LePage?
I could be wrong here because admitedly I have done 0 research into this but I would assume major real estate companies LOST money when the MLS was opened up in the states as companies such as Zillow grabbed up market share so would also assume (I know a lot of assumptions, sue me I have been on vacation) it would be in Brookfields best interest to keep the status quo until forced to change.

Actually the complete opposite happened down in the States after the mls opened. Over the last 5 years commission rates have risen in the US.
And it is not unheard of for holding companies to own multiple competing brands. Just look at Realogy the biggest real estate company in the US they own Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, Century 21 Real Estate LLC ®, Coldwell Banker®, Coldwell Banker Commercial®, ERA®, Sotheby’s International Realty® all competing brands. It is a good model because it allows them to capture incredible market share.
 
 
MATT GOULART
Buzzer
reply 22
 
 
It is almost here! :)
 
 
MATT GOULART
Buzzer
reply 22
 
 
2 Days, 7 Hours, 50 Minutes, 30 Seconds
 
 
MATTHEW SLUTSKY
Senior Buzzer
reply 2299 vote 171
 
 
Okay, it is now official! Project Maverick is....... Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate coming to Toronto.
Will this be a game changer for the industry? Not sure if their Canadian real-estate site has launched yet, but here is their US site: http://www.bhgrealestate.com/
 
 
ARA MAMOURIAN
Buzzer
reply 74 vote 12
 
 
Well it's always great to have more competition and fresh perspectives on traditional business models but this falls way short of my expectations. All due respect of course, this is another real estate brokerage in a huge market that really doesn't offer anything different other than a different brand.
When we started Spring Realty Inc. (www.springrealty.ca) we realized that the market was changing and that people wanted more. What does BHGRE bring to the table? In this case it brings us GMAC with a different brand, and perhaps a load of training for agents. With deep pockets this company will be able to get in the face of locals but I'm not sure if people will really be impressed once they realize what they're dealing with.
I personally don't see this changing anything. I'm sure they offer great services, but nothing unique.
 
 
ANDREW LAFLEUR
Buzzer
reply 119 vote 39
 
 
Good for them for coming into Canada, but IMO this is not likely to be changing any games, especially in the GTA where the big brands are so entrenched.
 
 
MARCO DIFOTI
Senior Buzzer
reply 550 vote 45
 
 
At the end of the day, a cool new brand entering the Canadian market place is pretty great. That said, this doesn't sound very innovative.
As Ara said, this falls short on my expectations.
 
 
 
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