Keller Williams is on a mission to beat Zillow and Redfin in the real estate game, and it plans to use technology to make it happen.
The real estate franchisor acquired Philadelphia-based startup SmarterAgent, which allows agents to create their own branded apps, and has a platform that connects more than 650 multiple listing services.
And, just earlier today, HousingWire reported that Keller Williams has partnered with artificial intelligence firm KUNGFU.AI to create a new data pool and explore future tech solutions for real estate agents.
Last month, the company announced it would be joining the ranks against eXp Realty and Real by launching virtual brokerages for those looking to expand their business beyond their own markets.
The moves appear to be part of a larger mission to leverage technology to gain a stronger foothold in the real estate listing space and expand its offerings. Chief Innovation Officer Josh Team told Inman that the company has acquired several other tech platforms in the past four months.
According to Team, the company’s recent activity in the tech arena is part of a larger strategy set to play out next year.
“We’re going to be launching our new consumer strategy in the first quarter of next year and mobile will obviously be a big piece of that,” Team told Inman.
Keller Williams reported $98.3 billion in sales in the U.S. and Canada in the second quarter, according to The Real Deal, representing an 8.7% jump from 2017.
“We’re rapidly accelerating and bringing more and more value through our proprietary technology to empower agents to provide the best consumer experience,” Chief Product Officer Neil Dholakia said recently.
