This is one of those completely obvious ideas that only takes about a year to bubble up to the surface: We write about the real estate industry. We are not very shy about advocating change in the real estate industry. Redfin.com CEO Glenn Kelman is one of the key exponents of change in the real estate industry. Ergo: Glenn Kelman should be writing here.
I told the man yesterday that I bear my ignorance as a curse, and this is potent evidence of that fact. I should have seen all this long ago, but it didn’t cross my mind until last week. But all we can do, when we make an error, is put it right and strive to do better in the future. Here’s the putting it right part:
Glenn Kelman has been a lightning rod for controversy since the founding of Redfin.com. What we have all failed to notice is that he owns a gentle soul, a thoughtful mind and a prodigious writing talent.
I think this is admirable and courageous on Glenn’s part. I am never very kind to that nebulous population of folks I deride as “vendors,” but I have been especially rough on Glenn and on Redfin. I’m pleased that he trusts us to treat him with the honor and respect a guest in our home deserves, but I am beyond delighted that he has agreed to share the workings of his incisive mind with us.
Technorati Tags: blogging, disintermediation, real estate, real estate marketing, Redfin.com
Mariana says:
Wow. Glenn is a brave man… but then again, he always has been. Right? I look forward to reading his contributions.
May 21, 2008 — 8:05 am
Robert Kerr says:
Interesting rumors are circulating that Redfin is buying Bloodhound Realty? Any comments?
May 21, 2008 — 8:12 am
Mike Farmer says:
Welcome — good move. Diversity is the key to growth and innovation. The more different voices the merrier.
May 21, 2008 — 8:18 am
Teri Lussier says:
Glenn was extraordinarily interesting to listen to yesterday. Brilliant addition.
May 21, 2008 — 9:20 am
Cathleen Collins says:
When we were chatting before his presentation, I told Glenn not to worry — the Bloodhounds had not attacked a single vendor. Silly me… Glenn reminded us that he’s not our vendor. He’s one of us, with a different twist.
Welcome, Glenn.
May 21, 2008 — 9:33 am
Dan says:
Welcome Glenn. I read your blog on redfin and look forward to reading your commentary here.
May 21, 2008 — 9:38 am
Brian Brady says:
If you were in Phoenix, yesterday, the man taught you what to do with your own business (by letting you see what he does with his).
A fabulous addition. Glenn has a bloodhound soul.
May 21, 2008 — 9:40 am
Bawldguy Talking says:
This is such a brilliant move on all sides. Entering the lion’s den indeed. THIS is the kind of addition that is as congruent as it gets in a real estate world largely lacking in congruency.
Now we’ll all see how ongoing and consistently intelligent give and take will take us down the rocky, potholed and winding road of empirical knowledge instead of emotionally biased, agenda based nonsense.
A superb move on so many levels.
May 21, 2008 — 10:59 am
Jim Gatos says:
Hell, why not? Seems like every time I read about Redfin, they are becoming more and more like a “conventional” real estate company…
Welcome aboard…
May 21, 2008 — 11:19 am
Chris Johnson says:
I’m just waiting for the second rate blogs & bloggers to amuse me with their criticism of this move.
May 21, 2008 — 11:34 am
Barry Cunningham says:
Chris..you are so right. But rest assured you know it’s coming. They won’t be able to help themselves. Probably frothing right now!
May 21, 2008 — 12:47 pm
Eric Blackwell says:
Welcome Glen! i look forward to your posts!
Best;
Eric
May 21, 2008 — 1:54 pm
Brad Coy says:
Welcome to BHB Glenn,
It was great to hear you speak about your business model yesterday. The variety of viewpoints here is what keeps me coming back. In the end we are all better off for the thought provoking discussion brought forth by the many writers and participation transcribed on these very pages.
No doubt your viewpoint will deliver just that. Looking forward to it.
May 21, 2008 — 2:13 pm
Doug Quance says:
Welcome to the pack, Glenn.
You’ll find a good audience, here… and I look forward to your contribution – although I’ve never been a fan of your business model.
May 21, 2008 — 6:33 pm
Apella says:
This is Great!
Not only am I an avid supporter and reader of both blogs as well as Redfin, I will enjoy what is offered.
Thanks from a reader!
May 21, 2008 — 11:08 pm
Thomas Johnson says:
Welcome to the kennel, Glen. I hope I can see your presentation. I think you will find the kennel a most thoughtful community.
May 22, 2008 — 11:57 am