What do woodwork and software engineering have in common? More than you might think! On this episode of It's Closing Time, RentSpree CEO Michael Lucarelli sits down with Santanu Baru, CTO at VESTAPLUS Software Solutions, to explore the parallels between craftsmanship and coding. Born in India, Santanu brings a wealth of experience from telecom to hospitality, emphasizing one key principle across industries: understanding real needs and solving real problems. Tune in to hear insights on staying connected with your customers, building solutions that truly help, and why the best technology—like the best craftsmanship—starts with the user in mind.

In this engaging episode of It's Closing Time, Michael Lucarelli and Bill Andrews Jr. host Bill Andrews Sr., a seasoned veteran in the real estate industry. They explore Bill Sr.'s journey from the early days of technology in real estate to his current consulting ventures. The discussion highlights the evolution of the MLS, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges faced by the industry today. Bill shares anecdotes from his career, including celebrity encounters and the significance of networking in a close-knit industry. The episode concludes with insights on navigating the changing landscape of real estate and the value of relationships built over time.

In this episode of 'It's Closing Time,' host Michael Lucarelli is joined by colleague Bill Andrews and Eben Moran of Stellar MLS to discuss the evolving landscape of real estate, the importance of understanding agent perspectives, and the role of MLS services in supporting agents and brokers. Eben shares his journey in real estate, from his beginnings to his current role at Stellar MLS, emphasizing the significance of collaboration and customer engagement. The conversation also touches on industry trends, the impact of technology, and the future of the rental market.

In this episode of It's Closing Time, RentSpree CEO Michael Lucarelli speaks with Greg Robertson, founder of Giant Steps Advisors, co-creator of Vendor Alley, and co-founder of W+R Studios. Greg shares his experiences in the real estate technology space, his thoughts on starting new ventures, and navigating today's challenging environment.

• How tech companies and market dymanics have shaped the industry over the past year
• Resistance to and adaptation of inevitable changes
• The complexity of forming Bright MLS
• How innovative projects like Redistribute and Nestfully are designed to return value to brokers
• How buyers' agents could see increased commissions in 2025 following new rule changes this year

In this episode of "It's Closing Time," RentSpree CEO and host Michael Lucarelli speaks with Richard Haggerty, CEO of OneKey® MLS about the merger that created New York's largest multiple listing service. The conversation also touches on Richard's induction into the National Association of Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC) Hall of Fame, highlighting the importance of advocacy for associations and MLSs. The conversation touches on the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and ongoing fair housing education. Richard shares his approach to building a strong executive team and talks about his initial skepticism toward AI, which was changed after a practical demo. Lastly, he notes a significant post-Covid increase in rental inventory, with a focus on supporting rental agents in a high-interest rate environment.

In this episode of "It's Closing Time," RentSpree CEO Michael Lucarelli explores the digital transformation of an MLS with Brad Bjelke, CEO of UtahRealEstate.com. Brad discusses how UtahRealEstate.com differentiates itself with innovative technology and a startup mentality, focusing on niche market needs and rapid adaptation. Brad underscores the importance of staying customer-centric amidst technological evolution, highlighting the ongoing entrepreneurial spirit driving MLS innovation.

In this episode of "It's Closing Time," RentSpree CEO and host Michael Lucarelli speaks with seasoned real estate professional Gene Millman, CEO of REColorado, the state's largest multiple listing service. Transitioning from a banking career, he embraced the entrepreneurial spirit, guided by family influence, and ventured into real estate. Starting as one of the youngest hires, he emphasized exceptional client service over sales numbers. Over the next two decades, he evolved from practitioner to office manager, eventually founding his own company. His passion for the MLS led to a variety of influential roles, ultimately culminating in his current position. Through his story, he shares insights on leadership, industry challenges, and the importance of staying connected with customers.