Zillow Group CEO Rich Barton recently spoke at the T3 Leadership Summit, reflecting on the company’s tech-influenced past and present, rooted in his early experiences at Microsoft in the ’90s. He emphasized the importance of creating an environment where tech-savvy individuals can thrive, showcasing a digital and integrated Zillow with a focus on agents. Barton highlighted the company’s strategic acquisitions of products popular among agents and the importance of technology in the real estate industry’s future.
With a vision of a future where Zillow depends on both agents and consumers, Barton discussed efforts to affect digital change in the real estate industry through acquisitions like ShowingTime and Follow Up Boss. He emphasized Zillow’s move down the funnel towards the transaction and plans to offer an integrated set of services and tools for the industry as a whole, beyond just the Premier Agent business. Barton also teased upcoming features for Follow Up Boss geared towards making it a co-pilot for agents, providing smarter suggestions and productivity tools.
In light of sweeping changes in the industry and confusion surrounding the NAR settlement, Barton advised resisting the urge to chaos and maintaining composure during uncertain times. He promoted Zillow’s commitment to informing consumers of real estate changes and showcased the company’s “Real Estate Rights for Consumers” effort. Barton outlined guiding principles for Zillow, focusing on access, representation, and compensation, highlighting the unique transparency in the U.S. residential real estate model.
Referencing his experiences as the CEO of Expedia during the 9/11 attacks, Barton discussed overcoming fears and uncertainties in the travel industry, drawing parallels to the resilience shown during the pandemic. He shared a personal story from his childhood, where his father advised him to “kill the squirrel” in chaotic situations, advising the audience to keep their heads down and focus on delivering for customers amidst chaos. Barton’s message revolved around maintaining composure, driving forward in turbulent times, and leveraging technology to shape the future of the real estate industry.
Overall, Barton’s speech at the T3 Leadership Summit highlighted Zillow’s tech-driven evolution, strategic acquisitions, and commitment to digital transformation in the real estate industry. His emphasis on the importance of agents, consumers, and industry-wide integration showcased Zillow’s vision for a more integrated and automated real estate experience. By sharing personal anecdotes and guiding principles, Barton provided insights into navigating uncertainty, driving innovation, and delivering value to customers amid industry changes. Ultimately, Barton’s message centered on resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to shaping the future of real estate.
