Residential Real Estate Feels Stuck (Transmission #348)

I speak to founders across the country, working on all aspects of real estate.

I’ll say what we’re all thinking.

After twenty years in the trenches, I’m at an all-time low in terms of excitement for the residential real estate industry.

Everyone I’ve shared that with over the past few months has had the same reaction: a nod, followed by “yeah… same.”

Lawsuits, and more lawsuits. Private listings power struggles. Who owns the listing. Which brokerage Compass acquires next. Even more lawsuits. Settlements. CoStar drama. Endless noise.

I’ve been jaded before. This is different.

I’ve noticed a strikingly obvious lack of inspiration in my creative writing process. The major culprit? Innovation is at a standstill.

I’m waiting for something—anything—where my immediate takeaway is: “I have to write about that.”

Until we get back to actually innovating on the buying, selling, and renting experience, I just don’t care.

That’s not to say there’s nothing interesting happening in proptech. There is.

It just isn’t happening in residential.

It’s happening in construction and robotics...