Episode Details
Back to EpisodesFrom Closed Network to Real Estate Giant—Tech, Marketing, and the Move to Austin
Description
In this episode of pplpod, we deep dive into the history and evolution of Realtor.com, the second most visited real estate listings website in the United States. We trace the platform's origins from its 1995 launch as the "Realtor Information Network"—a closed system for trade members—to its 1996 public debut and subsequent valuation of over $2.5 billion.
Join us as we discuss:
• The News Corp Era: The massive $950 million acquisition of parent company Move, Inc. in 2014 and the leadership succession from Ryan O’Hara to current CEO Damian Eales.
• Tech & Acquisitions: How the company expanded its capabilities through the $210 million purchase of the AI platform Opcity, the acquisition of UpNest, and the integration of climate risk data for floods and wildfires.
• Celebrity Marketing: A look at their high-profile advertising evolution, from Elizabeth Banks’ directed commercials to the 2025 "Nearly Home" campaign featuring country star Reba McEntire.
• New Beginnings: The company’s major geographic shift in 2025, relocating its headquarters from Santa Clara, California, to Austin, Texas.