Trulia to Acquire Market Leader, Combining Trulia’s Massive Consumer Audience with the Leading Comprehensive SaaS Solution for the Real Estate Industry
We are very excited to announce that Trulia has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Market Leader, Inc. (NASDAQ: LEDR, “Market Leader”), a provider of Software as a Service (SaaS)-based software that helps agents generate, manage, engage and market to their contacts and provides enterprise tools for franchisors and brokerages to route leads, evaluate lead efficacy, manage agent performance, and track consumer trends. This transformative deal aims to deliver unprecedented functionality and create more value for franchisors, brokerages, agents and consumers.
The combined company will have approximately 46,000 premium subscribers, more than any other online real estate marketplace. The transaction will result in a combined platform that creates value for the entire real estate market, from consumers to brokerages, agents and franchisors, and will create the most comprehensive end-to-end solution across multiple technology platforms in the real estate industry today.
Benefits for Franchisors and Brokerages:
Benefits for Real Estate Agents:
Benefits for Consumers:
We are very excited about the enhanced value this transaction will bring to all of our customers and partners, helping them capture more upside as the housing market recovers. Together, we will help brokerages and franchisors harness the power of technology to reach consumers and enhance the productivity of their agents by offering them the most comprehensive end-to-end solution via the web and mobile devices. Our combined product suite also will enable agents to increase their follow-up capabilities, level of engagement with consumers and the return on investment on their leads.
For more details on the deal, click here to read the press release. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. Thank you, as always, for your support.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Other Matters
This message contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern Trulia’s expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. Trulia’s expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results in future periods are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including but not limited to: the risk that Market Leader shareholders may fail to approve the merger agreement; the risk that required governmental approvals for the merger will not be obtained; the risk that Trulia and Market Leader will be unable to consummate the merger on the terms set forth in the merger agreement for any reason; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; the risk that synergies will not be realized or realized to the extent anticipated; the risk that Trulia following merger will not realize on its financing or operating strategies; the risk that litigation in respect of either company or the merger could arise; and the risk that disruption caused by the merger that make it difficult to maintain certain strategic relationships.
The forward-looking statements contained in this blog post are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in Trulia’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 4, 2013 and those that will be discussed in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be filed by Trulia with the Securities and Exchange Commission at a future date. The forward-looking statements in this blog post are based on information available to Trulia as of the date hereof, and Trulia disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
This blog post is being made in respect of a proposed business combination involving Trulia and Market Leader. In connection with the proposed transaction, Trulia will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Registration Statement on Form S-4 that includes the preliminary proxy statement of Market Leader and that will also constitute a prospectus of Trulia. The information in the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus is not complete and may be changed. Trulia may not sell the common stock referenced in the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus until the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission becomes effective. The preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and this blog post are not offers to sell Trulia securities and are not soliciting an offer to buy Trulia securities in any state where the offer and sale is not permitted.
The definitive proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to shareholders of Market Leader . TRULIA AND MARKET LEADER URGE INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.
Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and definitive proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by Trulia through the web site maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Free copies of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 and definitive proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission can also be obtained on Trulia’s website at www.trulia.com.
Trulia, Market Leader and their respective directors, executive officers and certain other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding these persons who may, under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, be considered participants in the solicitation of Market Leader shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus described above when it is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additional information regarding Trulia’s executive officers and directors is included in Trulia’s definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 26, 2013, and amended on April 29, 2013, and additional information regarding Market Leader’s executive officers and directors is included in Market Leader’s definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 15, 2013. You can obtain free copies of these documents from Trulia or Market Leader using the contact information above.
0 commentsToday we are excited to announce that Trulia’s top-rated iPad app has received a major overhaul. We listened to feedback from our users and incorporated user behavior data from our updated iPhone app to identify which features users love and interact with the most. Combined with our intuitive, user-friendly design, Trulia has created an even more visual and engaging way for home buyers to search for properties and get the inside scoop on neighborhoods.
The market is heating up, and 75% of people we recently surveyed think that it’s better to buy a home now than a year from now. With that in mind, we’re revamping the iPad experience to give users the tools they need to find their perfect place to live.
Let’s dig into the details on what’s new!
Updated listing pages – The listing pages for each property have been beautifully updated to showcase large HD photos, as well as thumbnails for quick scrolling. Users can also interact with photos in the full screen photo gallery by pinching and zooming to see more or less.
Other new features include:
Navigation menu – The new menu is simplified and streamlined, allowing users to easily search for properties for sale or rent, view their favorite homes, find saved searches, see open houses, and more.
Color-coded map markers – Utilizing colored markers, users can easily distinguish the newest properties for sale: Green represents unviewed homes that have just come on the market, black is used for all other unviewed homes, while a grey marker denotes properties that have already been seen.
Nearby map and local info, including median price and school ratings, displayed directly on the property pages – This information was previously only on the property results map. Now, each individual listing page gives users more of the inside scoop on properties and neighborhoods.
My Saves section - Prior to the update, this feature was split between the results map and search filters. Now, users view their favorite properties and saved searches all in one place that’s easily accessible from the new navigation menu.
You can download the new iPad app here. User feedback is important to us, so let us know what you think of the app by emailing ipad@trulia.com.
A strong online reputation is critical for an agent to succeed in today’s market. Trulia Agent Profiles have become a leading place for agents to build their reputation by adding client recommendations, posting home tours, and showcasing previously sold homes.
Trulia offers many opportunities for agents to grow their online presence and become a local real estate expert in their market. Innovative tools, combined with our audience of more than 31 million transaction-ready consumers, make Trulia a no-brainer resource for every agent who is focused on winning new clients and closing more deals.
With a Trulia, Agents can:
And now, agents can showcase the homes they’ve sold on their Trulia Agent Profiles. It’s a great way to provide prospective clients with examples of their local expertise and past experience. Consumers viewing agents on Trulia can now review the types of homes and neighborhoods an agent specializes in – from working with banks on short sales to navigating the negotiation process on luxury homes.
Benefits of Adding Sold Listings to Your Trulia Agent Profile:
Adding sold listings to a Trulia Agent Profile is completely complementary to all agents when they create a free Trulia account. There is no limit to how many sold listings an agent can add. For every address and transaction date, up to two real estate professionals can claim the sale – as the seller’s agent, buyer’s agent, or both. To ensure transparency and accuracy, the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent can verify the sales transaction and earn a “verified” badge. Only verified home sales will display a verified badge. However, certain states may prohibit the display of sold listing information.
Visit www.trulia.com/account/listings/sold to start building your online reputation today.
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Dream job alert! Trulia just launched the “Be the First Altman Brothers’ Intern” contest, which will give one lucky Trulia user the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the first intern to Josh and Matt Altman, two of the most well-known and well-connected real estate agents in the industry.
Amidst the glitz, glamour, and ultra-luxurious lifestyles of Hollywood, the Altman Brothers dominate their local housing market – now representing some of the biggest household names, from celebrities to entrepreneurs and socialites, and Josh Altman is becoming a bold-face name in his own right. You’ve likely seen Josh on TV, where he sells high-end real estate to the rich and famous. Together with his brother Matt, Josh recorded a staggering $200,000,000 in sales in 2012. With 2013 off to an even more impressive start, the duo is turning to Trulia to help them find their first superstar intern.
Could it be you?
The Altman Brothers’ very first intern will learn from Matt and Josh by witnessing and playing a part in their day-to-day business. Roles and responsibilities of their first Los Angeles-based intern include rubbing elbows with the rich and famous, as well as the following:
To enter, visit Trulia.com/altmanintern and complete the submission form. Entrants are asked to test their online marketing prowess by “writing a compelling – and authentic – local review that sells your neighborhood to potential buyers,” and by also penning a brief overview of why they want to work for the Altman Brothers. Submissions will be judged and select entrants will advance to the next round, where an eventual winner will named the Altman Brother’s first intern.
Trulia’s “Be the First Altman Brothers’ Intern” Contest Timeline:
Think you have what it takes to work for the best in the business this summer? Enter here!
0 commentsToday, we announced Trulia Suggests—a personalized, photo-centric way to discover homes you might like. Trulia Suggests considers what homes you do and don’t like, as well as the property preferences of users similar to you, to suggest other homes you might find appealing. You can continually improve your suggestions by liking and following homes you like, or hiding homes you don’t.
Think about it: you get suggestions for movies, books, and music online. But when it comes to the largest purchase of your life, there’s no technology that makes personalized recommendations. Our Data Science team applied machine-learning and smart algorithms to this problem, and as a result, flipped the home search experience on its head.
Instead of using filters that may unnecessarily limit your search, we look at your property preferences in the context of Trulia’s 31 million unique monthly users. Then, billions of user actions are applied to algorithmic groupings of millions of properties to best predict which homes you’ll like. And the more you interact with homes on Trulia, the better your suggestions will be.
If the technology sounds complicated, well, that’s because it is. But the beauty of Trulia Suggests is that for you, the user, the experience couldn’t be simpler—or more fun:
Like and follow the homes you love and hide homes you don’t, and we’ll refine your suggestions as you go. It just takes a minute to get started, but you may find yourself gawking at your home suggestions all day.
See what Trulia Suggests for you.
0 commentsThroughout the entire year, the internal PR team has seen some extremely beautiful homes on Trulia – from million dollar mansions in Los Angeles to more modest beach homes off the coast of Miami. As part of our end-of-year tradition, we’ve asked our internal PR team members, Ken, Daisy, Vanessa, Cristin and newbies Matt and Korina to choose their most favorite listing to call their 2012 dream home. Which one is your favorite?
Ken Shuman – Head of Communications
One day when I retire, I want to live in the woods where I can hear water flowing down the side of a mountain. I want to take a walk in the trees each morning, but I still want to be able to enjoy good restaurants and be close to civilization. That’s why this home in Telluride, CO, is my dream home. It has the look and feel of a mountain lodge, but it’s also got a modern design. (For those you who know me, I love modern design and clean lines.) This home pretty much delivers on everything on my checklist.
113 Highlands Way, Telluride CO 81435 – $19,000,000
My dream house is up for grabs in Piedmont, CA–that means I can look at the listing and drool over the six-bedroom, five-full/three-partial bath mansion anytime I want. What I love most about this home is its history and style, which brings to life one of my favorite books, “The Great Gatsby.” Built by renowned architect Albert Farr in the 1920s, it features all the classic details and elegance that you don’t see in any of the new track homes built today. But this home isn’t just beautiful on the outside, all of its original plumbing and fixtures were gutted and updated, making it truly beautiful on the inside. Moreover, this four-story house includes a library, wine cellar, grand stone terrace with outdoor fireplace, two offices, and a guest suite with its own kitchen and private entrance.
68 Lincoln Avenue, Piedmont CA 94611 – $6,700,000
Vanessa Villatoro – PR Specialist
There is no other word to describe my dream home than magical. When I dream, I dream big, and this 24,500-square-foot home not only delivers, but blows minds. Located in small-town Washington, UT, this home is likely the coolest thing the area has ever seen, with its seven bedrooms, ten baths, and out-of-this world amenities. I wouldn’t say the location is my favorite, but with a place like this, I’d never want to leave the house–and that’d be just fine by me. The Tuscan-style estate is fully equipped with a spa room, performance stage, home theater, kids mini-theater, library, kids play room, elevator, gym, and atrium. If that wasn’t enough, the home also includes a sports pub with two-lane cosmic bowling alley, full bar, and arcade room. This house might as well be my personal Dave and Busters! For outdoor entertaining, the home includes a fire pit, barbeque, and swimming pool with spa. But say I do decide to leave the house one day—then you’d find me on the slopes of Utah, snowboarding my little heart out. Not too shabby.
Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite places on the planet, and it’s everything I could ever want in a dream home location, being both a summer and winter hot spot. I really can’t choose which season I love better, so this location offers the best of both worlds. My dream home is more McMansion than it is cabin in the woods, and it has every amenity a city girl could want in her mountain escape: seven bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a theater, fitness room, wine cellar, and six fireplaces to cuddle up in front of. It’s also lakefront in Hurricane Bay, one of the most ideal and exclusive parts of Lake Tahoe. This house stuns passersby from the street and those cruising on the lake. Now I just need a helicopter, so I can avoid all the traffic on my way out to the lake on Friday evenings!
Having enjoyed the climate and lifestyle in Santa Barbara while living there during and immediately after college, I’ve always longed to move back some day, and this stunning property would be the perfect home for my return. The house includes a number of great features that suit my personal taste, starting with the location in Montecito, which features sweeping views of the ocean and Channel Islands. I also love to entertain guests, which would be a joy here–whether cooking a large meal in the gorgeous kitchen, spending time outside grilling over the gourmet fire pit, or lounging in the pool and hot tub. Lastly, this home’s sleek interior and massive wine cellar complement my love of wine and modern design. I could see myself spending many blissful years in such a beautiful property.
With airy bedrooms and a huge yard leading to the beautiful beach, this home in Anahola, Hawaii would be the ideal place to live with my family. The décor is exactly what I envision when I think of the Hawaiian Islands–simple yet colorful with views of the ocean and luscious greenery. And I could just see my little boys playing in the water and looking for shells. Who wouldn’t want to wake up every morning to the sound of the waves crashing right in your backdoor!?
5070 Kukuna Road, Anahola HI 96703 – $5,450,000
To close out this year, we’ve compiled a short list of the most-viewed homes of 2012, including some seriously drool-worthy pieces of real estate that hit the market this year.
1) Elvis and Pricilla’s Former Love Nest
Kicking off this list is the King of Rock and Roll. The former Beverly Hills estate of the late, great Elvis Presley and his wife Priscilla was briefly for sale from October to December for $12.995 million. Recently off the market, the 4-bedroom, 5-bath, 5,367-square-foot home set on 1.18 acres had been remodeled and renewed with fresh paint and flooring, a gorgeous kitchen with professional appliances, a new laundry room, upgraded electrical, and a resurfaced pool and spa. Check out details on Trulia’s Luxe Living blog.
2) Fleur de Lys
Most homes don’t have a name, but Fleur de Lys is no ordinary home. With a $125 million price tag, the 4-acre, 35,000-square-foot mega-mansion in Los Angeles, CA, is one of the most expensive homes in America. Built in 2001, this 12-bedroom, 15-bathroom home was designed to have the look and feel of a French château . But is it worth its hefty asking price? Just consider the fact that you’d not only be getting a single-family home, but also a ballroom, movie theater, jogging track, and a 9-car garage. Check out all the details on Trulia.
Don’t be fooled by this home’s guitar-shaped drive way, the exquisite 50,000-square-foot property sitting on 27 acres in Shoal Creek, AL doesn’t belong to a rock star. Nope. It’s actually the former home of Larry House, the one-time CEO of MedPartners. Don’t know who that is? Read this NY Times article to jog your memory of an executive who fell from grace. But enough of that, let’s talk about this house–now listed for $13.9 million. Like Fleur de Lys above, it’s styled after the châteaux of France. And in addition to 15 bedrooms, this mega-mansion also boasts a guest/service house, 2 poolside cabana homes, a barn with living quarters, and a 25-seat movie theater. Check out all the details on Trulia.
4) Third Most Expensive Home Sold in San Francisco
We’ve definitely sensed a lot of real estate movement in San Francisco’s sought-after Pacific Heights neighborhood this year, but the property that got the most attention (based on page views on Trulia) was 2901 Broadway. Having closed escrow earlier this month, according to SocketSite, this 3-story, 6,848-square-foot Italian Renaissance hilltop mansion is no longer on the market after looking for a new owner for over 5 years. Check out all the details on Trulia.
5) The Nightingale of the Hollywood Hills
Perched atop one of the Sunset Strip’s most coveted ‘Bird Streets,’ Nightingale Drive, this newly constructed 3-bedroom, 3-bath modern home in Los Angeles, CA, has all the elements befitting this popular location, along with a $15 million price tag to match. While not the biggest home on our list, this 6,500-square-foot property features floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, bringing the outside in, and providing a spectacular backdrop: panoramic views of the city below. But if buying a home isn’t in the cards, this stunner can also be leased for $55,000 a month. Check out all the details on Trulia.
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Whether it is baking holiday cookies, decorating the Christmas tree or, watching a special movie together, this time of year calls for family and friends to come together under one roof and take part in special holiday traditions. In the spirit of togetherness, we’d like to explore the most luxurious homes for the holidays – those that can seat large families for dinner, feature exquisite entertainment options, or just provide that special holiday cheer with their unique amenities. Let’s take a look!
#1 Home’s Holiday Highlight: Large chef’s kitchen for cooking the holiday meals together.
Location: Farmington, CT
Price: $9,999,999
Bedrooms: 52
Bathrooms: 25
Size: 48, 515 square feet
See more homes for sale in Farmington, CT.
#2 Home’s Holiday Highlight: Massive grand dining room to seat the entire family for dinner.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Price: $8,900,000
Bedrooms: 10
Bathrooms: 18
Size: 16,000 square feet
See more homes for sale in Los Angeles, CA.
#3 Home’s Holiday Highlight: Gift wrapping room to secretly wrap and store all the presents.
Location: Beverly Hills, CA
Price: $13,500,000
Bedrooms: 6
Size: 10,000 square feet
See more homes for sale in Beverly Hills, CA.
#4 Home’s Holiday Highlight: Large home theater to enjoy a family movie.
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Price: $9,788,000
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 8
Size: 11,600 square feet
See more homes for sale in Scottsdale, AZ.
#5 Home’s Holiday Highlight: Wine-tasting room for adult entertaining.
Location: Montecito, CA
Price: $14,900,000
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 8
Size: 12,000 square feet
See more homes for sale in Montecito, CA.
#6 Home’s Holiday Highlight: Large stage for family talent shows.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Price: $7,495,000
Bedrooms: 5
Size: 10,000 square feet
See more homes for sale in Los Angeles, CA.
#7 Home’s Holiday Highlight: Cozy cabin located near ski lodges for winter sporting activities.
Location: Aspen, CO
Price: $37,500,000
Bedrooms: 6
Bathrooms: 6 full / 3 half
Size: 11,722 square feet
See more homes for sale in Aspen, Co.
#8 Home’s Holiday Highlight: Gaming room with bowling lanes.
Location: Washington, UT
Price: $6,995,000
Bedrooms: 7
Bathrooms: 10
Size: 24,500 square feet
See more homes for sale in Washington, UT.
0 commentsFormer iHomeFinder CEO To Expand Trulia’s Industry Operations And Enhance Data Quality
We are thrilled to welcome Alon Chaver, former CEO of iHomeFinder to the Trulia Industry Team. As Vice President of Industry Services, Chaver will be responsible for the strategy and direction of Trulia’s Broker, MLS and Data teams. He will also lead Trulia’s efforts to build new industry services for Brokers and MLSs, expand data quality initiatives, and strengthen industry partnerships.
“Alon is a well respected industry veteran with an in-depth knowledge of listing data standards. His expertise will be invaluable as we continue to improve data quality, deepen industry relationships and expand our services to help agents, brokers and MLSs grow their businesses. We are delighted to welcome him to the Trulia team,” said Pete Flint, CEO and co-founder of Trulia.
“I’ve watched Trulia engage consumers, agents, and the industry over the last few years and how it has invested in long-term partnerships with brokers, listing data quality, and expanding its industry offerings,” said Chaver. “In leading Trulia’s industry services team, I’m excited to support the success of our current partners and empower brokers and MLSs with the tools and services they need to grow their businesses and deliver value to their agents.”
Chaver’s hiring represents Trulia’s continued commitment to hire industry experts to assist the organization in strengthening industry relationships and building better technology tools for agents and brokers. Over the last eighteen months other noteworthy expansion of Trulia’s industry leadership team has included the hiring of Ginger Wilcox as Head of Industry Marketing, Todd Carpenter as Senior Manager, Industry Engagement and Matt Dollinger as Head of Industry Relations.
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