Tech Bytes: News from CoreLogic, Lofty, CubiCasa 

Editor's note: Technology is a driving force in real estate. From startups to established players, tech companies are constantly innovating, growing and forging partnerships. Here we highlight some of the latest news about the companies that help power the industry. 

CoreLogic adds AI image search to consumer portal

Property data company CoreLogic has introduced a new AI feature to its OneHome client portal, a collaborative home search platform used by agents and their buyer clients.

The latest feature is AI Image Search, which enables real estate professionals and clients to work together to identify "visual lifestyle goals" within the broader parameters of typical home features like price, location and size. In a news release, CoreLogic said the visual AI search functionality is the first of its kind in real estate. Buyers can upload pictures of home features they like, and the AI search tool will find listings that match those visual preferences.

First MLS, based in Georgia, is the first partner to offer AI Image Search. The feature will be available to the MLS's 57,000 members and their clients. 

Calling the AI feature a "game changer in home search," Kevin Greene, CoreLogic's general manager of real estate solutions, noted that "it can be a challenge for buyers to define what they're looking for, but they know what they like when they see it. This allows buyers to show, visually, what they want and find the closest matches."  

First MLS CEO Jeremy Crawford said the tool "completely transforms" the home-search process and helps members "deliver more value to their clients and form stronger connections with prospects." 

Last month, CoreLogic launched a related service called OneHomeowner, a home-management platform for owners that helps agents stay connected with clients between transactions. 

Lofty acquires Firepoint CRM

Firepoint, an agent-designed CRM, is now part of the Lofty family. 

Lofty (formerly Chime) offers an all-in-one marketing, transaction management, and agent-to-agent collaboration platform. Firepoint users will now be supported by Lofty's customer success team, which will facilitate the transition.

"Our customers have always been our number one priority, and as we close the chapter on Firepoint, we are confident the capable and dedicated team at Lofty will take good care of our agents," said Firepoint CEO Dave Crumbly in a news release.

Both companies offer end-to-end platforms designed to enhance productivity and increase conversion rates. With the acquisition, Firepoint agents will move to Lofty's products, which include AI-powered tools and other features not available on the Firepoint CRM.

"We happily welcome Firepoint customers to our community and look forward to sharing the value of our platform to even more agents across the nation," said Joe Chen, Lofty CEO, Lofty. 

"From our inception, we have been committed to both innovative technology and serving the needs of real estate professionals. Relying on our platform, today's hard-working agents are empowered to more easily overcome market challenges and effectively grow their business," Chen added.

CubiCasa tools now available to NextHome agents

CubiCasa, which allows users to quickly create floor plans with its app, is now available to NextHome's more than 6,000 agents and brokers. The goal, the companies said in a news release, is to attach a floor plan to every NextHome listing. 

"We are thrilled to partner with CubiCasa. In today's real estate market, agents need to demonstrate their value more than ever," said James Dwiggins, CEO of NextHome. "CubiCasa provides one of the easiest and most effective tools to do that, and we want our NextHome members joining the mission to include a floor plan for all of their customers."

Creating value for clients, NextHome leaders said, is even more critical as agents navigate the post-settlement world. "By integrating floor plans into our listings, we are not only enhancing the property information available to buyers but also giving our agents a competitive edge in proving their value, particularly in the current commission landscape. And we love that our Buyer's Agents can use CubiCasa during home showings to provide floor plans to their customers too," said Keith Robinson, Chief Strategy Officer of NextHome.

"Partnering with NextHome is a pivotal step in our mission to attach a floor plan to every listing in the United States," said Jeff Allen, President of CubiCasa. "James, Keith and the whole NextHome team are extremely forward looking at getting their brokers and agents prepared for the future."