Tech Bytes: Place buys Livian; Lone Wolf adds Buyer's Agent Club 

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. 

Place acquisition of Livian is "more than a business move"

Brokerage-inclusive, team-centric platform Place has acquired Livian, a similarly focused enterprise that will be integrated into the Place ecosystem.

"Livian attracts successful real estate team owners who share Place's mission of making the dream of homeownership accessible everywhere," said Place Co-Founder Chris Suarez. "Together, we will advance that mission while empowering real estate agents to scale profitable businesses across the United States and Canada."

Place has been on a growth trajectory, raising $100 million in late 2021, adding consumer services such as mortgage and title, and increasing its number of employees to more than 1,100 with the purchase of Livian.

"Since its inception, my vision for Livian has been to help real estate business owners enhance their businesses in a way that positively impacts their lives. I look forward to continuing that journey with the additional resources available at Place," said Livian Founder Adam Hergenrother. "Together, we now have the opportunity to expand our value proposition, offering consumers everything they need for their home through a single, integrated platform." 

Hergenrother said he, Suarez and Place Co-Founder Ben Kinney "have been personal friends for many years" and that this is "more than a business move — it's a significant step forward for our employees and teams."

Lone Wolf adds benefits for buyer's agents

Lone Wolf Technologies has launched a new initiative to support buy-side agents navigating a shifting compensation landscape.

Buyer's Agent Club benefits include tools, training and advice that covers everything from finding qualified leads, showing their value to clients with custom buyer reports and developing a winning offer.

"By providing agents with creative resources and strategies—as well as ways to win with specialized tools like Cloud CMA, Spacio, and Leads+—we hope to empower real estate professionals to thrive in this new era," said Jimmy Kelly, CEO of Lone Wolf.

Stellar offering connection to MLS Match referral network 

Stellar, Florida's largest MLS, is teaming up with Immobel to offer its customers access to a referral network that can help "increase their business and referral opportunities in the U.S. and globally," said Stellar CEO Merri Jo Cowen.

MLS Match allows agents and offices to connect privately and securely across markets. It can track progress of referrals and handle payments.

"Florida is a prime destination for in-bound referrals, and we are thrilled to welcome Stellar MLS to the MLS Match network," said Janet Choynowski, founder and CEO of Immobel.

Seeking Agents launches buyer-focused site

A new website, inspired by the lawsuit-driven changes to the industry, promises a "transparent and competitive environment where commissions are fully negotiable."

Seeking Agents allows homebuyers to share what they're looking for and receive offers from agents that spell out what services they will receive and for how much.

"Our mission with Seeking Agents is to transform the challenges of the changing commission structure into an opportunity for both buyers and agents," said Hunter Gruler, co-founder of Seeking Agents. "We believe that transparency and competition can elevate the entire real estate experience, making it more efficient and equitable for everyone involved."