Benutech debuts lead gen tool; Zillow helps renters build credit 

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. 

Benutech tool designed to translate life changes into leads

Benutech is expanding its Title Toolbox platform offerings with the introduction of Daily Lead Alerts. The new feature aims to notify agents of new listing opportunities as they occur in real time — all within a three-mile radius set by the agent themselves.

Whenever a divorce, death, bankruptcy filing or other life event is publicly recorded within the agent's set location, they will be notified. With some metro areas housing tens of thousands of homes within a single three-mile radius, the opportunity to generate leads using Benutech's new tool is "sizable," the real estate tech company said in a press release.

The tech "gives agents a powerful way to accelerate their business growth," Brian Fox, Benutech's vice president of business development. "There's a clear link between major life events and real estate decisions, and this tool empowers agents to connect with potential clients at exactly the right moment."

Title Toolbox users can gain access to the new tool for a $30 monthly fee.

Zillow partnership offers helping hand to renters

Zillow and Esusu are teaming up to offer CreditClimb, a tool that provides renters with a way to build credit by reporting their on-time rent payments to major credit bureaus.

Only about 13% of renters report their payments, according to a September TransUnion study cited in a recent Zillow press release. That lack of credit data can make it tougher for them later when they need to take out a loan to purchase a home.

Interested renters can enroll in CreditClimb through Zillow for an annual cost of $20. Renters who use Esusu programs get an average credit score boost of 45 points, according to the release.

"Credit is more than a number on a page. It is a gateway to dignity, stability, and a chance to pursue the American Dream," said Samir Goel and Wemimo Abbey, co-founders and co-CEOs of Esusu.

Through CreditClimb, "renters can use the rental payments they already make to build credit and strengthen their financial future," Zillow Rentals Senior VP Michael Sherman added.

LiveBy, Renowned team up to 'power the future' of local marketing

LiveBy and Renowned have announced a new partnership that the companies say will help agents "transform verified local insights into authentic, engaging marketing."

Pairing LiveBy's local data with Renowned's marketing tools will give agents the tools to market their local expertise and client reviews in ways that will attract more consumers, according to a news release.

The rollout will begin with Renowned launching LiveBy's Local Market Insights throughout its agent marketing platforms, including those used to design social media posts and websites. LiveBy CEO Todd Bohling flagged the integration's ability to optimize for AI search, adding that the collaboration with Renowned "makes it easier than ever for brokerages and agents to be found for what they know best: their local expertise."