StreetEasy product aims to give agents an ‘edge’ in tough market 

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. 

StreetEasy launches membership-based offering for NYC agents

StreetEasy, a Zillow brand focused on the New York City market, has introduced Agent Advantage, a two-tier membership program for local agents aimed at boosting listings visibility, data insights and branding.

The offering, announced today, includes Pro and Signature tiers, combining tools such as priority search placement, performance analytics and customizable comps reports to support pricing and marketing strategies. Signature adds enhanced exposure, premium listing pages and predictive analytics, along with pitch materials and branded profiles designed to help agents win listings. 

The product incorporates StreetEasy's exclusive marketplace and audience data, according to the company, and is designed to support agents at all stages of their business.

"In a market as competitive as New York City, agents need an edge to help them stand out," said Caroline Burton, vice president and general manager of StreetEasy. 

"With Agent Advantage, we're giving agents the tools and data when it matters most — from making a strong first impression in search to having smarter, more strategic conversations with sellers. It's built to help agents show exactly why they're the right choice for a prospective client."

The membership is available to agents with for-sale property listings across New York City's five boroughs.

West Texas association integrates buyer platform

The Lubbock Association of Realtors has partnered with Gitcha to integrate the Buyer Listing Service platform into its MLS, aiming to standardize buyer representation and improve market transparency.

The Buyer Listing Service allows agents to create structured "want-listings" based on active buyer needs, introducing a new category alongside traditional for-sale listings. The integration formalizes how buyer agents share demand, using MLS workflows to replace informal networks and provide clearer insights into unmet demand for sellers and other market participants, according to a news release.

The platform will be available to all of LAR's 1,700 members and is intended to support collaboration between buyer and listing agents while offering data on real-time buyer intent. More broadly, Gitcha noted, the product was designed to help MLSs adapt their systems to evolving industry practices around buyer representation.

"By integrating Gitcha's BLS into our MLS, we're building stronger, direct connections among all of our agent members in a structured environment, empowering them to match buyers and sellers more efficiently while setting a standard for inclusive, data-driven practices," LAR Executive Officer Cade Fowler said.

Valuation franchise grows Austin footprint

Velox Valuations has expanded its franchise territory in the Greater Austin area to increase appraisal capacity across Central Texas, the company said in a press release, as demand for residential valuation services in the area has grown.

The expansion adds coverage in Travis, Williamson and Hays counties under franchise owners Kevin and Kristi Muhammad, who also operate in Houston. The company said the move is part of its broader national growth strategy and aims to improve access to appraisal services for property owners, lenders and legal professionals.

Velox Valuations said it connects certified appraisers directly with clients and uses digital tools to streamline the appraisal process. The firm, founded in 2020, operates in more than two dozen states and continues to grow through its franchise model.

Editor's note: AI was used in the initial drafting of this content, which was then thoroughly reviewed, fact-checked and revised by a Real Estate News editor.