When software companies in real estate change hands, it creates a ripple of concern. MLSs, brokers, and agents start asking the same questions: Will support go downhill? Will the product shift in a way that no longer fits our needs? Is the company in good hands? Will my data be sold to organizations to which I don’t want to give access?
With Remine’s recent acquisition, those questions are being answered quickly and clearly – and the industry is breathing a sigh of relief. Why? Because Remine didn’t just get acquired by anyone. It landed with Ben Kinney and Chris Suarez, two of the most respected and practitioner-centric leaders in real estate tech today. Co-founded by Kinney and Suarez, Place has operated as a technology company for years, responsibly consuming data feeds from MLSs to power solutions they develop for brokers, agents, and teams. This acquisition is the first foray into offering technology to MLSs.
To help MLSs, brokers, and agents understand what’s next, WAV Group co-founders Victor Lund and Marilyn Wilson Lund sat down for an honest and in-depth video conversation with Ben Kinney and Remine CEO Joe Kazzoun. The result is a must-watch discussion about the future of Remine, the broader role of software in organized real estate, and how this acquisition might actually improve outcomes for agents, consumers, and MLSs alike.
Who is Ben Kinney?
If you’ve spent any time in real estate, you’ve heard the name. Ben started his career as a top-producing agent and team leader. From there, he became a successful brokerage owner, and eventually a founder of multiple technology companies – including Brivity, one of the top end-to-end business solutions for brokers, teams, and agents. He’s been on the ground with agents, built tools to support them, and has kept his focus consistently on one thing: agent success.
Ben’s business philosophy is rooted in service and sustainability. He doesn’t just buy companies – he nurtures them. And that’s what makes this acquisition of Remine so different from worrisome acquisitions? He has never sold a company that he has acquired and has always maintained all of the employees and founders with each acquisition. His career has always been about building long-term value for agents, not just optimizing short-term margins. He focuses on teaching practitioners meaningful ways to make technologies part of their success stories. He teaches practical ways to develop business disciplines to build lifelong relationships with clients supported by technology.
Who is Joe Kazzoun?
Joe has led Remine through its most transformative era – evolving the product from a map-based search tool into a powerful transaction and data platform used by 600,000 agents across the country. With deep experience in technology, brokerages, franchises and MLS operations, Joe is well respected for understanding how to balance product innovation with the practical needs of organized real estate.
Importantly, Joe is not exiting. He’s staying on as CEO to lead Remine under the new ownership, ensuring continuity for MLS partners and subscribers. His partnership with Ben and Chris is not just about capital – it’s about doubling down on innovation while protecting what works.
What you should know about Chris Suarez
Chris Suarez, Co-Founder of Place, Ben’s longtime business partner and the company’s CEO. Together, they built Place into one of the most well-run real estate companies in the country – offering brokerage operations, back-office services, technology, and business coaching for some of the top teams in North America.
Chris brings a unique combination of sharp operational instincts and deep empathy for the real estate professional’s day-to-day experience. With Place and Remine now connected, the opportunity to streamline and strengthen the tech stack for agents just got a lot more interesting.
Why this deal matters
Let’s be honest – acquisitions often come with risk. Promises get made and broken. Products change hands and lose their soul. But this deal has a different feel. It’s personal for Ben and Chris. They understand what software means to an agent’s livelihood. They know how central Remine has become to MLS subscribers. And they’re not looking to tear it down – they’re here to help it grow.
That’s what this video is all about. In a candid conversation, we dive into:
- Why Ben and Chris chose Remine as their next venture
- What Joe’s vision is for the future of the platform
- How MLSs can expect support, service, and innovation to evolve
- And what this means for agents and consumers who rely on Remine every day
Most of all, Ben wants to talk to MLS executives or anyone who has questions about the acquisition. He openly volunteers his cell phone number (425) 766-8695. The same is also true for Joe Kazzoun: (512) 825-1052.
Watch the full conversation
Whether you’re an MLS executive, tech partner, or agent who logs into Remine daily – this discussion is worth your time. It’s rare to hear this level of transparency during an acquisition. Even rarer when it includes leaders like Ben Kinney, Chris Suarez, and Joe Kazzoun all on the same call.
Let us know what you think – and what questions you want answered as this story continues to unfold. You can reach out below!
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