Jay Thompson Joins Zillow as Director of Industry Outreach and Social Media

Seattle—Zillow Inc., a real estate information marketplace, announced real estate industry blogger Jay Thompson is joining Zillow® as the company’s director of industry outreach and social media. Thompson brings nearly seven years of social media experience to Zillow. In addition to running one of the top real estate blogs, he regularly speaks at real estate and social media conferences, and is licensed to teach continuing education classes on social media marketing and prospecting.

Thompson joins Zillow’s growing partner outreach team, which includes Sara Bonert (director of broker services), Brad Andersohn (industry outreach manager), and recent addition Bob Bemis (vice president of partner relations). Together, the team advances Zillow’s goal of helping real estate agents grow and market their business.

Previously, Thompson was the designated broker and a co-owner of Thompson’s Realty, an independent real estate brokerage based in Phoenix. Francy Thompson, Thompson’s Realty brokerage manager and co-owner, will succeed Thompson.

Jay Thompson founded real estate blog The Phoenix Real Estate Guy in May 2005 and developed it into one of the most widely read real estate blogs in the country. The blog was recognized by Inman News® as the Most Innovative Real Estate Blog in 2009, and Thompson has been named one of Inman News’ Most Influential Bloggers multiple times as well as one of Inman News’ 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders for 2010.

Thompson is registered and licensed by the Arizona Department of Real Estate to teach continuing education classes on social media marketing and prospecting.

Thompson graduated summa cum laude from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas with a bachelor’s degree in human resource management.

Thompson will relocate to the Pacific Northwest and be based at Zillow’s headquarters in Seattle.