In the 476th episode of the Mail Right Show, Jonathan Denwood, founder of Mail-Right, and Robert Newman, founder of InboundREM and SEO expert, dive into a controversial and timely topic: the abrupt shutdown of LionDesk CRM by Lone Wolf Technologies.
This episode tackles the fallout for agents relying on LionDesk, the underlying trends in real estate tech acquisitions, and how to choose your next CRM wisely. If you’re a real estate agent navigating CRMs, this is your survival guide — packed with industry insights, product comparisons, and no-holds-barred opinions from two experts who’ve seen it all.
Introduction
The real estate tech landscape is shifting fast — and not always in agents’ favor.
Lone Wolf Technologies has officially announced the shutdown of LionDesk CRM, a tool used by tens of thousands of agents. The problem? It’s yet another example of a major tech player acquiring a product for its user base, then gutting it to serve their own goals — often leaving agents in the dust.
In today’s episode, Jonathan and Robert don’t hold back. They break down what this means for agents, why tech consolidation hurts smaller players, and offer alternatives to keep your business running smoothly.
LionDesk Shutdown: What Happened and Why It Matters
LionDesk was a widely used, affordable CRM for real estate agents — until Lone Wolf Technologies acquired it and announced a sudden shutdown with only three months’ notice.
Robert slams the move as a “planned obsolescence” tactic — buying access to 165,000 users, most of them part-time agents, then pushing them into higher-priced alternatives. This pattern, he says, is rampant in real estate tech: tools are sold, shut down, and replaced with more expensive options that don’t serve the original user base.
Agents are left wondering: Why invest time learning new software when it could vanish in a year?
The Bigger Problem: One-Stop Shop Platforms Rarely Deliver
Jonathan argues that companies like Lone Wolf promise all-in-one solutions — CRM, websites, lead gen, back-office tools — but end up delivering mediocrity across the board.
Trying to force-fit a broker-focused product (Lone Wolf) onto a solo agent audience (LionDesk) just doesn’t work. The result? Products that don’t meet anyone’s needs, rising subscription costs, and agents trapped in systems they can’t easily leave.
Robert compares this to Activision in gaming: buy a bunch of tools, strip them of innovation, and flood the market with repackaged versions.
CRM Alternatives Agents Should Consider Now
If you’re one of the many agents left scrambling for a new CRM, here are the Mail Right Show’s top alternatives — with brutally honest reviews:
- Wise Agent: Affordable and agent-focused. Offers landing pages, SMS, email, and Facebook campaign tools. No website — and that’s a good thing.
- KVCORE (Now rebranding as “Old Trail”): Popular but pricey. Slow system. Agents often use it only because their broker pays for it. Robert calls it “lipstick on a pig.”
- Follow Up Boss: Great UX, powerful automation, suitable for teams. But recently acquired by Zillow — which raises serious concerns about data privacy and long-term stability.
- Top Producer: Described as a “zombie CRM” that’s outdated and overpriced. Still survives somehow but not recommended.
- Real Geeks: Created by a real agent. Simple, effective CRM + lead gen website combo. Robert praises its longevity and simplicity, though it’s not evolving much.
- MailRight: Jonathan’s own platform. Starts at $49/month. Combines a WordPress site, CRM, email/SMS marketing, landing pages, and digital surveys. Offers flexibility without vendor lock-in.
What to Watch Out for When Choosing a New CRM
Robert and Jonathan agree: too many agents choose CRMs just because they’re free or bundled with other services — not because they actually work.
Before switching CRMs, ask:
- Will I own my data and website?
- Is the company committed to supporting this product long-term?
- Can I easily customize workflows without a steep learning curve?
- Is it built for agents like me — not just big brokerages?
Don’t fall for marketing hype. Look for value, usability, and independence.
Why Tech Acquisitions Hurt the Real Estate Industry
This episode isn’t just about LionDesk. It’s about a deeper issue: agents getting treated like disposable customers in a tech landscape driven by mergers, VC money, and “exit plans.”
Robert’s take? Most companies care more about the almighty dollar than building tools that last. And agents pay the price — losing access, retraining on new tools, and overpaying for features they don’t need.
Jonathan’s take? Businesses get bought and sold, yes — but there should be accountability. Closing down a tool used by thousands without warning is just bad business.
Whether you’re evaluating a new CRM, trying to future-proof your real estate business, or just frustrated with how the tech landscape keeps shifting under your feet — this episode gives you clarity, options, and a no-BS perspective from two seasoned experts who aren’t afraid to speak their minds.
