Is it time to trim the punitive tone off Compliance Communications?

MLS executives deeply understand the critical role compliance plays in maintaining data accuracy and integrity within their systems. Through the hundreds of thousands of subscribers we have surveyed via the WAV Group Customer Experience Index, we have noticed a correlation between the severity of the tone of compliance communications and overall MLS satisfaction.  The way that an MLS communicates compliance issues to its members can significantly impact their perception of the organization and the strength of their collaborative relationship. Finding the right balance between creating a sense of urgency and duty, and angering or frustrating subscribers is a very difficult line to draw. 

By |2024-03-25T09:44:11-07:00March 25th, 2024|MLS, MLS Insights|0 Comments

Enhancing Real Estate Sales: The Crucial Role of Technology Training

I think we can all agree at this point that keeping up with technological advancements is no longer a choice but a necessity for success. However, amid the excitement of embracing new technologies, the practical application often gets overlooked. This oversight can hinder agents from leveraging technology to its full potential, especially when it comes to optimizing the sales process.

Building Bridges: The Case for Statewide Standardized MLS Rules

Real estate agents and brokers are no strangers to the challenges posed by multiple listing service (MLS) systems operating across different regions. This was highlighted in recent results from the WAV Group Customer Experience Index survey, which revealed agents’ and brokers’ desire for consistency in rules and regulations across all MLS systems statewide.

By |2024-03-05T13:59:13-08:00March 5th, 2024|MLS, MLS Insights, Research|0 Comments

How does an MLS with non-REALTOR subscribers address the Code of Ethics?

According to a recent NAR study, 38% of all MLSs offer non-REALTOR subscriptions and 61% of larger MLSs have taken this step. The multiple listing service (MLS) plays a crucial role in facilitating property transactions. However, a common concern arises when MLS includes non-REALTOR subscribers: how are the principles of the REALTOR®  Code of Ethics upheld in such instances? Since non-REALTORS are not obligated to adhere to the code of ethics like REALTORS are, how do MLS entities ensure ethical standards are maintained across the board?

By |2024-03-04T10:46:21-08:00March 4th, 2024|MLS, MLS Insights|0 Comments

Rethinking the MLS as a Monopoly

For decades, Multiple Listing Services (MLS) have been perceived as monopolizing specific geographic areas and agent networks. They've been seen as an exclusive resource for accessing comprehensive property listings and facilitating transactions. However, recent insights from the WAV Group Customer Experience Index have shed light on a surprising statistic: 29% of agents belong to more than one MLS. This revelation challenges the notion of MLS as monopolistic entities and emphasizes the importance of reevaluating their value proposition and fostering collaboration among organizations to better serve the real estate community.

By |2024-02-26T11:45:57-08:00February 26th, 2024|Industry Observations, MLS, MLS Insights|0 Comments

The MLS Copyright of Listings Challenge: Understanding the Balance Between Copyright Infringement and Fair Use

The realm of copyright law is a delicate balance between protecting the rights of brokers and fostering the dissemination of aggregated listings.

By |2024-02-23T22:01:13-08:00February 24th, 2024|MLS Insights, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Why is a non-REALTOR MLS subscription something that needs to be examined?

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, recent legal battles and settlements have shed light on the significance of examining non-REALTOR MLS subscriptions. We discussed this topic recently in our webinar 350,000 agents don’t have to be REALTORS® anymore - Is your MLS ready? While much is still undetermined from the recent settlement, there is a  key takeaway – a notable shift in the landscape concerning NAR (National Association of Realtors) membership requirements. Specifically, recent settlements, including one with Keller Williams, have highlighted that brokerages representing a staggering 550,000 agents are either unable or unwilling to mandate NAR membership or the associated three-way agreement.

By |2024-02-22T12:57:26-08:00February 22nd, 2024|Associations, Industry Observations, MLS, MLS Insights|0 Comments

MLS Training: Empowering Hispanic Real Estate Agents in the United States

With an increasing number of Hispanics involved in the real estate market, it is imperative to provide them with the necessary tools for success in their native language.

By |2024-02-02T12:46:13-08:00January 31st, 2024|Industry Observations, MLS Insights|0 Comments

The Devastating Effects of Dropping Unilateral Offer of Compensation

A dark cloud is coming to real estate in America, and it’s hitting our shores at the worst possible time.

MLSs truly ARE Business Generation Partners to their Subscribers.

Always love to share quantitative data that proves that MLSs truly help dial up business opportunities for their customers. ValleyMLS.com, an MLS that takes its job of generating views, leads and listing exposure very seriously, is a great example!

By |2023-12-19T07:55:18-08:00December 19th, 2023|Business Intelligence, MLS, MLS Insights|0 Comments

COUNCIL OF MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICES ELECTS NEW DIRECTORS FOR 2024

Council of MLS elects two progressive, emerging MLS leaders to their Board of Directors Congrats to Justin Haag and Chris Haran, two of my absolute favorites to the Council of MLS Board of Directors! I am confident Justin Haag, soon to be the new CEO of Northwest MLS in Seattle and a leader in advocacy and promotion of Buyer’s Agency along with Chris Haran, one of the best and brightest technology strategists and visionary in the industry are going to be terrific additions to the leadership team of CMLS. 

By |2023-12-13T08:06:32-08:00December 13th, 2023|Announcements, Industry Observations, MLS, MLS Insights|0 Comments