The Austin Board of REALTORS® and MLS made the historic move to turn off listing syndication with Listhub. The choir loft was full of tenored voices eschewing every possible angle of opinion on the strategy. Well, the saga continues with this latest news flash. Austin has entered into a direct syndication agreement with Trulia, governed by a contract that all parties have agreed to. Brokers are in control of their data, and the agreement protects and governs the use and display of that data.
Here is the press release.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Austin Board of REALTORS® Partners with Trulia to Protect Data Accuracy
Publisher’s agreement to ABoR’s data integrity standards helps ensure accurate listing data for Austin-area homebuyers and sellers
AUSTIN – April 30, 2014 – The Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) and Trulia (NYSE: TRLA) announced today a data license agreement to help ensure accurate listing data for Austin-area homebuyers and sellers. Beginning May 7, 2014, ABoR will offer Austin-area brokers the option to advertise listings on Trulia in return for Trulia’s agreement to abide by ABoR’s data integrity standards, which exist to ensure brokers’ listing data is used in a responsible and ethical manner.
“We’re excited that Trulia has joined ABoR’s commitment to improving the quality of listing information available to Austin-area homebuyers and sellers,” said Lisa Messana, Chair of ABoR’s MLS Advisory Committee. “By leveraging ABoR’s data quality standards, this partnership with a top listing advertising portal will bring the broad exposure that home sellers desire and protect against homebuyer frustrations from poor data quality.”
ABoR created the data integrity standards to ensure that brokers’ listing data is used and displayed in a responsible, ethical manner. The standards address many common data quality issues for homebuyers and sellers, such as the display of outdated, inaccurate, and off-market listings, and are consistent with MLS rules and the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. Trulia is the first publisher to sign a data license agreement under ABoR’s new data integrity standards.
“The Austin Board of REALTORS® has demonstrated leadership in the real estate industry by establishing standards that support timely, complete and accurate listings information,” said Alon Chaver, Trulia’s VP of Industry Services. “In addition to REALTOR® websites, homebuyers and sellers can now also trust that the Austin-area listings found on Trulia are accurate and up to date.”
“We have found Trulia to be a highly collaborative partner willing to meet the needs of our members and Austin-area homebuyers and sellers,” adds Messana. “This is another great step forward in protecting the integrity of the data consumers use to make important decisions, and empowering Austin REALTORS® to make informed decisions about how best to market their listings.”
In alignment with ABoR’s earlier commitment to empowering brokers to make informed, deliberate advertising choices, Austin-area brokers will continue to have full control over syndication decisions. Listings will only be provided to Trulia at the broker’s discretion, allowing brokers the independence to make advertising decisions based on the best interests of their agents and their clients.
About the Austin Board of REALTORS®
The Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR) is a non-profit, voluntary organization dedicated to arming Central Texas REALTORS® with products, tools and services that support their success. As the primary resource for accurate, comprehensive property listing information for the greater Austin area, ABoR proudly serves more than 9,000 members and promotes private property rights. ABoR releases home sales statistics on a monthly basis. To receive sales activity updates, contact marketing@abor.com or 512-454-7636, ext. 1300.
About Trulia, Inc.
Trulia (NYSE: TRLA) gives homebuyers, sellers and real estate agents all the tools and valuable information they need to be successful in the home search process. Through its innovative mobile and web products, Trulia provides engaged homebuyers and sellers essential information about the house, the neighborhood and the process while connecting them with the right agents. For agents, Trulia, together with its Market Leader subsidiary, provides an end-to-end system that enables them to find and serve clients, create lasting relationships and build their business. Founded in 2005, Trulia is headquartered in San Francisco with offices in New York, Denver and Seattle. Trulia and the Trulia marker logo are registered trademarks of Trulia, Inc.
Trulia public relations: Matt Flegal, pr@trulia.com, 415-400-7307
