MLS Insights Archives

New Study Measures Consumer Interest in MLS, Reinforces Efforts to Obtain .MLS Top-level Domain

The WAV Group has published results of research that demonstrates the high value consumers place on the term “MLS”. The research, commissioned by the MLS Domains Association, includes surveys of consumers using MLS public websites and of a representative sample of consumers who have purchased or sold real estate in the last twelve months. It supports three key conclusions: For consumers, an MLS represents property search, home valuations and “the good stuff”, as one respondent described it—the term “MLS” equates to high quality, educational, objective information about property; A majority of consumers prefer MLS sites as sources of real estate [...]

By Marilyn Wilson|2018-05-03T21:25:18-07:00January 10th, 2012|Main category, MLS Insights, Press Releases, Reports, Suveys and Research|1 Comment

Trend MLS launches Find from MOVE

It has been about a year now, and Move has successfully launched the Find product into many of the nations’ leading MLSs. In score with this roll out, today Find launched in Trend MLS, serving 15 counties in southern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware is the latest MLS to launch the product. You may know that Trend MLS is what industry insiders call a “home grown” system – meaning that they are responsible for programming the MLS software. Owning the code and having programmers on staff means that tighter and more elegant implementations of third party products are possible within the [...]

By Victor Lund|2018-05-03T21:25:18-07:00January 10th, 2012|Main category, MLS Insights|Comments Off

Why Dominant MLSs are Vulnerable
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Why Dominant MLSs are Vulnerable

Main category, MLS Insights, Technology Evaluation

Why Dominant MLSs are Vulnerable

Today, there are numerous MLSs that have become dominant companies relative to their smaller competitors. In the world of survival of the fittest, one would assume that the large and strong eat the small and weak. But this is not necessarily true. For the purposes of this writing – I am using the term MLS to refer to MLS vendors and Regional MLSs. Most MLSs in the United States grew through merger and acquisition than through organic growth. As these companies began to reach dominant scale, they realized that they could provide agents and brokers quality MLS services more efficiently. [...]

By Victor Lund|2018-05-03T21:25:18-07:00January 9th, 2012|Main category, MLS Insights, Technology Evaluation|1 Comment

Instanet launches information website about REIS suit

The lawsuit Instanet vs. REIS and Florida REALTORS has taken an interesting twist this weekend. Instanet launched a public information website about the lawsuit called TransparencyisGood.com. Before I talk about the website, I would add that REIS is not commenting publicly on this matter. In an informal statement they advise the following: “Federal litigation is a serious matter and should never be entered into lightly. REIS declines to engage in a public debate about legal matters that are best left for the Court to decide. Anyone interested in reviewing the complete public record, rather than just selected documents, may contact our attorney, [...]

By Victor Lund|2018-05-03T21:25:18-07:00January 8th, 2012|Main category, MLS Insights, Strategic Planning|2 Comments

Metrolist Colorado launches new consumer website

Congratulations to Metrolist MLS on the relaunch of their MLS consumer facing website. Looks and works great! Here are the top new features Mobile – Use your smartphone to search the mobile-optimized site. Property Alerts – Property alerts notify you when potential properties become available. Open Houses – Search for local open houses to tour properties first-hand. Home Valuation – Check out your home’s current estimated value. Rentals – A searchable rentals database is coming in early 2012. Visit the website now and let us know what you think http://www.recolorado.com/ Here is a link to articles on launching successful MLS consumer [...]

By Victor Lund|2018-05-03T21:25:19-07:00January 5th, 2012|Main category, MLS Insights|Comments Off

Inman Agent Survey
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Inman Agent Survey

Broker Technology Research, Broker-Agent Information, Main category, MLS Insights

Inman Agent Survey

Inman News is running a survey right now to understand today’s real estate agent. It would be a good idea for you to share this survey with your agents so that you can benefit from the results. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/freeagent The survey collects baseline demographic data and transaction data to understand how age, location, years in the business, certifications and other profiles of an agent predict behavior, success, and excellence in real estate. Are there differences between NAR members and non-members? Are their differences between Franchises and independent brokerages? […]

By Victor Lund|2018-05-03T21:25:19-07:00December 22nd, 2011|Broker Technology Research, Broker-Agent Information, Main category, MLS Insights|Comments Off

Instanet Sues REIS and Florida REALTORS

Instanet, a leading provider of Forms used in real estate transactions, was the provider of Forms Solutions to real estate agents and brokers in Florida for seven years, concluding in 2008. REIS, a wholly owned, for-profit subsidiary of the Florida Association of REALTORS® was an Instanet reseller until their contract expired/was cancelled – and REIS launched a competing product, Forms Simplicity. With two products in the marketplace, many Associations and MLSs were conflicted about which service to use. Some chose the new service from REIS, others entered into agreements with Instanet directly. REIS filed suit against Instanet and a legal battle began. In response [...]

By Victor Lund|2018-05-03T21:25:20-07:00December 16th, 2011|Main category, MLS Insights|2 Comments

3 Bedrooms and 2 baths just doesn’t cut it anymore

Build your business by giving consumers what they REALLY want to search for! Have you ever had the pleasure of relocating from one city to another? You have the stress of the move compounded by the fact that you are losing all of your trusted resources and most importantly your “local knowledge”. Let’s say you’re moving because you’ve been promoted to run a new division out of state. You have a young child so you’re looking for good schools within your area and a family-friendly neighborhood. How about if you are a young professional moving for a great job opportunity? [...]

By Marilyn Wilson|2018-05-03T21:25:21-07:00December 7th, 2011|Main category, MLS Insights, Reports, Suveys and Research|Comments Off

RE Technology Launches MLS and Association Newsletters

The real estate technology leader now offers a free newsletter solution for their partners. ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. – December 6th, 2011 With more than 1.5 million visits per month, RE Technology (www.RETechnology.com) has proven that comprehensive information and training on real estate technology is a must-have for today’s top real estate agents and brokers. To support MLSs and Associations in delivering daily real estate technology information to subscribers, RE Technology has launched custom MLS and Association newsletters – free to all RE Technology partners. Already have a newsletter, but looking for more articles? We can help with that too! Any [...]

By Victor Lund|2018-05-03T21:25:21-07:00December 6th, 2011|Main category, MLS Insights, Press Releases|Comments Off

Dot MLS May Face a New Opponent

Dot MLS Domains The United States Senate may be a new challenger to the successful bid by a group of MLSs (MLS Domains Association) to gain approval for a Top Level Internet Domain. A top level internet domain is .com, .net, .org, .XXX, or the curent application for the new .MLS. .MLS promises salvation for many of the ills that torment consumers and real estate brokers online. Notably – it suggests a rule set for displaying listings to consumers in order to qualify to purchase a .MLS domain. By subscribing to the rules of .MLS, publishers provide consumers with a level [...]

By Victor Lund|2018-05-03T21:25:21-07:00December 4th, 2011|Broker Technology Research, Main category, Marketing, MLS Insights|Comments Off

The Bigger LPS Paragon 5 Story

LPS, developers of the Paragon MLS system, announced that they have secured an agreement to replace a competitors’ MLS system with Paragon 5. This only happens about 12 times each year. The news is less about just getting a win, but tells a larger story about the future of MLS and how one MLS vendor is positioning for long term success. WAV Group performs upwards of 40 MLS customer satisfaction surveys each year to help MLSs understand what agents and brokers expect from their MLS. The number one complaint is Apple compatibility and Mobile compatibility. LPS knew this many years [...]

By Victor Lund|2018-05-03T21:25:21-07:00December 1st, 2011|Main category, MLS Insights, Technology Evaluation|Comments Off

Increasing the relevance of MLS organizations – How about expanding the scope of data offered?

MLSs are under siege right now. Since they control the most consistent and profitable cash flow source in the industry, they are very attractive targets. They need to continue to innovate to increase their value and relevance since many are chipping away at their positions right now. It’s clear from the work we’ve done with MLSs. Data quality and comprehensiveness is the core value proposition common to all MLSs. No other organization has figured out a way to deliver the breadth and depth of quality real estate information that MLSs offer today. Even well financed venture-backed start-ups have not figured [...]

By Marilyn Wilson|2021-06-22T13:22:18-07:00November 29th, 2011|Main category, MLS Insights|4 Comments