The argument for an Open Source MLS System
Posted in Real Estate Bloggers By Riel Roussopoulos, Saturday, January 23, 2010.After learning recently that there were over 900 regional MLS providers that one needs to tie into in order to deliver a compelling solution, it really made me wonder why as an industry, there wasn't more push to create an open source MLS.
After all, despite cutting some grass from the regional boards, isn't in the best interest of the industry and more importantly the customers (the home sellers) to have their data accessible in as many places as possible?
I'm curious why there isn't more of a push from inside the industry to have something akin to the Asterisk project that that telecom's have done, for the real estate industry?
Surely we value the agents role a little more than just as someone that buys google ads and knows how to hire a good web designer right?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on why you support or reject this idea.
I have a short survey on my blog that I'd love you to fill out, it's only about 4 questions and will take you just a couple of seconds, I'm dying to hear what you have to say on the subject.
http://strataxl.com/openmls
You must login or register to post a comment.
Submitted by Rob McQuade welcomes you to Sacramento on January 24, 2010 - 9:07pm.
You make some great points, Riel. We as real estate professionals are no longer the "gatekeepers" of the property listings. While I think many in our industry fear loss of control of current listing information, it's myopic to think that this is the reason consumers seek us out and only serves to sell us short as an industry.
Consumers look to real estate professionals for guidance. If simple access to property listings was the issue we'd have gone the way of travel agents long ago. No, what we provide is a deeper understanding of local market conditions and a desire and ability to help people through everything such an important transaction entails.
Having said this, my concern is simple: open-sourcing done poorly and data managed inconsistently across even a small percentage of websites would result in a lot of inaccurate information online. This is a challenge a lot of us have had to deal with when we hear from clients that they've seen different information about the same home on different websites.
Some major national websites have tried to aggregate data entered manually by agents or consumers. It's been a great way to increase exposure for a lot of our sellers and has brought a little extra transparency and access for buyers.
It's when the information found online is outdated, inaccurate, or downright false that problems erupt. Sellers are outraged to see inaccurate information on a website over which we as listing agents don't have control. Buyers are confused and concerned when they see differing details. And don't get me started on those questions about properties that aren't even listed but appear on real estate websites because they're "preforeclosures".
In a lot of markets, the MLS works because of the carrot and the stick: the distribution of accurate information across multiple channels that are pulling from a trusted source (the local MLS), the accuracy of which is largely due to the penalties local Multiple Listing Services impose upon their members for misrepresenting or not updating details in a timely fashion.
Let's work together to create a more open system--but one that is based upon a foundation of accurate, updated information.
Any ideas?
Rob McQuade, REALTOR®
McMartin Realty | 2031 K St Ste 100 | Sacramento, CA 95811-4253
Tel (916) 444-7577 or Toll Free (866) 720-CITY (2489)
» Search Sacramento real estate for sale: http://www.ForSaleinSacramento.com
Submitted by Robert J. Russell, IRES, REALTOR on February 7, 2010 - 3:16pm.
I think an open MLS System is what we need. We do not market just in our neighborhoods but now all over the world. With the addition of Facebook, LinkedIn and several other popular social network sites, the ability to reach out and touch people all over the world in increasing by the day.
I say YES to an open MLS!
Robert J. Russell, IRES, REALTOR
International Real Estate Specialist
http://www.robertjrussell.com
972-679-9029
Submitted by Robert Foster on February 13, 2010 - 1:13pm.
I am for a open MLS System if done correctly. With the advent of a multitude of Real Estate internet sites I have issue with Brokers promoting Property that is no longer their Listing. Sites should have expiration dates in line with the actual listing agreement with the Seller
Robert Foster
Wolverine, MI
1-231-525-8289
www.NorthernMichiganLandForSale.com