MLS is old school
Posted in The Great MLS Debate -- By William Nelson, Sunday, April 6, 2008.I've felt for some time that the MLS is outmoded, monopolistic, and pointless. It is a classic legacy monopoly like Microsoft, except it does not even have the efficiencies of a typical monopoly. The success of craigslist ads, despite crummy interface, testifies to people's desire for a new way.
My own hat is in the ring with www.housetribe.com. We think that combining fun real estate with sales real estate could be a path to growth, entirely outside the MLS.
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Submitted by Rob Aubrey on April 7, 2008 - 7:55pm.
The purpose of the MLS is for brokers to offer compensation to another broker. So if you are not a broker you cannot be a member.
National companies are starting to implement their own listing systems independent of their local MLS.
The listings are in more places then ever before.
What are the suggestions? Keep in mind the purpose of the MLS.
Submitted by Ryan Elliott on April 8, 2008 - 10:31am.
Actually the MLS is/was designed for the sharing of information. Realtors could share information about active listings, sales, expired listings etc.. This was to streamline and improve cooperation. Compensation is a part of that equation but is only a small piece of the puzzle. Many seem to get cooperation and compensation confused, they are 2 very different things. For Sale by owners can offer to compensate a real estate agent without being in MLS.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying we should do away with the MLS, I think it has great possibilities. One of the biggest frustrations home buyers have is with the number of web sites and inaccuracy of information. MLS has data protections is place in the form of fines and other penalties to ensure accuracy.
There is a tremendous opportunity to leverage the network that is built and quality information that is in place. We should provide data feeds of quality information to whoever wants it. Zillow, Trulia, etc.. Let developers use the information and come up with great consumer friendly was to deliver real estate info. We should make it as easy as possible to get the info. In the end is will drive more buyers and sellers to us.
Ryan Elliott
ryanassist@gmail.com
Submitted by Mott Marvin Kornicki on April 8, 2008 - 7:13pm.
Mott Marvin Kornicki, Broker
I've been a member of the NAR and Florida Associations for nearly 30 years! I've seen some great advances and I still have not yet mastered all the functions and features... We have a "designer tool" that can help display only what you want it to and proves a link! The MLS systems are truly amazing, if one can master them. The main issue is the accuracy of the data and the actual availability of the inventory... Garbage In/Garbage Out.