Praise for the “Green” MLS Service Kit

The Green Multiple Listing Service Tool Kit provides guidance on enhancing data in the MLS, which will allow appraisers to make well-supported comparisons, analyses and adjustments. Numerous organizations have recognized and praised this new resource.

The tool kit is described as a collaborative effort from MLS decision makers, the National Association of REALTORS®, Association Executives, REALTORS®, and other national organizations and associations. CMLS’s very own Shelley Specchio and Marilyn Wilson were contributors.

Inside the 36 page tool kit, you’ll find a snapshot of the green home industry, information on why adopting a green initiative for the MLS is important and other strategies for effective changes. In addition, other resources in the kit include links to case studies of MLS systems which have completed a green initiative, example data entry forms containing searchable green features and a glossary of green terms.

To download a copy  of the document Specchio, Wilson and the rest of the committee have been working on, click here.

CMLS Releases White Paper on Leveraging MLS Data

Submitted by: Marilyn Wilson , WAV Group

It is an exciting time for Multiple Listing Services. The announcement of REALTOR® Property Resource by NAR has spawned many debates and several new programs allowing MLSs to leverage local property information in many new ways. The programs are exciting, but are evolving quickly and thus can be a bit confusing and even overwhelming at times.

In an effort to help every MLS understand the unique values of each of the programs now available, the Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS), commissioned WAV Group to complete the attached evaluation. Ideally, the paper will assist each MLS and their governing boards in understanding the key facets of each program so that they can make an informed choice based on their unique local circumstances.

This paper does not recommend one program over another but is intended to:
1. Review the general services being offered
2. Share sample financial projections for different sized MLSs for each option
3. Summarize the terms and conditions of each program
4. Discuss the potential short and long-term implications of each program
5. Provide recommendations on steps to help you identify each program

Four programs have been reviewed in the document:

• NAR’s REALTOR® Property Resource (RPR™)
• Move, Inc’s FIND product
• First American CoreLogic Revenue Sharing Program
• IMAPP Product/Program Overview

It is our sincere hope that this paper from CMLS can make the process of evaluating each of these exciting programs a bit easier and more manageable so that each MLS can make a thoughtful, informed decision on behalf of their subscribers.

Click HERE to see the CMLS White Paper on the topic. Look for the “New Ways to Leverage MLS Data New” link located on the right side under the News heading.

If you would like to distribute the paper to your board of directors or brokers, feel free to. Please just include proper attribution to the Council of MLS for the works provided to be in full compliance with copyright law.

CMLS Opposes NAR Policy on Requiring MLS Photo

Submitted by:  Bob Bemis, Arizona Regional MLS and Kathy Condon, MLS Property Information Network, Inc.

CMLS has taken a position opposing recent interpretations of the MLS Model Rules by NAR Staff.  These interpretations would prohibit MLSs from adopting rules requiring (a) that a photo accompany every residential listing submitted to the MLS, and (b) that mandatory disclosures accompany listings and be posted in the MLS.

The NAR based its opinion on the following statement of Multiple Listing Policy 7.35 (p. 18 of 2010 Handbook) states:

“The National Association recommends to its associations and their multiple listing services that the information included in any MLS compilation should be limited to information related to the sale of listed property which is objective and capable of being verified by any interested party. The MLS information should not include any subjective impressions or opinions that could be misunderstood or misconstrued.”

NAR Staff did not believe that a photo was an objective data element of a listing.

CMLS understands that NAR policy implies reasonable limits on the information that the MLS can require listing brokers to disclose: For example, the information the MLS seeks should be related to facilitating the purposes of MLS including cooperation, compensation, valuation, etc. An MLS requirement to provide photos and legally-required disclosures on the MLS system does not, by itself, relate to these concerns.

CMLS does not believe that NAR policy is intended to restrict local MLSs from requiring submission of property information such as photos or disclosures.  The CMLS Board believes that an individual MLS should be allowed, at its option, to require a listing broker to submit to MLS any non-confidential information relating to the property that is reasonably available to the listing broker, including:

· One or more photos, including an exterior front-elevation photo; and

· Any documentation required by law to be provided by seller or listing broker to prospective buyers at or before the time of showing.

Therefore, CMLS has requested that the NAR Multiple Listing Issues and Policy Committee issue a policy clarifying that an individual MLS can, at its option, require a listing broker to submit to MLS any non-confidential information relating to the property reasonably available to the listing broker.

You can read the entire letter from CMLS president Melanie Blakeney to Mike Jewell, Chair of the MLSIP Committee posted on the CMLS site here.

We urge you to talk with your representatives who serve on this committee and solicit their support for the CMLS position.  With your help, we can change this policy interpretation and allow mandatory photos with listings and legally required disclosures at the local option of each MLS.

A special thanks to Larson/Sobotka, PLLC for their help in composing the letter to the MLSIP Committee

CMLS Welcomes New Members

CMLS membership continues to grow.  The following companies have become CMLS members in last 60 days:

Regular Members
•    Austin Board of REALTORS – Austin, TX – Beth Gatlin
•    Colorado Real Estate Network – Montrose, CO – Jeff Follis
•    Southwest Montana MLS – Bozeman, MT – Colette Lang
•    Ventura County Coastal Association of REALTORS – Oxnard, CA – Janet Dorsey
Business Partner Members
•    Centralized Showing Service, Inc. – San Antonio, TX – Kevin Faherty