I was working on an MLS consolidation project last year on behalf of a smaller MLS approaching its big neighboring MLS. The CEO had called me in to facilitate the process. The first step was to get the client’s board of directors on board, and I did so in a presentation with two aspects … Read more
Many people may not realize that numerous listing images uploaded to the MLS, used on broker and agent websites and apps, and syndicated for display on other Internet sites, are heavily modified. While this can be a very effective sales tool, some undisclosed manipulations may be deceptive. National MLS policies and other steps should … Read more
To improve and maintain subscriber satisfaction, multiple listing services must continually articulate the value that they provide, both as an organization and through products and services. In more than half of the MLS strategic planning processes I facilitated over the last year, pre-planning surveys and other research showed most subscribers were unaware of many … Read more
There are many technological “shiny objects” MLSs are presented with for site-licensing or offering a la carte. How should these be evaluated by MLS leadership? Here are some thoughts from a presentation I previously made at the Clareity MLS Executive Workshop. First, I’ll examine NAR’s approach and suggest some potential updates and then I’ll … Read more
Some time ago, in preparation for an industry publication, another industry consultant asked me, “What are the most significant issues facing the MLS by 2020, what actions do you propose be taken to address these issues and what are the desired outcomes?” Following are my answers: Expand what cooperation via MLS means. If the … Read more
