Listing Update Issues are not Our Fault (But That's Okay)

MLS Boards have some of the strictest rules to govern the storage and display of their listings. We understand the reasoning behind this: control of the MLS data is power in real estate. They will require specific verbiage on their listing pages. They will only allow approved, licensed brokers access to the raw data (in a lot of cases). They will insist that your download of listing data be done religiously every day.

It seems funny then when an MLS Board doesn't update their data. Someone in their technology department doesn't transfer the files, or they just forget. A technology company like ourselves, who provides custom IDX solutions to hundreds of Realtors (R) across North America, starts pulling out our proverbial hair trying to figure out if our clients have paid their bills. When the truth comes out, we step back and ponder. If we must be so accountable for our handling of MLS data, shouldn't the MLS Boards be held to the same measure for how they deliver data?

Now, almost all MLS Boards and technology partners work quite well. They constantly provide updates and support. They are upgrading their software and hardware technologies to keep up with current market standards. It's just that once in a while something like a missed update will throw a wrench into the works and their is nothing that we can do about it.

But, that's where you come into it. If you are a licensed real estate agent or broker, make sure your board is providing the best data and technology possible for your listings. If there is only one image available, get them to support multiple images. If listings are coming up without complete information, fields blank or garbled, tell them you want information in the listings that will help you sell homes.

In the end, we hear the issues from the Realtors(R) when the MLS Boards are deficient in their technological duties. And we would like to tell everyone that it is not our fault.

Thank you for your time.

<steps off soapbox>

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