Create an alternative to the NAR?

[over40]

Disclosure: I am for this.

Do you think it's time to create an alternative organization to the NAR? One that serves agents and brokers and that gives them an option in their business operations?

It can be done - without extra burden to the agent - here's how:

1.) Start gathering like-mided agents together under a new organization. To support operations it would require a low membership fee of $12/yr.

2.) This organization would work to develop "virtual" chapters and a similar structure as the NAR.

3.) A key driver of this initiative would be to take control of the MLS out of the hands of Realtor boards and put ownership of it in the hands of agents - those that actually pay for the system and input the data. Cut-off sending data to R.com and create a new national information site. Agents would not have to pay for two MLS's... just one.

4.) Agents that still want to be a Realtor can do so... but for the appropriate reasons and not because it is required to access the MLS.

[wpreality]

This is a wonderful idea, but I think that you need some critical mass before you can implement it.

My question is how many agents would be required to open an alternative in a specific location ? and how would you cover the initial development costs ?

Regards,
Sean

[over40]

To start a new organization... just a few to start with...

To get to the MLS change point... alot... probably half of the agents within any given MLS. I actually think this can be done with $0 upfront cost to agents to start out with and then when critical mass comes then they pay the $12/year. So they just sign up on a website saying they have an interest in this and then when they see others want it then they pay in $$. $12 is not much money, but agents are a very, very skeptical bunch. There would be MLS fees involved just as there are now.. but instead of them being paid in and getting no return, every participating agent would recieve a share of profits from their MLS if there were any, plus costs should go down... at least that's my idea.

Here's the thing: if agents want another alternative they can create it. I say agents should own the MLS and not realtor boards. It's our data -- we should decide what to do with it and profit from it.

Rise up and take back the industry....

[wpreality]

This is an interesting topic for many realtors, but you need to have that "few" before you can start, and even if you have a few that have just shown interest you will need to develop the basic support for listings and integration into local websites. This costs money.... What you really need is a number of agents that would invest in a preliminary system and get refunded once other agents join. This could be an idea that can work, but you still need the seeders to start with.

[over40]

Starting point is getting agents that want to do something together in one place. No money needed to begin.. just desire to take on the statusquo.

[TrophyHomes]

If you could get enough members from your local area to start up then help other areas also start chapters that would be a big jump in the right direction. My point though is it would have to be a local movement.

[OCTeam]

"Your" listings belong to your broker...it is not "our" data. The broker opts-in listings to the local MLS. If they don't get on board and want a new MLS, how do you propose this would work?

[over40]

brokerages don't exist without agents. if the agents want it... they will demand it and the broker will have to go along with it or risk losing them to someone else. agents have the power.

of course it would be easier if the broker decided for everyone... and many brokers don't like the way things are.

this starts by people saying "why not... let's give it a shot and see what happens". they sign up on a website (free) and then tell other collegeaus and if it is meant to be it is meant to be... no one forces it down anyones throat.

then if there is enough demand the next step is to take it to the next level with an MLS service provider...

step 1 - bring agents together.

[Jodi Suguitan]

As in just about any industry competition may be a good thing for NAR. They have been behind the 8 ball for some time now.

[jen.bas]

I think this is a good idea, it just needs a good leader or someone that can take the lead for this to be implemented.