mls boards and data hilton head sp

[frobn]

Unfortunately, when MLS's impement rules like this, they don't realize that they are hurting their members which will hurt them in the long run...

I don't see how they can not be aware that restrictive IDX policies hurt brokers. Listing data belongs to the brokers, NOT the MLS. Unfortunately too many brokers are not aware of what the internet can do for them and are sleeping while their MLSs are getting away with selling or giving the data to preferred suppliers. As Realtors become more aware of the necessity of the internet and IDX for their businesses the restrictice policies are likely to backfire with many unintended consequences for the MLSs.

[pcdoc]

I agree with frobn.

But, MLS will not go away and control of the MLS info will remain with the local board for the immediate future.

Smart agents / brokers are realizing the benefits of other web-based sources of listings; e.g., google base, ebay, and blogs.

With the proper SEO techniques, (search) prospects are presented with many more choices for local listings than the MLS.

[CyberSun]

Thanks for your reply. I have hired an attorney to represent my company and my client, as well as any other brokers and third party vendors who are interested in bringing forth a restraint of trade complaint. We are just in the process right now of trying to get the Board to see things "our way" before we have to get into a lot of legal issues, but my attorney, who is very well known in the real estate industry and with the DOJ believes that this is most definitely restraint of trade and monopolistic. But it is interesting to ponder; where all of this is going to start heading and how is the consumer (who is essentially their members too) going to be affected? One of the things I find interesting is that a good majority of real estate people have not yet adopted the concept that technology marketing can be an arsenal for them; that it is very important to be able to have the choice whose solutions they utilize for their online marketing. It's as if they think "any solution" is good enough and they are just happy to have it. I think until that thought process changes, MLS Boards are going to have much more control than they should over their member's decisions on how to do business. Take Florida for example, we have a good amount of clients in Florida. Technology is extremely competitive in Naples and Miami- they would NEVER allow their Board to pass something like this because it would hinder their ability to be technologically competitive. But other markets this is just not the case....yet. Ah well, I'm just putting it out there; wondering if any real estate people have any thoughts on this.

[pcdoc]

Gee, where have I seen MLS and restraint of trade mentioned in the same sentence?

Oh yeah

http://www.google.com/search?hs=edm&...de&btnG=Search

Here's hoping you have deep pockets.