New MLS system nothin' but trouble
Letters From the Home Front
By Kris Berg, Wednesday, June 11, 2008.Dear San Diego Association of Realtors,
To better serve me, you recently gave me a new MLS system. You call it Tempo 5. I am writing to thank you. Although I never asked for my former and, dare I say, functional MLS to be replaced, you seemingly knew exactly what my clients and I needed. Granted, you never solicited my input, but you sensed the latent demand. You somehow knew that I was too busy trying to make a living to conceive of the ways in which my business profitability might be enhanced through a much more stout, content-rich search experience. That was the intent, right?
Our former MLS system was far too susceptible to misuse, this I now understand. In the old days (last Tuesday), only two levels of security were required: a user number and a personal identification number, but some bad apples were sharing their information with unauthorized evildoers. Policing and fining the offenders would have been an insurmountable undertaking, so I get the whole "key fob" thing in providing a third foolproof protection device that displays one of thousands of random numbers contained in its tiny, plastic brain with the push of a button. My new Security Authenticator, as you call it, is really neat. The name on my key fob reads "SAFEMLS," and safe it is! Now no one except me can input or update my listings, including my partner, my assistant and the other agents on my team. Sometimes I can't even update my listings, because my Security Authenticator, like my car keys, is not always where I think I left it. But, that is a small price to pay to preserve the exclusivity of my data.
I love how adding a listing now involves 219 distinct input fields. While only 111 of these are mandatory, you can bet I am going to use every one. Thank you! If I had a nickel for every time I have needed to search for a home by type of sub-floor ("slab on grade" or "slab over crawlspace" but NOT "wood over story"), I would be summering in the Hamptons. I particularly like the new input field "URL Link for School District," the one limited to three characters. Oh, and those mandatory photo captions are cool! The forced drop-down menu includes so many useful choices, including stuff I had never considered like shipping/receiving, loading dock, conference room, sales/service counter, shop/service bay, and showroom. Who needs "bedroom" among these options? (Apparently, we don't, since it is not included.)
While I was searching yesterday, I found a home that I am just dying to show my client. It has 3,000 bathrooms! Unfortunately, the link I sent to her doesn't work. Don't worry -- I know it's her own fault for using a Mac. Everyone knows that PCs are the way to go (but only if you use Internet Explorer as your browser). My husband, Steve, still doesn't get a scroll bar on his search result pages. I told him he needs to stop searching so much. Nobody needs to see more than one ZIP code at a time. That's just so silly. At least his new computer -- the computer we bought this weekend to replace the 2-year-old system that crashed when he first tried to login to our new MLS -- allows him to access the site. He should have known better. You can't expect to power a rocket on regular unleaded.
Now, I can't highlight and right-click statistical reports anymore, but that's OK. Why would I need to share this proprietary data with my clients on my Web site or blog when they can just go to Zillow? It's our MLS, after all. Let them go find their own IDX feed and figure it out themselves! When I e-mail my PC-proud clients some links to homes, the map they get is a cute little static picture. Only I can interact with the markers, pan and zoom, and aerial photo features, which is as it should be. If they want maps, they can create their own MLS. Or they can go to Trulia.
I admit that I was a little critical in my knee-jerk reaction to Tempo 5 on my own blog this week when I said: "The new software is as intuitive as the Bush administration. For a profession where the barriers to entry include a number two pencil and an opposable thumb, we have a software system seemingly developed by a rabid badger holding a doctorate in quantum physics and a grudge."
I was just being a whiny baby who didn't fully grasp the advantages. Yesterday I was able to finish watching the third season of "Arrested Development" on DVD while I waited for my hot sheet to load. Too bad it was canceled -- the hot sheet, that is. By the way, if I report the problem to Microsoft will someone really get back to me?
In conclusion, all I ever wanted from my MLS was the ability to share listings and offers of compensation with other agents, to search the database, and to print and save reports. Who knew there was so much more? I understand that many other lucky Realtor associations across the country beat us to the punch with this killer application, but better late than never. And this couldn't have come at a better time. We are experiencing the worst real estate market most of us have seen during our entire careers. What a welcome distraction this has been!
I would write more, but I have a client who just called to tell me they would like to see a home they found on Redfin. First, though, they want to confirm it is a Tudor/French Normandy and find out if there are any photos of the cafeteria. I told them I would look into it, just as soon as I report the error to Microsoft.
With deepest gratitude,
Kris Berg, Realtor
Kris Berg is a real estate broker associate for Prudential California Realty in San Diego. She also writes a consumer-focused real estate blog, The San Diego Home Blog.
Berg will speak at Real Estate Connect in San Francisco, July 23-25, 2008. Register today.
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Submitted by Maureen Francis on June 11, 2008 - 1:44am.
Kris,
You are hilarious.
Ford used to make a car called the Tempo. It was discontinued. Maybe Tempo 5 is destined to a similar fate?
Let's hope my MLS leaves well enough alone. Good market or bad market, nobody needs what you are experiencing.
Maureen Francis
SKBK Sotheby's International Realty
248.430.4450
www.miOaklandCounty.com/blog
Submitted by Beki Darin on June 11, 2008 - 4:59am.
LOL, KRIS!!
Submitted by Gerard Maher on June 11, 2008 - 5:26am.
Kris
Really funny, I enjoy your wit.
Gerard Maher (G-Man)
REALTOR
http://Go4Gman.com
Submitted by Stavrula Crafa on June 11, 2008 - 5:30am.
To funny!!!! We are getting Temp 5. It was to be in place by June but they have extended it to July. Maybe they read your post!!!
Sam Crafa, GRI
Keller Williams Realty
Seminole, Florida
www.SCrafa.com
Submitted by Rick Belben on June 11, 2008 - 5:49am.
There is nothing like the "key" to keep the MLS safe. Just don't leave home without it!
Rick Belben
Amerivest Realty of Central Florida
Orlando Real Estate
Orlando MLS
Submitted by Reuben Moore on June 11, 2008 - 5:51am.
Kris, you made the keen observation on the SanDiegoHomeBlog that the vendor seems to have dispensed with the standard protocol for software release. It is impossible that this system was subjected to large (or even small) scale beta testing. It was released with overwhelmingly basic problems and omissions. It appears that we, all of us, are now conducting a rather large-scale beta test, in real time, with mission-critical software.
With any new system, one expects an adjustment period, training issues, and yes, some technical glitches. However, in an industry saddled with a poor reputation, agents need tools to enhance our competency, not distract from it. Will the problems be addressed? Sure, in time. But, in the meantime, our reputation suffers yet another setback.
Submitted by Dru Bloomfield on June 11, 2008 - 5:53am.
So funny, and not, all at the same time. In Phoenix, we are cutting a new MLS system in late July, and it is viewed as a necessary upgrade to what we've been using. For those of us who've been involved with the selection and testing of the system (either directly or indirectly), moving to a tool more in tune to the times creates opportunities to better serve our clients. Realistically, moving thousands of users from one system to another is full of challenges and surprises. However, your biggest point came up in one of our meetings yesterday, "all I ever wanted from my MLS was the ability to share listings and offers of compensation with other agents, to search the database, and to print and save reports", and serves as a timely reminder of what real estate agents really need their MLS system to do, first and foremost.
Dru Bloomfield
John Hall & Associates
AtHomeInScottsdale.com
Submitted by Susan Krancer on June 11, 2008 - 6:08am.
Kris,
I also use a Tempo MLS product in Richmond, VA. It's definitely not as user friendly as many of the other systems out there. I'm also a member of two other MLS's, and their products are much better.
The biggest frustration for me is the fact that the search will only show 250 properties. Richmond is a large area, and many searches come up with significantly more properties, and the "extra" ones are just dropped out of the search. Then, I have to go back and try to figure out how to do several searches to get the data I am looking for.
In Williamsburg, we have FlexMLS. The Hampton Roads area has MLXchange. I find that one to be a bit "quirky", but I it's definitely better than Flex. I guess there are some enhanced features in Flex that are useful for "management"! That's typically how we lowly agents get the wrong products.
Susan
Susan Krancer
REALTOR®
Liz Moore & Associates
Williamsburg, VA 23188
www.WilliamsburgGolfProperties.com
Submitted by Dave Keillor on June 11, 2008 - 6:10am.
Kris,
What if your your real estate firm had its own "front-end" to the MLS data? A system that was tailored to the needs of the firm's agents and was independent of the MLS-system-flavor-of-the-month? It's very doable.
Dave Keillor
Technology Concepts
dkeillor@tconcepts.com
Submitted by Paul Amirto on June 11, 2008 - 6:21am.
Kris,
You are 100% on target. From the appraisers perspective, we get to pay more for access to the MLS system that has very limited search ability. It would be nice to have been asked prior to conversion our opinion, but I guess it is easier for them to get the feed back after release and all the problem solving that goes with it. Tempo 5 seems to have some good possibilities, but still much is left up to correct data input.
Coming up: TEMPO 6
Paul
www.associatedappraisalgroup.com
Florida
Submitted by Kris Berg on June 11, 2008 - 6:50am.
Paul - I have had appraisers tell me how our new system has tripled the time it takes for them to do their job, and the agents are close to organizing a protest. It's not about "correct data input." Some agents have resorted to putting warnings in the confidential remarks such as "Ignore Field X. It's wrong." Every home is now shown as a two-hour first right of refusal, for instance. It is just a mystery remark that embeds itself for the fun of it. Virtually every new listing since the roll out two weeks ago is showing a market time of zero in the statistical summary reports, which has completely handcuffed me -- I can no longer report on trends. The information imported from the previous system can't be trusted, so any historical data I want to study and share is suspect.
Dru - You got to test it? You mean like a, what's it called, Beta thingie? Wow! That's a thought. We should have been so lucky.
Susan - I have gotten an earful lately from some of the lucky east coast Tempo 5 winners. They are similarly not a happy bunch. Reuben said it well; our reputation suffers.
Submitted by Ralph M on June 11, 2008 - 7:11am.
Kris,
That is a very funny but painful to read.
Your article would have been better served sending it to your MLS association, Mls Board, or your company Prudential Realty. Any/all negatives about your company or association shall be kept in-house.
Your points are valid and hilarious, but are also negative to your MLS association, your company Prudential Realty, and your fellow members who are in your association and company.
I am sure you would of derived a better result if you had your fellow MLS members and MLS associates sign your letter also.
We wonder why as real estate professionals, For Sale By Owners and other FREE real estate websites pop up……..Because of “PUBLIC” negativity about ones own real estate association and real estate company.
I am sure with your Inman post here, it will drum up a lot of real estate business for your Prudential realty and other Mls members. Great Job!
One last question, Are you still paying your ungodly realtor membership fee?
Submitted by Roger A. Sturgell on June 11, 2008 - 7:20am.
Kris,
Regarding your comment: My new Security Authenticator, as you call it, is really neat. The name on my key fob reads "SAFEMLS," and safe it is....
It actually has a pet name. "PITA" That stands for pain in the ass and yes it needs a leash so that it does not run off or get lost.
Submitted by Mike Parker on June 11, 2008 - 7:24am.
Mike Parker
mparker@theblackwatercg.com
Kris, with the fabulous lampooning of "Tempo 5 (just who picks out this moronic names, anyway?)" delivered in this really clever and helpful instruction manual, I have good news for you: The San Diego MLS has announced that you are to be their new VP of communications! It's a fabulous job, paying $500K annually! Congratulations!
To accept the appointment, pleae log in to "Tempo 5 (or, should we say "Tempus Fugit" and sign up for the free virtual tour of the position. Don't forget your key fob!
We are happy to serve you...serve you...serve you...serve you...serve you...serve you...serve you...
Submitted by Dan Sullivan on June 11, 2008 - 7:25am.
Kris;
You should come to Colorado, where we get to pay for our antiquated MLS Sytem by the minute.
Nothing in our system is intuitive, and using it feels like a nostalgic trip to the 1990s. I'm sure our MLS would like to upgrade it, but unfortunately for them, that would result in a faster, more efficient experience.
With a fee model based on per-minute usage, providing a more efficient system would cut into the profits, so why would they upgrade?? Best to just let the other websites provide the real solutions.
Submitted by Jason Graves on June 11, 2008 - 7:29am.
What do you get when you put a bunch of geeks in a room and pay them too much money?
Tempo.
My speed and ease of use have all but stopped.
Thanks!
Submitted by Jay Thompson on June 11, 2008 - 7:29am.
It may read funny, but I bet someone is about ready to slit their wrists...
Like Dru, I've been "beta testing" our new MLS system. It is *completely* different than the Tempo (4? 1? Beta?) system we're using now. A fact that will likely cause significant uproar when it is rolled out. But at least it's functional.
That our MLS dues just increased 69% won't help, but that's a whole 'nother story.
Sorry to hear of this. I've been following on Kris' blog. It's like watching a train wreck.
Jay Thompson
Broker / Owner
Thompson's Realty
Blog: www.PhoenixRealEstateGuy.com
.
Submitted by Reuben Moore on June 11, 2008 - 7:46am.
Ralph M: What do we say to our clients? How does it help our reputation to hide these issues from the public? (Note definition: Public = Clients or future clients.) Just like selling a house, agents improve their reputation by being candid. Good news or bad, people appreciate it.
Submitted by Aria Schoenfelt on June 11, 2008 - 7:50am.
Every agent who has been through an MLS switch feels your pain! In Austin, switched from Tempo to Actris in November after months of testing. It was still full of bugs and still is today. My SafeMLS token is never convenient to use, but I, like you, get that it is necessary since some cannot follow the rules.
I'm a Mac user and I refuse to own a computer that does not fully suit my needs just to get on MLS. There are ways around it, but I am still fuming at my board for their lack of appreciation for web standards. 50% of internet users, Mac and PC, are using Firefox. That leave the rest of users primarily using Internet Explorer and Safari. So by only having features work in Internet Explorer, you're leaving over half of all users with compatibility issues.
Every good web designer designs to web standards. That means compatibility across operating systems, browsers, and different versions of both.
Aria Schoenfelt Austin Homes
Submitted by Michael Lange, e-Pro, GRI & Cheron Lange on June 11, 2008 - 8:48am.
Wow! I have to agree with all my colleages funny blog and yet not! Arizona get's there MLS in late July although it looks to be a major upgrade to what we have, I'm sure there are the "Kinks" that need working out. Our dues are another story they doubled...they have to pay for the system somehow. Lol
C. Lange
www.letourfamilyhelpyours.com
blog.letourfamilyhelpyours.com
Submitted by Vanna Langdon on June 11, 2008 - 8:56am.
Ralph M: It's not that we haven't talked/shared/asked/begged, repeatedly to the MLS, it's that no answers or solutions have come, yet. Keep in mind that we've been live for almost a month now and I'm not a negative person, however, my clients are suffering through no fault of their own.
I have been to the training classes and webinar and am myself having to spend, for example today, an hour and a half to do what over a month ago I could do in 8 minutes with far less acceptable results. As a matter of fact, I had to apologize to my clients; once again, for not being able to serve their needs in the manner to which they had become accustomed since I provide such a high level of service.
What would you have me do?
I support my board and my company in any and every way I can, but you would have me place my allegiance to my board over my duty to my principals.
Submitted by Ralph M on June 11, 2008 - 9:53am.
Not "publicize" negatives you have about your MLS association or bring negativity
Publicizing" negatives you have about your MLS association or bring negativity to you other members of Prudential Realty is WRONG……..
No other way to paint it.
How can a person support the board when they are bashing it on a public website?
Your board is 1.7 million members….
If when you do not like your actions of your MLS board or its members, drop out and quit paying your ungodly membership fee.
“I support my board and my company in any and every way I can, but you would have me place my allegiance to my board over my duty to my principals.”
No,,,,,,,,,,,Your 1st and fore most legal obligation belongs to your client. You are regulated by your state law to do so.
Your real estate board (Code of Ethics and Standards) has installed the proper channels for you to exercise your real estate transactions and complaints to.
Under NO circumstance, does it say in your “Code Of Ethics” (2008 manual) or in your office manual at Prudential realty to lambaste the system, association, and/or bring negative attention to your work place where other real estate professionals are trying to make a living…. Does it?
If you do not like the system you pay for and other members are associated with and have done everything you can do to make the association better,-
1- Drop out….there are plenty of free real estate search website companies out there
2- Start your own Brokerage without being associated with the MLS that you do not like
3- Become a successful independent real estate broker and show your peers that your actions speak louder than your words…or articles
Submitted by Ralph M on June 11, 2008 - 10:01am.
Submitted by Reuben Moore on June 11, 2008 - 7:46am.
Ralph M: What do we say to our clients? How does it help our reputation to hide these issues from the public? (Note definition: Public = Clients or future clients.) Just like selling a house, agents improve their reputation by being candid. Good news or bad, people appreciate it.
Furthest from the truth…..
For sale by owner is number 1 due to NEGATIVES about real estate professionals. Is your company called walmart with 100% satisfaction guaranteed? You represent your client, and the other side who you do not represent is not going to be a 100% happy camper with your actions. Most real estate deals, the agent has made 1 side content and the other side dissatisfied. That is why we have contracts to bind people. If we were all nice, why would we need contracts?
You are NOT in the business to make everyone happy, you are in the business to represent your clients best interest at all times……
Submitted by Frank Donovan on June 11, 2008 - 10:17am.
What a great article. Kris has an amazing ability to describe a situation that is causing havoc in our marketplace. Unlike Ralph M, who wants to hide the story, only by communicating our frustrations with our "elected" leaders who foisted this flawed system upon us when many agents are struggling to best serve the needs of their clients, and maybe earn a living, during this market correction. Ray Ewing, the president of sandicor, says its all a matter of training. He's wrong. It's the quantity of programming flaws, combined with the huge amount of time it takes to absorb all the changes. The user manual for Tempo 5 is 272 pages thick. My college algebra book was smaller than that. The larger problem is the programing flaws. This system has so many defects that many agents have to add disclaimers to the remarks system for incorrect, system-added, data on the data sheets. My advice to any Board thinking about adopting this system is, "Don't". If you decide to ignor that advice, insist that your old system run in parallel with the new system for at least 6 months. Written by a 30-year San Diego real estate broker, and former Board MLS Chairperson.
Submitted by Vanna Langdon on June 11, 2008 - 10:19am.
Ralph, you are absolutely right. We sheep need to remember our place in the pasture.
Submitted by Ralph M on June 11, 2008 - 11:09am.
Frank,
Great response. But, you were the person who paid their fees to this association? You were a board chair person who had some influence to change this association and system for the better? and you had this position and influence for 30 yrs? and did what to move the association forward??????
You PAID your dues all 30 yrs?
Why did you stay a member for 30 yrs in the MLS????
For the "R" logo....right?
Vanna, are you a current and paid in full member also?
If you do not like ANY association or their policies,,,,,,,,make a change within (not publicly) or get out and start a successful indepoendant brokerage and speak with your actions...
Do you hear Ford or Gm employees publicly say "buy" Toyota?
Do you hear an attorney on a public forum bashing the ABA?
Do you hear Derek Jeter bashing the New York Yankees?
Do your whining in-house and respect your company and association...
Submitted by Steve Berg on June 11, 2008 - 11:54am.
Ralph - Please get a grip. Look at all of these comments from agents/companies far and wide. No one is slamming their company. We are however, almost universally, criticizing an effort by our Board to "better serve us" and, theoretically, our clients. The single most valuable thing we pay our dues for is an effective and efficient MLS system. Tempo 5 neither serves us better nor more efficiently. It is simply not intuitive. And there is no real alternative. Kris didn't even scratch the surface of the problems. You can't even push the "add/edit" button and find your own listings without first knowing the MLS number. And you shouldn't need training if the system is worth a darn. If Tempo 4 could do this, why can't 5??
The bottom line is that this new system is less efficient, less accurate and takes much more time to navigate and understand for both agents and their clients. Not good. Kris is one of the more technologically advanced agents in San Diego County. Believe me, if she is having problems with it, most agents are pulling their hair out.
Submitted by Chad Huck on June 11, 2008 - 12:13pm.
I cannot wait until Tempo 5 point OH NO (5.0 NO) is released by the Carolina MLS later this year. I like waiting around and watching full seasons of "Arrested Development" while working. I see this as a plus! And it's not compatible with a Mac either... guess the survey results of CMLS members didn't warrant the need to be compatible with the fastest growing computer company's operating system. ?&$%)@#
No, really... I am looking for a bridge to jump off of the day that Tempo 5 is released here. Leaving now to scout bridges.
Chad Huck
Road to Real Estate: A Charlotte and Lake Norman Real Estate Blog
Submitted by Ralph M on June 11, 2008 - 12:17pm.
There isn't a person in the world who does not complain but, there aren't too many people who complain to the world.
Submitted by Joe Dahleen on June 11, 2008 - 12:17pm.
Super funny. Thanks I enjoyed it. The funny part was about the Mac and your husband's experience.
Good Luck with tracking down your key fob. Maybe they would offer an update with GPS in the future.
www.goliveloans.com
Submitted by Jay Thompson on June 11, 2008 - 1:02pm.
Ralph M. wrote: "Any/all negatives about your company or association shall be kept in-house."
Great idea! While we're at it, let's just keep ALL the info private. We could all be lemmings, marching merrily along behind the piper. Maybe we could just do away with easy MLS accessibility and use and all lug around big giant three-ring binders filled with listings! We should all just shut-up and be sure John Q. Public never hears anything but agents joining hands and singing kum-ba-ya.
Good grief. If that kind of attitude weren't so frightening, it would be funny.
Jay Thompson
Broker / Owner
Thompson's Realty
Blog: www.PhoenixRealEstateGuy.com
.
Submitted by Lenore & Alex Wilkas on June 11, 2008 - 2:48pm.
Boy does that bring back memories! Our local MLS decided to do their own thing about 4 years ago and what a fiasco! Since the MLS resides right in the middle of Silicon Valley, my guess is the CTO sold the board a bill of goods and had them believe that the only way to have a good system was to build it from the bottom up. Dare I say how long it too for anything to work right? It was a nightmare because we had nothing. Nothing worked, it was down more than it was up, and we were fuming.
I could never understand why they didn't buy a system off the shelf and customize it for our local needs, but had they done that, the CTO wouldn't have been able to develop his own piece of, call it what you will....
Today it still doesn't work well. My biggest gripe is nothing prints on 1 piece of paper, so you kill too many trees trying to print out data. They can't figure out what KISS means.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lenore Wilkas
Prudential CA Fine Homes International
Read Our Blog @ www.SanMateoRealEstateNews.com
Submitted by Kris Ludson on June 11, 2008 - 3:05pm.
It is quite apparent someone managing that MLS made a grave decision to not beta test the system before going live, or did not follow up properly with the vendor - MarketLinx - which has its own archaic RETS issues as well.
I'm in Real Estate IT, and this has been the absolute worst rollout I have ever seen.
It's only sad your membership dues paid for this horrible experience, let's see if the MLS management does anything to ensure it never happens again.
Submitted by David Fialk on June 11, 2008 - 3:24pm.
David Fialk, REALTOR
Truly a "Must Read".
Brings back lots of memories from MLS and the 4" x 6" MLS Listings Cards we used to pick up weekly and the "SLOW" move to technology!
And now, it seems that very few organizations think from the bottom up before changing things under the premise of moving forward! Or is that backward?
Submitted by Kathy Koops on June 11, 2008 - 5:37pm.
Kris,
After I laughed so loud I woke up everybody around me- I was thinking how scary that your selection team was so snowed during their testing...Good luck. I am glad we have a functional MLS.
ksk
thecincyblog.com
Submitted by Lori Bee , Owner/BIC on June 12, 2008 - 5:46am.
Just a thought that if all the "experts" critcizing this software and their MLS/Association actually spent that same time helping out, what a difference they could make....
Not saying that some criticism isn't necessary (I've been thru a Tempo transition), but brings to mind the term "arm chair athlete."
Get in there, get dirty, help out, and then you have the right to complain. Otherwise... hush.
Submitted by Seth Agranov on June 12, 2008 - 6:28am.
Morning All,
About a year ago, we converted from Tempo 3 to MLXchange. MLXchange and Tempo 5 are supposedly the same system with different skins. While your post was very comical, it is pretty much dead on accurate. As MLS staff, we learned that we need to go beyond a selection committee and really solicit general member feedback. We learned that this time of year is the absolute worst time to have a conversion. We learned that not everyone wants bells and whistles in their MLS system. And we learned that initial training should only be the basics. We learned a lot indeed - the hard way.
A year has gone by now and the dust is finally settling. What we now have is still not the simple Tempo system of 6 years ago. However, to do a search, add a listing, offer compensation, prospect, prepare a CMA, etc. MLXchange/Tempo 5 is easy. For those who want to "jack up" the services they offer, and do a Top Producer type CMAs, have their own agent (brokerage branded) website including an IDX search, integrate with Outlook, offer their clients a personalized website, design their own reports and more, do state of the art mapping and driving directions, this system can do it too. There is a trade off and change is never easy.
Anyone who has been through a conversion knows it is never pretty - no matter what! It will take time for the comfort levels to come back. In the mean time, my best advice is train! Go to as many classes as your MLS/Board offers and learn the system, become a leader or "go to" person within your firm. You may never love your new system, but what matter most is that you accept it and most of all learn it so you can service your clients and sell homes.
Best of luck.
Seth Agranov
MLS Director
Memphis Area Association of REALTORS
Submitted by Ralph M on June 12, 2008 - 6:42am.
Submitted by Jay Thompson on June 11, 2008 - 1:02pm.
Ralph M. wrote: "Any/all negatives about your company or association shall be kept in-house."
Great idea! While we're at it, let's just keep "ALL the info private. We could all be lemmings, marching merrily along behind the piper. Maybe we could just do away with easy MLS accessibility and use and all lug around big giant three-ring binders filled with listings! We should all just shut-up and be sure John Q. Public never hears anything but agents joining hands and singing kum-ba-ya.
Good grief. If that kind of attitude weren't so frightening, it would be funny."
Jay Thompson
Jay,
Wasn't it you the consultant to Zillow and other free websites?
Are you a realtor?
Why didn't you spend the time as a consultant making your own association better for your mls members therefore, beating the competition and making REALTOR.Com stronger instead of "trying" to make the Zillows and others better than realtor.com
Please elaborate how as a consultant for zillow.com you made the real estate mls better and brought more attention to your fellow members of realtor.com?
Ps, where is your realtor.com url since you are a mls member?
www.aarsteam.com
www.nosellercost.com
www.weuuzit.com
www.iuuzit.com
Submitted by Diane Cohn on June 12, 2008 - 11:27am.
Pssst... Kris, I may have a solution for the fob situation (but don't tell anybody). Last year my smart phone had a meltdown, and along with it, my SAFEMLS software inside. We run on Paragon, which has a Lost My Token link on the login page. I clicked there and went through the process of getting a temporary password that was supposed to expire in four days. Nine months later, it still works great, and I haven't needed the fob since.
Tempo sounds so buggy, maybe this loophole exists for you too. Good luck!
Diane Cohn, Realtor
Chase International
www.renorealtyblog.com
www.chasenation.com
Submitted by Roberta Murphy on June 12, 2008 - 10:14pm.
Kris: Great article! I discovered this afternoon that on the IDX feed, I am now listed as an agent with several different brokers on my listings--and not one is accurate.
Huh?
Roberta Murphy
Villa Sotheby's International Realty
http://www/SanDiegoPreviews.com
http://www.LuxuryHomeDigest.com
Submitted by Jay Thompson on June 12, 2008 - 11:39pm.
Ralph M wrote: "Wasn't it you the consultant to Zillow and other free websites?"
Huh?!? Uhm, no. I am not a consultant to Zillow or any other "free website"
"Are you a realtor?"
Yes. So?
"Why didn't you spend the time as a consultant making your own association better for your mls members therefore, beating the competition and making REALTOR.Com stronger instead of "trying" to make the Zillows and others better than realtor.com"
Again, I have no idea where you are getting this "make Zillow better" thing. I am not afraid of Zillow, and I've written about that. As for Realtor.com, please. It's almost a joke. They've shot themselves in the foot more often than I can count.
"Ps, where is your realtor.com url since you are a mls member?"
My "realtor.com url"???? I have no clue what your referring to Ralph. My listings are on R.com. No, I don't pay for "enhanced" listings. Never have, never will.
Jay Thompson
Broker / Owner
Thompson's Realty
Blog: www.PhoenixRealEstateGuy.com
.
Submitted by Steve Byrd on June 13, 2008 - 7:18am.
Kris,
You’re a great writer and I certainly laughed out loud several times reading your article. You do make a few valid points, but I think you’re way off base in many ways.
First let me say that MLS conversions are a terrible thing, no matter how you look at it. Regardless of the attitude, experience or the good intentions of the vendor, the MLS staff or even the membership, conversions simply are not fun. And the larger the MLS, the harder it is to manage a conversion that leaves everyone happy.
You said “all I ever wanted from my MLS was the ability to share listings and offers of compensation with other agents, to search the database, and to print and save reports.” Believe me, if the other 30,000 (or so) members in your MLS were like you, then life would be a breeze. If my membership were all like you, instead of sitting at my desk typing, I’d be on the Outer Banks sipping a Corona and phoning in every day. I would find the best system I could find, tweak it until it’s done, then never change systems again.
I assume Steve is your husband and I respect him for coming to your defense, but the fact is that there is a major difference between being technically savvy and technically demanding. I can guarantee that a large percentage of your membership wants more that just the simple things you require. They want client relationship management, the want transaction management, they want advanced statistical reporting. They want access to the MLS from cell phones and Blackberries and PDAs. They want Web sites and client Web sites and prospecting and reverse prospecting and custom searching and custom reporting. They want faster searching and sortable headers and email histories and fancy CMAs and distribution to 3rd parties and IDX and online forms and Open Houses and tax data and covenants and restrictions and automated valuation tools. And yes, they want to be able to use a Mac – I agree with you that all MLS vendors need to address this issue. Bottom line is, many members want it all, they wanted it yesterday, and they won’t stop reminding you until they get it.
If there wasn’t a strong demand for advances in MLS systems, then guess what -- MLS vendors wouldn’t be spending millions of dollars working on them and the Realtor® leadership wouldn’t be asking the MLS staff to make it happen.
As for the key fob thing, unfortunately in today's world, this is becoming a necessary evil. We recently busted an appraiser, who joined numerous MLSs in our state as an individual, then created a password cheat sheet, and set up an automated email to email the cheat sheet out to his employees, appraiser friends, and God knows who else. Even worse, he charged his employees a $50 MLS fee to use the system! It's simply not fair to our members that other members and non-members are getting away with "free" access to the system. This problem is MUCH larger than you or I can imagine.
I understand your frustrations with your new system and the changes you have to endure, I guess I just want to say that conversions are tough for everyone, but they are a necessary evil and that if you just can ride the wave for a while, the competent staff at your MLS along with your MLS vendor will work out the kinks soon enough.
p.s. Arrested development? Please.
Submitted by gretzilla durress on June 13, 2008 - 8:41am.
Dear Realtors,
Guess what? Your future customers already know that the MLS system is antiquated. Your customers also likely read about the U.S. Justice Department's anti-trust lawsuit.
Keeping criticism "in-house" won't help to preserve the image of the industry any more than a subprime loan tent revival.
The question is: Why can't the MLS system do a better job at meeting your needs and the needs of your clients? Why has the industry been so awkward in adapting to new technologies?
As Kris so succinctly points out, clients will always check out the alternatives. Why should you have to make excuses for and struggle with a system you are paying for? Share your outrage!
One would hope that complaining with the wit, wisdom and insight Kris displays in her article would garner a positive response, but these days who knows?
BTW, Arrested Development is one of the funniest TV shows ever aired. If you can't see that, how can you sell anything in today's market?
Submitted by Darci Haraldson on June 13, 2008 - 1:32pm.
I find Steve Byrd’s perspective to be spot on. Every MLS system user wants something different. And what they want today will be different than what they want tomorrow because they are working with a different client. As users go from one MLS system to another, they tend to remember everything that was right with the “old systems” and completely forget all past complaints about it. This keeps them from making the most of the new system that they have.
I know very well that every MLS system conversion is very difficult and that you cannot rely on the promises of any MLS vendor. The parties that make the decisions for your MLS were not satisfied with your old MLS system, which is why they made the decision to switch. No matter how the decision was made, you now need to make the best of it. I truly believe that if system users put as much energy and effort into learning the new system and reporting the problems in a constructive way, as they do with clever letters of complaint, that their experience and the system itself would improve.
I hope your experience with your new MLS system improves for you. I appreciate you taking the time to let the world know what your experience has been. That helps everyone.
Submitted by Steve Byrd on June 13, 2008 - 8:06pm.
Gretzi, I don't sell. I'm one of the MLS staffers out there trying to make all the right decisions to keep my hard-working Realtor® members happy. I've not received one email about my MLS comments, but several about Arrested Development. In order to save any other fans the trouble of sending me an email, I hereby promise to rent "Arrested Development, Season 1" and give it a second chance!
And thanks Darci, you're my hero!
Submitted by Tracy King on June 13, 2008 - 10:45pm.
You are right. I am so frustrated and disgusted by this ridiculous attempt to "protect our data" that I want to quit the whole stupid Realtor organization! I have been a proud member of our board for 18 years and I feel like a rebellious teenager right now. I am a past Director and very active member of many committees in the past and participant and have been increasingly turned off and disgusted by this old-fashioned and desperate attempt to hold on to what we have already lost, and in losing, have gained much more. Those who felt we had to protect ourselves by this Token, those who decided we have to have a new more restrictive lockbox key system are missing the point. We don't do business the way we used to. Times have changed and we either change or die. My board actually requires us to show up in person to pitch our listings or they will be cancelled from the caravan. Please. I haven't been to the meeting in years now because I send my assistant. Uh oh, is that next? you have to be there in person to pitch your property? Maybe you support shooting adulterers like the Taliban. I am tired of this old thinking. I just want to make real estate deals and I want to belong to organizations that facilitate doing deals, not ones that get in the way of it. Today the statistic is that 95% of the business is done by 5% of the Realtors. Get a grip! The rest of the 95% needs to open up and see what the world has become! We will only remain in the center of the transaction if we are tech savvy and knowledgeable about our business. It has nothing to do with protecting data or restricting access or closing any other door we accidently forgot about. It has to do with looking forward, being professional, providing great service by understanding the marketplace and what it takes to buy and sell today. The real estate industry has changed since even 5 years ago. It's time we acknowledged that and worked at the new model.
Submitted by Seth Agranov on June 14, 2008 - 6:45am.
I think comparing the MLS's policy on protecting data and their adoption of a more secure Lockbox system is like comparing apples and oranges.
A Lockbox protects your client's home, their posessions and their family. You really don't want to consider what could happen to a teenager or older relative home alone with weak lockbox holding that key. No expense or technology enhancement should be spared on that.
Submitted by Larry Livingstone on June 14, 2008 - 7:28am.
Steve Byrd and Darci Haraldson offer the smug perspective of MLS administrators. They point to the various and ever-increasing technical demands on MLS systems. However, before we obsess over new features and training, it is probably best to cover the basics. If you think that most members are not like Ms. Berg, try depriving them of the basics: Search, display, and print functionality. The first test of any upgrade should be simply will it perform the most basic functions at the level of the old system.
Steve offers that conversions are a terrible thing, tough for everyone, and a necessary evil. True enough. All the more so if done without appropriate pre-release beta testing. No doubt Steve, your competent MLS staff will see to it that this gets done.
Darci adds: “No matter how the decision was made, you now need to make the best of it.” Spoken like a true, old-school monopolist. MLS systems and administrators are often uncommunicative with their members and unaccountable to anyone. Their attitudes are secured by member apathy and ignorance. And yes, fear. Even today, with a host of alternatives (Ralph M), agents cannot survive without membership in the local MLS. “Report problems in a constructive way.” Sure okay. But for real action, post a clever letter of complaint.
Submitted by Ralph M on June 14, 2008 - 8:26am.
For the members who complain about mls, join www.aarsteam.com and accept growing technology and an association that represents their members and clients with a search system that is easy to use.
For the members who use a lockbox, get over being lazy and represent your clients best interest and be there to represent your client on ALL showings and be in control of YOUR own listing.
This industry WILL NOT change untill the complainers and the lazy agents make a change. www.aarsteam.com and become an AARSREP.
If you are lazy and a complainer, do not apply for membership to them either. They only accept the best real estate professionals.
Change the real estate industry for the better and make a change instead of complaining on these public websites that everyone (even for sale by owners)can view.
www.aarsteam.com
www.nosellercost.com
www.weuuzit.com
www.iuuzit.com
Submitted by Charlene Jones on June 15, 2008 - 9:41am.
Clearly, there are problems and deficiencies with TEMPO5 which impact our work and prevent us from meeting our clients' needs. There have been thousands of complaints and reports of program issues to Marketlynx and Help Desks. Clients (both buyers and sellers) are frustrated with both the inability to receive and/or easily read information to which they previously had access - or which was easily deliverable by their agents. We appear unprofessional and inept.
There is a serious case of "The Emperor's New Clothes" going on - with attempts to deny there are issues and problems with Tempo5 and convolute the real issue with "loyalty to the tribe".
This is not "an exciting new program"; it is an implementation fiasco and an restrictive, non-user friendly program which has impacted and impeded our abilities to perform our jobs and provide high quality information and service to our clients.
There have been thousands of complaints sent to the Help Desks (both Marketlynx and local), and they are overwhelmed. Not only that, they are unable or unwilling to respond. My last experience resulted in my being informed that what was possible in Tempo 3 cannot be accomplished in Tempo 5. HOW is Tempo new and improved when not only is it more difficult and slower to use, but it actually has removed key functions?
One last bit of information. Can you access Tempo remotely? The answer is "yes" and "no".
I have since learned that it is not possible to access TEMPO5 from someone else's computer UNLESS you install all the required TEMPO5 software execs and reconfigure their computer.
Not everyone carries a laptop or is a Systems Engineer. Let's think about family and friends who previously allowed agents to use their personal home computer when we visited, were on vacation at the beach - whatever. They are not going to be inclined to allow agent friend, guest, family member to reconfigure their PC equipment, as needed. (I've heard of at least two cases where the new XA brought down computers - not to mention how much this new program slows down PC function response time.)
I cannot imagine how long it would even take to load all the execs/XA/functions this would take with dial-up - or with someone who has an older machine/older programs installed.
Yes, you can do it from another computer IF you do everything to the borrowed computer you've done to yours....to allow access; however, other folks may be unwilling to have their equipment reconfigured to accommodate TEMPO5 usage requirements.
Another example. You are on a cruise or vacation hotel and plan to use the "Internet Bar". Do you really believe those folks are going to allow me to install
my "home-grown, profession-specific software" on an international cruise ship network?
This overnight "transparent" May 20 transition has gone on for over three weeks. Beyond that, there seem to be daily system tweaks by Marketlynx which are not being communicated to us, and we're left wondering why what we finally got to work yesterday suddenly no longer works today.
Let's not even discuss the brilliance and wisdom associated with choosing to implement this new system: 1-without a Beta test, 2-during the peak of the buying and selling season, 3-prior to a holiday weekend.
There are some real problems connected with TEMPO5.
Admit the mistakes, fix the problems or restore Tempo3 until you get Tempo4 and Tempo5 right, easy to use, operating properly. We need to be able to our jobs and help our clients!