Blog Article

By: Norma Jean Opatik - MLS Committee

It's easy to work day after day and week after week throughout the year without taking the time to reflect on all we have accomplished.  We seem to ravel from one responsibility or situation to the next without realizing our achievements.  However, given the time to ruminate and recap our year we are amazed.  The MLS Committee is charged with the awesome responsibility of maintaining and improving the most valuable tool the REALTORâ has - the MLS - and we are still reeling from the work we accomplished in 2011.  Many of the improvements were a direct result from questions and concerns presented by agents attending the MLS Open Forums.

Because time and space is limited here, we will only relate some of the major features we worked on this year.

• On the right side of the MLX home page we have SmartLinks which lists many different tools that are available.  One such link is Imprev Marketing Tools which gives agents the ability to print quality, professional marketing pieces at an affordable rate and right from their computer.

• The Clark County and Nye County Recorder sites were added on the left side of the listing view allowing instant access to the recorded documents on any listing within the MLS system.  Agents no longer have to open another tab to access this information as they research listings for their clients.

• Agents working with rental properties have an improved rental listing form that will provide them with enhanced data.

• The CMA has been expanded to include up to 50 properties.

• Clients now have a map link under the picture on the Client View.  This link brings up a detailed map to the property and surrounding areas for their client's review.

• Agents are now able to describe "green" features of their listings or search for these features that their buyers require.  This information is located on page 2 of the detail listing view.

And then there is FIND - and what a find it is!!  This SmartLink (on the right side of the home page) allows agent to search local listings or listings in other cities and states that are of interest to their clients.  This added software is extremely powerful and lends agents the ability to search for specific properties in specified cities and states.  Agents can create reports, save searches, track listings that are of interest to them or their clients.  And the mapping allows one to view detailed information within close proximity to the subject property.  FIND mapping provides aerial, road, and birds eye views and indicates "sold" and other "available" properties within the same area.  Agents can also overlay the map with flight paths, dams, and hazards, i.e., earthquake, tornado, and hurricanes.  Another overlay provides location of Amenities such as, restaurants, banks, fire and police departments, post offices, libraries, and neighborhood schools to name a few features within FIND.  Another unique feature is the ability to simultaneously search more than one mapping area.  Although it is powerful, it is very easy to use.  The more you use it the more you will find it will do!  If you have not utilized this feature, try it - you'll like it!!

Last, but certainly not least, we have FUSION!!  What is Fusion?  Well, it's MLXChange on steroids.  We beta tested it for several months since September.  This is the next generation in multiple listing software - it is powerful and a tool extraordinaire and allows agents to access the MLS from any browser.  With Fusion we will have the benefits and features of the MLXChange and more all rolled into one software package.  We know that there is a tendency to resist change, so the decision was made to run MLX and Fusion concurrently for two years giving everyone time to adjust.  Once you decide to explore Fusion, we know you will be amazed at its capabilities.  Training classes are available to help make the transition more enjoyable.  Finally, Fusion will be able to run on an iPad or tablet device and that should be available in the first quarter of 2012.

Because of our working relationship with CoreLogic to improve and evolve the multiple listing software to reflect the wants and needs of the membership, all these additional features were delivered at no cost to the members.

As we end our 2011 year, we look forward to 2012 - what is in store?  Well, one of the very first items we are looking to initiate is Innovia Wireless which will replace Kurio.  Besides the added features the Innovia will run on the iPad!!

A program that will provide "Down Payment Resources" to determine whether a specific property qualifies for a down payment assistance program is also on our list.

There is more to tell but space does not allow, so stay tuned; 2012 looks to be an extremely busy year.  See you at the next MLS Open Forum and remember to bring your questions and ideas!

Comments (0)