New blog helps FBS gather input for ARMLS Subscribers

You have to hand it to Greg Swann over at Bloodhound Realty. Within hours of finding out that FBS Data Systems had won the contract to replace Tempo with it’s own flexmls for use by ARMLS subscribers, he had created a new blog focused on that topic. The blog is titled Phoenix Real Estate Technology Exchange.

Many of the Bloodhound Blog contributers are already signed up as authors for the new blog, as well as some welcome additions. Most notably, Michael Wurzer, President and CEO of FBS Data Systems, is a contributor, which gives anyone that wants to share their thoughts about the new MLS software direct access to perhaps the most influential person they could possibly ask for. For me, the best part about Michael’s involvement, is that it is early enough in the development cycle that we may see changes made to the flexmls system (if changes are necessary) prior to it’s implementation.

As an ARMLS subscriber, I can think of a number of things about ARMLS I wish were changed. First off would be the number and quality of photographs in the system. But for a property owner, or prospective property owner, I do wonder what features they wish were in MLS?

The tough part with this question, is that most people see MLS through a tainted lens most commonly referred to as an IDX. Every agent or brokerage website that has the ability to search MLS is doing so via an IDX. An IDX is a data interchange that pulls data from an MLS, and then allows web users to search on that data. The IDX will usually have a limited search capability, defined by the most likely search needs for the user. The IDX will also not display all of the information for a listing found in MLS. Things like showing instructions, co-brokerage agreements, days on market, etc., aren’t shared with the public.

Another feature of TEMPO that a few agents use is the client gateway. This is the only direct access the public has to the current TEMPO software. The gateway is the result of a custom search that has been set up by the agent for a specific client. The client is emailed a link to the gateway, where they can view properties that match this search criteria. The agent can indicate properties s/he recommends, and the client can indicate property favorites, possibilities, and outright rejections. The client cannot, however, change or even view the search criteria that gets set up by the agent.

At any rate, I’m reasonably certain that the general public would like more and better quality photos, but what else would you want? If you have an opinion, stop by the Phoenix Real Estate Technology Exchange and share it now.

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