Saw the link to ActiveRain on the sidebar today. Wow, lots of input over there.

From the reactions I’ve been reading from agents regarding Zillow, Trulia, and other real estate search portals, I get the impression that agents and brokers were never consulted during the design and engineering phases of these sites. And as far as the standard MLS model goes, they need to get moving in several key areas.

Jeff

In addition to your blog, do you know of any places on the web where I might post my original question to Agents for their feedback?

Thank you,

Jeff

Thanks your comments and suggestions. I agree with you on the need for a global MLS. Improving the geo search accuracy is simple and so is the expire/renew via email to keep listings up to date.

As far as an agent subscription/consumer fee based revenue model, what do you think would be a fair and reasonable monthly fee per agent? Are you thinking unlimited listings for that monthly subscription or a choice of subscriptions, for example a monthly subscription with 10 listings, 20 listings, unlimited listings?

Would you like to see a level playing field for every agent where no agent has a marketing advantage over another or would you like the site to offer agents strategic advertising positions throughout the site they can purchase to promote themselves, their agency, and featured properties?

Look forward to your comments.

Jeff

The first and most important evolution needed is a global MLS. The technology is here, but like all nations, territorial disputes continue in the name of the “One True Religion.

It’s the same for the profiteers wearing the “I’m a Champion for the Consumer” masks. A piece of the pie drives it all. Too cynical?

A global MLS that would allow consumers and agents to accurately list property and broadcast those listings across a wide array of aggregators would be great.

I notice when I search on some of new mashups, I get properties that are miles away and others that don’t match my criteria at all. So, more accuracy is needed.

An alert service is a must as it is “new listings” that most buyers need after day one of searching.

Some serious thought needs to go into the monetization side of the equation. Current MLSes don’t favor any agent other than representing the listing agent of the property. Most revenue models currently being developed rely on advertising. A subscription service would be more democratic and a low fee for a consumer sould be nice. The fees charged by Yahoo and others are ridculous for the time frame involved.

Some kind of “rolling renewal” service would be nice. All listings expire in 14 days unless you click an email link to reactivate – to help cull expired listings.

You tell me

Enjoyed reading your post. I think many people in the industry share your opinion. Could you provide some suggestions or even a wish list on how a public real estate search/open or closed MLS system could to a better job of supporting the client/agent relationship in a real way?

I look forward to your reply here or feel free to contact me through my email address provided.

Jeff