DATA SHARING PROMPTS DATA STANDARDS FOR IRES

IRES will be introducing some new fields and removing others during January 2008. We do not anticipate any of these changes will be detected on any Richter Scale, but wanted to provide advance notice and an opportunity for discussion, disagreement or whole-hearted endorsement.

New fields - actually, features - on IRESis closely match those recommended by the Uniform Input Workgroup. The additions will improve data mapping, creating a 1-to-1 match . Features identified for removal are rarely utilized, in some cases are out-dated and also match the Workgroup's recommendations.

There may not be room to list everything in this post but let's start with the additions, preceded by the Feature Group where they will be found:

1. Outdoor Features: Tandem Garage, Carriage House
2. Construction: Adobe, Concrete, Moss Rock
3. New Financing: 1031 Exchange
4. Ownership: HUD
5. Design Features: Kitchen Island
6. Roof: Cement Shake, Concrete Tile, Simulated Shake
7. Inclusions: Disposal, Smoke Alarm(s)
8. Style: 1 1/2 Story, Raised Ranch, Tri Front/Back, 4L Front/Back
9. Type: Chalet, Foursquare/Denver Square, Contemporary/Modern [Note: We anticipate this Feature Group will eventually be refined further and renamed "Architecture".]
10. Utilities: High Speed Access [Note: We will convert our existing options for DSL and Cable Modem to this more generic description.]
11. Location Description: House/Lot Faces NW, NE, SW, SE
12. Garage Type: Reserved, Off Street
13. Fireplaces: Pellet Stove

While we are on a roll here, let's continue with the features we plan to delete:

1. Existing Lease - Removing all feature options within this group. It is rarely used and as appropriate, uploaded documents can be added to the IRESis system.
2. Tenant Pays - Removing all features in this group for the same reasons noted above.
3. Data Available - Removing all, same reasoning. This group is outdated since many of the options are commonly part of today's listing such as Legal Description, Map, Aerial Photo, and Builder Plans. Demographics are also part of every listing on IRESis, thanks to the IRESneighborhoods report provided by eNeighborhoods (Extras tab).
4. Energy Rating - Although well intentioned, the Star ratings never took hold. We will be removing all numeric Star rating options.

Although this should not be considered a definitive or final list, it does represent the majority of changes being considered as of this writing. Feel free to comment and add your opinion as data sharing continues to unfold.

The Evolving MLS System: IRESis

How many of you remember a dial up MLS system, the screeching sound of a modem attempting to connect and hieroglyphic commands to perform a search? My, how we have changed – for the better!

Proprietary software and modem racks rode off into the sunset when the Internet based IRESis system was launched in 2001. Instead of desktop software, users instead needed to find an ISP and "get connected." If memory serves me correctly, only 30% of our users had their own email account at the time, but that quickly changed.

Fast forward to the present. Our IRESis system was designed to leverage the connected broker and consumer. Integration of daily activities is a consistent goal. Whenever possible, features are introduced at no additional charge. (All of the following are included with an IRES subscription.)

• Online contracts integrated with prospects, contact information and MLS listings save time and money. Even more cutting edge, contracts & forms are available to brokers in Colorado through a stand alone subscription, without becoming an MLS subscriber.
• Mapping MLS listings and Public Records enables visual searches, along with viewing the proximity of matches and sales activity. Consumers expect no less. And IRES delivers.
• Our Showings module integrates agents, offices and listings along with showing instructions and automatic email feedback. Reports can be emailed to sellers as desired.
• Transaction Checklist offers a list of common activities from the listing presentation to the closing table. The Checklist was designed to be used for internal tracking as well as a communication tool with sellers or buyers for a better understanding of the big picture.
• Let MySite do the work. This system generated web site sends emails to prospective buyers whenever a listing matches their criteria. All 18 photos can be viewed along with property details and a neighborhood report.
• Sentrilock integration offers unparalleled convenience since obtaining the One Day Code is a click away on IRESis.

All of these features are based on needs of our users, responding to evolving consumers. The IRES system will continue to evolve to meet broker demands. Next chapter: Expanded data sharing.

Joint Statement regarding MLS of Choice

Front Range MLSs in Colorado – Metrolist, Inc. and IRES, LLC – are collaborating to exchange their MLS listing content in early 2008, including all statuses and comprehensive listing information. Listings entered in one MLS will automatically be shared with the other. Subscribers/Members will access shared listings through their MLS of Choice, providing a broader listing inventory for buyers and increased market exposure for sellers.

Several milestones have been established related to the data sharing arrangement and efforts are already underway. February 1, 2008, has been identified as the target for exchanging listing content. Each MLS will make independent business decisions, specific to their technology features as they integrate shared listings in their respective systems. Data sharing will be conducted in a secure environment using Real Estate Transaction Standard (RETS), a national standard and industry best practice.

State Approves Strategic Initiatives

The Colorado Association of REALTORS® adopted several Strategic initiatives for the upcoming year. These were approved by the CAR Board of Directors during their October 25, 2007, meeting at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. It was also clarified that CAR will serve as a facilitator for these discussions, but it is up to the local organizations to take action and move forward.

One initiative, with a list of 6 specific items, may impact MLS operators in Colorado...

Encourage the development and implementation of the following MLS related concepts:

1. MLS data to be standardized throughout the state of Colorado with local options for data field variation.
2. Colorado REALTORS® should have universal access to all MLS data.
3. The use of MLS data and its distribution to third parties should be controlled by the Broker who provides the data.
4. MLS entities should exist for the benefit of participants and subscribers.
5. MLS rules should be uniform and enforced consistently.
6. The MLS Board of Directors should include Broker Owners with appropriate regional representation.

Overview of 10/16 meeting in Westminster

On 10/16/2007 the Oversight Committee held a meeting with Board/Association & MLS leadership from the IRES and Denver area. Approximately 60 people were in attendance.


An overview of the timeline to date (click here to see previous post) was presented along with a summary of work group activity. Questions posed in advance to the Oversight Committee were answered and three items were identified as goals:

1. Strongly recommend Metrolist & IRES proceed.
2. Confirmation that this is still what brokers want. (Click here to see previous post.)
3. Confirmation that the Uniform Input Form be presented to both MLSs for work to proceed and be finalized.

Lively discussion, additional questions, concerns, and challenges were expressed related to moving forward. Specific "next steps" are yet to be defined. The meeting concluded with a brief survey distributed by the Oversight Committee asking whether the meeting was informative, if we should expand the current (CCM) data exchange, whether the idea of data standardization is supported along with a uniform listing input form. Summary results are anticipated to be available in the near future.

Your input, questions, and concerns related to these issues are welcomed!

Principles of Change

The CMLS (Council of Multiple Listing Services) 2007 meetings were held last week in Seattle with Ann Bailey as moderator. Approximately 300 MLS executives, directors, and vendors attend this annual gathering. "Principles of Change" was the recurring theme and the meeting wrap up outlined what MLSs around the country can do now to support brokers:

1) Create one IDX Feed
2) Work toward data standarization
3) Agree on common rules
4) Allow one MLS fee per broker
5) Expand our information base and connectivity

All of these issues are being addressed locally. IRES is committed to pursuing these national trends to support and serve Colorado brokers.

How did we get where we're going?

Background & History


a. September 2006: Front Range MLS Forum meeting of approximately 200 brokers from the metro area and IRES region met in Westminster, including leadership from Realtor Association and MLS Boards. Nationally recognized industry expert Ann Bailey of Pranix, Inc. was the moderator. "The purpose of the forum was to explore further cooperation between Metrolist and IRES", stated Bailey in her summary report. Following breakout sessions, all groups agreed to move ahead by forming a task force and exploring the best options.

b. December 2006: Follow up meeting held with 60 attendees with Steve Murray as facilitator. Task Force of 5 formed, now called the Oversight Committee.

c. January 2007: 5 objectives drafted. (see previous blog post.)

d. March 2007: Three workgroups formed with representation from the metro area and IRES to address:

i. MLS Rules & Regulations - To identify similarities & differences.
Subsequently, an additional workgroup to address IDX Rules was formed.

ii. Listing Input Form- Draft listing input forms for consideration.

iii. Square Footage & Style- Draft rules for square feet and building styles.

e. Spring-Summer 2007: Workgroups meet as needed to address above tasks and issues. Oversight Committee also continues to meet to receive progress reports. Timeline for completing objectives outlined.

f. September 2007: Listing Input Form workgroup completes (monumental) task, providing suggested fields and features for 4 property types: Residential, Attached/Condo, Income, and Vacant Land.

g. October 2007: Oversight Committee schedules meeting with area leadership to report on progress to date. Stay tuned!

IRES Reaffirms Commitment to Expanding MLS Data

IRES recently reaffirmed the MLS Task Force Objectives that were originally drafted in early 2007. We thought you might be interested in what they are so we have posted them here. Let us know your thoughts by posting your comments.

The Objective of the Colorado MLS Task Force is to work with MLS operators in Colorado to develop a system that:

1. Provides a common data base for all listings from all participants accessible through each MLS operator in their own format, with their own enhancements, at their own price;

2. Includes comprehensive information from each participating MLS

3. Provides a system where brokerage firms and sales professionals input their listings only once;

4. Makes this new common data base the primary data base that is searched by all users;

5. Creates a set of rules and regulations that are uniform regarding input, access and use of listing data (such as in IDX, ILD or other Web uses).

Back in the blogging business!

Thank you so much for your overwhelming interest in our blog! We had so many hits yesterday that Google checked out our site to make sure it was legitimate. That review is now complete and we are approved to continue blogging :)

"V3" coming soon to an MLS near you....

The expanded data sharing between IRES and Metrolist is tentatively being called "V3" (as it's the third version/update of CCM). It will not be an invisible change, which is one reason we created this blog - to keep you informed of upcoming changes.

In order to share all listing and sold data, several workgroups (appointed from both MLS's) have worked for the last six months to identify the best fields from both and are essentially creating a “common” data set that will serve all users. Other workgroups addressed Rules and Regulations, Square Footage, and Style issues over that same period.

From this work new Listing Input Forms are being designed. Therefore, our Add Listing screens & listing reports will change to accomodate the new "common" fields. Whether a subscriber of Metrolist or IRES, real estate professionals and staff will all be learning a new Input Form and new search procedures. We will strive to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Expanded Data Sharing on the Horizon

(Excerpts taken from the Oversight Committee "Talking Points")

What is being developed?
IRES and Metrolist are expanding the system of sharing of their listing data beyond what was developed under the CCM Agreement (Colorado Cooperative MLS). What is being proposed will permit a subscriber of either MLS to both input listings and access all listing from either MLS system.

Why is this being done?
Many brokers in the IRES and Metrolist areas belong to both systems, pay duplicate fees, input listings twice, learn two different MLS systems and deal with different sets of rules and policies. The expanded data exchange will give brokers along the Front Range of Colorado a larger pool of listings and potential buyers for their clients and customers, create healthy competition between Metrolist and IRES that will lead to more and better services, as well as the opportunity to reduce costs.

How does it benefit me?
Each and every subscriber will have the ability to access all of the listings throughout the current service areas of Metrolist and IRES. Second, users will no longer have to input listings twice, as they will only have to input listing data once to have it available to all 20,000+ users of the two MLSs. This will result in an MLS of choice for agents.