Blog for IRES and our subscribers. Read a post and let us know your thoughts...

Thursday, January 31, 2008

MOVING TO MLS OF CHOICE

February begins comprehensive data exchange between IRES and Metrolist. Each MLS will make independent business decisions regarding the pace and extent of the data integration, but this moves the region into an era of “MLS of choice”. What does that mean to you? With expanded data exchange, brokers will have access to thorough information on both MLS systems, therefore, you will be able to choose one MLS system based on cost, ease of use, system functions, customer service, etc.

IRES plans a gradual integration of the expanded data sharing and although February marks the beginning of expanded data exchange it does not necessarily mean that all new fields will be displayed and searchable as soon as the exchange happens. Here is what's on the horizon:

Listing information will be shared for these listing types:
  • Residential
  • Attached
  • Income
  • Land

Listing information to be shared by status:


Wednesday, January 30, 2008

MORE FAQ's ON EXTENDED DATA SHARING

Based on user questions, here are more details about the upcoming expanded data sharing with Metrolist:

Will I still need to enter my listings into both systems? No. When the full exchange is integrated, you will only need to enter your listing once and that data will be shared with the other MLS.

Will my listing look the same on both systems? No. Each MLS system will integrate and display listing information in accordance with their own business decisions. IRES plans to present the information in a format already familiar to our users.

Once everything is integrated, can I choose to subscribe to only one MLS system, instead of both? Yes, that is your option. One of the goals of data sharing is to cut costs for brokers by allowing them to subscribe to only one MLS system. Once integration is complete, we suggest you weigh the options including cost, ease of use, system functions and other services, and then make an independent business decision as to which system you would like to use. Of course, we hope you will choose IRES and take advantage of all our system has to offer!

More questions? Post a comment and let us know!

Monday, January 14, 2008

IRES Year in Review

IRES has seen some impressive enhancements in 2007! Read through our year in review to make sure you are taking advantage of the new FREE features IRES offers you:
  • Parcel maps and Microsoft's Virtual Earth imagery on Realist. Research your targeted market by taking advantage of these great mapping tools. To access the map, click on "Searches" then "Realist Map".
  • The 2 Page Report. View up to nine photos, a map, and all listing information. Opt to add your agent branding to the top of the report. Find it in the "View Details" list box in the Report Window.
  • Showing Guide *agent version*. Use the agent version to set up showings and put the listings in showing order; then print the client version for your clients to take notes.
  • Metrolist and Pikes Peak listings were integrated into many places:
    *Listing Search screen
    *IRESis Contracts System
    *Hotsheet Reports
    *Automated Prospect Searches
    *Map shape searches and map reports
    *Email listing formats
  • Mobile IRESis. Find IRES, Metrolist and Pikes Peak listings on your mobile device at www.iresis.com/mobile.
  • ListHub: Send your office's listings to the internet for free (Google, AOL, Trulia and many more). Consumers are automatically linked to a listing landing page, which includes your contact information. No downloads are required on your part - IRES makes the listings available to ListHub for you once you sign up. For more information, visit http://www.listhub.net/
  • Rapid Sketch: Create floor plans, calculate square footage, add room labels, furniture, staircases, etc. Save the plan and upload it to your listing on IRESis. Find the software link on the Training screen, under the Resources Tab.

We are very excited about the dynamic upgrades in 2007 and look forward to providing even more features and conveniences in 2008!


Monday, January 7, 2008

FAQ's regarding Expanded Data Sharing

February is targeted for expanded data exchange between IRES and Metrolist. As with any significant change, the buzz grows louder, and FAQs emerge. As we list a few frequently asked questions below, if you have a question leave us a comment or use the Feedback button on IRESis.com.

How soon will I be able to see all the data?
Although February marks the beginning of expanded data exchange, it does not necessarily mean that all of the new fields will be displayed and searchable as soon as the exchange happens. You can already search all listings along the Front Range by address, MLS number, map shape and more. On the horizon, will be new IRES reports and increased search fields.

Will I see any changes in IRESis.com?
Yes. As of early January, IRES will introduce some new fields and remove others in order to more closely match data being shared and move toward data standardization. We do not anticipate any of these changes to be drastic, but wanted to let you know what is happening. Check out the posts below for more detailed information on data standards and what fields are affected.

Is there going to be a merger between the two MLS systems?
No. There have never been any plans for a merger. Each MLS system is owned and operated independently. Data sharing is a collaboration between those two companies to benefit our customers. IRES will continue to make its own business decisions to provide its subscribers with reliable and value-added services. We will be introducing integration over a period of time. If you have any top priority suggestions we would be glad to hear them.

Will my IRES fees go up?
No, we do not have any plans at this time to increase monthly subscription fees.

What is included with my monthly MLS fee?
IRES subscribers already enjoy features such as online contracts, Showings, mapping, Sentrilock integration, RapidSketch®, ListHub and MySite, just to name a few. All are part of the flat MLS fee. The dynamic user-friendly tools of IRESis.com allow brokers to save time and money while delivering professional service to their customers.
For example, because online contracts are integrated with contact information and MLS listings, appropriate fields conveniently auto populate. It is worth noting that all Front Range listings are integrated with contracts and forms now. [Brokers outside of the IRES region can subscribe to Contracts Only for $60 per year.]

MySite is another IRESis work horse. An email is sent to prospective buyers whenever a listing matches their criteria. The email includes a link to their customized MySite, branded with your photo and office logo. At their convenience, MySite allows clients to peruse all 18 photos, property details, and a neighborhood report with schools, demographics and climate information. Favorites can be separated from the pack and properties of no interest can be deleted. This is a powerful tool for both brokers and consumers.

ColoProperty.com® works around the clock for all IRES subscribers. Think of it as your marketing co-partner. Whether the IRES public listing web site is the only web presence a broker has or is one in a long list of Internet strategies, thousands of unique visitors each month translate into hundreds of free leads.
Most recently, IRES introduced an online tool to create floor plans using RapidSketch®. Save and upload them to your listing or email them to prospective buyers.

Market your listings to a broader audience with the help of ListHub, also a recently added service. Managing brokers sign up to send their listings to sites selected such as Google.

Virtual Earth maps were added to Realist Public Records not long ago, offering superior flexibility when mapping comparables and neighborhoods.
When we add features to IRESis.com we strive to do it at no additional charge to users.

Our philosophy is to reinvest back into our MLS system in order to provide maximum benefits and services to our subscribers.

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

RETS encouraged for efficient listing distribution

Happy New Year from IRES! Michael Wurzer, the newly elected Chair of the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO), authors a thought provoking FBS Blog and just posted an “Open Letter to Yahoo!, Google, Trulia, and Zillow, Encouraging Data Standards”. Click here to read the post now.

Mr. Wurzer asks the listing data sites to support RETS, the Real Estate Transaction Standard. In part, he states, “By focusing on a standardized data format together, we can make it easier for brokers who want to send their listings to your site to do so without duplicate data entry and extra expense in dealing with different data formats for each of your sites.”

We encourage you to become part of this dialogue by leaving a comment.