Cutting Off Your Nose To Spite Your Face, MLS’s in Action
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CondoDomain Boston got itself in hot water. They added new content and features to their site.
Yep, they made things better for the consumer. But they also added one last piece to the puzzle, they are now a licensed real estate brokerage.
But in reality what does it mean for their business? They now are under the control of the local MLS and have to abide by the archaic rules and regulations that are imposed.
Here are some of the updates they are dealing with to abide by the MLS rules in Boston.
1. We allow all users (logged & not-logged in) to view SOLD LISTING DATA. We are now only allowed to show you this data if you are Logged In.
2. We need to update our “OPT OUT” list. This means all the insanely crazy listing brokers out there that actually have their clients properties “Opt-Out” of MLS feeds will actually get their way. Currently we show you everything transparently…now we need to parse the data so “Opt Out” listings are NOT shown unless you register and login to our system
3. We allow you to search by address while you are NOT logged in. I guess this is a no-no…however the good news is that this great ‘quick search’ feature we developed is legal if you are Logged In.
4. Mapping, UGH!!! OK this one catches us by surprise. The MLS rules state that we can not showing you listings on a map if the user can zoom in far enough to get street address information or identify street name or number. So we have to decide to give you high level mapping as a NON logged in user or just do away with it…and ask you to Log In.
So what does it mean? The answer to me is that if you want to innovate in real estate online you are better off working in the margins. The minute you fall under the power of a local MLS you have to abide by their rules and those typically cater to the lowest common denominator.
And it is hard to innovate with your hands tied behind your back.
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please contact me via e-mail if interested in the home listed
above.
jonieckstrom@yahoo.com 
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Comment by Joe P on 4 June 2008:
Same old school thought processes that wille ventually kill the industry off not allow it to morph into something better equipped to help consumers.
Comment by andar909 on 10 August 2008:
hi, andar here, i just read your post. i like very much. agree to you, sir.
Comment by Cynthia Pang on 3 October 2008:
The laws have changed!
#3 and 4 – Boston’s MLS PIN now allows brokerage sites to display a property’s address and its location on a map without requiring the user to register. So, people can browse properties without sharing their name and email address, and possibly getting spammed. Redfin implemented these changes on October 1, and we know CondoDomain is right on our heels.
#2 – The DoJ/NAR settlement in May eliminated this one. It states that listings will be shared equally among brokers. http://blog.redfin.com/blog/2008/05/no_ones_going_to_take_away_our_data_but_what_can_we_do_with_it.html
No change on #1 – Consumers still have to register to read the full listing details, which includes the listing price history.
Regards,
Cynthia
Redfin