New Policy on use of "MLS" word

November, 16 2007

National Association of Realtors approved a provision that allows local MLS Associations to ban members' use of the terms "MLS" and "Multiple Listing Service" in Web site addresses, company names, e-mail addresses and in other marketing materials.


Inman news reported today that...

• Jeff Barnett, vice chairman of the MLS Forum, said the new provision will not be without controversy. "We anticipate there to be some problems. This is
  voluntary to your local boards -- this is not ... mandatory."

• The stated rationale for the new provision, according to information presented to NAR directors, is to make it clear to consumers "that they do not receive full, direct and complete access to all information in MLS databases via participant or subscriber Web sites."

Why would the National Association of Realtors place restrictions on the word "MLS or Multiple Listing Service?"

• The answer is simple, if you had a 90 Billion Dollar industry with one major competitive advantage you would want to protect it as well. With about 2.5 million dues paying "members" the loss of control could mean less paying members.

• The problem is that it is also a generic term that describes what it is... and many brokers have been using the term in their web site addresses, company names, e-mail addresses and in other marketing materials for years and years...

• The MLS is a private database, accessible to members only (licensed members) that makes an offer of compensation in return for co-operation. It is not accessible to the public.

• Homesteadnet.com and Realtor.com and all the sites they export to are public versions of the MLS. What you don't see are the offers of compensation toother brokers, private remarks to other members, days on market, withdrawn properties, expired properties, and sold properties

If you have any questions on this please give us a call.

http://www.list2move.com/

585-377-5000