California Association of Realtors Making some "Real" Progress!

California Association of Realtors paves way for State Wide MLS

Recently the California Association of Realtors approved a motion that could lead to a state wide MLS.  I personally think this is real progress in our industry that will foster efficiency and innovation.

I have run into problems with my regional boards and regional MLS's here in South Carolina wanting my entire company (brokerage house) to join their MLS before they will allow any single realtor to join. In other words, the realtor and the realtor's entire firm or brokerage house must join the MLS, adding to everyone's expenses.  Some of these policies are just outright ridiculous  in  my opinion. 

These boards and MLS's need to open things up to allow  us as Realtors to be more competitive.  My company is having to join three local MLS's just to get the coverage we need to operate our business. And everybody knows what these boards are after---FEES.

State wide MLS's in my opinion would allow the Real Estate Industry to be more efficient, competitive, and would allow us as Realtors to cover broader areas and ultimately give us the leverage we need to give more for less to the final consumer.

 A national MLS would be a good idea as well.  Internet companies like Google, Yahoo, and MSN are already building there national home sales data bases.  Why should our industry and NAR not move in the same direction?

Posted by Jonathan Edwards Kostyra

Greenville South Carolina Real Estate