The MLS is a system exclusively available to Licensed agents and allows peer to peer precise communications involving precise Real Estate transacting. Fees are also required to access this database and there is an ongoing debate about this data entering into or falling in with unlicensed Public sources
ZILLOW TRULIA REALTOR.COM ETC. ETC.
This Trillion dollar industry we call Real Estate is a gold mine and as such attracts miners who want to strike it rich. I get it! However, before the public resources existed, there was only one source and that was only available to licensed agents
DECADES AGO
It used to come out in book form as thick as the old yellow pages full of listing data, personal and private information that was intended for agent to agent communications. The public was not allowed or invited into this realm. These books were coveted too
SHARING ACCESS CODES
Today, its online access and the local Real Estate boards are cracking down on anyone who shares or allows others to log-in and use the system by sharing pass codes. This not only violates the rules of use, but infringes on ethical behaviors and conduct. It also produces loss of revenue to the providers
CREDIBILITY
For an industry that is driven mandatory moral conduct, one would thing that all members adhere strictly to all rules, regulations and ethical codes. Why? Because agents like to tell people what to do and also to lead by example when conducting Real Estate matters. They have to be credible to do so
ITS PERSONAL
Today, by inviting agents to allow their listings to go public, they have invited into their private and personal worlds the public, other competitors as well as close scrutiny too. The Public sources are only in it for the money, a piece of the trillion while agents work it person by person up close and personal
FINE LINING
These public agencies like to package what used to be private personal data and then sell it to others. It is not illegal to do so but therein lies the point of the title of the posting. It can be argued that it is like practicing Real Estate without a license.
MIND & FIND THE GOLD
There can be no denying that benefits are being received on resold data and the people peddling the information do not guarantee its integrity or reliability. Follow the money is at work. Taking over the once exclusive source of Real Estate for sale is simply the Mother Lode strategy. Where the gold is
SKIMMING FOR A LIVING?
These agencies do not have any liability, they gain profits without skin in the game and do not have to run an office, provide counseling, updates, coaching, nurturing or mentoring to their agents. Its like skimming money off the top to put it crudely. I imply no wrong in doing this because it is allowed
AGENCY
These Public sources want to help agents manage, direct and capitalize on their own sources. To me, that is a foot in the door in an industry that is strict on regulations. Its like having an extra cook in the kitchen. All Agency agreements are personal. Perhaps too many cooks might spoil the broth?
POINT OF VIEW
To balance out this posting, lets talk about making all listings public and not just on the MLS. The Internet is like a 800 pound gorilla that does what it wants when it wants to. It is the new kid on the block and it carries a lot of weight.
It can easily challenge and eliminate the exclusivity of the MLS if allowed it to. Its the agents in the end that decide whether it goes public or not...for now. Your thoughts do matter
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