INTERNET SHARED LISTINGS

On the local MLS, you have options to go public with the property by checking a box. If you decline, then fine, and a little form signed by your seller may or may not be required. But here is the point I would like to raise. What I put into the local MLS is accurate and subject to my updates and changes. The ones who copy my copy may not be current, correct or can even be used in a scam of some sort

FOR EXAMPLE

Take for instance my open house that I advertised and will be doing. This was picked up by every major source and used under their own banners and web sites. Here's the stickler. I saw one site where it advertised a one bath when the listing was a 2 bath. For that price, it is a two bath!

CONFLICTING INFORMATION

This was not accurate to say the least not to mention how many people will see that online when googling the property or surfing the net and say: Oh here is something priced right and looks good but it only has one bath. Too bad and then they go on their way? This is a disservice to everyone

CONSUMER & the SOURCE

You cannot control this once it leaves your little sphere or release. The consumer on the other hand is left with an impression. Suppose it was another type of error? One where the consumer wants the property and what is being said is not true? Who do you suppose they will hold responsible, hate or bad mouth?

I'LL TAKE IT!

Take what? I once had a woman call who wanted to aggressively pursue my product because it was advertised incorrectly and she saw it as a bargain. When I told her that I don't know what you are talking about, she pointed out what the Internet said. I said, I didn't put that there.

IT'S NOT ME!

She couldn't understand that someone else did. She thought I was reneging on the offer. She had me on the defensive until I said, mam, whoever is behind this doesn't concern me or the subject matter. I am telling you what is or is not true. That's all I know. She couldn't grasp the premise of someone else did that and not me

I STAND BEHIND MINE

Supposing I was to change the MLS data any way I saw fit. Then, all the other copy cat sources would have different data some old, some new and some current. My source would be the only true source but how do you convey this to others?

AGENT TO AGENT

That lady who hung up on me left me thinking that I was the culprit, the game-player and con artist. What then you may ask? Well, for now, I use the MLS and other agents use it too and that is a source to source secure connection because of common use of a protected and agreed to site by the paid users

OPEN SOURCE INTERNET

But the day is coming and is here now where perhaps the MLS will not hold exclusivity via paid agent participators. The ability to directly market product to the consumer without paying fees or dues is and remains attractive in today's competitive business world of making a buck and saving money

CAVEAT EMPTOR

What will always haunt us all is accuracy of information. This is ongoing and what we have no control of is the power of someone seeing something in writing accurate or not and then them believing without hesitation by stating...I SAW IT ON THE INTERNET!     That doesn't mean its true