California Association of REALTORS®
MLS Working Group
Statement of Principles
September 24, 2005
1. MLS data needs to be fully standardized with local options for data field variation.
We
believe that local customization of MLS data fields has made the
comparison of data between MLSs unnecessarily complex. A lack of
uniformity has created artificial boundaries that impede the efficient
operation of the market and the ability of REALTORS® to service their
clients. We support universal data fields that are standard across all
MLSs while also recognizing the need for adding local descriptors.
2. California REALTORS® should have universal access to all MLS data.
C.A.R.
members are licensed by the state Department of Real Estate and as such
are able to sell property throughout California. Consumers have access
to statewide and even nationwide listings through a variety of data
aggregation sites on the Internet. In order for REALTORS® to provide
their clients with the information they want, California REALTORS®
should have access to all listing data in the state. Shared databases
and reciprocal agreements should be strongly encouraged.
3. Use of MLS data and its distribution to third parties should be controlled by the brokers who provide the data.
We
believe that a listing represents intellectual capital and that the
process of creating a listing is a value-enhancing activity. Brokers
entering into an exclusive agreement with sellers accept the
responsibility for marketing the property and should have control over
distribution of the listing data. The rampant and uncontrolled
dissemination of valuable listing information on the Internet has
increased the cost of doing business and devalued the role of the agent
and broker in this process.
4. MLS entities should exist for the benefit of participants and subscribers.
We
believe that MLS fees should be set at a rate that gives the MLS and/or
the Local Association a fair return for delivery of MLS services. We
believe that Local Associations of REALTORS® provide valuable services
to their members. These include services and activities that advocate
for homeownership, ethics and professionalism in the industry. We
believe that local AORs should be adequately and fairly compensated for
these services, including those that may be directly associated with an
MLS.
5. MLS rules should be uniform and enforced consistently.
Over
the years the relevant market area for many brokers and agents has
expanded beyond the artificial boundaries of now out-dated MLS regions.
As a result, brokers are increasingly operating in multiple MLS
environments and facing complex issues related to the disparities in
rules, regulations and enforcement governing different MLSs. We believe
rules should be established that simplify and enhance the experience of
MLS users across systems. To that end we believe that the C.A.R. Model
MLS Rules should form the basis to develop statewide rules and
standards of enforcement.
6. The MLS Board of Directors should include broker owners with appropriate regional representation.
We
believe that broker involvement in MLS governance is critical. The MLS
is the single most important business tool in the real estate industry
and as such the provision of MLS services should be accountable to all
participants. We believe it is imperative that brokers from both large
and small firms be given representation on MLS Boards.
Uploading ....