MLS News

Save as Sold

A new feature will be added to the CBR Tempo^TM in September that will allow members to enter property sold by an MLS Participant that was not listed in the Service (i.e. FSBOs, HUD properties, new builds, etc.). Details will be posted on the Welcome screen closer to the time this new feature is available.

The new status "Sold Non MLS" will appear in the same location as all other statuses. Agents will be able to search by status "Sold Non MLS" in Quick Search and other searches. This new status will have a separate sequential numbering system to clearly identify these listings as Sold Non MLS.

Listings that are to be saved directly to Sold Non MLS status will be entered in the same manner as an active listing. The agent will proceed to the Add/Edit page and create a new listing. They will be required to auto-populate the tax data for the listing as if it were a new active listing. The differences will begin when the agent entering the listing selects "Non" as agent first name and "Member" as agent last name. The office 09980, Non Member Office, will be used to complete the listing agent section. This is the same name and office currently used to close listings for which the selling agent is not an MLS participant. There will be additional fields on the form specifically for Sold Non MLS status. When the long edit form with all of the blue required fields is completed, the member will be able to click a button on the same bar as "Save as Active" to save the listing as sold, with status Sold Non MLS.

These listings will be included in many broker report formats and the agent productivity report format. A listing cannot be added as Sold Non MLS unless the listing agent "Non Member" is selected. If an active listing agent is selected, it cannot be saved as Sold Non MLS. The selling agent must be an active MLS participant in order for the listing to be saved under this status.

Details will be posted on the Welcome screen closer to the time this new feature is available.

MLS Residential Book Price Increased

Despite efforts to maintain affordability, MLS book subscriptions have continued to decline while inventory has increased significantly. Therefore, it was again necessary to increase the cost of the residential book from $19 (including tax) to $22 (including tax) effective September 1, 2005. There is no change in the price of the COMMERCIAL publication.

Subdivisions can overlap school districts, counties, city limits, etc.

The MLS Committee reviewed a request to change the area designated for property located in the city of Columbus (Area 31) to Delaware County (Area D8). Subdivisions affected would have included Olentangy Glade and Wynstone as well as others. The request was submitted as many practitioners were not aware that property in Columbus (Area 31) was in the Olentangy School district and therefore were not searching that Area.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated situation. Other areas with similar difficulties include: Ballentrae (Dublin corp., Hilliard schools); Tartan Fields (subdivision overlaps two counties _ Delaware and Union); Glenross (Parade of Homes site _ City of Delaware, Olentangy schools).

It is the position of the MLS Committee that changing accurate data in the MLS system to accommodate these special circumstances would not be prudent.

Please be aware that these situations exist. Ask questions and research areas to ensure that you provide information on all properties available that fit your buyers' needs.

Status of the new CIE

The C/I MLS Committee continues to pursue the creation of a Commercial Information Exchange (CIE). The system will offer a commercial listing and information data exchange available to participants and their licensees that subscribe to the CIE. It is also planned that limited commercial data will be available on a public web site through ColumbusRealtors.com. Cost is expected to be just $55/month. Watch for details in the October In Contract.