MLS News

CBR TempoTM not compatible with the new version of Internet Explorer (as of 10-25-06)
There is a new upgrade for Microsoft's Internet Explorer - 7.0. However, your CBR TempoTM MLS is not yet 100% compatible with this new version. So, we strongly recommend you hold off on downloading or installing this upgrade until further notice. (Note: this was true at press time. It is possible that this conflict has been resolved as you are reading this notice. Please reference the MLS Welcome Screen for the latest status.)

IDX Policy amended to allow other third party vendors
CBR leadership has amended current IDX policy to allow brokers and other third parties to provide IDX solutions other than through WolfNet. However, the developer will have to be able to provide verifiable evidence they meet the new criteria and sign an IDX agreement that will be created within the next 30-45 days. The developer will be required to join CBR as an MLS affiliate and allow for periodic random testing of their sites. The cost for these tests will be passed to the developer.

MLS Violations -- September 2006ech Support94

FYI -- We're working on...

Better Mapping Software
About 25 CBR members spent the whole of Monday, October 16 listening to demonstrations from five different mapping program vendors. The objective is to find the best solution for agents to find/map listings in CBR Tempo?. We'll keep you posted when a decision is made.

Permission to negotiate directly with seller/buyer
The new Minimum Service Law, HB 150, makes an exception to the prohibition of negotiating directly with another broker's client if that broker has given written authorization to negotiate directly with his client. The broker's written authorization could be provided in an email, letter, print advertising or through the MLS.

A subcommittee has been formed to determine how to modify CBR Tempo? to assist in providing that written permission when necessary.

In the meantime, sellers' agents can provide their written permission in the Agents Remarks section. Be sure to specify permission to prepare a counteroffer if applicable.

If nothing is shown in the Agents Remarks section, buyers agents need to call the seller's agent and request permission in writing.

If written authorization is provided, the buyer's agent may:

1. Deliver or communicate any offer, counteroffer or proposal;
2. Discuss or review the terms of any offer, counteroffer or proposal;
3. Facilitate communication regarding an offer, counteroffer, or proposal and
4. Prepare any response as directed.

a. However, a buyer's agent may not prepare a counteroffer at the seller's request, unless this activity is specifically authorized by the listing broker.

How members are elected to the MLS Committee

Have you ever wondered how the members of the MLS Committee are elected? Following is an explanation based on the MLS Rules & Regulations as well as the timeline and deadlines for this year's MLS Committee Election.

MLS Committee Makeup
The MLS Committee is made up of members from predetermined listing categories. The number of members allowed to serve is based on a simple formula using the units of activity (Listings + Agents + Solds + Offices).

The units of activity are combined for all companies in each listing category and taken as a percentage of the whole. Every 5% (determined by rounding up to the nearest whole number) of units of activity equals 1 seat and 1 vote for that listing category.

The units of activity are reviewed annually for the period of October 1 through September 30. So the 2006 MLS Committee positions were determined by the units of activity from 10/1/04 -- 9/30/05.

For the upcoming MLS Committee Election, the units of activity for the period of 10/1/05 -- 9/30/06 will be summarized and the number of seats in each listing category determined by those results. Nominees will then be selected for the appropriate listing category openings resulting from members whose terms are expiring this year.

The Presidents of the Delaware, Fayette, Madison, Morrow and Union County Boards/Area Realty Associations shall appoint their committee representatives.The C/I Section representative on the MLS Committee shall be the Chair of the COCIE Governing Board.

The Technology Users Forum is also afforded a position on the MLS Committee, however that appointment does not have a vote.

Eligibility
Any MLS Participant (broker) or licensee associated with a Participant is eligible but the broker approves any selection as they are a representative of that company. Not more than one (1) nominee for election can be from the same office and no more than four (4) from the same office may actually serve on the committee during the same year.

Election
Similar to the process of electing CBR Directors, a Nominating Committee is elected during the Annual MLS Business Meeting (held immediately after the regular Business Meeting). However, only Participants (brokers) may vote at the MLS Business Meeting.

The 2006 MLS Nominating Committee is the current MLS Chairman (Jeff Murray), the President Elect (Brad Bennett) and the following five (5) participant members elected Oct. 26: Debbie Bower, RE/MAX Premier Choice; Pat Kearns-Davis, RE/MAX Capital Centre; Linda Niemann, Niemann Real Estate; Ron Hobelman, Keller Williams Capital Partners; and Terry Burton, RE/MAX Associates Realty.

The Nominating Committee will meet on November 16 to nominate two (2) candidates for each seat. Ballots will be mailed to all MLS brokers in November and will be due back to CBR in December (dates TBD).

If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact Jeff Murray, 2006 MLS Committee Chair at (614) 882-8558.