If a picture is worth a thousand words, real estate agents and their sellers throughout Central Florida now have the opportunity to add two thousand more words to their MLS listings in order to attract buyers.
The Mid Florida Regional MLS will now allow 12 photos to be loaded increasing the previous number of allowable photos of 10. this will begin on March 31, 2010. Additionally the photos will now have watermarks to protect copyright.
It would be nice if the number of photos allowed could be increased even more. The more photos allowed and loaded by the listing agents makes for a better experience for the buyer. Of course some agents have had trouble loading 10 photos so the increase to 12 will mean little to them.
Related Florida real estate posts regarding the MLS
Showing posts with label MLS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MLS. Show all posts
Sep 17, 2009
The MLS has made it easier to find you the homes you are interested in.
The MLS (multiple listing service) has created a new stand alone search field that allows an agent to drill down deeper when searching for a home for you. The new search filed allows the agent to select from homes that are listed for sale in Central Florida as; REO/Bank Owned, Short Sale or None of the Above.
- REO/Bank Owned. Buyers looking for homes that were foreclosed on and are now being sold by the many lenders in this country will want us to select this option.
- Short Sale. Buyers who are interested in seeing only those homes where the seller is selling subject to a short sale contingency will expect the agent to select this option.
- None of the Above. Buyers who are not interested in seeing bank owned or short sale listings will want us to search for homes from this category.
Do you have a preference? Let me know and we will create a custom home search designed just for you.
Related Florida real estate views:
I have heard if I buy a house I will get $8,000, is this true?
I would not buy a house in Florida without first...
Jun 4, 2009
Maybe MLS rules are made to be broken?
The MLS has rules and regulations that pertain to the listing information entered by the membership. Now that bank owned and short sale transactions make up the biggest percentage of the business being conducted throughout much of the area, these rules in my opinion are often ignored by agents who are either unaware, or are trying to game the system or just flat out do not agree with a particular rule or regulation.
For example I found in the public comments section of a listing recently comments from the agent that there are multiple offers and that the bank says no more are needed. This advisory was part of a listing that is clearly marked as being a short sale and is still showing as active or available for sale. Forget for the moment that the seller should be the one who decides if any other offers are necessary, this comment is opposite of what the rules state.
If there are to be no more offers submitted then this property either must be marked as pending or removed from the MLS. The rule that addresses this is Article 6: Refusal to Sell which states;
The bottom line in order to provide the best customer service to buyers and sellers, real estate agents need to be unison in how we regulate the information. If the property is still available then every buyer should have the right to make an offer. It is why we have the rule.
Related Florida real estate views:
Does my agent have to list my home as pending?
The key points that a real estate sales contract cover include
For example I found in the public comments section of a listing recently comments from the agent that there are multiple offers and that the bank says no more are needed. This advisory was part of a listing that is clearly marked as being a short sale and is still showing as active or available for sale. Forget for the moment that the seller should be the one who decides if any other offers are necessary, this comment is opposite of what the rules state.
If there are to be no more offers submitted then this property either must be marked as pending or removed from the MLS. The rule that addresses this is Article 6: Refusal to Sell which states;
If the seller of any listed property filed with MFRMLS refuses to accept a written offer satisfying the(bolding mine)
terms and conditions stated in the listing, such fact should be transmitted
immediately to MFRMLS and to all Participants by withdrawing the listing.
The bottom line in order to provide the best customer service to buyers and sellers, real estate agents need to be unison in how we regulate the information. If the property is still available then every buyer should have the right to make an offer. It is why we have the rule.
Related Florida real estate views:
Does my agent have to list my home as pending?
The key points that a real estate sales contract cover include
Aug 31, 2008
The MLS requires the signature of the home seller
In order for the listing agent to make changes in the MLS information concerning a home they have listed for sale, the seller must authorize these changes in writing. Changes that would apply include:
- Status change
- Change in price
- Extension of any time frames
The failure of the listing agent to obtain changes to the above or any changes in terms could result in a fine of $500.00. The MLS will accept faxed authorization or an email authorization with an electronic signature from the owner.
Make sure as a seller you authorize any changes in writing for yours and your agents protection.
You can contact me to learn more about listing your home in the MLS.
Related Florida real estate views:
Making verbal offer and counter offers when buying a home.
When buying a home with personal property, be specific.
Can you make an offer on a house even if you have not received an offer on your home?
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Jun 22, 2008
This home “won’t last” is now at 612 days and counting
This Orlando home has been on the market for over 600 days according to the MLS. Maybe the agent means it won’t last 2 years? There is still time.
I would say if the listing lasts past the average days on market for the area, it should be mandatory that the listing agent clean up the marketing comments. In this case the agent pulled out all the stops, using the marketing phrases, dare to compare, make offer and ideal for first time homebuyer.
They did leave out “priced to sell”.
There’s the problem.
Related Florida real estate views:
I am not going to give my home away!
Why would anyone offer to buy a home at list price or above in this market?
Real estate agents would be wise to pick short sales over long sales.
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
I would say if the listing lasts past the average days on market for the area, it should be mandatory that the listing agent clean up the marketing comments. In this case the agent pulled out all the stops, using the marketing phrases, dare to compare, make offer and ideal for first time homebuyer.
They did leave out “priced to sell”.
There’s the problem.
Related Florida real estate views:
I am not going to give my home away!
Why would anyone offer to buy a home at list price or above in this market?
Real estate agents would be wise to pick short sales over long sales.
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
May 6, 2008
MLS taking a stand regarding short sales and commissions
Agents who list homes subject to short sales have been provided with specific instruction from Mid Florida MLS regarding entering these types of listings into the MLS especially as it relates to commission.
Currently agents have been across the board on how they handle the issue of banks attempting to and in some cases successful in reducing the amount of commission the agents will collect.
As the offer of commissions is unconditional it is now against MLS rules to address the commission issue as some have in the past. In a recent email the MLS stated;
"It is not appropriate to provide notes such as “50/50” or “half of what the lender will pay” in any fields available in MLXchange."
The bottom line is that if you offer a certain amount of commission to a cooperating broker, you better be prepared to pay it unless the broker would agree in writing to accepting less, regardless of what the bank says on the matter.
The MLS further goes on to state;
"An offer of compensation to cooperating Brokers which states that it may be adjusted after execution of a contract for sale and purchase by a third party without the consent of the cooperating Broker is not an unconditional offer of compensation, and is, thereby, in violation of the MFRMLS Rules and Regulations"
Stay tuned in as I am confident we have not heard the last of this matter.
Related Florida real estate views:
Appraisals + short sales = no sale
Real estate agents would be wise to pick short sales over long sales.
Battle of the short sale: Just say no
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Currently agents have been across the board on how they handle the issue of banks attempting to and in some cases successful in reducing the amount of commission the agents will collect.
As the offer of commissions is unconditional it is now against MLS rules to address the commission issue as some have in the past. In a recent email the MLS stated;
"It is not appropriate to provide notes such as “50/50” or “half of what the lender will pay” in any fields available in MLXchange."
The bottom line is that if you offer a certain amount of commission to a cooperating broker, you better be prepared to pay it unless the broker would agree in writing to accepting less, regardless of what the bank says on the matter.
The MLS further goes on to state;
"An offer of compensation to cooperating Brokers which states that it may be adjusted after execution of a contract for sale and purchase by a third party without the consent of the cooperating Broker is not an unconditional offer of compensation, and is, thereby, in violation of the MFRMLS Rules and Regulations"
Stay tuned in as I am confident we have not heard the last of this matter.
Related Florida real estate views:
Appraisals + short sales = no sale
Real estate agents would be wise to pick short sales over long sales.
Battle of the short sale: Just say no
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Apr 5, 2008
MFRMLS vs Realtor.com?
Search for homes
Mid Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service has announced plans to develop a new site that in their words will be “similar to Realtor.com”.
The new site is being presented as a “tremendous asset” to agents who may enjoy the benefits of their listings being found by searching buyers.
The “similar to Realtor.com” makes me wonder just how similar? Will this “tremendous asset” site cost the membership to advertise or to have their listings placed in a position where they might be found? If there are to be advertisements and pay for features opportunities, will the membership see any additional assets? Maybe a piece of the income produced?
One thing we do know, the membership is being given an opportunity to suggest names for the site. If they use a name suggested, the agent who suggested the name will receive a $100. gift card.
Mid Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service has announced plans to develop a new site that in their words will be “similar to Realtor.com”.
The new site is being presented as a “tremendous asset” to agents who may enjoy the benefits of their listings being found by searching buyers.
The “similar to Realtor.com” makes me wonder just how similar? Will this “tremendous asset” site cost the membership to advertise or to have their listings placed in a position where they might be found? If there are to be advertisements and pay for features opportunities, will the membership see any additional assets? Maybe a piece of the income produced?
One thing we do know, the membership is being given an opportunity to suggest names for the site. If they use a name suggested, the agent who suggested the name will receive a $100. gift card.
Related Florida real estate views:
The future of real estate advertisement
5 things Sellers wish their Realtor® would have told them
- Greg Staker - Watson Realty Corp. - 407-304-0255
Mar 25, 2007
Customer good or agent good?
My office was just fined by our local MLS. It seems we violated Section 7 paragraph B when entering one of our latest listings. This rule reads:
The problem I believe is in the over zealous interpretation of the original intent of the rule. The reason we have a Section 7 paragraph B rule in my opinion is because someone in charge of the MLS decided, most likely through the prodding of a few real estate agents, that the MLS should help agents with keeping their customers loyal. What does that mean? Agents often have difficulty keeping buyers working just with them. This problem can escalate when an agent emails, faxes or delivers MLS reports to their customers which contain another agent's contact information. So the MLS said no personal contact info is allowed in any customer section of an MLS report.
Fine, I can accept that. However, I cannot accept eliminating valuable non-agent specific links. We as an industry are already under increased scrutiny by the powers who be that claim we are becoming more and more about what is good for us and less about what is good for the consumer. To say that the listing agent, selling agent, seller, prospective buyer are in some way harmed by the providing of a valuable link to a City or builder is short sighted.
I have appealed the fine with confidence my MLS will re-think their policy.
Related Florida real estate views:
Homebuyers and sellers in Florida may have fewer Realtors to choose from
Is there a way to search for foreclosures in the MLS?
MLS taking a stand regarding short sales and commissions
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
For incorrect information entered in the Remarks data fields. The
remarks shall not include any agent, broker, company, URL information or
affiliated businesses; however this
information may be entered in the Realtor
Remarks field.
I highlighted in red the sin we committed. The listing in question is one of several new condos being built in the Maitland Florida area. The offending urls were ones that directed the consumer to the City of Maitland's site and the second linked to the Builder's site showing all the amenities of their product. You would think both links would be of use to the buying public right? So why the fine?
The problem I believe is in the over zealous interpretation of the original intent of the rule. The reason we have a Section 7 paragraph B rule in my opinion is because someone in charge of the MLS decided, most likely through the prodding of a few real estate agents, that the MLS should help agents with keeping their customers loyal. What does that mean? Agents often have difficulty keeping buyers working just with them. This problem can escalate when an agent emails, faxes or delivers MLS reports to their customers which contain another agent's contact information. So the MLS said no personal contact info is allowed in any customer section of an MLS report.
Fine, I can accept that. However, I cannot accept eliminating valuable non-agent specific links. We as an industry are already under increased scrutiny by the powers who be that claim we are becoming more and more about what is good for us and less about what is good for the consumer. To say that the listing agent, selling agent, seller, prospective buyer are in some way harmed by the providing of a valuable link to a City or builder is short sighted.
I have appealed the fine with confidence my MLS will re-think their policy.
Related Florida real estate views:
Homebuyers and sellers in Florida may have fewer Realtors to choose from
Is there a way to search for foreclosures in the MLS?
MLS taking a stand regarding short sales and commissions
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
Jul 18, 2005
New website, security and google
We are just a few days away from bringing online our 2nd website. The name of the site will be Florida Real Estate Gold. I hope to provide a venue for individuals to visit and see the latest listings of homes that are $300K and up. We will keep the site updated with golf course homes, water front homes, new construction, condos and other higher end properties. The site will start with Lake, Volusia, Orange and Seminole Counties information and hopefully branch off from there. I'll keep you posted on how it is doing.
The MLS is beefing up security. Today I registered for a key that creates a new password number every 60 seconds. When accessing the MLS I will have to enter this number along with my id. You can keep this new straight out of a sci fi movie security key on your key ring. Now I have more reason to stress over misplaced keys. Stay tuned.
Google is updating page ranks. That is what several search engine forums are saying. I have the google toolbar and have remained a 3 from the beginning. I think a few of my other pages gained a page rank, but I do not follow it that closely. I did notice that my google link popularity went from 62 to 68. I do not know for sure the importance of the page rank bar but I do know every time I go to a new site while surfing, my eyes look at the bar first.
The market here in West Volusia is still going strong. I had an amazing open house this weekend with a terrific turnout. Plenty of buyers out there, who is looking to sell?
Related Florida real estate views:
Holiday homes for sale in Florida
What do you do after you find a home on my real estate site?
Department of Justice launches new website
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
The MLS is beefing up security. Today I registered for a key that creates a new password number every 60 seconds. When accessing the MLS I will have to enter this number along with my id. You can keep this new straight out of a sci fi movie security key on your key ring. Now I have more reason to stress over misplaced keys. Stay tuned.
Google is updating page ranks. That is what several search engine forums are saying. I have the google toolbar and have remained a 3 from the beginning. I think a few of my other pages gained a page rank, but I do not follow it that closely. I did notice that my google link popularity went from 62 to 68. I do not know for sure the importance of the page rank bar but I do know every time I go to a new site while surfing, my eyes look at the bar first.
The market here in West Volusia is still going strong. I had an amazing open house this weekend with a terrific turnout. Plenty of buyers out there, who is looking to sell?
Related Florida real estate views:
Holiday homes for sale in Florida
What do you do after you find a home on my real estate site?
Department of Justice launches new website
- Greg Staker Watson Realty Corp. 407-304-0255
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