Mert's MLSNI post

[MattL]

Sigma -
That is certainly a myopic view, but not without merit.

As in all systems, the value of the database can be measured by the quality of the data, and a fair amount of this MLS is bad. The VOW policy liberates the listings far more than the IDX policy; however, you still have agents on both sides of the deal, and either is subject to self-serving behavior (as is constantly borne out by the disparity in the Realtor-as-a-client reports).

Realtors manipulate the system (not just the MLS) in many ways:

• Poor representation of a listing
• Misleading representation of a listing
• Intentional withholding of a listing from the MLS
• Relisting a long market time listing
• Bias based on commission
• Bias based on other side agent/agency
• RESPA ha-ha

... and I'm not even a Realtor -- I'm sure they can think of a few more (not that they would put them on virtual paper here).

This is also why I continue to be pro-VOW and anti-ILD. ILD would proxy the MLS into an advertising driver and, once that happens, whoever has the largest marketing base wins -- forget service, and listing fidelity would be almost meaningless. It would only further reward misrepresentation as the buyer agent is virtually eliminated from the process.

I believe the MLS was developed not to level the playing field but for Realtor convenience. While far less noble, it's far more realistic.

-Matt

[kensmith]

Originally Posted by MattL It was good to meet you, too, Mert. It actually got me thinking that perhaps we (PMPVOWs) should have an invitation-only roundtable with the strongest Internet players once every six months or so just to talk shop. It's a small enough group, and most of us know one another in passing (online) anyway, so why not put faces to the screennames, have some food, and figure out how to keep small Internet brokers as strong as the big guys. What do you guys think? -Matt

I would be interested.

[Mert]

I am game. When do we meet?

[Mert]

Hey guys,

I talked to Judy. Is Thursday noon be OK for everyone? Thursday is the only good time for Judy and I (or next Tuesday or next Thursday). Or possibly next week Tuesday sometime. Please tell me the time so we can meet and where do we meet?

[kensmith]

I am open for anything, but if it's a Thursday I will have to have the meeting at my condo conversion in Roselle. There are 2 of us there that day, but I can't leave for an extended time. Plus then I can show everyone the property .

Only work at the conversion Thur-Sun, have everything else covered by my team so the beginning of the week would be best for me if the conversion location doesn't work for everyone.

[MattL]

Location is fine for me, although I have a baby due this week, so it might not be the best time to start.

Maybe next week at ken's?

-Matt

[kensmith]

Well I wish you and your wife the best!

We can put this on hold for a week or two. Don't think it would kill any of us. Might be worth coming up with a few ideas that we want to talk about ahead of time. Having an outline up front always makes for a more productive meeting.

[DEUCE]

It was nice meeting you yesterday Mert. I'll be stopping by more oftern just to shoot the breeze since it's so convienant for me to do so... count me in on the round table (if invited, lol), but I'm sure Mert you'll vouch for me. Hey did you see the 'chicago real estate' term (I know you don't care about it,lol) this morning? I had a nice "jump" to #7/#8, sorry!

[kensmith]

I would say that you should be on the invite list. Think everyone else will agree.

[Jim Messenger]

Originally Posted by MattL Location is fine for me, although I have a baby due this week, so it might not be the best time to start. Maybe next week at ken's? -Matt

Matt,

Any update on the baby yet? We're expecting pictures!

Jim