May 5th - 2006

Expand IXN for data sharing, OREA MLS® summit urges

Most REALTORS® believe sharing MLS® information is a good idea that will benefit them and their clients, according to a recent OREA survey.

Most REALTORS® believe sharing MLS® information is a good idea that will benefit them and their clients, according to a recent OREA survey. The results of the survey were revealed and discussed during an MLS® summit at OREA’s annual conference in February. Following the summit, the consensus of delegates was to work with CREA to expand and enhance its IXN system.

The summit was the final phase of more than a year of study on data sharing by the MLS® data sharing task force, struck last year to investigate whether members and boards were capable and willing to share MLS® information.

REALTORS® could express their views on the issue by participating in an online survey conducted by an outside research firm. Over 2,000 REALTORS® completed the survey which also included interviews with key opinion leaders in the industry including members of the boards of directors for CREA and OREA, senior executives in large franchises and several Ontario board presidents and executive officers.

While the majority of respondents to the online survey stated they were either very or somewhat satisfied (49 and 44 per cent respectively) with the overall MLS® service they receive through their boards, many expressed concerns over limited or denied access and incomplete information. Many felt the lack of universal data sharing in Ontario may create a negative impression of brokers and salespeople, especially when they are not able to access information requested by clients. To quote one interviewee: “The client could get the impression that I intentionally withheld information for whatever reason and that would be contrary to my duties and my obligations as an agent to represent my client’s interest to my fullest.”

Seventy nine per cent of respondents said yes when asked, “Have you ever been in a situation where a client has requested from you, information about a specific property not listed on your board’s MLS® system, and you were not able to provide the information because of your inability to access that board’s MLS® information?” And, 76 per cent said lack of access impeded their ability to service their clients during the course of a transaction.

The task force mandate also called for an exploration of other models of MLS® interconnectivity that could provide universal and uniform access to MLS® data, and for an investigation of the lack of available MLS® data on CREA’s IXN site, with the view of recommending improvements to boards and/or CREA.

At the summit, participants examined the benefits and obstacles of four options including: Expanding CREA’s IXN, a province-wide MLS® system, an updated and inclusive Universal Data Sharing Agreement (UDSA) or simply maintaining the status quo and doing nothing. Working with CREA’s IXN was the most viable solution as the system already exists making implementation easier and more cost effective. But the current system needs expanding to improve geographical codes and boards would need to upload complete information including historical data. While the province-wide MLS® system was considered to have great benefits including familiarity and a reduced learning curve, harmonizing information would be a huge project among other obstacles. Improving on the UDSA was seen as the simplest and least costly solution, but it had the biggest obstacles including security and abuse of data.

The data sharing task force plans to work with CREA and all the boards to expand and improve IXN.

Work will also begin with the boards to get them to upload all their MLS® information on a timely basis and to cooperate with CREA to upload their MLS® historical information. The MLS® data sharing task force will need to consult with boards and members to ensure that the IXN system is meeting their MLS® data sharing needs and will be developing an awareness campaign to inform all members that the system is available and how to use it. If you have questions regarding the MLS® data sharing project contact chairperson Gary Zalepa, Jr., garyjr@c21city.com, or OREA staff Bill Shepherd bill@orea.com or Peggy Marquis pmarquis@orea.com.

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For more information contact

Ontario Real Estate Association

Jean-Adrien Delicano

Senior Manager, Media Relations

JeanAdrienD@orea.com

416-445-9910 ext. 246

Ontario Real Estate Association
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The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.

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