Duplicate Listings
Thursday 25 September 2008
Feel like you have double vision? Are you seeing the same property type in the MLS, with the same tax id, multiple times?
MFRMLS represents a network of real estate professionals from 13 Associations/Boards of REALTORS® and covers an area that stretches from the northern tip of Lee County to West Volusia County.
Five Southwest Florida REALTOR® Associations/Boards, Venice Area Board of REALTORS®, Englewood Area Board of REALTORS®, Punta Gorda – Port Charlotte – North Port Association of REALTORS®, Manatee Association of REALTORS®, and Sarasota Association of REALTORS®, have joined MFRMLS over the past six months.
Before joining MFRMLS, many members of these Associations/Boards, listed their properties in more than one Multiple Listing Service, allowing the members in neighboring markets to search for these listings, in their own MLS. When these Associations/Boards joined MFR, the properties that were listed in more than one MLS are now showing multiple times in the MFRMLS.
MFRMLS is committed to having the cleanest data possible to assist members in better searches and accurate statistics.
We are working to identify the duplicate listings, remove them from the MLS and we could use your assistance.
If you find listings with the same Tax Id in the same property type, please fill out this form and fax to MFR at 407-293-6461 and we will remove the duplicate listings.
Are You in the Zone?
Tuesday 23 September 2008
Want to Find Which Flood Zone Your Property Is In?
Accessing and searching flood zones by using IMAPP
1. In the search results screen, hover the mouse over the information bubble and the third icon from the right side is a link to IMAPP.
2. From the search details screen, click on the IMAPP Tax icon on the left hand side of the screen.
3. Clicking on the Tax module of MLXchange and then, click on IMAPP Tax Search at the top of the screen.
If this is the first time that you are accessing IMAPP, a log in screen will appear in a new Internet Explorer window. The user name field will have your NRDS # that you have used to log into MLXchange. Enter your password. NOTE: This password IS case sensitive. Take advantage of selecting the “Save Login Information” box and you will not have to type in the password again, unless you delete the Internet Explorer cookies.
Choose the county that you would like to search and type in the address and click the Perform Search button.
Scroll down to the bottom of the IMAPP window to view the flood zone details.
Change the map to flood zone and refer to the flood zone chart directly beneath the map which identifies by color which flood zone the property is located.
You can also search by flood zone. Select the county, next change one of the search field drop down menu’s to flood zone. Select the flood zone in the right hand drop down arrow and click the “Perform Search” button.
Choose a property to view by clicking on the parcel id number. Scroll down to the Flood Zone Details at the bottom of the tax record or change the map to Flood Zone.
Times are changing!
Tuesday 23 September 2008
Starting October 7, when accessing mfr.mlxchange.com you will see a new Sign In screen that asks for your User ID and password. You will continue to use your NRDS ID and Password to login to MLXchange.
What If I Forgot My Password?
Password Retrieval:
If you need to retrieve your password, you can click on the “Forgot your password?” link. It will then be sent to your Primary E-mail address.
Where Will My Password Be Sent?
Your password will be sent your primary email address. To verify your primary email address, log into MLXchange and in the upper right corner, click on Settings, click on Personalize, then, click on Contact information.
Logging into MLXchange is changing on October 7
Tuesday 23 September 2008
Are you ready to set aside the LoginKeys™?
In 2005, MFRMLS members began using LoginKeys™ as the important first step in our MFR-Secure program. Our initiative is to protect the valuable information contained in our MLS. Additional software based authentication techniques have been successfully deployed and proven in other markets, without having to use LoginKeys™. The new techniques represent a balance between security, usability, and cost-effectiveness that is best for MFRMLS.
Starting October 7, when you login to MLXchange, you will see a new Sign In screen that asks for your User ID and password. Depending on what type of user you are, you may have different instructions for logging into MLXchange:
Agent and Broker Accounts
Brokers and Agents will use their User ID and Password. It will be the same number and password you use to log in to the MFRMLS Online Payment center.
Office Staff X Accounts
Office level staff that utilize the “X Account” ID’s will be discontinued. All unlicensed assistants must have their own unique 9 digit ID number. Please contact your Local Service Center to obtain an assistant access form.
Multi-Agent Assistant (MAA) Accounts
MAA’s will use their NRDS ID and Password. Assistants that login with a MAA ID will need to follow the procedure for obtaining an assistant ID.
Since the MAA access will change to the NRDS ID and Assistants will need to obtain their own unique login, you will need to utilize the Shared Identity function in MLXchange in order to have access to another member’s MLXchange account. Identity sharing allows you to invite other members of your office, such as an assistant or a team member to log in and work in MLXchange on your behalf (up to a maximum of 20 users).
The invited user will "assume your identity", and therefore have the same user class privileges as you. For example, if you are an office manager with office level privileges, the invited user will also share your office level privileges.
If any modifications are made to listing records, MLXchange will record the User ID of the person who actually made the change (the invited user). View the complete documentation including how to setup and use Identity Sharing»
What If I Forgot My Password?
Password Retrieval:
Prior to changing to the new login system on October 7, we will be activating a Password Retrieval system on MLXchange. Once the Password Retrieval feature is enabled in MLXchange the member will automatically be prompted through a setup wizard to create their secret questions and answers. Once this has been done, if you forget your password you will be able to click on the (Forgot your Password) link under the Password field on the login screen. You will be required to answer your secret question, and your password will be emailed to your primary email address. To verify or change your primary email address, log into MLXchange and in the upper right corner, click on Settings, click on Personalize, then, click on Contact information.
How will I Login to MLX Wireless?
The password change will also apply to logging in to MLX Wireless, as well. Members will not be required to re-register in order to continue using the wireless service. Members can simply login to MLX Wireless with their password.
How Do I Obtain an Assistant ID?
All unlicensed assistants must complete an Assistant Access Form and have it signed by the Broker/Agent who employs them. We will check the assistant’s name and address with the DPBR to ensure they are not actively licensed (in which case they should have their own subscription). We will then assign the assistant a 9-digit user ID number. Once we have granted access, the assistant must attend the “Introduction to MLXchange” training class within 90 days. We have waived the $50.00 Access Set-up fee through October 15, 2008. Starting October 16, 2008, the fee will be due before access is granted. To ensure all existing and new assistants have access when we change the login process on October 7, please make sure all applications are submitted to your Local Service center by October 3.
What Do I Do With My Old LoginKey™?
After the transition on October 7, members who wish to dispose of the LoginKey™ should do so in accordance with all local codes and regulations for products containing lithium batteries.
Members who would like to return their LoginKey™ to RSA Security to be recycled can send them to:
RSA Security Inc.
174 Middlesex Turnpike
Bedford, MA 01730
(Attention: Expired Token Disposal)
Or
Members can also drop their LoginKey™ off at their Local Association.
MLXchange Upgrades Focus on Useability
Thursday 04 September 2008
Version 4.3 comes to MFRMLS on September 9, 2008
On Tuesday, September 9, we will be upgrading to the newest version of MLXchange, version 4.3. The system will be down between 5 AM and 8 AM on the morning of September 9 as MarketLinx installs the updates. When the system is back online and you login, you’ll find a host of upgrades designed to help you be a more effective REALTOR®. Here are some of the things you’ll find:
Multi-Sort Search Made Easier
The current version of MLXchange supports multi field sorting for search results, but the option is not easy to find, and as a result, we’ve found subscribers rarely use this feature. With version 4.3, you’ll find your multi-sort options right at the top of the search results screen. That’s going to make it easy for you to sort your search results by whatever criteria you need. Do you want to search by number of bedrooms, then pool, then price? No problem. Need price first, then square footage, then zip code? The possibilities are endless, and changing your sort criteria is easy.
Agent Web Page Enhancements
MarketLinx made comprehensive improvements to Agent Web Pages. Not only will it be easier for clients to use the Agent Web Page, but it will be easier for you to customize and configure your website according to your preferences. You will also be able to add up to 4 agents/team members whose listings will also appear under your “My Listings Tab” (provided each team member grants permission).
Share Custom Reports Company-Wide
If you take advantage of the ability to create custom reports in MLXchange, with version 4.3, Head Brokers will be able to share those custom reports with not just the people in their office, but with everyone in their company.
MarketLinx will also implement a number of subtle behind-the-scenes updates designed to improve the overall usability of MLXchange. It is part of our continuing effort to supply you with the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art tools available to help you be the best real estate professional you can be.
Noting Short Sales on MLXchange
Thursday 04 September 2008
Minor Change to Short Sale Policy
To make the process of declaring a Potential Short Sale Circumstance on MLXchange easier, we provided you with specific text for you to copy and paste into the “Public Remarks” and the “REALTOR® Only Remarks” fields of a listing. Because the MFRMLS Rules and Regulations prohibit discussion of compensation in the “Public Remarks” field, we are modifying the mandatory verbiage slightly.
A listing broker has two options available when declaring a Short Sale Circumstance:
Option One:
The first option applies if the listing broker DOES NOT want to bind the cooperating broker to acceptance of a reduced commission amount as determined by the seller’s lender. In this case, copy and paste the following text in both the “REALTOR® Only Remarks” and “Public Remarks” fields:
Listing price may not be sufficient to pay the total of all liens and costs of sale, and sale of Property at full listing price may require approval of seller’s lender(s).
Option Two:
The second option applies if the listing broker DOES want the cooperating broker to be obligated to accept a reduced commission amount as determined by seller’s lender(s). In this case, copy and paste the following text into the “Public Remarks” field only:
Listing price may not be sufficient to pay the total of all liens and costs of sale, and sale of Property at full listing price may require approval of seller’s lender(s).
Then, copy and paste the following text into the “REALTOR® Only Remarks” field:
Listing price may not be sufficient to pay the total of all liens and costs of sale, and sale of Property at full listing price may require approval of seller’s lender(s), and such approval may be conditioned upon the gross commission being reduced.
In previous communications, we included quotation marks around the recommended text. We’ve found that if you paste the quotation marks into MLXchange, they may display improperly when you view the listing. The best way to avoid this is to simply remove the quotation marks (that’s why the text above does not include them).
Company Suspensions Begin September 15
Thursday 04 September 2008
Brokers: Check the online payment center for delinquent accounts
If your 2008 – 2009 MFRMLS Subscription Fees were due on June 15, take note: if an account is 90 days past due, the entire office risks service suspension. That means office service suspensions for delinquent accounts have been scheduled for September 15.
If you are a broker, you can log into our online payment center to see if any of your agents has a balance. You hold ultimate responsibility for each of your agent’s fees. If you find a balance for an agent who is no longer active in your office, you can file a form #2050 with your local association. If the agent is still active with your office, they can go to www.mfrmls.com to pay these fees by September 14 to avoid MLS suspension for the entire company.
The associations billed on June 15 include the Bartow Board of REALTORS®, East Polk County Association of REALTORS®, Greater Lake County Association of REALTORS®, Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS®, Lakeland Association of REALTORS®, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association, Osceola County Association of REALTORS®, Venice Area Board of REALTORS® and West Volusia Association of REALTORS®.
Subscribers from the following boards and associations had a different due date and do not risk office suspension on September 15: the Manatee Association of REALTORS®, Punta Gorda – Port Charlotte – North Port Association of REALTORS®, Sarasota Association of REALTORS®, Englewood Area Board of REALTORS®.
Compliance Corner
Thursday 04 September 2008
July 2008 Violations — New Photo Rule
MFR is serious about reducing or eliminating fines. Our warning notices are working to both increase the integrity of your MLS and to reduce fines. In July 2008, we only assessed 36 fines. Thanks for doing such a great job at keeping our MLS accurate!
The top three listing violations for July, 2008 were Tax ID, Driving Directions, and No Front Exterior Photo. Here are some quick pointers to avoid receiving warning letters for each of these violations:
Tax ID
Use the Tax Autopop feature. It accesses county tax records and automatically formats the Tax ID properly. If you use the Tax Autopop feature, you are virtually guaranteed to never receive a warning letter for an improperly formatted Tax ID.
If you decide to enter the Tax ID manually, please separate each field by a space only – no slashes or dashes. For new construction, properties being sub-divided, or condo conversion, enter the full address with unit number if applicable.
Driving Directions
Reserve this field for driving directions only. Don’t include other information that should be included in the “Public Remarks” field or the “REALTOR® Only Remarks” field. And as always, contact information should only be placed in the “REALTOR® Only Remarks” field.
No Front Exterior Photo
The first photo for each listing in MLXchange must be a front exterior photo or rendering, except in the case of two notable circumstances:
If the property is vacant land, there is, of course, no exterior to photograph. In this case, simply upload a photo of the land.
For waterfront properties, you may load a photo of the water view in the first slot. If you choose this option the second photo must be a front exterior shot.