Benefits of MLS Consolidation and feedback from those who have done it
In this my third post, I briefly cover the benefits to MLS Consolidation, provide some feedback from others who have successfully consolidated their MLS and introduce the next video in the series.
Earlier posts – Should your MLS consider consolidating? – Part I
Overcoming Obstacles to MLS Consolidation – Part II
Association Benefits
Enhances the value of your organization and improves the lives of MLS and association executives and staff members by:
- Leverages the power of multiple organizations resulting in improved negotiating and staying power
- Expands the scope of services and quality of products and services provided to members
- Streamlines and reduces operating costs to help balance budgets and reduce reliance on MLS income
- Reduces waste and geographical overlap
- Expands data access and market reach – strengthens your value proposition and competitive advantages
- Better positioned for the future plus greater success for you and your organization
- Makes more time and resources available to focus on association activities, less about MLS
Member Benefits
- MLS Consolidation makes it easy for brokers and agents to profitably conduct business and make money
- Saves them time and money by reducing the need to subscribe to and learn multiple MLS platforms with different local rules and fees
- Eliminates the need for duplicate data entry sooner than and for less cost than Project Upstream
- Provides members with essential tools-of-the-trade with greater ease and efficiency – such as uniform lockboxes and forms across the larger market area – at highly competitive prices
- Delivers significant savings and best-in-class services through consolidation of the number of MLSs and databases
Here are some of the most recent new and improved regional MLSs – 40 consolidations with success stories worth talking about:
- Northern Great Lakes REALTORS® MLS
- Pacific Regional MLS (Washington state)
- Commonwealth MLS (Virginia)
- Indiana Regional MLS – a consolidation of 13
- Southern Missouri Regional MLS
- Montana Regional MLS
- New York Alliance MLS
- North Carolina Regional MLS
What some of them have to say:
“Our regional MLS is successful today because we began the process with Kevin McQueen who used his knowledge, skills, experience and calm demeanor to defuse any concerns or misconceptions among the startup team. His metrics based approach and his process of working through the possible conclusions to each scenario helped us reach a logical consensus and assisted our efforts in developing a solid business plan.”
Kimberly R. Pontius, EVP — Traverse Area Association of REALTORS®
“Our association had talked for many years about regionalizing the MLS in our state. But that’s all it was, talk.
We finally made the decision to hire a consultant and get started. We were fortunate to find Kevin McQueen, a long time expert in the field and the right person for us. Kevin’s experience, expertise, and style was the catalyst to put this all in place. He worked effectively to build trust with the surrounding associations, bring us together, organize the new company, and put all the pieces in place for us. We couldn’t have done it without him. He was not only effective – he educated us throughout the entire process and made it fun. He is a tremendous resource and a master at what he does! Our regional MLS is up and running successfully, we still use Kevin for issues as they arise, and he’s always available to help us. There is no one better!”
Lola Franklin, CEO — Pacific MLS
“The very first step in establishing the Commonwealth MLS CoOp was to trust—trust our MLS partners and trust the consultant engaged to work on the project. From the very beginning, I felt comfortable with Kevin. He demonstrated great respect for all of the parties involved, showed no favoritism, and always had his eye on the end game—helping us create win/wins for our members and for the corporate entities we’re entrusted to safeguard. I greatly appreciated the expertise Kevin brought to our deliberations. Forming the CoOp required us to make a number of detailed, important decisions. Because of his industry knowledge and experience, Kevin was able to guide us through a very efficient process, enabling us all to save time and money. If anyone is considering MLS consolidation—whatever that animal looks like in your part of the country—I would highly recommend Kevin to be your guide.”
Laura Lafayette, CEO, Richmond Association of REALTORS®/CVR MLS
“Kevin McQueen facilitated discussions between our two local MLSs to create a regional MLS – something never accomplished in Montana previously. With hindsight we can now fully see and appreciate Kevin’s skill and expertise — he knew the issues we would work through long before we did, which enabled him to anticipate questions we would have and the answers or resources he would need. During our work sessions, Kevin developed rapport with our group, which resulted in open and honest dialog and encouraged cooperation. He fully engaged our work groups, honored each member’s contributions, and ultimately brought them to consensus.
Even after the in-person sessions concluded and our merged MLS was formed, Kevin has continues to be there when we need him. We can email or call and he responds promptly with assistance as we work towards our formal launch date for the Montana Regional MLS. No one knows more people in the world of multiple listing services than Kevin McQueen, and he and his connections have proved to be a great resource to us in our endeavor. “
Tia Robbin, CEO & Ruth Hackney, COO — Montana Regional MLS, LLC.
“From my first conversation with Kevin I knew I had contacted the right person to help us realize our vision of retaining our autonomy while providing an expanded MLS that would give our members a better product for less cost. Kevin’s knowledge about nationwide MLS trends and the future of MLS was vital. He has the ability to calmly share his knowledge and intently listen to the ideas and concerns of his client while making understandable and valuable suggestions to bring the vision to fruition. He has remained with us throughout our process of creating a single database from three separate ones. I highly recommend Kevin and his expertise.”
Linda Kinsman, CEO, Williamsburg Area Association of REALTORS®, Inc./WMLS, Inc.
In closing, I’m currently working with a number of other leaders / organizations to help them create their bigger and better regional MLS. Stay tuned for updates on those as well as more about my proven process – HOW to do it and what you need to know to be successful.
Click here to schedule your own free private 45-minute consultation with Kevin and explore your new future.
Here is the next video (#2 in the series)
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