Today I met with the officers and other leaders of 10 Realtor® associations and MLSs. We gathered in Williamsburg Virginia to talk about Powerful Partnerships. I am grateful to the Williamsburg Area Association for their leadership
Definition: Pow·er·fulPart·ner·ships
having a strong effect on someone or something. persons joined together in a partnership.
In the context of organized real estate, this is one of the options available to associations and MLSs today. It’s an alternative to mergers.
Here is some of the Q&A that resulted from a very productive and open dialog between these leaders in Virginia, as well as my presentation slides.
Q: Why are other Realtor associations partnering?
Kevin:
- To make it easier for members to do business and make money
- Increase your (association) value and service offerings
- Increase your buying power and staying power
- Reduce operating expenses and balance budgets
- Survive and thrive – can’t do it alone anymore
Q: What are some recent examples of Powerful Partnerships?
Kevin: PACMLS in Washington, SOMO Regional MLS in Missouri, Indiana MLS, MLS Alliance in NY. There are many others in the making right now.
Q: What does it mean to be Partner-Worthy?
Kevin: Many existing MLSs have been unable (or unwilling for some) to change their structure to accommodate growth through partnerships. It’s not easy for the large regionals sometimes and the smaller neighboring associations think they are going to be gobbled up by the larger ones. Partner-worthy organizations work hard to “explore the possibilities” together with their neighbors. It takes two (or more) to partner. We discussed how to be “Partner-worthy”.
Q: How do you feel about Data Sharing?
Kevin: Data sharing is not the ideal long-term solutions because 1) it typically costs more (and most associations and MLSs are looking for ways to REDUCE operating expenses), 2) it is impossible to line-up 100% of the data, since each MLS is different, 3) based on experience with other major data sharing efforts, they don’t meet the expectations of the members in the long-run and 4) it’s a LOT of work for staff, volunteers and vendors. There are exceptions, but data sharing is not the solution.
Kevin’s Question to the group: What do your members want from you? The Group:
– Simplicity – single-source data input
– Value/ Cost Savings around MLS and Lockboxes
– Regional or National MLS
– Best Exposure for clients
– Lockboxes that work together (not 4 boxes hanging on the property)
– Not having to pay and use 2-3-4-5 different MLSs
Click Focus Forward Williamsburg – Kevin McQueen for my presentation slides – Powerful Partnerships
Give me a call if you would like to talk about doing this in your market or neighborhood.
Kevin McQueen (720) 556-5923
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