BY GLENN TEMES
When associations review associations, isn’t it interesting how they find that the association needs to do more? Maybe it is time we tell our associations to undertake a real core review and to cut everything that isn’t absolutely necessary. Especially those functions that are services provided by other levels of associations. More importantly, those provided by — dare I say — the brokers who are becoming “broker” trying to compete with their association! Then we can reconstruct this industry to better reflect the needs of those who pay the bills.
For instance, how many of us are confused about MLS and boards? Does anyone doubt that the future of MLS is wireless? Some day real soon the sales agent will have his seller sign the screen, almost like the UPS device we are already signing. Having obtained, as Tom Hopkins would say, the seller’s John Henry, the MLS information would instantly appear on every other agent’s wireless device screen. I can see some of you rolling your eyes as you shout “data integrity”, “managers approval”, “board approval”, and “hey, I want a few days to sell this property myself!”
Those are all important association issues that will be a reflection of rules and regulations, not technology. After all, the technology today can produce volumes of information, any place, any time. We need to determine who gets what and when. Some of us are still cringing at the thought of so much MLS information in the hands of the public. Others are still not sure of even giving it to the office in the next board area, as if association borders mean anything to anyone outside of their own association.
Take that leap forward with me and imagine this wireless world. If the MLS information goes directly from me to you…what do we need between us? Talk about safe real estate! Technology wise, I can see the day that the only thing we need between us is the association rules and regulations. This alone underscores the importance of the association we choose to belong to. In fact, I think the people that cry for less associations are totally confused regarding the difference between their association’s core functions and MLS.
As we speak, more and more associations are turning to regional models for their MLS services. Many of you can accept that this is likely the more immediate future of MLS. But take a look beyond the regional model. Technology can deliver the information directly from me to you, incorporating whatever level of rules and or security we wish to devise. What lies between us now is commonly referred to as bureaucracy. A necessary level in the old days, but is it capable of recognizing when it is not needed?
Everywhere I turn these days, I hear the cry for a new MLS system. Should I be surprised that as Realtors we think our next house needs to be just like our current house, only bigger and with more bells and whistles? Stop and think! Rather than another house, wouldn’t you prefer a place you can call your own in every city you have ever wanted to visit?
In other words, information in the future is going to be delivered anywhere and everywhere. The computer is practically obsolete. Wireless devices will be in our hands, our cars and our planes, maybe even in our wristwatch. Like the Dick Tracy comic books of old, we will have all our technical needs strapped to our wrists. I can humorously imagine a few gung ho Realtors getting wireless implants. But perhaps I go to far.
Technology is exploding in all directions at once and we are thinking in a linear fashion. By the time the associations agree on the next step, whatever they choose will be so obsolete that the payments will be some poor association’s legacy. Isn’t it time associations got out of the way of modernization?
Years ago, associations facilitated MLS. Now they seem to hinder it. I guess their association ambitions and golden retirement plans cloud their visions. Perhaps they naively believe they are protecting the members from the lions over the hill. Either way, our associations cannot begin to match the rate of change taking place in the industry. The more they fight their own industry for control of technology, the greater the chances of our industry splintering.
We all need to step up to the plate and begin a new vision for the future. I strongly believe Realtors everywhere realize the value we bring working together to foster co-operation and professionalism through rules and regulations. But how many of you see that MLS is a byproduct of co-operation — not vice versa. The multiple listing service is the spirit of our efforts to work together. How we exchange information is just the fancy footwork!
Glenn Temes is owner/manager of Macdonald Realtors Westmar in Richmond, B.C.
