Stating Our Policy To All Who Use Our MLS Search Engine
I have been making real estate listings available online since 1999, and throughout that time I have adjusted our policy regarding forced registration to be in accordance with the rules that are set by our local Board of Realtors - as well as in accordance with my own personal beliefs.
In the beginning, there were no other agents in Atlanta offering listings online. I contracted with a company called Soar Solutions, and they set up a gateway to access data from the First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS). Jealous agents (most of whom didn’t have websites at that time) quickly complained about my online offering - and tried to shut me down.
Luckily for me, Erealty came to town with their deep pockets and massive advertising campaign. If not for them, I would have had to back away from a legal battle that I had no way to win. They helped fight the battle, and as a result - Georgia agents were able to provide complete public listing data (including addresses) as long as the customer registered on the agent’s website.
Over the years, I have been able to relax the policy - and currently you can peruse listings without registration here. You will, however, be asked to register on your second visit - and every visit thereafter - but registration is optional. Either way, you’ll get listings from BOTH of Georgia’s statewide listing services - the Georgia Multiple Listing Service (GAMLS) and the First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS).
One day, you might want to use the additional features that are available to those who register - and you can do so without the worry that someone is going to call and pester you. It won’t happen. Feel free to use the system - and remember we’re only a phone call or an email away when you have a question or you want to see a property.
Be sure to check out our tutorial so that you’ll understand the powerful features that our MLS search engine offers.
I don’t believe in forced registration - even though it would be financially rewarding to implement. In my eyes, you are not a meal ticket to be punched - you are a fellow traveler in life who I might be able to help… but in order for me to help - you will need to ask. Fair enough?
Others have different opinions. Take a look at the conversation over at BloodhoundBlog. Please feel free to read the comments in that thread, and decide for yourself whether our approach is one that fits your style - or not.
As always, if you have any questions regarding real estate in the greater Atlanta area, feel free to contact me here.