Inman news ran a piece last week about the need for innovation and change in the way MLSs display their listings on the internet. It states plainly that “MLSs possess the most comprehensive and up-to-date list of homes for sale in their market, yet many don’t operate websites that allow consumers to search for listings.” And those MLSs that do provide websites are not as sophisticated as Zillow and Trulia.
Here is an example of standard MLS website:
Here is our search:
While the article goes on to argue for more innovation from MLSs in how they display information for consumers and brokers, I think the analysis misses the mark. MLSs should stick to what they do best, creating the “most comprehensive and up-to-date list of homes for sale in their market” and let other sites innovate on how that information is displayed. MLS are not technology companies, they are data aggregators.
In this set up, MLSs would work to improve the quality, depth, and freshness of their data while we spend all night and day working to improve how consumers view listings on the internet. The net result to customers is better data presented in an easy to understand way. Buyers can find the house they want while sellers can have their homes in front of as many eyes as possible. What’s the downside to that?
