Tools of the Trade

“MLS must stay on top of technology and provide their members the best tools so they can do things for their clients such as accurately price a home for a seller or help fi nd the right home for their buyers.”

Walk us through MLS Beaches’ new client-agent journey MLS software is evolving to help agents and brokers give their clients a better home-buying and selling experience. These changes in MLS software are helping to create ecosystems that keep agents and their clients better connected and give the ability for agents to know what properties their clients are looking at, what they like, what they dislike, and provide better data such as street views, neighborhood demographics, and points of interest. In addition, more of our software is moving to a responsive design where agents and clients can access the information from any type of device whether it’s a computer, tablet or phone.

What brought about the need for new updates to the MLS software? MLS must stay on top of technology and provide their members the best tools so they can do things for their clients such as accurately price a home for a seller or help fi nd the right home for their buyers. The MLS must have the capabilities to update their technology regularly to give agents and their clients not only a great user experience, but also access to best and most timely data in the industry.

What’s your favorite feature in the MLS update? One of the best features of this software is the ability for an agent to text their client the mobile app and their client will have an agent branded version of the app on their phones so they can fi nd the homes they are looking for and keep their agent in the loop. Agents know what their clients like and dislike and are able to communicate back and forth very easily.

How has technology changed the real estate industry as we know it today? Overall it has changed everything about real estate. Agents used to provide most of the information about buying and selling homes. Now they are working with clients to sort through the information and educate the consumer using the best tools available. Tools that can actually price homes correctly and use data in the right way to help buyers fi nd the right home that meets their needs. Agents are vital to the real estate transaction as there is still a huge demand for human touch in the biggest investment of your life.

What new real estate technology trends excite you? I love the work our industry is doing to invest in helping consumers fi nd homes by integrating data from diff erent databases into a presentable format. It is no longer about just looking for the number of bedrooms and square footage. It is now helping consumers fi nd homes based on what fi ts their lifestyle. With advancements in mapping and photography including 3D modeling, virtual tours, and mapping layers that include things such as fl ood zones, we are able to give visibility not only to a home, but everything around it and the hidden dangers as well.

What are the emerging trends among ultra-luxury buyers? I’m seeing a renewed focus on enjoying treasured moments with friends and family. Buyers are also putting more value on the ultimate luxury: privacy. And that’s where high-rise residences, waterfront, and equestrian properties are thriving more than ever. People are choosing properties that off er amenities they fi nd in the world’s top hotels, as well as smart home tech, green living, and the latest design trends.

What other exciting tech products give your agents an advantage in the market? MLS Beaches provides top-of-the-line products and services for their members backed up with product promotion, training, and support. Along with our three top-notch MLS platforms, they off er many topnotch ancillary products to help Brokers and agents excel in their day-to-day duties. These products include Comparative Marketing Analysis programs to properly price and analyze homes, tax programs that consolidate many layers of data, and state-ofthe-art programs to help agents and their clients with new construction homes.

All in all, we have a great suite of products that help our members succeed in their careers.

For more information on MLS Beaches’ full technological suite, visit: rworld.com/beachesmls.