ChitownLiving | Chicago Real Estate + Life

In Northern Illinois there have been two MLS systems, MLSNI and MAP.  These are the databases that urban Chicago real estate agents use to market, search, and share property listings across brokerages.  In addition, data from these systems is provide to other aggregator sites such as Realtor.com and local brokerage sites such as Coldwell Banker.  Having two systems has been a political and technical mess.  Despite sour grapes from some, the good news is that it looks like the two systems will be consolidated.

 MLSNI & Map Business Consolidation

“You may have recently received an email regarding the proposed business consolidation of MLSNI and MAP. The email, which directs you to the website “Save our MLS” attempts to portray a negative scenario related to the consolidation.  This is not the case and their comments are patently incorrect and misleading. The Chicago Association of REALTORS®, the North Shore - Barrington Association of REALTORS® and the REALTOR® Association of West/South Suburban Chicagoland collaborated in response to the misinformation that appears on the “Save Our MLS” website. Our association felt that a strong, accurate response was necessary, which is why we took this step with two of our fellow shareholder associations. CAR leadership believes that this transaction best serves the needs of our 17,500 members. It will reduce double fees for many of our members, provide a better technology platform, and allow our broker members to have control over the destiny of the MLS in our area. We look forward to the final deliberations by the MLSNI directors as they complete their due diligence process, and welcome the opportunity to vote in favor of the transaction at the annual shareholders meeting.”

This should not be about politics, yes I’m an idealist, but about improving agent efficiency thereby reducing costs, and ultimately providing the best service to the customer possible.  As a note, for the life of me I can’t find the “Save our MLS” website mentioned above.  If you find it can you comment and let me know the link.