1.         MLS Governing Documents were revised according to NAR Guidelines, incorporating the changes that pertain to VOW that were mandated by the Justice Department.

 2.         New fields were added to the MLS Data sheets. Fields were requested by members and also new “Green” fields were included that were recommended by the new “Green Committee”.

 3.         The GSBOR website was updated to include a section for the Green Committee to add a glossary of information defining the new fields and adding information on Green Issues.

 4.         A new rule was implemented requiring the signature of either the Seller or the Buyer to withhold the Sold Price from MLS.

5.         A new field was added on the MLS for “Cumulative Days on the Market” which adds the days on market of all listings for a property, unless it has been off market for at least 60 days between listings.

 6.         After much study and discussion, the MLS passed a rule to change to Broker Load for all new listings and changes, effective November 1^st, 2009.

7.         A new status was approved to enable brokers to remove a listing from the market temporarily.

 8.         The GSBOR and MLS Board minutes were removed from the on-line REALTOR® Magazine and placed on the member website.

9.         A new “Community” section was added to the public website, allowing agents to add their own editorials about their particular area of expertise.

 10.       A new downloading protocol was mandated by NAR to make a “RETS” raw data feed available and the Board voted to discontinue the FTP feed as of Dec. 31, 2009.

 11.       The MLS “Token” for logging into the MLS was discontinued July 1^st, in favor of a new Authentication logon provided by Rapattoni saving money for the board and also improving security.

12.       A new section was added on the GSBOR members’ website for Broker Load information and training media.

 13.       The MLS Career Launch was reduced to every other month.                                                                                                                           

14.       The Rapattoni and Transaction Desk classes were reduced to one a quarter. 

15.       MLS Staff was reduced to 3 staff + Administrator.

The tools provided on the Broker Load Resource Center for reference and training purposes are being used frequently by agents. The chat feature on Rapattoni is really effective also. The chat feature enables agents to chat with the MLS staff quickly without getting voice mail and delays during business hours.

Some of the outstanding issues that Rapattoni is currently working on are the Subdivision drop-down menu and the duplicate listing issues with Master and Alternate listings. We hope to have those worked out soon.

The MLS staff are eager to be as helpful to users as possible and anytime there is a problem or an issue with Rapattoni, please feel free to contact us.

Some of the new fields that are showing on Rapattoni MLS are not yet on the Data forms, but have been sent to Transaction Desk to be added, Such as the VOW fields, and a few new amenities that were added at the same time. The first of next year there will be additional changes adding “Green” amenities.

As Winston Churchill said, “There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction”

Following is the list of committees for GSBOR:

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED ON 2010 COMMITTEES

 Below is a brief synopsis of our various Board standing committees.  Please review them and see which committee can most help YOU and your Board through your service.  

APPRAISAL:  Create a good working relationship with area REALTORS® and appraisers. Make changes to MLS forms to help appraiser find data without having to disturb REALTORS®.

 AWARDS: Review, approve and verify application for the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS^® awards to be presented at a Recognition and Awards Ceremony planned by this committee.

BOARD NOMINATING: Responsible for preparing a slate of officers and directors in advance of the annual election and present the same to the staff for publication to the membership

COMMERCIAL FORMS: Review and revise on an ongoing basis the existing Board of REALTORS® and MLS forms and to develop any new forms as needed with approval of counsel and Board of Directors.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Serves as a catalyst to GSBOR members.  Foster unity in a purpose to develop realistic programs and productive projects to create and enforce positive public awareness of the multiple contribution’s REALTORS^® make in the total like of the community.  Challenge REALTORS^® to strive to attain higher professional standard of excellence and expand involvement in community leadership activities.

EDUCATION/CEPE/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: Promotes awareness of solid education background needed for REALTORS^® members; provide local educational programs with quality instructors; promotes NAR designations; and supports MAR Center for Education and Private Enterprise.  Keeps current on Fair Housing laws and encourages REALTORS^® members to adopt the Fair Housing Declaration in which REALTORS^® pledge to offer equal professional services without regard to race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin of any prospective client, customer or residents of any community.

GREEN COMMITTEE:  To facilitate information and education of green products and practices to and for our members and the public. 

GRIEVANCE: Conduct preliminary investigation and evaluation of complaints on their own merit or when filed by a Board member or the public.  Determine whether the validity and substance of the complaint warrants further consideration by a hearing before the Professional Committee.  If so, name the charges and present case to and before the Professional Committee.  Review all petitions for arbitration.

IDX/VOW:  Insure that the MLS is in compliance with NAR’s Internet Data Exchange and Virtual office Website policies and to insure that the MLS distributed database distribution is protected from internet predators.

LEGISLATIVE: Responsible for keeping up to date on national, state, and local legislation affecting real estate.  Organizes and leads appropriate Board action in combating undesirable legislation.  Studies and makes recommendations to Board of Directors on any issues concerning real estate matters.

MLS NOMINATING: Responsible for preparing a slate of officers and directors in advance of the annual election and present the same to the staff for publication to the membership. (MLS Participants Only)

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS: Responsible for careful and fair enforcement of the Code of Ethics and Bylaws of the Board and MLS.  Conduct hearings in matter’s involving alleged ethical misconduct of Board members or to provide arbitration when requested

PROGRAM: Plans and provides quality educational programs for general membership meeting that will enhance the real estate profession. 

REALTORS^® HELPING PEOPLE: To provide emergency and deferred assistance to qualify low-income homeowners for needed repairs to their properties within the City of Springfield.

 RPAC: Collect contributions for REALTORS^® Political Action Committee from members of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS^® and increases membership awareness of RPAC.  Determines the amount of eligible RPAC funds to be requested for use in local political campaigns or issues, the individuals to receive funds, and amounts each are to receive.

 STANDARD FORMS: To review and revise on an ongoing basis the existing Board of REALTORS^® and MLS forms and to develop any new forms as needed with approval of counsel and Board of Directors.

TECHNOLOGY: Facilitate practical information and cutting edge management ideas to empower members to meet the challenges of changing technology.

Deadline: October 1, 2009.   

Contact Sylvia Derks for more information 417-883-1226.               

Call 417-634-4049 or 417-848-0597 for more information 

WHO’S ON THE MOVE?

NOTABLE CHANGES

DEPARTING MEMBERS

MEMBER COUNTS

Management Lessons from America’s Most Successful Real Estate Companies

Edited by Robert Freedman, Senior Editor, REALTOR® Magazine

1,200 GREAT SALES TIPS FOR REAL ESTATE PROS

Edited by REALTOR® Magazine’s Christina Hoffmann Spira with Mariwyn Evans

Interested in “borrowing” either of these new books from our library?  Contact Yvonne Ferguson to find out how! YFerguson@gsbor.com or 883-1226