BPP Newsletter: April 2020
MLSs Helping Agents During COVID-19
As more and more cities, counties, and states across the country are put under stay-at-home orders to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we’ve seen so many of our MLS partners quickly step in to effect changes and share resources to help keep their agents and communities safe.
We’d like to share some of the actions they have taken, in hopes that doing so can help other MLSs and Associations across the country.
1. Integrating virtual open houses, tours, and showings
Many MLSs have added fields to their data feeds to denote virtual options more seamlessly. Bright MLS, MLSOK, FMLS, SmartMLS, and Florida Keys MLS are just a few of the MLSs that have made it easy for agents to implement virtual open houses and tours for their clients. Florida Keys MLS even shared a helpful guide for running a virtual listing presentation for potential sellers.
Homesnap has seamlessly integrated the virtual open house experience into the app and website. This is the first iteration of Homesnap’s virtual open interface where home shoppers and agents can simply join an open house by clicking the Watch Live link in the listing. .
2. Removing in-person open houses
Some MLSs have taken stronger measures regarding open houses, as regulations have evolved in their areas. CRMLS, Baldwin Realtors, and South Central Kansas MLS are just a few of the MLSs that temporarily removed open houses in response to local stay-at-home orders, to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus.
MLSs like the Iowa City Area Association of REALTORS®, MIAMI, and NNRMLS tell their agents about Homesnap Stories, a free Homesnap Pro feature that allows agents to create virtual tours right on their Homesnap listings, just like Stories on Instagram or Facebook.
3. Sharing resources to mitigate business impact
The federal government recently passed the CARES Act, a $2 trillion coronavirus aid package that has several provisions for small business owners and self-employed workers like real estate agents. We’ve seen LBAR, Baldwin Realtors, Grand Junction Area Realtor Association, and the California Association of Realtors– just to name a few – quickly share information to help real estate agents understand how they can take advantage of this assistance right now.
We’ve also seen many MLSs share some of NAR’s latest resources, including those around TeleHealth for members.
4. Keeping agents in-the-know about regulations affecting their business
Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS®, located in one of the states hit hardest by coronavirus, has been sending near-daily updates to members so they are clear on how new rules and regulations affect their business. These clearly map out frequently asked questions, so agents are always up-to-date on what they can and cannot do as government guidance evolves.
5. Sharing online learning opportunities
With so many agents spending more time online and at home, MLSs like Lawrence Board of REALTORS®, Iowa City Area Association of REALTORS®, and Northwest Iowa Regional Board of REALTORS® are highlighting our Homesnap University page, which is filled with videos, tutorials, and other resources for making the most of Homesnap Pro and introducing your clients to Homesnap, too.
Is your MLSs in the Broker Public Portal?
Hundreds of MLSs and brokerages have rallied around the BPP initiative and the footprint keeps growing. If your MLS is not participating, we’d love to have your support. Check out this new video about the BPP and why the industry has gotten behind it.
Meet Art Carter of California Regional Multiple Listing Services (CRMLS)
