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Listing Syndication 101

What is MLS listing syndication?
Listing syndication is when a real estate professional (MLS member) sends listings to a third-party website to increase exposure to potential homebuyers. Online syndication sites are typically marketing and media sites; they generally are not brokers or MLS participants and do not operate under the IDX (Internet Data Exchange) rules. Homebuyers and sellers who view listings on the syndication sites are provided with links to the listing agent/broker/MLS site for additional information.

Why is listing syndication important?
It is a valuable marketing tool for broker members, benefits include:
• Increased exposure of member listings to serious homebuyers
• Lower cost than traditional advertising with measurable results
• Control over listing content and quality
• Increased core offerings from the MLS to their customers
• Obtain statistical reports of consumer views and web traffic to measure results

SWMLS Member Benefit – Syndication services using ListHub

Click here to visit ListHub
ListHub gives brokers the latest online marketing tools and strategies for marketing property listings online. This service is provided FREE to all Qualifying Brokers and Associate Brokers who are members of the Southwest Multiple Listing Service. To begin taking advantage of ListHub the Qualifying Broker at your office must first sign up at the ListHub website.

Companies that offer Listing Syndication to real estate professionals
In no particular order, here are some additional websites that provide syndication of your listings once you've entered the information just once. Some are free, and some offer this service as part of a larger package of marketing services. You enter your listing, usually with photos and all details, and these sites get it syndicated to a list of sites. Check them out carefully, as well as the sites to which they syndicate.

Point2Agent

eRealty Solution

Agent Image

Postlets

Ultra Agent

vFlyer

Realbird

Cevado

ZBest Listings

Terms of Listing Syndication
When entering into an agreement with a listing syndication company it is always a good idea to know their terms/conditions, who controls the distribution and who will retain the rights to the listings after they sell or expire. A report provided by the WAV group in November 2009 provides 10 questions to ask before syndicating your listings. (Note for ListHub users: the broker retains all rights and controls where listings are distributed). View Questions Here

Keeping listing information consistent
If you are using different websites or companies to syndicate your listings it is a good idea to make sure they are all showing the same information. In some cases you may need to login to your syndication account (separate from SWMLS) to edit the listing information.

Example: John Realtor entered a new listing in the MLS system on Monday. John Realtor also has an account with ListHub and Point2Agent. The MLS listing will automatically update to ListHub within 24 hours, sending the listing to all of his designated ListHub channels (Trulia, Zillow, AOL).

For the Point2Agent account John Realtor must “re-enter” the listing in the Point2Agent website. This includes photos and virtual tour information. If any changes are made in the MLS (price, status, showing instructions) then John must also go to his Point2Agent account to change the listing there as well.

For more information about listing syndication SWMLS can be reached at 843-8833 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Credits:
WAV Consulting Group
Document: Terms of Listing Syndication to Third Party Websites
Publish Date: Nov. 2009
Copies of this article are available free to MLS members. Contact SWMLS to obtain the full document.