MLS “AREA” Field Change Notice – Effective November 6, 2023
Effective November 6, the “AREA” field lookup values will be updated to a single lookup value called “Listing”. This means that instead of selecting various “AREA” options, you will now see one “Listing” value. We want to ensure that you have a clear understanding of how this change will impact your workflow.
Action Required – Update Your Saved Searches
To avoid your clients receiving unnecessary email notifications, we kindly request you to update all your Active Saved Searches that currently use the “AREA” field. You can use the following alternative fields instead: “Map Search,” “City,” or “Zip Code.” By making these updates before November 6th, you will prevent your clients from being bombarded with emails due to the change.
Will the AREA field still be required while entering a listing?
No, this field will no longer be required for listing entry.
What alternative fields can you use?
1. Map Search
2. City
3. Zip Code
Why are we making this change?
The decision to update the “AREA” field was driven by several factors:
1. Data Compatibility: As we integrate data from various MLSs into Paragon, we face challenges in maintaining a one-to-one match with each MLS’s “AREA” definitions. Different MLSs may use different terms such as District, Neighborhood, or Subdivision for their “AREA” field.
2. Outdated Field Design: The “AREA” field and its locations were created almost two decades ago, and we recognize that it no longer aligns with current best practices and user expectations.
3. Error Messages: Some agents reported encountering error messages while inputting listings. This is because if the AREA field has conditional logic step up with another field. If you skip the AREA field in the beginning of your listing entry and select something in another field that does not match, when you go back to AREA field, it will provide an error when you hit Save. Recommendation is to ALWAYS entry data from top to bottom.
Why do I still see the AREA field in the MLS?
Although we understand that you might still see the “AREA” field within Paragon, please be assured that the only available value will be “Listing.” We acknowledge this limitation and have already requested our MLS Vendor to remove the field entirely in future enhancements.
What will happen to my saved searches with the AREA field?
Our MLS vendor will remove the AREA field from the Search module. Therefore, it is important to update those searches (using either CITY, ZipCode or Search by Map) before November 6.
Will I be able to input or modify my listings on November 6, 2023?
Listing Entry and Listing Maintenance will not be available starting November 6 at 8pm through November 7 at 3am.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this update, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at MLSServices@bayeast.org.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during this transition. By embracing these changes, we can enhance the efficiency and accuracy of our MLS system, benefiting all members.