Category: MLS

We want to inform you of an important update to the MLS rules regarding Coming Soon listings in Broker back-office feeds.

Previous Rule:
“Allow Coming Soon data to be in Broker back-office feeds (no front-facing data component) (Brokerages own data only).”

Updated Rule:

“Upon request all Paragon MLS Coming Soon data can be in Broker back-office data feeds. However, Coming Soon listings may not be displayed or integrated into any public-facing products or websites, except for listings belonging to the listing brokerage.”

This update clarifies that broker back-office data feeds include all Paragon-generated Coming Soon data. It also outlines how this data can be used within broker back-office systems and what Coming Soon information, if any, can be publicly displayed.

If you have any questions about this change, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at mlsservices@bayeast.org

Sellers can now use C.A.R. Form Multiple Listing Service Addendum (MLSA) to instruct their broker to exclude the listing from MLS dissemination. The MLSA is intended to encompass all MLS-related language in one document, including the seller’s exclusion option. The exclusion option on the MLSA serves the same purpose as the SELM in satisfying NAR policy regarding exempt listings.   Moving forward, the MLSA form should be used in place of the discontinued SELM form when submitting exclusion instructions to the MLS. The MLSA form is available in zipForm.

As of November 20, 2024, the TopHap program will no longer be available to Bay East members. For market trends and statistics, we encourage you to explore RPR, CRS Tax, and Community Reports, all conveniently located in the Resources tab of Paragon. Thank you for your understanding.

Did you know that not disclosing your personal interest in a real estate property or transaction violates both the MLS Rules and the REALTOR® Code of Ethics? 

Violating MLS Rule 7.17 also violates Article 4 of the Code of Ethics. Some examples of personal interest include you being the buyer or seller, your client being a part of your family, or your client being a part of your brokerage. For more information, please review our MLS Rules and Regulations, the NAR Code of Ethics, or contact ProfessionalStandards@bayeast.org.  

Watch this video to learn more. 

We are updating some MLS statuses to better align with RESO (Real Estate Standards Organization) standards. These changes will improve consistency, data accuracy, and compatibility with other MLSs and real estate platforms, making things easier for our members and their clients.

Key Status Changes:

• Active-REO and Active-Short Sale will now be listed as Active.
• Back on Market-REO and Back on Market-Short Sale will become Back on Market.
• All versions of Pending (REO, Short Sale, etc.) will be simplified to just Pending.
• All versions of Sold (REO, Short Sale) will be simplified to just Sold.
• Withdrawn Temporarily will change to Hold.

What You Need to Know:

• Automatic Updates: The system will automatically update your listings—no action is needed from you.
• Searching for Listings: The new statuses and features will be available in the search filters, and you can use the Special Information field to find REO or Short Sale listings.  Watch this video to learn how to customize your search criteria to add the special information field.

These changes aim to streamline the MLS system for a better user experience! 
Click here to learn more about this update.

Introducing the all-new Collaboration Center in Paragon MLS – a powerful new tool to help you connect with clients. With the power of the Collaboration Center, you’ll be able to: 

• Enjoy real-time communication: The Collaboration Center will allow you to interact and collaborate with clients while on the go. 

• Utilize a broader search: The powerful search engine will enhance you and your clients the ability to discover listings nearby through an intuitive map feature, browse through contacts, and more. 

• Have high-visibility dashboard: View updates, changes to listings, and detailed data on homes your clients are interested in – all in an easy to navigate dashboard. The Collaboration Center gives you the tools to elevate your client relationships and the way you do business!

Watch this video to learn more

Introducing the “Finding Homes” Alexa Skill – Your Voice-Activated Home Search Tool

We are excited to introduce “Finding Homes” by Lundy—a revolutionary voice-activated Alexa skill that simplifies your home search experience. Designed with REALTORS® and homebuyers in mind, this new tool allows you to search for homes using just your voice, making the process easier and more accessible than ever before. This member benefit will be available on September 16.

What is “Finding Homes”?
“Finding Homes” is an innovative Alexa skill that enables users to search for properties by simply speaking to their Alexa-enabled devices. Whether you’re using an Echo Speaker, Echo Show, Firestick TV, or even Alexa Auto, this skill brings the home search process directly to your voice-activated device. It’s perfect for REALTORS® looking to offer their clients a modern, hands-free way to explore the real estate market.

How Does it Work?
Getting started with “Finding Homes” is easy and straightforward:

1) Download the Amazon Alexa App: Available on both iOS and Android, the Amazon Alexa app is your gateway to setting up and using the “Finding Homes” skill.

2) Activate the Skill: You can start the skill by:

• Saying, “Alexa, start Finding Homes.”
• Scanning the provided QR code to launch the skill.
• Using the Alexa app to enable the skill.

3) Begin Your Search: Once activated, simply tell Alexa where you’d like to search, and the skill will guide you through the process by asking clarifying questions to narrow down your preferences. Alexa will then provide search results that best match your criteria.

Why Choose “Finding Homes”?

• Convenience: Access your home search instantly from any Alexa-enabled device, whether you’re at home, in your car, or on the go.
• Hands-Free Operation: No need to manually search through listings—let Alexa do the work for you.
• Personalized Experience: Alexa will interact with you to refine your search, ensuring you get the most relevant results.

Lundy Inc. – Innovating Real Estate with LundyAI Core
Lundy Inc. is revolutionizing the real estate industry with its innovative voice interface, Finding Homes, which offers access to property listings through voice command, made possible by its LundyAI Core language-modeling technology. The company equips agents and brokers with the capabilities of superpowered voice assistants, significantly elevating their operational effectiveness and establishing new industry benchmarks.

Where Can I Learn More?
For a demonstration of how to use “Finding Homes,” check out Lundy’s official YouTube channel. Here you’ll find tutorials and examples that showcase the skill’s capabilities.

Great enhancements have been implemented to Paragon Connect.

CollabLink is getting a stunning makeover! All the features you love are still there—now faster, more responsive, and more intuitive than ever.

Introducing the new Spreadsheet View in Paragon Connect’s Listing Maintenance module. An enhanced way to manage your growing list of quick actions in the Listing Maintenance module. More details can be found here.  

To access Paragon Connect, log onto Paragon, click on Paragon Connect on the upper right hand corner. If you have questions, please contact our Support team at 925.730.7100.

As part of their continuous effort to make the MLS Tax Suite more intuitive and user-friendly, CRS Tax has rolled out new tooltips across the platform. Here’s what’s new:

• Hover-Over Tooltips on the Prospecting Map: When members hover over various elements on the prospecting map, they’ll see detailed tooltips providing quick explanations and tips. These are designed to guide them through using the map’s features effectively, helping them make the most of our powerful prospecting tools.

• Question Mark (?) Tooltips on Advanced Search: We’ve added question mark tooltips throughout the advanced search section to offer instant guidance. Each tooltip provides instructions or helpful tips for using that section’s features. This ensures members are equipped with all the information needed to leverage the full potential of our advanced search capabilities without any guesswork.

To access CRS Tax, log onto Paragon, click on Tax. If you need assistance, please contact our Support team at 925.730.7100

After listening to feedback from our members regarding the recent change to make the “Concessions Considered” field mandatory, we will be removing the ‘Concessions Considered: Yes/No’ field from Listing Entry, effective Tuesday, August 27. 

While the initial adjustment aimed to eliminate potential confusion in listing reports by ensuring a clear “YES” or “NO” was displayed, we understand that making this field required may not align with the preferences of all our members.

As an MLS, it is our duty to protect you and your data. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate the current challenges in our industry.