Our MLS changed it's name to BLC

**Honeycomb Properties** · 11-11-2007, 12:41 PM

Our local MLS board recently decided to change it's name from "Multiple Listing System" to Broker Cooperative Listing". They want people to understand we have proprietary access to this information.

The reason they site: pressure from outside sources, which are not members, have been legally trying to gain access to our system, stating that it is a public utility. I was a little surprised at first, but it makes sense in today's online marketplace. Consumers can visit a members Web site and search listings, save searches, get email updates, etc. In the old days, it was Realtors meeting to discuss their clients, then we started having books printed on a quarterly basis with the listings then it went to monthly printings before the internet changed it forever.

I'm a little upset to hear they want access without having to complete the legal requirements I was forced to (licensing, continuing education, etc.) and without paying the fees and dues.

They have told us they are leading the wave of change locally and I'm just wondering if anyone else's MLS has instituted similar changes or addressed the outside forces issue?

**HomeSurfer** · 11-11-2007, 10:59 PM

A friend in Indianapolis mentioned that this was going to happen many months ago.

I think part of it is also that the brokers want the agents to know they are in control of the information there and what gets shared with whom -- not the agents.

I'm not certain, of course. Just a guess.

**HHI Golf Guy** · 11-11-2007, 11:36 PM

I think your MLS may be out of luck. The Hilton Head (SC) MLS just lost a case to the Federal government because of restrictive MLS practices. The government also has a pending civil case against the HH MLS.

http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/cases/f226800/226869.htm

**HomeSurfer** · 11-12-2007, 01:15 AM

I'm reading the section titled "restraints on competition." I sort of see the complainant's point on a lot of those charges, though I hadn't really expected to.

I wonder if all MLS Associations have similar bylaws?

You should change your name to Hilton Head Golf Guy. I always think of Hawaii at first. My mind just automatically skips one of the H's for some reason.

**Greg** · 11-12-2007, 03:59 AM

Originally Posted by HHI Golf Guy

I think your MLS may be out of luck. The Hilton Head (SC) MLS just lost a case to the Federal government because of restrictive MLS practices. The government also has a pending civil case against the HH MLS.

http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/cases/f226800/226869.htm

These are some very restrictive rules. They would not let me operate the way my MLS does. I am one of the VOWs that they were trying to exclude.

**Codythebest** · 11-12-2007, 04:21 AM

Originally Posted by HomeSurfer

You should change your name to Hilton Head Golf Guy. I always think of Hawaii at first. My mind just automatically skips one of the H's for some reason.

Me too! I always picture yourself playing golf in Hawaii for any reason...

**HHI Golf Guy** · 11-12-2007, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by Codythebest

Me too! I always picture yourself playing golf in Hawaii for any reason...

You guys are too funny! Hilton Head Island Golf Guy just doesn't roll of the tongue as easy as HHI Golf Guy.

One other thing about the Hilton Head MLS - it's not affiliated with NAR. So they don't have to follow the NAR guidelines for "reasonable fees" for brokers and agents to have access to the MLS.

For example, it took A LOT to get them to let web developers get a hold of their data stream to customize the MLS, but it's not worth the price. They want $500 a month to access that data stream!