Will Real Estate Sink or Swim? Multiple Listing Services Must be Embraced

Real estate and especially recreational land real estate, have a history of tradition and business as usual. Things have been done a certain way for a long time, but with increasing competition and a weak market, the established marketing plan is being redefined.

The New York Times article "Real Estate Lists Grow Comfortable with the Web," explains that real estate professionals are beginning to disclose more information about their properties online through M.L.S. (multiple listing services).

Previously, brokers and M.L.S.s were particular about how and where the listing information could be displayed, but now they are listening to the customers' needs. Consumers want a one stop shop that allows them multiple comparisons instantly.

Other industries such as health insurance and car insurance have embraced this model and it has worked.

The freer exchange of information is a reflection of the Web's increasing use for two-way communication, user generated content, and social networking.

If real estate professionals fight the breaking down of the "walled garden" just because they don't want the extra competition, they will certainly get lost among the consumer-embraced transparent professionals. The skilled agents will reap the benefits of the changing industry because people and agents alike are beginning to have an expectation for finding property easily with information at their fingertips.

Cabela’s Trophy Properties has also adopted an M.L.S. site, making it possible to search by very specific information.