The real estate industry thrives on communication, and reaching potential clients is crucial. But the digital age has brought with it a wave of unwanted calls and texts, leading to frustration and distrust. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has stepped in with new regulations to protect consumers, and these rules have significant implications for how real estate professionals connect with leads.  For detailed information from the FCC follow this link.

Understanding the Key Changes

• One-to-One Consent is Paramount: Forget blanket opt-ins! The new rules demand that consumers provide individual, specific consent to each business that intends to contact them via robocalls or "robotexts." This consent must be "logically and topically associated" with the website where they provided it. For example, someone signing up for home valuation on your website can't be assumed to consent to calls about mortgage offers from your affiliated lender.

• Lead Generation Under Scrutiny: Lead generation companies can no longer rely on broad consent obtained through third-party websites. They must ensure consumers explicitly consent to each business receiving their information.

• Existing Leads Need a Check-Up: Don't assume your current contact list is good to go! Leads obtained before January 27, 2025, may not meet the new consent standards. Review your database and re-obtain consent where necessary.

• Manual Outreach Remains Viable: While the new rules focus on automated communication, you can still make manual calls and send texts without prior consent. However, you must adhere to the Do-Not-Call Registry and avoid using pre-recorded or artificial voices.

• Legal Challenges on the Horizon: The one-to-one consent rule is facing legal challenges, and its future may be influenced by court decisions. Stay informed about any updates or changes to the rule.

Actionable Steps for Real Estate Professionals

1. Review and Revise Consent Forms: Ensure your website and other lead capture forms clearly state that the consumer is consenting to receive calls/texts specifically from your brokerage or agency.
2. Obtain Express Written Consent: Always get written consent (electronic is acceptable) before initiating robocalls or "robotexts."
3. Scrutinize Lead Generation Practices: Work only with lead generation companies that comply with the new FCC rules.
4. Stay Updated on Do-Not-Call Regulations: Regularly check the Do-Not-Call Registry and promptly remove any listed numbers.
5. Educate Your Team: Ensure all agents and staff understand the new rules and their implications.

Important Disclaimer:

This blog post is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The FCC regulations are complex and subject to change. While we strive for accuracy, it is crucial to consult with an attorney for professional guidance on how to ensure your business practices are fully compliant. Final decisions regarding your business practices should be made after seeking legal counsel.

What are live buyer tours?
If you use Cloud CMA, then you’re likely already familiar with buyer tours, the reports that build on MLS data to give your buyer clients a better sense of what they’re looking at. In fact, buyer tours have become one of the most popular types of reports in Cloud CMA overall! 

Live buyer tours build on the existing functionality to turn static reports into dynamic ones—with real-time data that you and your buyers can easily read on any device. So you get a new way to show off properties, and your clients get live access to the most relevant information about their favorite listings. 

What can your clients see with live buyer tours? 

Their list of showings, organized by time 
Details like drive time and directions 
Feedback fields that share directly with their agent 
And more! 
 

Why the change? 
Home shopping and touring habits aren’t what they used to be.  Now, people have pocket computers with them constantly, so they can browse listings, request showings, get directions, whatever they need to do—all from the palm of their hands. 

Paper tours are outdated.  With live buyer tours, your clients have the technology on hand to interact with you and tour property more seamlessly. It’s a subtle contributor to their overall experience; they’ll appreciate the convenience and thoroughness of the information you provide. 

 
Here is how it works.

 

Step-by-Step Paragon Instructional & Quick Fix Videos for CRMLS Paragon (CRP) in San Diego County

Walk through the most important steps in setting up and using various CRMLS Paragon features. The Paragon Upgrade Resources page, hosted by CRMLS, also is loaded with information that will help you better perform day to day tasks as well as grow your business.

Issues?  CRMLS will address individual concerns via customer support. support@crmls.org. Please call or submit a trouble ticket if you experience  feature or function difficulties.  Submitting a ticket could surface a widespread problem and result in the resolution of it for all users.

Finding Documents for SDMLS Listings In CRMLS Paragon (CRP)
There is a glitch with Chrome.  Either use Firefox or follow these easy steps.

Search for Leased Property

Search for View Properties

Updating the Preference Wizard Will Fix Many Issues

 

Updating The Collab Center Preferences Wizard

 

Updating The CRMLS CMA Preference Wizard

 

Setting Up The Market Monitor

 

Results Options and Custom Exports

 

How To Edit A Saved Search

 

Creating A Custom Search Template

 

Check out our PSAR YouTube channel for more videos.

Zillow appears to be in the process of becoming a REALTOR brokerage. The story has been evolving during 2020.  As Zillow transitions from being a listing distribution or advertising platform to a REALTOR (member of NAR, CAR and also some local local Associations,) they will receive the same rights and benefits as other brokerages.

Among these rights is the right to access IDX (Internet Data Exchange) feeds.  

Today, Zillow receives listing data from brokers instructing CRMLS to provide their listing information through a specifically tailored listing distribution feed called a syndication feed. Once Zillow becomes a brokerage in the CRMLS area, they will access listings through the same feeds that brokers receive on their web pages today.

What could this change mean for agents and brokers?

Listing distribution control changes: 
The CRMLS system currently permits brokers to control which listing distribution partners receive their listings, including Realtor.com, Homes.com, Apartments.com, and Zillow. Those options will soon change. As Zillow will be a participating brokerage instead of a listing distribution partner, brokers will not be able to specifically exclude Zillow from receiving their listings. 

Changes to how listings display on Zillow
Because of the switch to IDX feeds, listing data will display on Zillow differently than it does today. Full details are still forthcoming. CRMLS shared, however, that their IDX licensing agreement does not permit advertising in the way you may be used to on Zillow.  Zillow will update its current listing displays to comply with CRMLS IDX standards, the same as any brokerage that uses that same IDX listing data feed. IDX rules can be found in section 12.16 of the CRMLS Rules and Regulations.

Changes to rental listing search on Zillow
You may have heard rumors that Zillow plans to start charging fees for rental listings. (In fact, per Zillow, Zillow has charged fees for rental listings for “about a year,” except for MLS-sourced listings.) As outlined above, Zillow is also moving to IDX feeds. It’s reasonable to wonder how these two things can coexist.

CRMLS reached out to Zillow and confirmed that Zillow will no longer combine rental and for-sale properties in the same search. In other words, their IDX feed for MLS-sourced for sale listings will not comingle with their feeds for rental listings.

Per Zillow, “None of the fees… will be implemented until Jan 2021 and will not be on any listings under [Zillow’s] current syndication license.”

Zillow continued: “Under IDX, [Zillow] will not be pulling or displaying any [rental] listings under the IDX license. The rentals search will be a completely separate search experience on the site.”

Make a Great First Impression with your CMA

First impressions are everything. When your prospective clients give you the opportunity to wow them with how hard you will work to sell their home – don’t let the opportunity pass you by! It’s your chance to make it happen and win the listing. Having the very best in real estate comparative market analysis (CMA) software will ensure that you have everything your client needs all in one simple, effective, and beautiful presentation.

How Can You Make a Good Impression with a Cloud CMA Presentation?

Cloud CMA presentations make it easy for you to look awesome. In just minutes, you can have a client-ready report in hand and win that listing on the spot! So, how can you expect to impress your clients with a Cloud CMA presentation?

One of the first questions your client may have is, “What is a CMA?” followed by questions pertaining to the data and what it’s supposed to convey. Each CMA created with our software begins with an explanation of the contents and the purpose of the information. This will help solidify your position as an authority on local real estate trends and prices, as well as build a trusted and secure relationship with the client.

In addition to this valuable introduction, you will be able to provide your clients with report pages covering the following information:

• Your photo and contact information will be displayed so each client knows that you are the real estate professional who has provided them with the very best information.
• QR code allows clients to download the entire PDF report on their smartphone or tablet.
• Explanation of short sales and foreclosures and how they affect sale prices in your client’s neighborhood.
• Information on what goes into calculating the value of a home.
• Map of the comparable listings in the client’s area.
• List of comparable properties in the client’s area with listing status and price.
• Listing information and photos for all properties in the report used for comparison.
• Property analysis for active, expired, canceled and sold listings.
• The suggested listing price for the client’s listing.
• Commission breakdown.
• Additional information on why your client needs a real estate agent, strategic pricing and timing, and why first impressions with their property are important.

 

Customization and Mobile Access

You can customize your report in any way you like to communicate this information to your prospective clients. Choose your colors, fonts, page layout, and even create your own custom pages.

You can also create and send reports instantly. Just send an email from your computer, tablet, or smartphone and let us do the work!

Presentations can be shared via email, Twitter or Facebook, and work on all popular mobile devices, including the iPad®.

MLS Connection

Above all, Cloud CMA makes it easy to generate beautiful client reports by connecting directly with Paragon or Matrix. Cloud CMA pulls data directly from your MLS as well as top websites to create a winning real estate CMA with current listing information. Cloud CMA eliminates the guesswork for you, saves you time, and makes you look awesome.

 

PSAR Members access Cloud CMA along with many other tools from the login screen in Paragon or Matrix. 

Don't belong wot PSAR or CRMLS?  CloudCMA is available for $45/month.

 

Looking for ways to make your client feel safer throughout the buy/sell process?  By this time, most everyone is familiar with virtual meeting applications such as Zoom, Google Meet, Webex and the like.   But they require downloading their software utilities and managing accounts on their systems.

There is an alternative tool with which you may not be aware—zipConsult^®, available within zipForm Plus^®. With zipConsult^®, you can conduct online meetings with your clients to review contracts, conduct virtual tours, go over required paperwork prior to sending documents for signatures, or simply to stay connected.  And the best feature - it’s already in your technology toolbox if you are a San Diego county realtor and a PSAR member!

The great thing about this program is that it resides inside Zipforms Plus^®, so working with documents is easier. And you can host conference calls and meetings with multiple clients in multiple locations at the same time. 

Here are some of the feature/functions of zipConsult:

• Share your screen with clients online and review zipForm transactions: Once the meeting begins simply start screen sharing and display the document you’d like to share – it’s that easy. For further privacy, the screen sharing feature allows you to share only a specific application (program). The rest of your desktop will be hidden from the attendees’ view.

• Meet faster-- invite attendees utilizing saved contacts in your zipForm address book: zipConsult is integrated directly with zipForm Plus, so starting a meeting online is simple and quick. Select clients from the address book with no typing then connect, communicate and review faster than ever.
  
  
• Plan meetings and schedule them in advance: Within the advanced options the Schedule a Meeting option allows you to setup the date, time, and attendees in advanced. Also included in this interface is an email message editor to craft the personal invite that your attendees will receive.
  
  
• Video conferencing allows face to face client meetings online: Add a personal touch to meetings with a webcam. When you share your webcam feed it’s like being there in person. Up to six people can video conference at once
  
  
• Conference calling and text chat keep participants engaged: Your zipConsult account includes a conference call number with PIN codes, so participants can join by phone or computer mic and speakers. Encourage engagement with easy communication via easy conference calling and text chat.
  
  
• Meeting Notes: Keep detailed notes during the meeting for later review or reference. Notes can be kept private or public. Upon the conclusion of the meeting all notes can be emailed to attendees to share the results of the meeting or assigning follow up tasks.
  
  
• Create unlimited online meetings: Feel free to explore the value of meeting with clients online. Review zipForm transactions, review property disclosures, or discuss aspects of the transaction process.

So enhance your clients’ sense of well-being while at the same making your own virtual activities more efficient cost-free!  Just contact CAR to find out how to get started with zipConsult.

Don't want to watch the video?  Check out the slide deck here.

Not sure how  to use this?  Check how Realtor Wes Young used zipConsult on a transaction.

 

ShowingTime, available to CRMLS users at no additional cost, has made it easy to conduct showings virtually with its latest update.

Simply select “Virtual Showing” as the appointment type when verifying appointment details:

The showing agent may also add a note for the listing agent indicating which video conferencing solution they’d like to use for the showing.

Listing agents may also set their preferred appointment type to Virtual Showing.

 

For a full walkthrough of the Virtual Showing feature, visit the CRMLS Knowledgebase article.

 

The new SentriKeyTM Real Estate app offers you a simple design and action-based layout so you can get potential buyers in the home and get it sold. Simply download the app at Google Play or the App Store and get those showings scheduled.

You can learn more about the app and its versatile features by accessing our collection of educational tools that are sure to meet the needs of all types of users.

Educational Tools (click the links below)

• Webinar video
• iOS User Guide or Android User Guide
• Mobile Access Made Easy flyer
• How to Open the Key Compartment video
• Secure Temporary Access with SentriConnect flyer

 

These are just a few of the tools available to help you learn more about the SentriKey Real Estate app. Find how-to videos and frequently asked questions on the support page.

Clean listing data is an important CRMLS benefit; with a regulated, level playing field, agents can all do better business. 

San Diego Paragon: Violations That Do Not Require a Warning
This list of violations, if committed, may lead to a fine without a warning. These violations cannot be corrected, may give a violator an unfair marketing advantage, or egregiously violate San Diego Paragon rules and/or state or federal law.

CRMLS Matrix: Violations That Do Not Require a Warning
For those of you who use Matrix, please also familiarize yourself with this list of Matrix-specific violations that may lead to a fine without a prior warning.

Citation Notices, Fines, and the Citation Review Process
This is the Citation Review Process. (Pro Tip: make sure to correct the violation as soon as possible to prevent issuance of additional citations.)

California Regional MLS Compliance Center
CRMLS has developed a comprehensive Compliance Center to guide agents to all the Compliance resources available. Here you will find FAQs, exclude a listing from the MLS, chat with a CRMLS Compliance Analyst, or learn more about CRMLS Rules and Regulations.

Bookmark the links above and visit crmls.org/compliance for compliance questions.

Have you checked out Matrix? Most PSAR members use Paragon which is the product we have had for many years. It works great and we will support it for years to come. If you are looking to leverage the MLS to do more robust and targeted searches and you want to update listings on the go, Matrix may have some tools and benefits that fit your needs.

San Diego Agents who sell out of area have been joining PSAR and signing up for Matrix since PSAR aligned with CRMLS last fall. There is a strong case for agents selling inside San Diego to use Matrix. Some technologically savvy brokers have moved their entire offices to the platform for it's deep search capabilities, mobile friendliness and its rich listing data inside and outside of San Diego County.

PSAR offers choices. We have both the full version of Matrix and the full version of Paragon through CRMLS. Our Matrix offering is not a "hot link" in the MLS. In fact for just $6.50 per month our members can add Matrix as a second MLS and use both Matrix and Paragon. During the past two weeks there have been some big announcements for our Matrix users.

Last week CRMLS sent out an update to our Matrix users. List Price and Public/Private Remarks are now editable in the CRMLS App.

Today Corelogix which owns Matrix and Homesnap announced that they will join forces to integrate the platforms. The press release isn't specific about what this integration will look like, but we realize that many agents would love to see Homesnap Pro pull more MLS data and potentially incorporate an add/edit feature into the popular Homesnap Pro application.

CRMLS is well positioned as a platform that encourages competing vendors to innovate and create the very best technology for PSAR's MLS subscribers. These tools are here to empower Realtors.