To help sort out the issues, controversies, benefits, and fears surrounding Listing Syndication check out at this Slidecast presentation that was put together by Point2′s own Saul Klein and Linda Moola, which outlines the features and benefits of Listing Syndication to real estate professionals on all levels – from MLS/Associations, to Brokers and individual Agents.

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback we’d love to hear from you!

After eight years with the same real estate website provider, another real estate agent recently decided it was time to move on. He switched to Point2 Agent just two weeks ago.

The reason? Fully integrated listing syndication, which was brought to this agent’s attention by his MLS – one of the over 240 that have partnered with Point2.

But there’s more to syndication than meets the eye.

Syndication as a trend took off around three years ago. Adoption continues to accelerate today, with one of the key drivers being that automating the publishing of listing data eliminates manual data entry and updates on third party websites, both very time consuming, error prone processes that can legally expose the agent and the broker, and unnecessarily tax productivity.

Data accuracy online and agent security are therefore two critical benefits that syndication helps the broker, the agent and their MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to manage more effectively.

Inaccurate or conflicting listings with two different prices, on two different websites, for example, can also create confusion amongst consumers.

Last but not least is wider exposure to more buyers online. Around one third of home buyers start their property search on the Internet, and over 90 percent today use the web as part of the overall property process! With the number of consumer real estate portals on the increase, syndication using an integrated website platform allows the agent to expand their advertising, access online traffic reports and generate leads without having to as much as lift a finger.

And if the syndication service is offered through the agent’s MLS, such as the case with the customer we mentioned earlier, listings also get uploaded on his own website as well, further cutting down the work needed to establish and maintain his website.

The MLS as such becomes the single point of data entry. Enter the data once, publish many times.

That is why today we are proud to announce the latest initiative in our quest for data accuracy in Listing Syndication – MLS Certified.

The program, launched beginning with the state of Texas will feature the MLS Certified™ logo on Realtors’ listings received from local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) organizations and associations and displayed on the Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR) website.

A symbol of authority, quality and accuracy, MLS Certified™ is designed to instill in consumers the confidence that they are browsing original, timely and accurate real estate listings originating from the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

Want to learn more about MLS Certified™ and what it means for listings syndicated by Point2?  Check out our FAQ page.  Or if you have any questions or comments, we would love to hear them.

What does this mean exactly?

The partnership gives Point2 Agent members access to Proxio’s Global Referral Network.  Point2 Agent users will gain access to Proxio’s subscription-based referral network in over 100 countries, enabling them to market in areas typically beyond their reach. Proxio’s 19 language translation technology will also allow participating agents to market to multicultural clients in their own language, including through multilingual websites and social media.

Furthermore, Proxio subscribers will now have access to Point2′s listing syndication network.  Proxio users around the world will be able to tap Point2’s listing syndication network of over 60 third party real estate consumer websites, search engines, auction and classifieds advertising sites in North America, giving them easy access to one of the largest markets worldwide and enabling them to generate leads at no added cost.

For more details, check out the official press release right here.

Here’s a peek at just a few of the items we were able to bring along:

Each year the workshop for MLS executives explores new technologies, services, marketing and business practices relevant to the industry and takes a look at how companies around the world are exploding with innovation in today’s industry.  This year’s event covered everything from mobile strategies to syndication, with the topic of the conference being ‘Innovation’.

Prior to the workshop getting under way, there was even a day at the race track – there’s Linda, Point’s Director of MLS & Association Services gearing up for the speedway:

It was great time indeed, and a huge thanks to Clareity Consulting and everyone else who made it one heck of an event!

Read the full press release here.

Please join me in welcoming the first organization from Utah to the growing list of MLSs and Associations from all across North America.

If you’re a Point2 Agent member belonging to Washington County Board of REALTORS®, you’ll be able to automatically import your listings directly from your MLS to your Point2 Agent site.  To do this you’ll just need to link your newly provided Syndication Dashboard to your existing Point2 Agent account.  It’s super easy to do, and you can find step-by-step instructions in our User Manual.

We’ve been busy with new MLSs and Associations coming on board.  Your organization could be next.  Contact your MLS/Association and let them know you want Point2 Listing Syndication.  You can refer them to the contact form at www.listingsyndication.com to request more information from us.