RMLS™ and Supra are working together to test a new tool that will assist you with assigning an address or MLS number to your lockboxes. Using MLS and shackle release data, the system will send suggested matches to you via email. The test begins on Tuesday, May 22, and will last for approximately 60 days.
Why Are We Participating?
Our subscribers have told us they would like to have more pinpoint statistics when it comes to lockboxes. Ultimately, the proposed changes being tested would increase the rate and accuracy of lockbox assignments. It would also allow us to break down the lockbox statistics by specific areas.
Benefits of Assigning a MLS Number or Address to a Lockbox
First, when you receive a showing alert it will include the address. At a glance you’ll know which property was shown. Secondly, when viewing showing reports within Supra, the address and MLS number will be included. Finally, knowing where the boxes are physically will eventually allow RMLS™ and Supra provide market activity data that is specific to zip codes and/or specific geographic areas, etc.
How the Lockbox Assistant Beta Test Works
The lockbox assignment tool takes new MLS listings, and recent lockbox shackle releases and then tries to predict which lockbox goes with a given listing. In general, within a few days of putting a lockbox on a home, a new MLS listing is created or vice versa. The system is designed to look for these two events and then make an assignment suggestion.
So for instance, on Monday an agent enters a new listing into the MLS. On Tuesday the agent- puts a lockbox on the house (i.e. releases the shackle), the Supra system will see these two events and send an email to the agent asking if the lockbox is on that listing, at that specific address. If the suggestion is correct, the agent just has to click on a link in the email to be taken to Supra, and then click on the assignment button to confirm the assignment. See the sample email below.
There might also be situations where a given agent might have created two new listings and the system cannot be sure which listing goes with a given lockbox. In this situation, the agent would receive an email for each listing with a couple of potential assignment choices. They would choose the correct lockbox, and the assignment will be made. If neither choice is correct, a link to SupraWEB is provided and the assignment can be made manually. See sample email below.
How Does This Beta Test Affect You?
The only impact will be that you begin to receive emails asking you to confirm or choose a location assignment for your lockbox. You do not have to participate—you can ignore the emails. However, your participation would be greatly appreciated. It will allow Supra to tweak the system – see what’s working and makes changes as needed. Ultimately, our subscribers will benefit because when fully implemented Supra will be able to offer more targeted information about showing activity.
If you have any questions please contact Shannon Henry, Customer Service Manager at 503-872-8065 or shannon.h(at)rmls(dot)com.
Excellent idea. The current way this is handled is very cumbersome. Thank you for working on this!