RMLS™ will soon be making a few changes to the menu bar on RMLSweb, making the site function better for mobile users. Subscribers should see the new look and feel as early as Tuesday, November 15th.

The new menu bar design on RMLSweb will be device-responsive—subscribers using mobile devices (and desktop users who decrease their browser width) will see the menu as icon on the left side of the page.

Touching the icon will expand the menu, at which point a user can then select the desired menu item from the stacked list.

Specific menu items won’t change, with one minor exception. The user name will be moved from above and made a menu item itself, under which subscribers can shortcut to User Preferences or log off.

RMLS™ knows how many real estate professionals access RMLSweb using their mobile device in the field. We’re happy to bring a feature to the site that should make this field access run more smoothly.

Questions? Subscribers can always contact the RMLS™ Help Desk at (503) 872-8002 or (877) 256-2169 about this or any other technical needs.

Our subscribers have spoken, and RMLS™ will be poring over every comment in the coming weeks. Over 2,700 subscribers took the 2016 RMLS™ Subscriber Satisfaction Survey, doing their part to voice their opinions and help us guide the organization into 2017.

This annual survey is crucial in the RMLSweb development process, as subscriber feedback can lead to RMLSweb improvements the following year. Data from the survey also helps set priorities for the organization as a whole, identifies areas of improvement in each department, and acts as an overall indicator of how the organization is performing.

Detail-oriented subscribers may have noticed the rating system change from a five-point to a ten-point scale this year. This was at the request of the RMLS™ Board of Directors. While this change eliminated the safety of a “neutral” option, doubling the number on a past survey response offered an easy way to compare results from previous years.

How did RMLS™ fare in this challenging year? Let’s have a look at a couple of key questions.

OVERALL SATISFACTION

RMLS™ subscribers rated their overall satisfaction as an 8.4. Adjusted for the new rating system, the overall score on this same question in 2015 was 7.6.

Opinions about every single survey question varied wildly, and this big question was no different.

Comments:
“RMLS™ always does a great job responding to my questions or problems.”
“Better than it’s ever been, but still not rockin’ it.”
“Very friendly staff, just a bit costly to me, being a new agent.”
“If I was more familiar, it would be more valuable.”
“I would like to see more ‘appraiser friendly’ search options.”
“Perfect service.”
“I am a member of three other MLS services and RMLS™ is head and shoulders above them all.”
“Darn close to invaluable.”

RMLSWEB PROJECTS THAT HELPED YOUR BUSINESS

RMLS™ released several improvements to RMLSweb since the previous survey. Few of these changes impacted all 13,000 subscribers the same way, but taking metrics gives us information on where RMLS™ got the most bang for its development buck.

Ten projects were listed, with the scores ranging from 7.1 to 8.9. Topping the list at 8.9, the clear winner was the new RMLSweb photo loader, capable of loading up to 36 images for each listing. Listing View Counts Emails followed with an overall score of 8.4. Increasing the frequency of auto-emails placed next on the list at 8.2, with prospecting notification frequency and roster improvements both landing at 8.0.

OREF/zipForm integration showed up at 7.8 and RPR single sign-on at 7.7. Next, RPR flyer integration and the new RMLSweb mapping system tied at 7.3, with the new photo watermarks closing the list at 7.1.

In 2015, RMLS™ listed four system improvements, with ratings (adjusted) ranging from 6.6 to 7.0.

Comments:
“I hate to admit that I didn’t know about most of these, but am looking forward to learning more about them!”
“The new mapping system is nice!”
“The new mapping tool is okay.”
“Not a fan of the new maps.”
“Anything new in regards to photos/logos/editing is always helpful.”
“I love the increase in photo count!”
“The photo watermarks are great, the virtually staged is helpful too.”
“These questions make me think I need a class as I am not using half of the improvements.”
“While these features sound good, the implementation of them is often clunky.”
“Almost none of this has anything to do with appraisers.”
“LOVE the watermarks – super handy for new construction/purposed homes!!!!!”
“RPR is fabulous! So glad to have it as an additional tool for my use!”
“I think RMLS™ has done a good job, and I appreciate the changes.”
“Thank you!”

THIRSTING FOR MORE?

Respondents were sometimes open about their lack of knowledge about RMLSweb. Perhaps they were unfamiliar with the full suite of features or had no idea an improvement had been made that might make their day go easier.

If you’re wanting more education about RMLSweb, our trainers can help! RMLS™ trainers are constantly teaching subscribers the finer points of RMLSweb in one of the RMLS™ offices, online, and even on the road! Contact the RMLS™ trainers at (503) 236-7657 to discuss your needs and set up an appointment.

Now that the big picture is taken care of, each department at RMLS™ will start digging deep into individual responses over the coming weeks. If you completed the survey, you might hear from us! We frequently contact subscribers to answer a question or clarify a comment before moving forward.

Subscribers who helped us out with this crucial survey by giving us your thoughts, thanks again! We hope the results will help us shape RMLSweb over the next year to make it even better.

Ask Technical Terry is a series RMLS™ aims to offer once a month. RMLS™ subscribers will drive the content—submit any question about RMLS™ to Technical Terry in the comments or by emailing communications@rmls.com. Don’t be shy—we won’t identify you by name.

Dear Technical Terry:

Can you tell me when I need to submit an Authorization to Exclude from MLS Addendum to RMLS™? I recently sent in a form and later learned it was unnecessary.

NRVOUS

Dear NRVOUS:

Don’t be afraid, you’re not the only person who has sent this form to us in error. It sounds like you’re familiar with the changes we recently made to the form, so you’re already ahead of the game.

If you have a signed contract and are not publishing the listing within 72 hours but still do want to market the property before that time, the Authorization to Exclude from MLS Addendum (Document #1260) is required. Complete the form and send it to RMLS™ within 72 hours of signing a listing contract.

There are other scenarios that would require this document to be completed as well, but it can be confusing. RMLS™ is here to help! Contact RMLS™ Data Accuracy at (503) 236-7657 or write us an email if you’re ever unsure about whether your situation requires submission of this form.

Technical Terry:

Why did RMLS™ redo the Office Exclusive form? As my uncle always said, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…

Donald in Sutherlin

Hi Donald—great question. My uncle always used to say time heals all wounds. He died of an infected bedsore at the age of 76. But I digress…

I reached out to our Data Accuracy expert Vallerie Bush for more information about the story behind the new Authorization to Exclude from MLS form.

Vallerie reports that the name of the form itself was changed to better reflect what the form is being used for: when a seller is choosing to exclude their listing from RMLSweb. This could be the duration of the listing contract or a shorter length of time.

The look of the form also changed a bit, but the content is pretty similar. After each paragraph, the seller is asked to initial each point reflecting their understanding of each.

What’s the big idea behind these changes? The committee wants sellers to be informed about the value of listing their property on a multiple listing service, and precisely what they’re opting out of by signing the form.

Finally, Vallerie points out that because the title of the form changed, the RMLS™ Rules and Regulations and listing contracts for Oregon and Washington were also updated to reflect the new title.

Does that help, Donald? If you’re looking to dig deeper, we do have a FAQ document on RMLSweb about the Authorization to Exclude changes.

Hello, Technical Terry:

The other night I was checking out some Agent Fulls on RMLSweb and clicked on the listing agent’s name. A box came up with the agent’s name, contact information…and their photo! How did they get their photo to display on the report?

Peanut Butter and Jelly Jacqueline

Hello PB+JJ:

It sounds like you may have missed the RMLSweb roster improvements we made back in January. Uploading an agent photo as part of your roster information is so simple, you might be embarrassed when I tell you how to do it. Navigate to User Preferences—get there by clicking on your name on the upper right corner of RMLSweb.

Choose the tab on the left that says “My Photo.”

Then click Browse to select the photo file, and click the Upload button to finish. Voilà! Your photo will appear whenever agents click your name in an Agent Full or search for your roster information.

We’d love to see a sea of friendly REALTOR® faces on RMLSweb, so get that photo uploaded! Thanks for your question, PB+JJ.

RMLS™ is combining forces with HomeSpotter to bring an easy-to-use mobile app to RMLS™ subscribers on Monday, September 12th.

Activating the HomeSpotter app will give instant access to RMLSweb listing information to RMLS™ subscribers out in the field. HomeSpotter offers a simple interface for ease of use, and can call up details on a listing in less time than it takes to sign in to RMLSweb.

HOMESPOTTER FEATURES

HomeSpotter can easily find listings by typing in a MLS number, address, city, or ZIP code.

The app can also use location data to display a map of nearby listings that have been on the market over the last year. Zooming in on the map will reveal more listings than can be seen in the top-level view.

If all else fails, HomeSpotter can even use your phone’s camera and location to pinpoint a listing that’s right in front of you! Activate this feature, navigate the screen to the property in question, and HomeSpotter will deliver listing information in a flash.

HomeSpotter’s other tools include a menu item to quickly access your own listings, access to the RMLSweb agent roster to connect with with another RMLS™ subscriber, and a handy mortgage calculator.

SOUND INTERESTING?

Download HomeSpotter on your mobile device through the Apple App Store or Google Play. Activate your account with a unique activation code found on RMLSweb by clicking on “Homespotter” under the Toolkit menu.

Downloading the app and using this service is completely free to RMLS™ subscribers.

JOIN A WEBINAR

HomeSpotter will hold two training webinars next week to give RMLS™ subscribers a guided tour of the app. Sign up for a webinar on Tuesday, September 13th at 2:00pm-2:30pm or Thursday, September 15th from 10:00am-10:30am. HomeSpotter will give a demonstration of the app and then open the floor to questions from the group.

If you’re in need of a friendly mobile option for referring to RMLSweb listings, we hope you’ll find HomeSpotter an invaluable tool.

Ask Technical Terry is a series RMLS™ aims to offer once a month. RMLS™ subscribers will drive the content—submit any question about RMLS™ to Technical Terry in the comments or by emailing communications@rmls.com. Don’t be shy—we won’t identify you by name.

Dear Technical Terry:

There’s a listing I have in Hillsboro that hasn’t sold despite the low inventory and hot activity happening in the Portland metro area. I want this thing to sell! To that end, I’ve cancelled the listing on RMLSweb three times…and then created a new listing for the same property. This way, the days on market will stay low and I’ll get more eyeballs from area brokers. Why doesn’t RMLS™ teach people about this?

Hotsheet Harry

Dear Harry:

I’ve got some bad news for you—you’re doing a lot of extra work relisting your property for no reason!

On the back end of RMLSweb, changing a listing’s status to Pending, Sold, Withdrawn, Cancelled, or Expired will trigger an off-market date. If the property is relisted within 31 days of that off-market date, the listing will still show cumulative days on market (CDOM). Have a look at RMLS™ Document #1742, How CDOM is Calculated for more on this.

If the property has been off the market for more than 31 days and it’s relisted, that listing will just show regular days on market (DOM).

Here’s an idea. If your property isn’t selling (or even if it’s new on the market), try your hand at the Reverse Prospecting tool on RMLSweb. Reverse Prospecting searches for other brokers with a saved prospecting profile that matches the criteria for your listing. Check out RMLSweb Document #1772, Reverse Prospecting, and give it a try! This way, you can target your marketing efforts on those brokers with clients shopping for precisely what you’re selling.

TT:

Last week my eagle-eyed clients asked about the photo that appeared on a listing I sent them. The listing said the house was under construction, but the photo showed the exterior of the house, complete with landscaping! Was this a listing error I need to submit to RMLS™ staff or is Photoshopping really getting that good?

Betty in Battle Ground

BBG:

Isn’t it amazing how far we’ve come in these matters, when it’s possible to transport yourself to the sunny beaches of Hawaii with the magic of digital image manipulation? It can be difficult to discern whether Elvis is really alive and running for President or if Bigfoot really did lose 150 pounds.

Those are bad examples, but RMLS™ has noticed some confusion about listing photos and just released a watermark feature in order to address the issue.

If your listing photo has what we in the biz call “virtual staging” (meaning someone used computer technology to add furniture and other decorative items to a listing photo), you’ll need to add the “Virtually Staged” watermark to the photo.

Similarly, if your RMLSweb listing is marked as Proposed or Under Construction but features photographs of an actual built house, you’ll need to add the “Sample Image” watermark to the photo.

If your listing photo features both a model home and has been virtually staged, you’ll need to add both watermarks!

Read more and watch a short video about the new RMLSweb watermarks here. This RMLSweb feature has been folded into the RMLS™ Rules and Regulations, so you’ll want to check your current listings.

Dear Technical Terry:

My entire office staff consists of me, myself, and I. Instead of spending my day creating listing flyers in Microsoft Word, I’d rather be out in the world showing my clients some listings. Or snagging some new clients. Perhaps shopping for client gifts. In short, doing anything but wrangling with Microsoft Word! Do you have any suggestions on how I might be able to tackle listing flyers in a better way?

Sincerely,
Riddled in Riddle

Great question, Riddled. We recommend the flyer module available on Realtors Property Resource® (RPR). Look for a direct link on RMLSweb under the Toolkit menu, then enter a valid RMLSweb listing number to open the flyer module in a new tab.

Data from your listing will already be pre-loaded—confirm the property address at minimum, and personalize the flyer as you’d like. Once the flyer is ready to go, select the delivery method and click “Run Report.” Your flyer will be ready to go in a jiffy.

Ever find an under construction listing on RMLSweb and wonder why an actual home appears in the photographs? Ever show an empty house and wonder where all the furniture in the listing photos went? We’d like to help.

RMLS™ will release a new feature Monday, August 22nd, designed to help clarify listing photos uploaded to RMLSweb. Two types of photos will now require watermarks: photos with virtual staging, and photos of a model home.

Photos that are virtually staged include furniture and other items that have been added electronically to a photograph. Under construction or proposed listings that feature an actual built house in photographs are not an exact representation of the listed property, and as such will need to be flagged as a sample image.

If you have a listing with either or both of these features, you can set the watermark(s) in Listing Load on RMLSweb. Open the photo loader, and check the appropriate box(es) in the right hand corner. Don’t forget to save the changes.

Checking these boxes will create watermarks on listing photos that read “virtually staged” or “sample image,” eliminating confusion about the photographs.

Saving a photo with checkbox(es) marked permanently alters the image stored on RMLS™ servers. This means if you accidentally add a watermark in error, you’ll need to delete the photo and upload a clean copy using the photo loader.

Do note that when preparing a new listing, the listing will need to be published before the Sample Image box is available in Listing Load.

The RMLS™ Rules and Regulations have been revised to reflect these new photo requirements, which take effect as soon as the feature is rolled out on Monday, August 22nd.

Confused by the new change? Need advice about a specific listing? Contact the RMLS™ Help Desk at (503) 872-8002 or (877) 256-2169.

REALTORS®, if you’re looking for an easy way to make a snazzy listing flyer, RMLS™ has just introduced a great solution. RMLSweb now features a direct link from the Toolkit menu to the RPR flyer module.

Look for the RPR Flyer option under the Toolkit menu on RMLSweb. Enter a valid RMLSweb listing number into the box that appears and click the Yes button. A new tab will open RPR reports with the RPR flyer module selected.

There can be some lag time between listings being entered in RMLSweb and data availability on RPR. If you just published or updated your listing, it could take up to four hours for the RPR data to catch up with the RMLSweb listing.

Once inside the RPR flyer module, be sure to confirm the property address and personalize as you wish. Once the edits are complete, select your desired delivery method (display now or send as an email) and click the Run Report button at the bottom. When the bell dings, your flyer will be ready!

Questions about this new option on RMLSweb? Contact the RMLS™ Help Desk at (503) 872-8002 or (877) 256-2169.

Ask Technical Terry is a series RMLS™ aims to offer once a month. RMLS™ subscribers will drive the content—submit any question about RMLS™ to Technical Terry in the comments or by emailing communications@rmls.com. Don’t be shy—we won’t identify you by name.

Dear Technical Terry-

Is there an easy way to get a listing report to fit on one page? Currently I click on PDF and then Print, but then the margins cut off the top of the page and leave lots of white space at the bottom. Sometimes the second page only has one or two lines of text, which is just a waste of paper.

Sincerely,
Marginalized

Dear Marginalized:

First things first—whenever you’re printing from RMLSweb, use the Print button that appears on the site for best results. Here’s where to find it:

When you do not see a Print button within RMLSweb, use the browser’s File and Print command. You can get the same thing done by right-clicking and selecting Print.

Adjusting Print Margins

In the past there were specific margin settings to set in your browser to allow an Agent Full report to print on a single page. As browsers have evolved in number and versions, there are no longer “one size fits all” settings. Printing setup has become more complicated! Margin settings may vary between browsers and between printers, so you may need to set and adjust the margins on the machine you’re using to achieve your desired result.

If you’re embarking on a big print job, my colleagues at the RMLS™ Help Desk suggest that you test the print settings with a single listing first. If you need to alter the settings, you can do so before sending the whole kit and caboodle to print.

Here are some web links that provide instructions on accessing the print setup in a few major browsers:
• Firefox
• Chrome
• Safari
• Internet Explorer print adjustment can be tricky. We recommend reading Printing from RMLSweb (Document #1769) in RMLSweb Forms and Documents.

In some rare instances, no matter how much margin adjusting you do, there will always be an additional page printed out instead of just printing to a single page. If that happens, turn the document into a PDF first, then delete the extra page or just print the one(s) you need.

Good luck! If you have further questions, contact the RMLS™ Help Desk at (503) 872-8002 or toll free at (877) 256-2169.

Sincerely,
Technical Terry

Hello Technical Terry:

RMLS™ has certainly been making a hullaballoo about this new billing system that’s coming to RMLSweb. What’s the big deal? Can you talk a little more about it?

Will Billerston

Hello Will:

Ever force yourself to squeeze into a pair of pants that were two sizes too small? That’s essentially what RMLS™ has been doing the last several years with its existing accounting software. A core team of RMLS™ staff has been working with vendors for over a year on this project!

Here’s what it means for RMLS™ subscribers:
• RMLS™ will be able to accept more forms of payment
• A friendlier user interface than subscribers saw in Internet Member Services (IMS)
• Increased credit card security
• RMLS™ staff will be able to assist you with multiple types of issues in one call or visit
• Dual licensees will have just one set of login credentials, switching back and forth between licenses easily.

Want to read more about the improved RMLSweb billing system?

Changing a system that is such an integral part of RMLSweb is no easy task, but we’ve been trying to roll out the change slowly in order to avoid disruptions to YOUR access of RMLSweb. RMLS™ staff are really excited about the new system and hope subscribers enjoy it just as much as we do.

Best—T.

Meet My.RMLS.com.

RMLS™ will soon introduce this all-new payment system on RMLSweb—but the rollout will be a bit more gradual than originally reported in order to make the transition less disruptive to RMLS™ subscribers.

Instead of rolling out the new system in full on Tuesday, RMLS™ subscribers will have a week (May 24-May 30) to sort out their new login credentials. Beginning May 24, RMLSweb will offer subscribers the option of logging in with their existing RMLSweb credentials OR by using their email address and password.

IMPORTANT: Verify Your Login Information This Week

Beginning Tuesday, May 24th, subscribers are highly encouraged to log in to My.RMLS.com using their new login credentials to verify their information. Users will need to log in using the email address associated with their account and their existing RMLSweb password (Private ID). Once logged in, the system will require a password change.

The email address for logging in will be the one most recently specified in the Association Email address on Internet Member Services. RMLS™ recently sent an email to current subscribers about verifying/changing this address in preparation for this system change.

RMLS™ subscribers who do not verify their login credentials on My.RMLS.com before Tuesday, May 31st risk experiencing disruption to their business once the new system is live.

Full Rollout on Tuesday, May 31st

At approximately 9am on Tuesday, May 31st, the login screen for RMLSweb will change. All RMLS™ subscribers will log in using their email address and password as verified the previous week on My.RMLS.com.

Due to these changes, RMLS™ billing for the third quarter will take place a week later than usual. Bills will still be due on June 25th.

As always, users experiencing difficulties with verifying their information on My.RMLS.com or just unable to log in should contact the RMLS™ Help Desk at (503) 872-8002 for assistance.

Big transitions can be difficult and result in longer wait times. RMLS™ staff have been trained for this transition and will do their best to assist subscribers quickly. RMLS™ thanks subscribers for their patience during this transition.

UPDATE (May 27, 2016):

Due to some technical issues experienced by users this week, RMLS™ will be delaying the roll-out of the new RMLSweb login screen. RMLS™ subscribers, watch the RMLSweb desktop page this week for the latest developments.

A big transition is on the horizon for subscribers when RMLS™ changes its billing and subscriber management system. This change—which we anticipate will take place in late May—will affect every single RMLS™ subscriber, but each person will be impacted a little differently. Take note of the following changes:

A New Approach to Logging In

All RMLS™ subscribers will have a different login name and see a different login screen when accessing RMLSweb. The email address that appears on the RMLSweb roster will now be your user name. (Subscribers with licenses in both Oregon and Washington will have one login and password like everyone else.)

This means subscribers should log in to RMLSweb before May 13th to confirm their email address. Access User Preferences on RMLSweb and confirm the email address that appears in the RMLSweb Contact Email field—that email address is what your new login will be once the transition happens. (See update below.)

Due to account security, RMLS™ staff will be unable to help subscribers who have lost their password in this new system. Instead, the login screen will feature a password reset link.

One Call Does It All

Contacting RMLS™ can involve a transfer from department to department. A centralized system means callers should be able to take care of multiple needs in just one stop. Subscribers will be able to manage more account information on RMLSweb as well, meaning less of a need to wait until a particular office is open to take care of a pressing issue.

Billing and Payments: You’re In Control

Changing this system will give subscribers access to more billing and payment options. One perk of this higher-security system: RMLS™ will now be able to accept ACH, eChecks, and checks by phone for payment!

Subscribers will be able to directly manage email address(es) where bills are sent. Have a personal assistant or accountant? No problem! They both need a copy of your bill? Also no problem! You’re in control of how bills from RMLS™ are routed.

RMLS™ subscribers will also be able to manage personal assistant accounts online rather than contacting RMLS™.

However, RMLS™ subscribers enrolled in the auto-pay program will need to re-enroll. RMLS™ will contact subscribers once the systems are in place to re-enroll in auto-pay—keep an eye out in the coming weeks. Everyone will receive a bill on June 1st unless there is a credit balance on the account.

Smoother Event Registration

Attending a RMLS™ Broker Education Series (BES) event or trade fair? Registration will be handled using this new subscriber management system. RMLS™ staff will be able to register subscribers for classes, as well as modify or cancel event registrations.

Changing a system that is such an integral part of RMLSweb is no small task, but it was a long-needed change, and we’re all in this together. RMLS™ staff will receive training to ensure a smooth transition and ease subscribers through the process.

RMLS™ will soon reach out to smaller groups of subscribers via email about other more specific changes. Continue to watch RMLScentral and the RMLSweb desktop for updates in the coming weeks.

UPDATE (May 9, 2016):

Subscribers should still log in to RMLSweb before May 13th to confirm their email address, but the email address used for the new system will be the Association Email address listed in Internet Member Services (IMS) instead of the RMLSweb Contact Email field. Contact the RMLS™ Help Desk at (503) 872-8002 if you need assistance making this change.