Did you know that 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of RMLS™?

RMLS™ staff members have been visiting association meetings this year to deliver thank yous and anniversary-themed goodies, as our partners around the region have been absolutely vital to the success of RMLS™ since 1991.

Attendees of both the RMLS™ Spring Education Summit and Trade Fair in Portland and the RMLS™ Fall Trade Fair in Pendleton enjoyed an anniversary-themed event, complete with balloons and cupcakes. RMLS™ would not be the member-driven multiple listing service it is today without the passion and involvement of our subscribers!

Perhaps you enjoyed our anniversary-related blog posts or noticed the anniversary logo this year on RMLSweb or elsewhere online.

Now it’s time to close out the year with a bang!

First, we’re pleased to present a video about RMLS™…

Help RMLS™ celebrate by showing the video in your office meeting—perhaps your principal broker can remember the days of listing books or the STELLAR system. You may even share the video with clients to explain the role RMLS™ plays in their property transaction! A shorter (1:19) version of the video is available here.

EVERYONE WINS WITH RMLS™

RMLS™ will close out this silver anniversary with a month of giveaways. We’ll be giving away 25 prizes in December, one for each year RMLS™ has been serving REALTORS® in the Pacific northwest.

Each week in December, we’ll spotlight a couple of RMLS™ departments who will choose a couple of lucky subscribers to receive a $50 gift card from Amazon, Home Depot, or Best Buy. If you’ve had an interaction with the RMLS™ Help Desk, Account Services, Training, Data Accuracy, Distribution Services, or the Front Desk in 2016, you’ll be automatically entered for these giveaways.

We have more to give away! Tell us how RMLS™ has impacted your real estate career in an email to communications@rmls.com—and you’ll be entered to win a cookie basket to share with your office or an iPad Air 2!

GIFT CARD WINNERS!

Data Accuracy:
Cy Vandermeer, Blue Pacific Realty (Brookings)
Cindy Whipple, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services NW Real Estate (Eugene)
Beth Earnest, Earnest and Associates Real Estate (Portland)

Distribution Services:
Andy Harris, Home Team Realty (Portland)
Ray Penny, NextHome All State Real Estate (Coos Bay)
Hunter Finch, Bandon Property (Bandon)

Front Desk:
Sherri Brown, Century 21 The Neil Company (Roseburg)
Steve Betts, Coldwell Banker Seal (Vancouver)
Nadia Mulyar, Premiere Property Group (Vancouver)

Payment Assistance (formerly Accounting):
Myra Pfenning, Investors Choice, Inc (Oregon City)
Rocky Mikesell, Blue Jeans Realty (Pendleton)
Sherri Adams, Coldwell Banker Seal (Vancouver)

Training:
Emily Siskin, Premiere Property Group (Clackamas)
Cristina Tran, Better Homes and Gardens (Portland)
Sondra McFeters, Portland Digs (Portland)

Help Desk:
Sally Haskin, Ross Pacific Realty (Vancouver)
Zoe Brady, Equinox Real Estate (Eugene)
Richard Compton, Keller Williams Realty Professionals (Portland)

Check back with this post throughout December for a list of winners.

This post was last updated December 22, 2016.

The RMLS™ server room ca. 1996.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of RMLS™. Throughout the year, RMLS™ Executive Assistant Angel Johnstone will be writing about people who have been vital to the 25 year history of RMLS™. This month, she explores technology with Greg Moore, RMLS™ Vice President of Technical Systems.

As the 25th anniversary of RMLS™ slides through the home stretch, let’s have a look at 25 years of technological development of RMLS™.

In the early days at RMLS™, all listings were published in large books like the ones shown above. These books were published bimonthly and mailed out to subscriber brokerages.

When the internet was considered “the wave of the future,” RMLS™ evolved in step, at first offering digitized data through a network of terminals called Stellar. These terminals were installed in offices and maintained by RMLS™ staff. RMLSweb was launched in 2001, and the company soon purchased code from a company called HomeSeekers in 2002. Since that time, all RMLSweb development has been executed in-house, with subscribers interacting with this system every day when they log in to RMLSweb.

Greg Moore, RMLS™ Vice President of Technical Systems, has been the lead for coding development at RMLS™ since the original HomeSeekers code was purchased. He originally connected with RMLS™ as a vendor selling MLS software and was later offered a contract position to develop software in-house.

In chatting with Greg, I asked how his team stays ahead of the curve to keep RMLS™ relevant in the swiftly changing tech world. He replied, “I’m like a geek at heart—I read a lot of technology publications but I also have a wonderful set of peers in the industry across the country doing very similar work. About 20-30 of us meet regularly and I have an excellent team of developers at RMLS™ who help us stay current as well.”

Greg noted some of the highlights his team has incorporated over the years, such as the function of drawing on a screen, integrating an overall rich body of information, producing mashups, and creating link sharing. He explained, “it’s important that we evolve with technology and we hope to do so gracefully. We are primarily focused on supporting the brokers and understanding our role in that function.”

Just like transitioning listing books to the internet, lockbox products have had to evolve with the latest technology to stay relevant. This evolution started from a simple lockbox with a key and/or combination to lockboxes that function with Palm Pilots (remember those?) and today’s lockboxes with app connectivity. We’ll even see Bluetooth operated lockboxes in the near future! Throughout these changes RMLS™ has endeavored to keep its subscribership at the forefront of lockbox technology.

Change has the ability to ruffle feathers, as most changes offer challenges, but under the direction of the RMLS™ Board of Directors, RMLS™ strives to offer its subscribers exceptional service with efficient, savvy tools. As Greg put it, “we need to be nimble and unafraid of change.”

RMLS™ has evolved endlessly over the last 25 years—from Dave Koch helping establish the organization to expanding across Oregon and Southwest Washington; from listing books to a comprehensive listing website; from simple to intricate lockboxes. RMLS™ has not only grown in size, but in measure and quality of service it offers subscribers. We’ve learned a lot over the last quarter century and look forward to the next, equally enthusiastic about what lies ahead as we are about our accomplishments and the lessons we’ve encountered along the way.

Thank you for your subscribership—you are, after all, the reason RMLS™ exists!

This year marks the 25th anniversary of RMLS™. Throughout the year, RMLS™ Executive Assistant Angel Johnstone will be writing about topics vital to the 25 year history of RMLS™. This month, she explores the RMLS™ expansion into Lane County with Springfield-area REALTOR® Lori Palermo.

Less than a decade after its formation, RMLS™ began expanding. In the interest of exploring the perspective from a local subscriber in the early years of RMLS™ growth and its relevance in the Lane County area, I caught up with Lori Palermo of Palermo Real Estate in Springfield, OR. Lori, who also serves on the RMLS™ Board of Directors, remembers, “I was on the task force formed by the Greater Lane County MLS to investigate a ‘merger.’ I was skeptical at first, but quickly came to realize and still believe that our joining RMLS™ was the best business decision that the leadership in Lane County has ever made.”

RMLS™ was formed in 1990, serving four associations in the Portland metro area—Clackamas County Association of REALTORS®, Multnomah County Association of REALTORS®, Washington County Association of REALTORS®, and East Metro Association of REALTORS®. As RMLS™ quickly gained footing in the northwestern area of Oregon it was apparent that there was opportunity for growth outside the initial areas served.

In 1999 RMLS™ experienced its first expansion into Douglas County. Shortly thereafter, RMLS™ reached Coos County, an area that had previously been served by five multiple listing services. In that same year RMLS™ was invited to Lane County to provide a presentation of its service platform, becoming a primary service area by 2001. RMLS™ CEO Kurt von Wasmuth comments, “while RMLS™ had been a sort of ‘city MLS,’ it became obvious that the expansion into Lane County solidified RMLS™ as the future statewide MLS.”

In the photo above, former RMLS™ President Beth Murphy holds up the signed agreement to begin RMLS™ service in Lane County.

A little more from my interview with Lori (edited for clarity and length, with her answers in blue):

When did you become a REALTOR®?
October 1993. I was working as a receptionist at my dad’s real estate company part-time and he offered to pay for my schooling if I would go get my license, so I did! Three days after I received my license in the mail, he took me to a Springfield Board of REALTORS® meeting and volunteered me for a committee! I’ve been volunteering with that board since.

Springfield and Eugene are next door neighbors. From your perspective, how is Springfield different from Eugene?
How long do I have? While both have their strengths and weaknesses, I think what separates the two are their politics. Springfield is more conservative, Eugene more liberal. In Eugene the mayor and city council are paid. In Springfield it is all volunteer. I believe that Springfield is more pro-growth than Eugene. The property taxes are typically lower and the utilities more affordable in Springfield. Eugene is about three times larger than Springfield and is home to a major university. The school district and park district are great in Springfield and the citizens really support their public safety professionals. Eugene has had some challenges in that area. Eugene likes to be seen as progressive and internationally recognized, and Springfield greatly values its hometown feel. Springfield’s motto is, “Proud History. Bright Future.”

In what ways are Springfield and Eugene similar?
Both value outdoor space, recreation, travel, and tourism. Both see the value in attracting new business. Both have wonderful bike paths and easy access to the rivers as well as great park districts. Both have the challenge of growth vs. infrastructure, although they handle those challenges very differently.

Do the differences you perceive between the two towns translate to a customized approach to real estate for each?
In some ways. From a buyer’s standpoint a lot depends on their priorities. Do they want to be near the University of Oregon campus? Are they looking for an international high school? That is more likely found in Eugene. Do they want a small town feel with easy access to city staff and leadership? That’s more likely found in Springfield.

RMLS™ expanded its service area to Lane County in the early 2000s. What impact did the new MLS service have on your business?
It had a huge impact! We were still using “the book” which was hard for many veteran REALTORS® to get rid of. By associating with RMLS™ we were given very valuable tools and new technology that were truly cutting edge for us. That is still true today. [The RMLS™] technology professionals are second to none.

Can you speak to the general status of the area market leading up to RMLS™ expansion into Lane County?
The expansion happened as technology was growing everywhere—across the board. RMLS™ just brought the tools that made it easier to see more listings and made exposure more timely. We weren’t waiting for a week or so for our listings to be accessed.

How has Lane County changed from the commencement of your career to recently?
LOTS of growth in business and industry as well as diversity in demographics. We’ve seen a large increase of people from different places internationally and I have enjoyed seeing how those cultures have been embraced.

You have been a member of the RMLS™ Board of Directors for a number of years now, including service as Board Treasurer and your current Second Vice-Chair position. What inspired your service on the board?
I started volunteering on the Service Advisory Committee in the very beginning of Lane County’s relationship with RMLS™. That committee was formed to give a voice to REALTOR® member boards and associations who are not shareholders. It has been a very rewarding experience to come together with representatives of other boards from over over the region to hear about their local markets, their challenges, and their victories. I believe that the recommendations that have come out of that committee have made RMLS™ more aware of the needs of all marketplaces. I have enjoyed serving on the RMLS™ Board of Directors and being a part of decisions made to better our industry as a whole.

Has participation on the RMLS™ Board of Directors made an impression on your experience as a RMLS™ subscriber?
Yes. It has helped me see that no decision made by the board is ever taken lightly. The steps taken when a decision needs to be made—whether it is a change in lockboxes or an addition to the features on RMLSweb—all ideas and opinions are heard before a decision is made.

What is your favorite feature of RMLSweb?
My favorite feature is the addition of OREF to the full listing. It saves a lot of time when I’m ready to write an offer. I am so proud of all the technology that Greg [Moore] and his team bring to our organization.

If you could give one piece of advice to your industry colleagues, what would that be?
I would give the same advice that my dad, a real estate broker for 40+ years, gave me at the beginning of my career. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Always do the right thing, whether or not you think it will benefit you.” Best advice ever.

I am so proud of my association with RMLS™. The leadership truly has the best interest of each subscriber in mind every single day. Our technology department is constantly looking for new and innovative products and processes to make our jobs easier. The quality of service we receive from the RMLS™ Help Desk is outstanding. When I travel to real estate conferences around the country it is clear that RMLS™ is cutting edge, subscriber driven, and second to none. I have very much enjoyed every moment of my association with RMLS™.

What a great place to leave off, as I will be discussing technology at RMLS™ in my next piece. Thank you, Lori, for allowing me to put you in the spotlight and taking the time to chat with me for this blog series!

MLS Insight is a series about how things work at RMLS™.

As we celebrate 25 years of service to the real estate community in the northwest, it is interesting to look at some of the high-level numbers that describe the business and economics of the multiple listing service.

Let’s start with the number of subscribers. In March 1991, before service had even begun, there were over 3,400 Portland-area REALTORS® committed to participating in the new multiple listing service. This March, we had 12,472 subscribers from all over Oregon and southern Washington. The March with the most subscribers was 2007 with 14,178 active REALTORS®.

The chart below shows the rise and fall of subscriber numbers (as of March of each year) plotted against total numbers of closed residential sales for the year across the entire MLS. Sales peaked in 2005 with a total of 57,745, two years prior to the peak in subscriber numbers. The number of sales has been steadily rising since the recession low of 31,028 in 2008. The 55,979 sales in 2015 were the second highest number recorded in a year at RMLS™.

Due to a much higher overall average sales price, the total dollar volume of residential sales posted in RMLS™, 2015 achieved a new high water mark of $17,567,003,000 despite fewer total sales than 2005. The average sales price across all RMLS™ sales in 2005 was $268,300 compared to $313,800 in 2015.

If you have questions on any RMLS™-related topic that you would like to have answered, I encourage you to post a comment.

UPDATE: May 5, 2016

By subscriber request, here are the same graphs broken down by state:

This year marks the 25th anniversary of RMLS™. Throughout the year, RMLS™ Executive Assistant Angel Johnstone will be writing about people who have been vital to the 25 year history of RMLS™. This month, she explores the early days with one of the RMLS™ founders, Dave Koch.

After over a year of research, planning and organization, RMLS^™ opened its doors for service May 1, 1991. Seasoned REALTOR® Dave Koch had been managing an office with Coldwell Banker in Oregon City when he took a six month leave of absence to focus specifically on the budding organization. At the request of other local brokers, he became the first board chairman for RMLS^™.

As we celebrate the 25^th anniversary of RMLS^™ service throughout 2016, it is a great time to reflect upon the challenges and success RMLS™ has met over the years. Where better to begin this retrospect than at the beginning?

In 1990, Portland area REALTORS® found space and opportunity in the MLS market to create an MLS fashioned by the REALTOR®, for the REALTOR®. The project to create this new MLS was spearheaded by Dave Koch, who I had the opportunity to sit down and visit recently.

I had some questions about how and why RMLS^™ was formed. Dave told me that “in the early 90s there was a lot of merging of REALTOR® organizations” and that the time was ripe for a new type of MLS in the Portland neighborhood. Dave lead the undertaking of the new MLS assembly with support from the existing four area association boards; James F. Sherry and Associates, Inc., a hired consulting firm; and invaluable legal counsel from Steve Russell. (Fortunately for RMLS™, Steve Russell continues to be our legal counsel to this day.)

The initial objectives of the new system were to 1) make it better, 2) make it more cost effective and 3) make it ours (REALTOR®-owned). Dave explained the vision, saying “we defined the plan, the organization, that it would have a board of directors made up by brokers and sales people, and so the policies directly developed by the organization would be from brokers and salespeople, predominately brokers.” This sentiment is established in the RMLS^™ founding mission which states in part, “this MLS must be sensitive to the needs and desires of the membership and must be made operational with a minimum of disruption of service. The MLS must conduct its business affairs in such a way that the MLS remains a viable contracting entity, capable of effectively representing its membership…”

Dave remembered, “it was very competitive for awhile and basically towns won’t support two multiple listing services so we knew we had to get to the majority or we would fail. So I was out making calls to the different brokers, big brokers and small brokers, and doing presentations around all four of the boards.” He said the new MLS was well received and there was wide support early on reaching about 50% of the subscribership in the first few months. It didn’t take long for RMLS^™ to gain footing in the local market as it was molded and crafted to specifically answer the needs of its subscribers.

Following his year of service as board chairman, Dave has continued subscribership with RMLS^™ to this day. He is currently a Principal Broker out of RE/MAX in Canby, sometimes even greeting clients in the front office, in order to stay involved and in tune with all aspects of the process. He remains quite active within the profession having served the real estate industry since 1976!

Stay tuned as we explore the evolution of RMLS^™over the last 25 years—from books to electronic listings, area expansion and growth—keeping in mind the core mission of functionality and affordability for its valued subscribers.