Newsletter Archive 2011
« Hit Counts
Did you know you can track the number of times your listings are viewed within Paragon? For each of your listings you can see how many times an agent has viewed a full detail report with Paragon (Agent Hit Count), and the number of times a consumer has clicked on a link sent to them via an email (Client Hit Count). To access this information, pull up your listings by MLS number or by clicking My Info on the Market Monitor. After your listings load in a spreadsheet view, click on Spreadsheets under the Reports drop down on the right. From the list of Spreadsheets, click on Hit Count Spreadsheet. You can reset the hit counts at anytime for your listings by clicking Listings - Maintain - and Reset Counts under the OpenHouse/Tour/HitCount section within Maintain.
« Thank You - P4 to P5 Upgrade a Success!
On Tuesday morning October 11, we were prepared to take lots of phone calls from not-so-happy members who had not planned ahead for Paragon 5. I am happy to report that by the end of the day, we had almost 1500 unique logins to Paragon 5, and experienced a very manageable number of calls/emails throughout the day. Our members that did call/email had a very positive attitude about Paragon 5.
Thank you so much for planning ahead and embracing Paragon 5! While change is never easy, you handled this upgrade with an open mind and a willingness to embrace change. You all rock!
« Showing HUD Owned Properties
There are currently 40+ active HUD owned properties in our MLS database. If you want to show one of these properties, your broker should apply for a NAID (Name and Address Identification) number, as HUD requires brokers to have a NAID number before they can submit an offer. All agents in an office submit offers online using their single office NAID number. The process to get a NAID number costs the broker nothing, but can take two weeks or longer. To find out more information about selling HUD owned property, visit www.HudHomesstore.com.
« Keybox Time
There is a clock inside each keybox that controls when the box can be opened (timed access) and also registers and reports the time of showings. If you have a keybox that is not opening during times it should (7 a.m. - 10 p.m. during Daylight Savings and 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. during Central Standard Time) or is reporting the wrong time for showings, you need to reset the time on this keybox. To do this, simply open the shackle of the keybox. When you open the shackle of a keybox, the time from your keycard is transferred to the keybox. The time on your keycard is checked and synced each time it updates via a cell tower or via a USB cable update.
« Paragon 4 Will Be Shutoff Monday, October 10th
For the last few months you have had access to Paragon 5, the new version of Paragon. If you have not logged in to Paragon 5 yet, PLEASE do so soon. Paragon 5 is compatible with not only Internet Explorer, but also with Firefox, Safari, Chrome and Opera. Paragon 5 also can be accessed via the Apple iPad. We have found that Paragon 5 runs faster with more current browsers. If you are using Internet Explorer 7 or 8, for instance, you will experience better performance with Internet Explorer 9. The same holds true for Firefox. Paragon 5 shares the same database as Paragon 4, which allows members to bounce back and forth between the old and the new while they get comfortable with the new. Paragon 5 supports multi-tasking via tabs which allows you to be more efficient.
Sometime on Monday, October 10, we will turn access to Paragon 4 off and redirect all Paragon logins to Paragon 5. There is no reason you cannot make the switch before October 10. The url for Paragon 5 is http://scwmls.paragonrels.com. Use the same login name and password you use for Paragon 4. If you need help setting an icon on your desktop, there is a resource with directions for each browser on the Paragon 5 homepage, or you can call the MLS for assistance.
Within the red section at the top of the home page you will find links to training videos, quick start guides and webinars. Hands-on classes at the MLS office are also available. A schedule can be found here. Paragon 5 is quite similar to Paragon 4, and you may find you need no additional training. As always, if you have any issues using Paragon, please email support@wisre.com or call us at 608.240.2800 (press 1).
Please don’t wait until the last minute to familiarize yourself with Paragon 5. Allowing yourself some time will make for a much easier transition.
« Single Family Zoned Multi Family
Back in March of 2008, we renamed the Residential Income class to Multi Family and restricted the Multi Family class to properties with two or more living units. Upon receiving multiple complaints over the last few years regarding single family properties used primarily as rental units being restricted to the single family class, the MLS Committee and Board of Directors discussed on several occasions how best to address this concern. At their last meeting, a motion was passed to allow single unit properties that are zoned multi-family to be listed within the Multi-Family class. A new pick list item, Single Unit Zoned Multi-Family, has been added under the Type feature pick list for this type of property. If a single unit property that is zoned multi family is entered under the Multi-Family class, it cannot also be entered under the Single Family class.
« Updates to Paragon Mobile
The ability to do a Radius Search and a Hotsheet Search have been added to the Paragon Mobile application. A radius search can be run from either a specific address you enter, or from your current location. You can search a radius from .1 mile up to 1.5 miles. Once your matches come up you can click to view the listing detail.
Within the Hotsheet Search you can select class, status, location, price, and enter a date range to isolate recent activity. Use date format mm/dd/yyyy when entering dates. Again, once your matches come up you can click to view the listing detail.
Paragon Mobile allows real-time access to Paragon MLS from any browser-enabled device. Paragon Mobile is not a substitute for the online Paragon system, but rather a companion product when you are away from your computer. Access Paragon Mobile at http://scwmls.mobile.paragonrels.com. For more information about Paragon Mobile, click here.
« MLS Photo Reminders
- At least one photo is required for all listings except vacant land, commercial property, and properties under construction. A photo must be loaded within 7 days of listing input. Offices will be billed $50 if the MLS has to send its photographer out to take a photo.
- No photos of bodies of water are allowed unless the view is visible from the property, or from deeded access.
- Photos should not contain office/agent names, logos, or contact information. If it is not possible to take a photo without including the for sale sign, the contact information on the sign must be edited out.
- It is against MLS rules and copyright law to copy another agent's photos for use on your listing without permission. Those submitting photos with the knowledge that they do not have the right to use said photos will be subject to a fine of $25 per photo in addition to any legal remedies available to the owner of the photos.
- Realtor.com only pulls the first 4 photos from Paragon unless you have purchased a package from them, so put the best 4 first.
« Electronic Consent Y/N
On Monday June 13, a new Yes/No field will be added to the MLS Profile Sheets and to the add listings screens in Paragon for Electronic Consent. Indicate Yes if your seller has consented to the use of email as a means to deliver documents and written notices related to their transaction. The preferred email address for this delivery should be included in the Broker-to-Broker Remarks. For a copy of what needs to be sent to the seller to authorize electronic consent, click here.
« Recent Keycard Violations
We have had two recent complaints from sellers that Realtors have shown property without waiting for confirmation. In addition to being a violation of the SCWMLS Rules and your keycard agreement, entering a property without permission is trespassing and is against the law. MLS sanctions for this offense include fines to both the agent and to their broker, and may result in loss of keycard privileges. MLS sanctions may be the least of your worries if a seller decides to press criminal charges. PLEASE, call for an appointment and WAIT for confirmation before showing properties.
« IDX Available to Agents
At a recent meeting, the MLS Board of Directors voted to allow agents to participate in the South Central Wisconsin MLS IDX program. In the past, IDX listings from the SCWMLS were only available for display on MLS Participants' office websites. Agents will be permitted access to IDX as long as their broker participates in IDX, and their broker agrees to be a party to their IDX contract. The expansion of IDX to agents applies to South Central WI MLS listings; it does not include WIREX listings. If you would like more information, please contact Patty at the MLS office (patty@wisre.com or 608.240.2800).
« Paragon 5
Currently over 40% of our Paragon logins are to Paragon 5. If you are not one of them, what are you waiting for? The vendor for Paragon will be turning Paragon 4 off on October 10. The url for Paragon 5 is http://scwmls.paragonrels.com. Use the same login name and password you use for Paragon 4.
« School Changes for 2011-2012
If you hear of a school closing, creation of a new school, or a new school pairing in the area you work, please let the MLS know. We monitor DPI notices, but sometimes our Realtor members hear about changes before we notice them. We are aware of the upcoming changes for the Beloit elementary schools and are working on making the appropriate changes within Paragon.
« Next Version of Paragon - P5
For the last year, a group of your fellow Realtors have been busy testing the next version of Paragon. We are now at a point where most of the bugs have been worked out and we are comfortable opening up access to all. Paragon 5 is compatible with not only Internet Explorer, but also with Firefox, Safari, Chrome and Opera. Paragon 5 also can be accessed via the iPad. Paragon 5 shares the same database as Paragon 4, which allows members to bounce back and forth between the old and the new while they get comfortable with the new. Paragon 5 supports multi-tasking via tabs which allows you to be more efficient.
A tentative date of October 3 has been set for the sunset of Paragon 4. You are welcome to begin using Paragon 5 at your convenience. The url for Paragon 5 is http://scwmls.paragonrels.com. Use the same login name and password you use for Paragon 4. If you need help setting an icon on your desktop, there is a resource with directions for each browser on the Paragon 5 homepage, or you can call the MLS for assistance.
Within the red section at the top of the P5 home page you will find links to training videos, quick start guides and webinars. Hands-on classes at the MLS office have been scheduled starting the week of August 1. A link to the training schedule can be found on the Paragon 5 homepage. Paragon 5 is quite similar to Paragon 4, and you may find you need no additional training.
Please don’t wait until the last minute to familiarize yourself with Paragon 5. Allowing yourself some time will make for a much easier transition.
« Using MLS Stastistics in Marketing
If you use MLS statistics in your marketing, you must include the following to describe the data your representations are based on:
- A description of the type of property included (single family, condo, multi-family, waterfront, new construction)
- The geography of the listings included (Dane County, City of Madison, All South Central WI MLS)
- The period of time covered (December of 2010, 2010, First Quarter of 2011)
- Notice that the source of the data is the South Central WI MLS
« New Listing Feature Options Added
The following selections have been added to the feature lists within Paragon. If you have a listing that has one of these features, please add it. These additions will be added to the profile sheets the next time they are modified.
- Condo - FHA/VA Approved under Terms/Misc.
- Lots & Acreage - Farm under Type (Farm Associated Doc required)
- Lots & Acreage - In Existing Condo Plat under Type
- Rural/USDA has been added as a new type of financing for sold properties.
« Do You WIREX?
There are currently 96,000+ active listings in the WIREX database from 7 separate MLSs as follows:
- Metro Milwaukee: 33,400
- South Central WI: 21,800
- Northeast WI: 17,400
- Northwest WI: 11,000
- Western WI: 5,600
- Central WI: 5,500
- Marinette: 1,300
« Agent Access to Update Assessments/Taxes
Users with standard agent level security can now update the assessment and tax fields within Paragon. In addition to assessments and taxes, agents can maintain photos, virtual tours, associated documents, map location, public remarks, showing instructions, open house date/time, broker open date/time/comments for all their listings.
« New Energy Efficient/Green Features
The following features will be added to MLS Profile Sheets and to Paragon on June 13:
Under Heating/Cooling for Single Family and Condo
-In floor radiant heat
-Geothermal
-Whole house fan
Under Interior Features for Single Family and Condo
-Tankless Water Heater
Under Energy Efficient/Green Features for Single Family and Condo
-Low E Windows
-Recycled/Reclaimed content
-Low VOC materials
Under Energy Efficient/Green Features for Multi Family
-Low E Windows
-Recycled/Reclaimed content
-Low VOC materials
-In floor radiant heat
-Geothermal
-Whole house fan
-Tankless water heater
If you select any features under the Energy Efficient/Green Features section, please complete the Energy Efficient/Green Associated Document which can be found here.
« Out-Of-MLS Showing Requests
More and more offices are using showing lines to set up their showings. These showing lines get membership data from the MLS in most cases. We have had a few concerns raised that when a member of an MLS outside South Central calls to set up a showing, they are given the run around because they are not in the membership database for South Central. Please make sure your showing line has a plan in place to deal with members of other MLSs when they call to set up a showing.
« Annual Key Fees - Billing in June
The Supra Key renewal date is June 1st of each year. Next month, offices will be billed $150 for each agent currently leasing a key, whether it is an ActiveKey or eKey.
If you wish to cancel your Key lease, return your Key and charging cord to the MLS office prior to 6/4/2011 (eKey users can call to cancel). Call Marian or Kristine at 608-240-2800 with any questions or email: marian@wisre.com.
« Updated 2011 Madison Area/Subarea Maps Available
The 2011 version of the MLS Madison Area/Subarea Wall Map is now available. Each MLS office and branch office is entitled to one free copy of this map. There were no Area/Subarea reassignments for this update, but streets added within the City of Madison since the last printing (2008) have been added. If you would like an updated copy of this map, please stop by the MLS office Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The cost for additional maps is $15 each.
« Important News For KeyCard Users Who Update Their Key Manually
In an effort to improve the completeness of showing reports available as part of your lockbox system, the MLS Board of Directors recently voted to limit the number of times an keyholder can call in for an update to two times in a row. This applies to both ActiveKey and eKey users.
Most key users will not be affected by this change. If your key updates automatically via cell tower signal, or if you use a USB cable connection to update your key - you will have no restrictions.
If you occasionally have to call in to update your key, you will not run into a problem either, provided your key updates via cell tower or via a USB cable connection in between those call-ins updates.
If your key has never updated (or has stopped updating) via cell tower signal, give our office a call, or stop by, to get a replacement ActiveKey or for assistance with setting up a USB cable connection for updating your ActiveKey between call-in updates.
This change is being done to improve the accuracy and completeness of showing reports and email notifications available within the keycard system. Currently, only keys that update via a cell tower or thru a USB cable connection are included in showing reports.
Please contact our office at 608-240-2800 or email marian@wisre.com if you have any questions or need assistance.
« Neighborhood/School Information Available via Paragon
The "N" Action Link that appears on the agent full listing report links to community data on Schools, Housing, Economy, People, and Environment. Reports contain City, Zip Code, County, and National statistics. A new print button has been added to these reports, which creates a better formatted report. If you have been frustrated in the past with how these reports print, give it another try! You can also find these reports for addresses that are not listed by clicking on Resources and then rDesk School and Neighborhood Reports.
Here is a quick reference to the resources behind the colorful Action List Dots:
D = link to Associated Documents
H = link to Property History
M = link to Bing Mapping
T = link to Tax/Assessment Information
N = link to Neighborhood Report
« Marinette County Listings Added to WIREX
Listings from the Marinette County MLS have recently been added to WIREX. Some of the communities covered include Crivitz, Marinette, Peshtigo and Menomonie, MI. 1,300 active listings and 4,000+ sales were added. Select WIREX at login or click the MLS Switcher at the top of the Paragon screen to search the WIREX database. Click here for an updated WIREX coverage map.
« Your Android SmartPhone Can Now Be Your SupraKey
A free eKEY application is now available to download from the Android Market. This application along with a required FOB can turn your Android phone into a Supra Key. The Blackberry and iPhone can also be turned into a Supra Key. For more information, click here. Upgrades from the ActiveKEY to the eKEY take approximately 20-25 minutes and require an appointment. Contact Marian (marian@wisre.com) at the SCWMLS office (608-240-2800) for more information or to set up an appointment. If you already have an eKEY, and are thinking of switching phones, this is a fairly simple process that can usually be handled with a phone call to our office to have the new phone authorized for eKEY use. To see if your new smartphone will work as an eKEY, check the current list of compatible devices here or call our office.
« Is Your Listing Being Missed?
When entering a new listing into Paragon, please select all the features that apply. If you select just 2 car garage, for instance, and do not indicate attached, your listing will not come up as a match if a search is done for homes with a 2-car attached garage. Also, please do not use Call School District in place of school names unless the school district cannot provide you with specific schools. Again, if a search is done including a specific school, and you have Call School District entered instead of the actual school name, your listing will be missed.
Another potential road block to finding your listing may be its map placement. Searching by map is very popular. If your listing is not mapped correctly, it may be missed if an agent is searching by map. Please make it part of your routine to always check the map placement when adding a new listing. You can either select the blue M from an agent full or select one of the views with a map. If the map placement is not correct, you can adjust it under Listing Maintain. For a list of all your properties (or all properties in your office if you have administrative access) that are currently not mapped at all, click on Listings and Missing Geocode Search. From the list that displays, you can only fix one listing at a time via the Change Geocode link at the top. Click the grey Map It button next to the address that most closely matches the listing. When the map displays you can fine tune the placement by clicking once on the map where the property should be located. Note there is a Zoom feature that will help in your placement. Click Save & Close above the map to save your changes. There are currently over 2500 active listings that do not have a map associated with them in Paragon. That means over 2500 active listings do not come up as matches when searching by map. Please check your listings.
« Change in Delivery of MLS Bills
We are taking a step forward with MLS billing this spring by converting our delivery method to e-mail. This change will provide significant cost savings for our MLS, and therefore its members.
Companies can still opt to receive a printed statement, if they prefer, however the default will be an emailed statement to the Broker/Manager. At this time we are not charging extra for printed (mailed) statements.
If your office would prefer the statements be sent to an email address other than that of the Broker/Manager, or would prefer to continue to have a hard-copy mailed, please let us know. You can contact Kristine by phone at 608-240-2800(ext. 303) or email to kristine@wisre.com.
« Licensee Disclosure of Interest
Recently a number of calls have been received concerning the completion of the "Licensee Interest" question on the property profile sheets. If the listing agent has a personal interest in the listed property, that interest must be flagged by answering the question "yes".
Under Wisconsin license law, a real estate agent may not act in the transaction on the licensee's own behalf, on behalf of the licensee's immediate family or firm, or on behalf of any other organization or business entity in which the licensee has an interest without the prior written consent of all parties to the transaction. The purpose of flagging the property with a "yes" in the MLS is to alert the agent working with the buyer of the fact that the listing agent has a personal "interest" in the transaction, so that further disclosure, as required by license law, can be included should an offer to purchase be written.
For example, the following is from the WRA Legal Services Department:
Q: An agent, her husband and two other partners are all real estate licensees and they own a subdivision development company as members of a limited liability company (LLC). The LLC owns the subdivision the agent is listing. What disclosures are needed?
A: When the agent sells the lots, the agent will be required to obtain the written consent of all parties to each transaction due to her ownership interest in the LLC. Both Wis. Admin. Code § RL 24.05(2) and Article 4 of the Code of Ethics require written evidence of the disclosure and consent of the parties.
Article 4 provides in relevant part that, In selling property they own, or in which they have any interest, REALTORS shall reveal their ownership or interest in writing to the purchaser or the purchaser's representative. Standard of Practice 4-1 indicates that these written disclosures shall be made before the signing of any contract.
Similarly, Wis. Adm. Code § RL 24.05(2) requires that a licensee acting as an agent in a real estate transaction may not act in the transaction on behalf of any organization or business entity in which the licensee has an interest without the prior written consent of all parties to the transaction. This consent may be obtained in the offer to purchase.
If the lots are published in the MLS, the listing agent must answer the "Licensee Interest" question with "Yes." Listing agents may further assist in the facilitating the buyer's offer to purchase by disclosing the nature of the interest in the private broker-to-broker remarks. This will allow the agent to include the appropriate disclosure language in the offer to purchase.
If the lots are published in the MLS, the listing agent must answer the "Licensee Interest" question with "Yes." Listing agents may further assist in the facilitating the buyer's offer to purchase by disclosing the nature of the interest in the private broker-to-broker remarks. This will allow the agent to include the appropriate disclosure language in the offer to purchase.
« KeyBox Access Time Change
When the clocks spring ahead on Sunday, March 13, the keybox access hours also will change. Keyboxes will open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. during daylight saving time. If you have a situation in which you need access to your keybox(es) before 7:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m., you can set the keybox(es) to open 24 hours a day. See www.scwmls.com member website under. Look under Supra Keycard for detailed instructions on setting 24 Hours Access, or contact our office for assistance.
February
« WIREX Update
We have recently loaded listings for Western Wisconsin MLS into WIREX. This includes 57,000+ listings (4,900 actives plus off markets back to July of 2005) located north and west of Eau Claire up to Hayward and over to the Minnesota border. Select WIREX at login or click the MLS Switcher on the top of the Paragon home page to search statewide MLS listings.
Currently, there are 85,000+ active listings in WIREX. The breakdown by MLS is as follows:
| Metro Milwaukee | 30,000 |
| South Central WI | 19,900 |
| Northeast WI | 15,600 |
| Northwest WI | 9,700 |
| Central WI | 5,000 |
| Western WI | 4,900 |
« Listing Status Reminders
If you are no longer allowing showings due to an offer, your listing must be moved to Pending status within 48 hours. If you are not able to show a property for some other reason, but still have a valid listing contract on that listing, you can either move your listing to Withdrawn status, or it may remain as Active if it will be available for showings at a later date. If you opt to keep it Active, a notation in the first line of the Remarks section indicating the date it will be available for showings must be included. If you release your seller from their contract early, or no longer have a valid contract (as in the case of a foreclosure), you should change the listing in Paragon to Expired.
« View Your Sent Email Within Paragon
Paragon retains copies of manual and automatic emails sent via Paragon for 60 days. To view these emails, click on Contacts and select Sent E-mail under Contact Resources. From the list of emails sent you can sort by email address, date sent, or subject. Once you locate an email you can view it and/or forward the message.
« Better Photo Quality in Paragon
We are pleased to announce that the maximum file size for photos uploaded directly into Paragon has been increased from 32k per photo to 150k per photo. Resolution should continue to be the 640x480 standard, but with the increase in file size allowed, higher quality photos should be able to be obtained by utilizing any equal aspect ratio of that standard (i.e. 640x480, 1280x960, 1920x1440).
January
« Did You Know...MLS History
- The Madison MLS began as a Committee in 1918, became a corporation in 1964, and changed its name to South Central Wisconsin MLS Corporation in 1990.
- In December of 1992 (18 years ago), there were 1,095 active single family listings available for sale via the South Central WI MLS. 83% of those listings were located within Dane County. Today there are 11,850 active single family listings available for sale via the South Central WI MLS. 36% of these listings are located within Dane County.
« New Statistical Graphs Available
The MLS is now publishing four new statistical graphs as part of a monthly composite of statistics. The new graphs track the number sales, the median sale price, total inventory, and the month's supply of inventory by month for the last two years for Dane County and for the combined eight-county South Central Wisconsin MLS region. The statistical composite also includes a statistical narrative, monthly and year-to-date sales figures and sales by price range and bedrooms. Click on the Monthly Statistical Report icon on the right panel of the www.scwmls.com home page for this composite.