Options Abound – How Do You Access the MLS?

In the last couple of years, there has been a significant increase in the number and choice of Internet connected devices, a trend that continues to place demands on MLSs to innovate and deliver MLS information to their subscribers across multiple technology platforms.  HAR has been working on a number of projects aimed at providing its members with access to MLS information on whichever device they choose.  Accommodating access to MLS information from such a wide range of devices, operating systems and browsers is not exactly simple or inexpensive, but HAR has put together an ecosystem that includes access from a variety of disparate computing platforms at no additional cost.  All of the applications detailed in the matrix below are included with your MLS fees, so find your preferred device and see what applications you can begin putting to use.

Tempo MLS – Developed a number of years ago, Tempo continues to provide a solid, reliable, easy to use MLS system serving as the primary MLS database.

Fusion MLS – Expected to be available in 4th quarter, Fusion is Marketlinx’s next generation MLS system that works on MACs and PCs using Safari, Firefox, Chrome or Internet Explorer. Fusion is highly configurable, allowing agents to customize their quick search screen and search results grid. It has a powerful mapping search and allows agents to open multiple searches within the same session. Adding and editing listings will continue to take place in Tempo.

FIND – This property information search tool includes all HAR active listings and recently sold listings as well as all active listings across the country and sold listings from markets that also utilize FIND. FIND offers public records data, local school reports and reviews, community demographics and mapping. It utilizes a “natural language” search interface making it similar to searching on Google (Ex: 3 bed 2 bath $350k-$450k 77008).

MLS Data Co-op – Similar to FIND, the MLS Data Co-op allows members to search HAR active and recently sold MLS listings from within a single, map-based platform and includes public records data, school and local demographic information. It also provides access to active and sold listings from other MLS organizations that have agreed to participate in the MLS Data Co-op.

Mobile MLS – Available in September, this password-secured website is designed for mobile phones and tablets providing a simple way to search for MLS listings. Agents also have the ability to preview property details, photos, appointment information and other agent-only listing information.

HAR iPhone App – The HAR Member login section allows agents to search listings, bookmark listings and view history of past searches. A new feature allows agents to view all listings for sale in proximity to where you are standing. Members also have access to their HAR.com leads, their listings, and their company’s listing inventory, as well as detailed information on active, pending and sold listings including agent remarks, appointment information, days on market, tax information and price change history.

HAR iPad App – Under development, this application is expected to be available in the fourth quarter and will take advantage of the larger screen format offered by the iPad. It will provide all of the features available in the HAR iPhone app with an even more appealing display of photos and property information.

HAR Android App – Expected to be released in September, this application will function very much like the HAR iPhone app, providing access to MLS listing details and agent-only information.

HAR Blackberry App – Under development, this application is expected to be available in the fourth quarter and will allow agents to search for MLS listings and provides photos and listing details including agent-only information.

HAR on the Go – This password-secured website is designed for mobile handheld devices providing a simple way to search for MLS listings using an address search, MLS Number search and a number of additional search criteria such as bedrooms, baths, subdivision or zip code. Agents also have the ability to preview property details, photos, agent contact and appointment information.