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Send to friend| FYI | April 2009 |  |
Coordinates? Who needs ‘em!!
A long time ago (2003), when doing a location search, you had to pull out a county coordinate map, figure out the coordinates that matched your area, add them to your search criteria and hope that the listings in MLS had the correct coordinates. Then in April 2003 came flexMLS. The new system had a map search feature that allowed you to narrow a search by geographic area. All properties were given a special code by our new software that locates them by latitude and longitude, but that’s not important. What was important was that you could just draw a box around the area in which you wanted to search and off you go! No more flipping through coordinate maps and guessing at what coordinates to use! However, members weren’t convinced that using online maps for searches was the way to go so the MLS continued to require (and verify) coordinates for listings.
That was way back in 2003. Today the online mapping program and its features have greatly improved and the use of coordinates in search programs is no longer needed. And with the addition of the MLS geographic coverage area, the use of the old coordinates system has become obsolete. The Mapping Program in flex allows you to get a birds-eye view of an area on a map and then find parcel information about the properties whether the property is listed in the MLS or not. The mapping program also provides parcel outlines including lot dimensions, flow of traffic, driving directions and more. In short, the Mapping Program allows you to do things you could never do with coordinates and it is more accurate (over 1,200 coordinate errors in MLS last year).
The MLS would like to do away with coordinates and we want your opinion. Please let us know if we should keep them or get rid of them. Send your opinion to InMyOpinion@metromls.com.
Re-Use/Copying MLS Photos
If Broker A has a listing and adds multiple photos to the listing and his listing eventually goes off the market, can Broker B use those photos when they list the property? NO
Photos are copyrighted material and the property of the listing broker. Unless Broker B has permission from Broker A, Broker B cannot copy or use the photos in the MLS data base. If Broker B does use the photos in the MLS, the MLS will delete them from the listing and have the MLS photographer take the photo and the appropriate fee will be assessed to the broker.
We appreciate your business and support and look forward to your comments, questions or suggestions regarding any subject. Contact (support@metromls.com) or call (414) 778-5400.
