Comments on: Do we Really Need MLS Access Via Cellphone?

By: FBS Blog » Blog Archive » Wireless Usage On The Rise

FBS Blog » Blog Archive » Wireless Usage On The Rise — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:38:23 +0000

[…] number. We’re talking a comparison of many millions versus tens of thousands of hits. Mark Flavin’s question of whether cell phone access is necessary has a conflicting two part answer: 1) wireless usage on our system has more than tripled in one […]

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:22:41 +0000

Well, the trend for mobile devices is definitely towards a more web integrated solution. We are seeing more and more of a convergence between phone/smartphone/pocketpc/umpc/subnotebook.

At least the way it’s looking right now, within 2-3 years you might be seeing more or less integrated all in one pocketable devices. A lot of sites also provide mobile optimized browsing and some new devices can do without it (think Nokia E90, Tytn II, etc).

Anyway, what I am getting to, is that a mobile solution might not just be a feature/option but rather a must-have in a few years….

P.S. Data plans should also get a lot cheaper with time…..That’s what controlled monopolies…err cell phone companies do.

By: Scott Rogers

Scott Rogers — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:53:03 +0000

We had a free (and not very usable) mobile solution, and then it disappeared for a while with a system upgrade. I believe there is a new (more costly) solution now, but I haven’t tested it yet as I wasn’t overly impressed with the previous implementation.

By: Mark Flavin

Mark Flavin — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 04:51:51 +0000

Josh thanks for the feedback what if any changes to the system you used would have made it more useful for your needs.

By: Mark Flavin

Mark Flavin — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 04:49:39 +0000

Scott the solution that you described sounds similar to the one that we currently provide.

The search is very narrow and the results are much the same. It works great if you have one or two listings but the problem is that the screen real estate is so limited it severely limits the utility of the solution when you are dealing with larger numbers.

Does your MLS currently provide a mobile solution and if so is it like how you described?

By: Nominated for an Odysseus Medal - Tales from the Techside

Nominated for an Odysseus Medal - Tales from the Techside — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 04:41:29 +0000

[…] dashboard and found a new incoming link from the BloodhoundBlog recognizing my post last night on Mobile Access to MLS data as being worthy of nomination for an Odysseus medal. Looking at the quality of the blogs that my […]

By: Josh

Josh — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 23:50:45 +0000

I got rid of my cell phone data plan because I didn’t feel I used it enough to make use of the $40/month charge. When I did have it the MLS access was wonderful for real estate tours because I’d often tour with clients and they’d ask about a home on the market that we passed or even a house on the same block. It’s helpful and probably far more necessary in today’s market with so many homes on the market than it was when I used it in early 2005.

By: Scott Rogers

Scott Rogers — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 11:47:23 +0000

Mobile access to MLS data (if a simple, fast UI is in place) is of enormous help when showing properties to buyers.

Often, before or after a showing, a buyer will ask about another house that we drive by. Unless I’m familiar with the listing, I would have to tell them I’d get them the information later, or pull out my computer, connect, log into the mls, etc.

Given that the above scenario could potentially be the main utility of mls use on a mobile phone, I’d love a UI where this occurred:

1. Go to bookmarked login page, login.

2. Short list of search fields immediately appear such as street name, listing agent name, mls #.

3. Search results page loads with only the basic details (probably 5-6 fields)

4. Listing details appear with limited details (perhaps 15-20 fields)