Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What are the major changes to the MLS that will affect me in the ‘Progression’?
A: The way you search listings, enter and manage your clients, run reports and obtain statistics will change.  These functions will now be provided exclusively by the Matrix application, which has been a part of our MLS system for the last two years. Pro Search will be retired, along with any saved contacts or searches within that application.

Q:  What’s not changing?
A: Everything else on the Pro Homepage will continue to be available. Listing entry, products and services offered under My Products, account management (My Info); Realist; and all data share and reciprocal access initiatives remain.

Q:  When are these changes happening?
A: Beginning November 15, all subscribers will be exclusively using Matrix for their search, client management, reports and statistics. On this date, users who go to Pro will have all other functions available, but they will not see the Pro Search link/button nor access any features previously in that application.

Q:  Last year you postponed the date. Will that happen again this year?
A: The decision to extend the Progression cutover to 2011 was made to allow subscribers more time to learn Matrix, and to complete some noted additional enhancements in Matrix. There are no plans to extend the Progression cutover date beyond November 15, 2011.

Q:   Why are you doing this?
A: This change is being brought about with the guidance of our board of directors, our multiple advisory groups, our Association stakeholders and with the feedback of agent and broker subscribers. MLSListings is retaining a mix of the best of what we offer in-house, combined with the standards of a nation-wide Search and Display product–Matrix–that will keep us on the cutting edge of real estate information services in our local market.  Given the variability and dynamics of real estate market conditions, this solution best positions us to keep our subscribers competitive not only today, but in the years ahead.

Q:  What if I don’t like the new system?
A: Matrix will not be the same as Pro Search.  It offers all the core functionalities, but is fundamentally designed differently, and also offers time-saving, cost-effective advantages that will help you better serve your clients, and stay competitive in the marketplace. Recent Search History, Speed Bar, Graphical Statistics, and up-to-date listings data available to your clients in the Client Portal are just some of those benefits offered by Matrix that weren’t available in Pro Search. Those who have already adopted Matrix are very pleased with the way it has enhanced their business. This will be the only system we will offer beginning November 15 , and users are encouraged to learn it as soon as possible.

Q.   Why do you keep changing?
A: The real estate industry is experiencing rapid change due to fluctuating market forces, as most are aware. To best serve the interests of our subscribers, we must constantly anticipate, forecast and plan for emerging conditions as well as nimbly respond to immediate needs.  The MLS of the 21st century must do more than manage listing data. Tracking and accommodating marketplace changes with real-time statistical tools and taking the lead in shaping region-wide initiatives that ensure our subscribers’ policy and technical needs are met are critical to providing the best service we can offer.

All our decisions – whether strategic, service-based or technical modifications – are vetted,  analyzed and captured from various groups and channels, including broker board members; advisory groups comprised of active and experienced users; Association staff; and through your direct feedback submitted by phone, email or face-to-face through our Customer Service or Outreach teams.

Q. What do I do now?
A: Visit our MyNewPro information portal to access the resources you need anytime. We have developed a short list of the must-learn aspects of Matrix, so you can quickly get the basics down, and return later for extended training.  We offer quick How-To’s that you can print out, tutorial videos you can watch, a training calendar so you can attend an instructor-led Matrix training course, and much more.

Q:   Where do I go to get face-to-face training on Matrix?
A: We offer training in a variety of formats. In addition to what’s available to you on the MyNewPro information portal, you can check with your Association to sign up for our next seminar at their location.

Q:   What about my saved searches and client information in Pro Search?
A: Before November 15, users must move all client contacts to Matrix, and recreate any saved searches you wish to keep. We have How To resources available with step-by-step instructions to complete this process.

Q:  What about Statistics?
A: Statistics reporting will also be delivered through Matrix beginning November 15.  It is important to note that Matrix Stats and Pro Stats should not be expected to return equivalent results over the same periods of time.  This is due to a fundamental difference in the way each system captures data. Where Pro Stats historically has captured data via ‘snapshots’ of time, it never accounted for adjustments made after the ‘snapshot.’  Matrix Stats’ ability to process data on-the-fly; that is, the data as it stands in the moment of the query, empowers Matrix as the undisputable source of the most accurate statistical representation of market activity.   View our Matrix Stats Learning Tracks for more information about this powerful trending analysis feature.

Q: What about Agent and Office information?
A: This feature is now accessible from the top of the Pro Homepage, and also available in Matrix, under the Agent/Office tab.

Q:    How do I submit my feedback?
A: Feel free to use the Contact Us form to submit your feedback and suggestions. Our staff reads every submission and organizes feature suggestions for future consideration. Each customer feedback record is logged, tracked, aggregated and evaluated by our business teams as to volume, workflow impact, and development feasibility of each request. Items are first triaged by our customer support teams to identify those that require immediate attention or can be resolved quickly.

Q:    Where do I go if I have more questions, or need additional help beyond just submitting my feedback or suggestions?
A: Visit portal.mlslistings.com/mynewpro– this is your one-stop-shop for all your tools and resources related to the PROgression. You may find your questions answered here. We encourage feedback on this site, where you can comment directly on any of our posts.  And our customer support team is always here to help – email support@mlslistings.com, or call (866) 734-5787 if you need immediate assistance.

Q: What about my recent feature request?
A: We regularly report on enhancements and ongoing development plans in the Real Estate Executive newsletter — this is the best place to look for feature updates. While at times we are not able to address concerns immediately, we strive to accommodate as many subscriber requests as possible. Certainly all requests may not be feasible in the short or even the long term, however we continue to explore different avenues to address requests, and are as transparent as possible with our subscribers about features upcoming as well as those that are not planned for development.