Newsletter - April 2024

Message Regarding NAR’s Settlement – Impact on SCWMLS

Just in case you missed it, click here for a copy of the email sent to members on March 20.

Update on the Metro MLS Move to Aligned Showings

Metro (Milwaukee) MLS is completing their move to a new showing service, Aligned Showings, which is replacing ShowingTime for Metro MLS members.

You may have noticed as Metro MLS listings transition to Aligned Showings, the ShowingTime link no longer functions on these listings within our WIREX and Paragon systems (MLS numbers prefixed with MM). We are working to integrate Aligned Showings into Paragon so you can once again click to schedule showings on Metro listings. Once in place, the interface will be a bit different for these listings, as the link will go to the Aligned Showings product rather than ShowingTime. We hope to have this in place in the next few weeks.

On April 5^th, Metro will be turning off the ShowingTime integration within their Flex MLS system. When this is done, Metro agents will need to call or email you to schedule showings on your listings.

We recognize having to make phone calls or send emails to set up showings is disruptive to your business. We also recognize that firms who work in both the SCWMLS and Metro MLS markets will have to work within two different showing systems. Our leadership has looked at the Aligned Showings product, and there is a chance our MLS will integrate it as well. Currently, however, there is functionality missing that we feel is needed. Developers from Aligned Showings are working to add this missing functionality.

Sharing data between MLS systems is a great benefit, but unfortunately, the magic behind the scenes sometimes hits a snag. We ask for your patience while we work through this change.

Internet Data Now Included Within CRS Tax

A new section of information regarding available internet access has been added to the CRS tax report within Paragon. This data is provided by Fiberhomes.com, and can be found before the FEMA Flood Zones section on CRS tax reports. Access CRS Tax Reports by selecting the red T icon from property reports within Paragon Desktop, or within third-party integrations using Paragon Connect.

Listing Training Videos & Resources

Whether you’re a brand new agent or a veteran looking to brush up your skills, be sure to check out our Listings Training page. There, you’ll find short “how-to” videos (some are even animated!), helpful guidelines, and quick links to our most commonly used listing input resources:

Expired vs. Withdrawn by Seller Status

Expired status means the listing contract is no longer in effect. When the term of a contract ends, the status automatically updates to Expired in the MLS. If a firm releases a seller from their listing contract early, the status must be manually changed to Expired as of that date.

Withdrawn by Seller status means the listing contract is still in effect, but the seller has changed their mind about selling. Properties in Withdrawn by Seller status may not be marketed or shown. If you are contacted by a seller to list their property, please include this status when you check the MLS to be sure they aren’t still listed with another firm. More information can be found here.

Expiration Dates for Imported Listings

You may have wondered why active listings that are imported from other MLSs have 1/1/2079 as their expiration date. Most MLSs do not display the expiration date for active listings within their MLS systems. Our agreement via WIREX requires us to honor restrictions set in the native MLS systems. Paragon requires data to be included in the expiration date field, so we use 1/1/2079 as a placeholder. The actual expiration date is hidden, and when the property is moved to an expired status, the placeholder is replaced with the actual expiration date. More information on imported listings can be found here.

Find Past Emails Sent

To see all emails (manual and automatic) you have sent from Paragon, click on Contacts and Sent Messages. If you want to look at or forward any of these emails, simply click the check box in the far left column and the email will open at the bottom of your screen.

You can also see messages sent to a particular contact by clicking the contact name, then clicking Messages History on the left side menu.

Emails you send manually are saved for 90 days. Emails sent automatically by searches are saved for 60 days.t

See Activity on Your Listings

Did you know you can track the number of times your listing is viewed by agents and consumers via Paragon? To access this information, pull up your listing via Listings -> Maintain, and click on Select an Action. From the Select an Action box, choose View Activity Report. Within the report there is a link that defines the statistics displayed.

Focus on the Market Monitor

Did you know you can customize the Market Monitor on the Paragon Home page to limit the display of listings to certain counties, cities, school districts, or types of property? Click the gear to the right of the words Market Monitor to set your preferences:

Clicking the My Info Tab on the Market Monitor gives you quick access to your current active listings as well as your current offer-no show listings, your current delayed listings, your listings due to expire within the number of days specified, and your solds for the past 6 months. Listings under the Sold Within Six Months link include your co-broke sales, allowing easy monitoring to be sure you are given credit for them.

SCWMLS Guide to Architecture Styles

Have you ever wondered how to tell the difference between a bi-level and a raised ranch? Or maybe a townhouse condo vs. a garden style unit? You can find descriptions (and photos) of each of the architecture features in the SCWMLS Architecture & Home Style Guide:

FOREWARN© is an easy-to-use app that will allow you to assess risk by learning about a new prospect prior to meeting them for a showing.

Join 1,100 SCWMLS members who have taken advantage of this free offer. Click here for more information and to register.

Upcoming Training Opportunities

Paragon Connect: Join SCWMLS trainer, Dave Bass, for a 30-minute class via Zoom where you will learn how to use the mobile version of Paragon, Paragon Connect, on your smartphone. Please register here.

Collab Center: Do you want to set up buyers with an automatic search that notifies them about new properties? Learn how to set up a Collab Center site for your buyers, and what they can do with it. This live class will be held via Zoom, please register here.

Map Search in Paragon: With Paragon's map search you can visually define areas on a map to search for listings. Join Dave for this 30-minute class where you will learn how to draw different shapes on the map and edit them, use layers to show lots of helpful information, and more. This live class will be held via Zoom, please register here.

Paragon Overview Classes: We offer weekly live classes for Paragon training. To register for an upcoming session click click here.

In person: We are offering an in-person Paragon training class at the MLS office on April 5th at 9:00am. To register click here.

Customized Office Training: Need training on specific topics? Have Dave come to your office or set up a Zoom meeting to talk about Paragon topics that are important to you. Email support@wisre.com to set up day and time.

South Central Wisconsin Multiple Listing Service

4801 Forest Run Rd, Suite 101

Madison, WI 53704

(608) 240-2800