I would like to begin by saying that the glue that holds the associations together, the local, state, and national is the local MLS. The local broker who wants to access to the local MLS data to do business must join the local association he also has to join the state and national associations too wither he wants to or not and pay dues to all three organizations. Would anyone believe for a minute that these organizations would give up control of that data. It is that data and our dues that have created one of the most powerful political/business machines in the country. I believe that things have been going on business as usual for so long that member brokers and agents have been brainwashed to think that if we put information out there for the public to view that we will have no control over it. That the public will go a get the owner's name and phone number and cut us out of the deal. Well they could do that as soon as we stuck a sign in the front yard. I believe that it should be the local MLS marketing the brokers, agents, member businesses, properties, and the local community. My association is bless in that we have a MLS software system that is both web-base and a distributive download system. I bet with some work that the web-base site could have a mirror site design for John Q. Public to access with some information limited to protect confidential information. With some thought this site could be set up to help buyer agents, listing agents, relocation agents, member business associates with links. The site would be design to promote the use of a REALTOR and to let the local community know what we as an association are doing for the community. It would also be a wonderful tool to promote the local community to the world outside. Just imagine how easy we could make searching for real property for the buyer and how many hundreds of dollars we could save in advertising dollars. We could also make money as a local association selling banner space, and links to local businesses ie; mortgage companys, inspection firms, contractors, builders, insurance firms it goes on. Lets wake up and take care of ourselves locally I believe we could do a better job than the national association. Thank you for your time and attention to this letter. Yours, d_garza@remax.net

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