Since 1995 we've been working with agents and brokers and associations to develop meaningful, results oriented ways to use the web as an effective marketing and management tool. While so many have paid lip service to "keeping the agent central to the transaction", we've quietly crafted the tools to make it possible. Framing data is, at best, a band aid. It does not fully serve the need to provide an agent with a world class web presence and marketing tool, further, without access to the raw data, agents cannot take full advantage of web based productivity tools that streamline their daily efforts. A few weeks ago we launched a product in conjunction with First American Financial that provides a truly integrated approach to web marketing and productivity. It is called FASTRealty.Com. http://www.fastrealty.com At first blush it may look similar to other web based products. However, this system truly provides an "end to end" solution for an individual agent without trying to serve any other agenda but personal success and a level technology playing field. To work at its peak the system requires the cooperation of the local MLS. By having a complete data feed we provide agents with the ability to properly display and maintain listing data within their own web presence. It provides the agent with the ability to maintain their own system for permission marketing through e-mail notifications of new listings and many other tools that heretofore were the domain of large brokers and franchises that could afford their development. The system also allows the agent to be more productive by auto populating data derived from the database for contact management, flyer publishing, farming and a whole host of other activities that would otherwise require multiple data entry and the use of multiple pieces of software. We have no other purpose or agenda for the use of the data, and display it in accordance with the MLS. We have no portal site to support and no other agenda for the data. I understand the defensive posture that some MLS' take when third party providers ask for access to data. However in this case, we are just providing the conduit for agents to "remain central to the transaction" and have access to the same type of technology and productivity tools that are empowering the emergence of "online" brokers like the "e's" and "zips" of the world. After watching the positioning that has taken place since the May NAR ruling, for the first time I truly believe that a model is emerging that is going to benefit everyone, The Associations, The Technology Vendor and most importantly, the agent that so desperately needs the cooperation of all concerned. Those that have the best interest of the agent at heart will rapidly assume market leadership positions, those that remain in a posture of control, secrecy, cronyism and hidden agendas will suffer the wrath of a free enterprise system that is powered by the greatest equalizer of modern time, the web.

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