RMLS™ is excited to announce that we have selected Black Knight MLS Solution’s Paragon MLS as an alternative choice to RMLSweb. When released subscribers will be able to elect to use the Paragon MLS as their “Front End of Choice”, for an additional fee.
Paragon MLS includes the ability to search for listings via map, create CMA reports, view public property records provided by CRS Data, collaborate with buyer and seller clients through the mobile based Paragon Collaboration Center, and much more! Appraisers will appreciate the ability to build custom exports of MLS data and the Market Conditions reports.
RMLS™ is working closely with the team at Paragon to set up this new system. Want to know more? Attend the 2020 RMLS™ Education Summit and Trade Fair and sign up for one of the two Paragon classes on March 19 (10:30-11:30 am or 1:30-2:30 pm). Here Bob Morse from Paragon and Nikki Morgan with CRS Data will introduce Paragon MLS and CRS Data public tax record system. We hope to have the system available for purchase in April.
What is Front End of Choice?
The concept of Front end of choice is all about choice. RMLS™ has chosen to build it’s own system, RMLSweb, for the last 20 years. This has allowed us to shape our own destiny and keep a tight hold on the reigns keeping costs low while at the same time responding to the needs of our subscribers. But that does not mean that it meets all of the needs of all RMLS™ subscribers. RMLSweb is still going to be available and will still be aggressively developed but Front end of choice allows a greater amount of flexibility by providing several different ways of interacting with the RMLS™ database.
Brokers want different tools
Trying to use one product to make everyone happy is a fool’s errand. No one will ever make everyone happy. When we hold a user forum with 20 people it is not uncommon to find 20 totally different opinions on what we should work on next or how we should design it.
Brokers need to differentiate themselves
Brokers want to leverage those tools they purchase to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Once the MLS provides a CMA, for instance, then everyone’s CMA looks the same. Front End of Choice allows more choice and more opportunities for someone to stand out and showcase what they do differently.
Standards have advanced
Multiple Listing Services were not in a position to offer Front End of Choice solutions for a very long time because it took so much effort for each provider to setup their software so that it met the unique fields and options in each area.
As the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) has evolved we are now at the point where providing a solution in one state is as easy as the next. We are much closer to plug and play than we used to be so the barrier to entry is significantly lower. This allows data to flow between software packages as well. Your CMA can talk to your CRM or your transaction management platform can talk to your marketing tools.
We think that Paragon (one of the most popular MLS systems available) addresses some of the needs of our subscribers that RMLSweb does not. As we move forward, we hope to bring more and more products to you to help satisfy everyone’s unique needs and perspectives.
What is the cost of the product for us users?
Good morning Joseph, Subscribers (agents and appraisers) will have the opportunity to try Paragon for free through June 2020. For the remainder of 2020 (3rd and 4th quarter) Paragon will be available at a reduced cost of $45 per quarter. Starting in 2021 Paragon will be available for $60 per quarter as set by Black Knight.
Question – would agents still belong to RMLS and then Paragon is an add on, or would agents be able to choose one or the other? If they get to choose one or the other, would the Managing Broker need to belong to both, like I have to with EMAR/PMAR?
Good morning Kelly, Subscribers will have access to RMLSweb as part of their quarterly RMLS™ dues. Paragon is being offered as an additional “add on” should a subscriber elect to pay for that system.
In case we can’t make the Event, do we know what the projected additional cost will be?
Good morning Grady, After the free trial period (April-June 2020) and the reduced cost period (July-December 2020), Paragon will be available for $60 per quarter starting in 2021.
Is this a way to entice WVMLS to merge with RMLS in the near future?
Hello Lisa, It is certainly possible that current Paragon users would find the transition from WVMLS to RMLS™ much easier. However, the decision to provide different front ends to the RMLS™ dataset was not made for marketing purposes. It is all about providing choices where none existed before.
Please tell me RMLS will offer in-depth and adequate training for this new program and not just a sales pitch by the company…please!
RMLS™ Trainers are in the process of creating Paragon classes that we will offer later this spring. In addition, Help Desk and Trainers are familiarizing themselves with the various features and functionality of Paragon so that when the system is released, we will be able to assist our subscribers as they explore the new system. The two classes being held at the RMLS™ Education Summit and Trade Fair will provide subscribers a general high-level overview of both Paragon and CRS Data.
Has there been any consideration to allowing us to use HomeSpotter to communicate directly with clients?
Hello Jodi, We are talking with HomeSpotter to open up agent/client communication within the HomeSpotter app. While we do not yet have an ETA on when this will be available, it is something we are working on.
I may have missed it, but what date will access begin for RMLS subscribers to try it out until June 2020?
We are aiming to make Paragon available for the free trial in mid-April. Once we have finalized the date we will share that with all our subscribers.
Are there any plans for having training in Eugene?
Yes, we will have training in Eugene. Our Training Department is in the process of developing Paragon classes so we can bring classes to all of our offices on a routine basis.
Do we have any updates for the launch of Paragon at this time? I know that with Coronavirus leading so much concern that this could be delaying the launch. It seems to me as using this on WVMLS this could be a great product to use for client collaboration, which would mean that we would be able to reduce the number of in-person showings through a better prospect search option.
Just a question, and would just like some kind of update
Thanks,
Given the current pandemic and social distance best practices, we have unfortunately had to delay Paragon’s launch until later in the year. As our organization adjusts to the new reality, we will devise a new launch date and inform subscribers as soon as we have it. Thank you for your patience during these trying times.
is RMLS being phased out?
Hello Patti, RMLS is not being phased out. We are expanding our service offering by providing Black Knight MLS Solutions’s Paragon MLS as an alternative choice to RMLSweb. Subscribers can now elect to use the Paragon MLS as their “Front End of Choice”, for an additional fee. Paragon MLS includes the ability to search for listings via map, create CMA reports, view public property records provided by CRS Data, collaborate with buyer and seller clients through the mobile responsive Paragon Collaboration Center, and much more!