Using MLXchange with Windows' Vista

Monday 26 February 2007

MLXchange 3.0 addresses compatibility issues


Microsoft's newest version of Windows, Vista, is out and subscribers who have already upgraded know there are some minor compatibility issues with MLXchange. Specifically, Vista users encounter error messages when they attempt to log in and will loose the use of all Mapping Features including Map Searches, Map Views, Driving Directions, Plotting Maps and any Geocoding Functionality within Listing Maintenance. While we've identified a temporary work-around for this challenge, the MFRMLS Technical Group is excited because the upcoming release of MLXchange version 3.0 later this year will address all the incompatibility issues and integrate perfectly with Vista.

  • If you're already running Vista, you'll need to turn off Protective Mode to allow these advanced features to operate.
  • If you haven't upgraded to Vista yet, we recommend waiting until after the MLXchange 3.0 release.

MLX Wireless

Monday 26 February 2007

Better Than Ever


On February 21st we re-released MLX Wireless with enhancements to better serve your needs. To learn all about the exciting features of this value-added service, click here.

Tom Scaglione, Avalar Realty of Tampa Bay, used the new MLX Wireless on his Treo 650 and states without any reservations that it is a fantastic tool. He says, "Previously I have used the downloadable version of Pocket Real Estate as well as the live version, and our new MLX Wireless has them beat hands down. The system is very easy to use. The search is quick for a Smartphone solution, and very useful in the field."

Scaglione gives an example. "When you're out with buyers and they ask you about a home that may not be on your showing list, you just log in and look up the address and you have all the pertinent info. The buyers are impressed not only because you can get the info on the fly, but that you did not include the property in the first place because it does not meet their requirements."

Another of his favorite MLX Wireless features is the hyper-linked phone numbers. By clicking on an agent's phone number on a listing or in the roster search, your Internet enabled phone will dial them directly. Have you ever had an agent leave you a message but not their phone number? With MLX Wireless you can do a roster search to find them, and with a click of a button you'll have them on the phone.

While MLX Wireless is not as comprehensive as the desktop version of MLXchange, Scaglione says it more than meets his needs. "The fields included in the display are just perfect to find out the necessary information about any property without having to go back to the office, delaying your answers to your clients. You do it live and on the spot."

How can I make sure my phone can access Wireless Solutions?

  1. Log into MFRMLS.com
  2. Under News & Info, click on MLX wireless info.
  3. Read e-zine article with links to tutorial, FAQ's, etc

MongoFAX is here!

Monday 26 February 2007

Fax to email system launched March 1st


MongoFAX, your newest value-added MFR subscription benefit allows you to fax documents to a single toll-free 1-800 number and have that document delivered as an Adobe PDF file to any email addresses you specify--even your own.

With MongoFAX, you can send paper documents digitally, then archive them electronically. By increasing security and privacy, saving money on couriers, overnight mail, snail mail, long distance phone charges, and traditional faxing, MongoFAX promises to help streamline real estate transactions. Find out more about MongoFAX in our archives.

How do I get started?

  1. Double-click on the attached PDF file
  2. SAVE attached Email Cover Page (PDF) to your desktop
  3. OPEN the Email Cover Page in Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or higher
  4. TYPE email addresses in the TO/CC/FROM fields in the Email Cover Page
  5. PRINT the Email Cover Page
  6. FAX only to the dedicated MongoFAX number indicated on Email Cover Page

Click here to see a demonstration of MongoFAX.

MFRMLS is utilizing MongoFAX on a three-month trial basis. If sufficient use and interest warrants, we'll continue the service.

Be Proactive!

Monday 26 February 2007

Keep your account in good standing

Proactive subscribers check their MFR account twice a month in order to make sure they are current and in good standing. Throughout the year, you could incur fees for fines, LoginKeys™, activation fees, convenience fees, late fees and others. Accounts with balances for over 30 days risk service suspensions. Accounts 90 days past due will result in office suspensions. Make sure you're familiar with the changes in Section 8 of the MFRMLS Rules and Regulations, and make sure to login to your account at MFRMLS.com to make sure your balance is zero.

Update regarding contact information

Monday 26 February 2007

Our most recent e-zine contained inaccurate information about updating your contact information. We apologize for the inconvenience. The best way to make sure your contact information is correct is to verify it with your local service center.

In May, you'll receive your annual Participation Fee billing via email. The e-mail billing list is taken from the contact information on file with your association. To ensure you get your e-bill, please verify that the e-mail address on file with your local service center is correct. Because each service center accepts corrections from members differently, we've listed each association's instructions for verifying and changing the information they have on file.

Bartow Association of REALTORS

Check your e-mail address and other contact information in MLXchange and fax corrections to 863-533-7038.

East Polk County Association of REALTORS

Check your e-mail address and contact information in MLXchange and fax corrections to 863-299-5772.

Greater Lake County Association of REALTORS

Check your e-mail address and contact information by visiting the GCLAR website. Log in to the "Members Area" from the "Find A Member" page. If your information is incorrect, e-mail your changes to ceo@glcar.com. Allow a few days for your changes to show up online.

Lakeland Association of REALTORS

Check your e-mail address and other contact information in MLXchange and e-mail changes to mclifford@lakeland.net.

Orlando Regional REALTOR Association

Check your e-mail address and other contact information by visiting the ORRA website at http://www.orlrealtor.com. Click the "Member's Only" section and log in to make any corrections. This automatically updates the association's member database.

Osceola County Association of REALTORS

Check your e-mail address and other contact information in MLXchange and fax corrections to 407-846-0217.

Greater Tampa Association of REALTORS

Check your e-mail address and other contact information online and make any changes at http://www.gtar.org.

West Volusia Association of REALTORS

Check your e-mail address and contact information in MLXchange and e-mail changes to annegretwestwood@cfl.rr.com.

Help Desk News and Updates

Monday 26 February 2007

Looking for ways to serve you better

The MFRMLS Help Desk Professionals are constantly looking for ways to enhance subscriber services and overcome challenges. Recently we noted several calls from subscribers who use the WildBlue high-speed Internet service provider and experienced difficulty accessing MLXchange. Josen Rivadeneira, one of MFR's Lead Technicians, took the time to partner with WildBlue to create a solution for this issue:

Over the past few months the Mid-Florida Regional MLS Help Desk has received a noticeable number of calls from members who have been experiencing challenges when trying to use MLXchange over WildBlue's High-Speed Internet service.

The Mid-Florida Regional MLS Help Desk has worked closely with Wildblue's Support Team. In doing so, we have developed a resolution that will solve the compatibility challenge between these two products. If you are currently using WildBlue as your Internet Service Provider and are experiencing any technical challenges using MLXchange, please use the steps below to help resolve the issue.

  1. Go to Control Panel located within the start menu. Depending on your customized view, the control panel interface will resemble one of the two examples below:


    2. Figure A – Classic View



    Figure B - Category View



  2. Open Internet Options (In category view, Internet Options is located under the Network and Internet Connections icon [Figure B]
  3. Click on Connections, located at the top tabs within the Internet Properties window
  4. Select LAN Settings. [Figure C].


    5. Figure C



  5. Uncheck the boxes next to Automatically detect settings and Use automatic configuration script options. Clear any websites that are in the address field. (Figure D).


    6. Figure D



  6. Click OK to exit the Local Area Network (LAN) Settings, and then click OK to exit the Internet Properties Window.
  7. Open MLXchange in Internet Explorer. Check to see if there are any problems when logging in. If the Problem persists, please contact the MLS Help Desk for further technical assistance. They can be reached at (407) 513-7288, or toll-free at (800) 686-7451 or www.mfrmls.com.

Help Desk News and Updates

Monday 26 February 2007

Looking for ways to serve you better


The MFRMLS Help Desk Professionals are constantly looking for ways to enhance subscriber services and overcome challenges. Recently we noted several calls from subscribers who use the WildBlue High-speed Internet service provider and experienced difficulty accessing MLXchange. Josen Rivadeneira, one of MFR's Lead Technicians, took the time to partner with WildBlue to create a solution for this issue. Click here for full details.

Top 5 Violations for January 2007

Friday 16 February 2007


Here are the top five listing violations for January with tips on how to avoid fines on these hot topics. Follow the links for past ezine articles for more information:

  1. Tax ID's: Still topping our list, Tax ID violations are easy to avoid if you use the "Tax Autopop" feature. Once you click "Tax Autopop," select the county, and enter the basic property address (Example: "1330 Lee" --do not include "Ave", "Blvd", "Road"). When the "Use This Record for Auto Pop" window comes up on the bottom left, select the property and click the green arrow. This automatically populates key fields into the listing from Public Records, including a properly formatted Tax ID. (For new construction or condo conversions enter the full address including unit # in the address field).
  2. Missing Photos: Every listing except vacant land must have at least one frontal exterior photo or rendering, and it must be loaded within 7 business days from the listing date. Make sure this photo occupies the first listing's 1st photo slot in MLXchange.
  3. Compensation Errors: All compensation must be represented as a percent and or a dollar sign. Examples: 3%, or 3% - $200, or $1500.
  4. Contact Info in Remarks: Public Remarks, Additional Remarks and Driving Remarks must not contain any contact numbers, names, or web addresses. Put it in "Realtor Only Remarks." (Click link for more info)
  5. Virtual Tours: Company logos, agent photos, commissions, bonuses or contact information are not permitted in the photo or virtual tour section. The virtual tour, main photo, and other "views" may contain only a property photo, site plot, property sketch, property line art, or survey. Virtual Tour contact information is the only contact information allowed on the Virtual Tours.

Who's Receiving Fines?

95% were "first-time offenders," and we anticipate our new Listing Maintenance class will help eliminate many of these first-time listing errors.

What is being done to help eliminate errors and fines?

Education is key. Our big push in 2007 is to give you’re the resources you need to get the most from your MLS, and to help you avoid fines. Twice a month, this e-zine contains helpful advice on how to avoid the top listing violations; our Education e-zine lets you know how to sign up for free classes; and the MFR staff continues to make frequent courtesy calls to offer assistance to those who don't correct violations in a timely manner.

How is the Subscriber Education Program Working?

277 Subscribers attended the new Listing Maintenance classes in January. Many attendees were long time members who came to brush up their skills. Other attendees had recently received fines, and they were able to apply the $50.00 offered for taking the class to the amount they owed. (If you receive a fine after 1/1/2007, you can take the Listing Maintenance class to lessen your fine by $50; however, it does not mean you can take the class today and "bank" $50.00 to your account as a credit toward a future fines or subscription fees.)

Rerelease of MLX Wireless

Friday 16 February 2007

New feature available on Tuesday Febuary 21st

Earlier this month, our official rollout of MLX Wireless met with a few technical challenges. Over the last two weeks, we've addressed each issue, and as a result, MLX Wireless is stronger than ever. On Tuesday, February 21st we will re-launch this exciting new feature. Find out more about MLX Wireless here.

New Data Entry Manual for Residential Properties

Friday 16 February 2007

Available on our website February 23rd

By the end of next week we will post the revised Data Entry Manual for Residential Properties on www.mfrmls.com. The new revision takes into account all the improvements we have made to keep our data more accurate and reduce fines. The manual details every field of the Data Entry process, making it an easy reference guide should you ever have listing questions. Take a moment to review the manual and refresh your knowledge and understanding of the very important Listing Maintenance feature in MLXchange.

The Value of an MFRMLS Subscription

Friday 16 February 2007

What do I get for my subscription fees?

In just a few months, it will be time to renew your subscription to MFRMLS. As our membership grows, we grow too, and each year we are able to add new value-added features to your service. Here's a brief summary of the extra features you get as part of your subscription.

MLXchange Professional - This free upgrade allows you to enjoy full E-mail capabilities, Web page construction tools, Internet lead capture, enhanced client management and more.

iMapp - We offer two tools that organize public property and tax records into an easy-to-navigate computer interface. ILink, the online application, is accessible through MLXchange. Imobile delivers property information to any Internet enabled cell phone.

ShowingTime - Listing agents can provide complete listing information and buyer's agents can retrieve showing instructions and request showings online.


RSA Security - MFR Secure LoginKey is a proactive measure that helps keep MLS a private resource for real estate professionals, it reinforces the importance REALTORS play in property sales, and protects the resources that you pay for.

Help Desk - The Help Desk provides a point of contact for all subscribers. They answer questions and troubleshoot problems related to supported products and services. In response, the Help Desk resolves issues in a timely manner, or escalate the problem to the appropriate vendor for resolution. This is done while providing excellent customer service. The team answers live calls during business hours and responds to voicemail message during the after hours program.

Training - Each month we offer classes and seminars designed to help you get the most out of all our featured benefits.


Photos - REALTORS who are unable to provide a photo for a listing can select "Association Loaded" option, and MFRMLS will send a photographer to take and upload a photo of the listed property to the listing.

IDX Solution - Tools that permit the addition of a property search to a REALTOR's website, allowing clients to use the site to search tens of thousands of IDX authorized listings.

Administrative Staff - Our experienced staff keeps the MLS operating smoothly and works to ensure the data in the MLS is as accurate as possible.

RatePlug - Allows you to include mortgage options from your three favorite lenders with each listing you email from MLXchange. Your clients get accurate, up-to-date information showing realistic monthly payments for the properties, including taxes.


MLX Wireless - Allows you to search the entire MLS from your compatible wireless hand-held device. Search and retrieve MLS data through instant hotsheet searches, property searches, and agent and office roster searches. Email listing reports, including full-color property photos.


We're proud of the services we provide. Through the efforts of your elected volunteer board of directors, MFRMLS is one of the largest and best Multiple Listing Services in the country, and we're working hard every day to expand our services. Thank you for your participation.

MongoFAX arrives March 1st

Friday 16 February 2007

Another step toward the paper-free office


Last month we showed you how to use ShowingTime and attachments to automate the exchange of information between buyer's and seller's agents. But despite our best efforts, we all know that when an offer is on the table, a flurry of scanning, faxing, and delivering documents begins.

That's where MongoFAX comes in. MongoFAX allows you to fax a document to a single toll-free 1-800 number, and have that document delivered immediately as an Adobe PDF file to any email addresses you specify.

Once you start thinking about the uses and benefits of MongoFAX, the possibilities seem endless:

Document Quality: Real estate documents are often faxed two or three times in a single transaction, and by the time the last party receives them, they are often illegible. With MongoFAX, a document is faxed only once, and can be forwarded electronically over and over with no loss of quality.

Multiple Recipients: With one fax you can send a document to as many Email addresses as you specify, making MongoFAX a real time saver.

Easier Archiving: Once MongoFAX converts your document to an electronic file, it can be easily archived on any computer. (You can even fax documents to your own Email and you'll have an electronic copy in seconds—probably faster than you could scan it).

Sounds Great! When can I start using MongoFAX?

Beginning March 1st, MongoFAX will be available for all MFRMLS subscribers at no additional cost as a value-added part of your subscription.

How do I use MongoFAX?

  1. DOWNLOAD the PDF MongoFAX cover page and save it on your computer.
  2. OPEN the document in Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or higher (you can down load a current version at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/ ).
  3. TYPE the appropriate Email addresses in the TO/CC/FROM fields on the Email Cover Page.
  4. PRINT the Email Cover Page.
  5. FAX only to dedicated MongoFAX number indicated on Email Cover Page.

You can see a demonstration of MongoFAX in action at the following link:

http://www.mongonet.net/c_front/userguide/emailcoverpage.html

New Reports Available February 21st

Friday 16 February 2007

The MFRMLS board has reviewed the reports available for MLS listings, and based upon requests we’ve received from subscribers, we've developed a host of exciting new reports that you can print or Email to clients.

You'll be able to see the new reports beginning Wednesday, February 21st. When viewing the detail page of any listing, click the "Reports" drop-down menu. At the top of the list you'll see your favorites. Immediately under those, you'll see a series of reports with numbered titles: these are the new reports! Take a minute and review the new additions; chances are you'll find one that will work for you.

Wireless Solutions Are Right Around the Corner

Friday 02 February 2007

MLX Wireless rolls out Tuesday, February 6, 2007


We promised in recent e-zines that wireless solutions were coming soon. Now it's time to keep that promise! MLX Wireless, making its MFRMLS debut on Tuesday, February 6th, will give you the capability to search MLS data from your wireless handheld device anytime, anywhere there is cellular coverage.

Why should I use MLX Wireless?

It's an effortless way to enhance your professional image with prospects and make efficient use of your time. Confidently answer client questions with MFRMLS data in the palm of your hand - without returning to or calling your office.

See our frequently Asked Questions section for more info!

What are the features of MLX Wireless?

  • The 24 Hour Hotsheet lets you view all recent changes in the MLS database, including what's new, what's sold, and what's back on the market.
  • Search agent and office roster data for important contacts.
  • Search listing information by a variety of criteria and access property details including price, bedrooms, bathrooms, public & private remarks, directions, showing instructions, list agent contact information, days on the market, & more.
  • Full color exterior property photo available.
  • Instantly email a listing report with property photo to prospects and clients.

See the MLX Wireless Tutorial for a list of other great features!

What kind of wireless device do I need?

MLX Wireless runs on any wireless device with an HTML compatible browser. Popular devices compatible with MLX Wireless include BlackBerry handhelds with the 3.7 operating system or higher, Palm Treo 600/650/700 handhelds, and Pocket PC cellular devices. MLX Wireless includes wireless MLS service and comprehensive online and toll free technical support. It requires wireless handheld hardware or a wireless data plan.

Our MLX Wireless Flyer has a brief overview of some phones and cell phone platforms that work!

Do you sell wireless handheld devices?

No. Please visit a wireless service provider, such as Verizon, Sprint, Nextel, Cingular, or T-Mobile for all your wireless hardware and data plan needs.

What does MLX Wireless cost?

We are pleased to make this service available to our subscribers at no extra charge; it is included in your menu of services when you pay your membership dues.

How do I sign up for MLX Wireless?

Register on February 6th and thereafter by going to the Home Page of MLXchange. In the Resources section, click on "Register for MLX Wireless" to activate your account.

Our MLX Wireless Tutorial will step you through the sign up process!

What if I have questions or problems with MLX Wireless?

Contact MLX Wireless support at 1-866-304-0080 from 10:00 am - 8 pm EST, Monday through Friday.

Keeping Up With Your Success

Friday 02 February 2007

MFRMLS is growing to meet your needs

MFRMLS has experienced tremendous recent growth in the number of subscribers in our region. In an effort to meet your growing demand for increased services to keep up with your success, we have moved into new quarters adjacent to our previous headquarters in the ORRA facility on Lee Road, and now our new physical address is 5032 Goddard St, Orlando, FL 32804.

The new facilities will expand our capabilities to provide additional administrative and support-desk personnel to keep pace with your needs. For example, we appointed Colin Rosario to Director of MLS Technology Initiatives, and we hired Deanna Harris as the Help Desk Manager.


Deanna Harris, formerly Assistant Vice President and Director of Help Desk operations with Enterprise Car Rentals, is committed to making our help desk even more helpful. Her new initiatives will bring the help desk to a new level of friendly, professional customer service.

Former help desk guru Colin Rosario will work to create smooth integrations of all new additional features and the upcoming release of MLXChange 3.0. Colin will oversee and manage all technical initiatives, programs, and interfaces - and he'll be responsible for coordinating the requirements of outside vendors for MLS data. In addition, he'll participate in resolving system technical issues and facilitate delivery of technology-related products and services.

A simple way to help us help you is to call the correct number when you have questions. The Administrative Desk (for rules and regulations-related questions, fines, etc.) is at extension 7298, and the Help Desk (for technical computer system-related questions) is at 7288. If you call the right desk, you'll enjoy faster service.

MLXchange Version 3.0 Expected Later this Year

Friday 02 February 2007

Features to look forward to ...

We asked Imre Nagy, MFRMLS Training Director, what features he liked best about the upcoming version 3.0 of MLXchange, and his eyes lit up.

"Spell-check!" he said. "And an easier-to-follow CMA module, reminder notes when a listing is about to expire, and the ability to change the positions of photographs and to add descriptions to them."

Vice President Joel Cohen notes the enhanced capability of version 3.0 to handle attachments. He explained that the current version limits you to only 5 attachments, each with up to 1.5 megabytes. The new 3.0 will allow attachments of up to 5 megabytes.

What types of documents would I want to attach to a listing on MLXchange?

  • Seller's Disclosure Statement
  • Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for homes built in 1978 or before)
  • Inspection Report
  • Survey
  • Flyer
  • Subdivision Information
  • Maps
  • Plats
  • HOA Rules and Regulations
  • HOA Application for Buyer
  • And more ....

For Director of MLS Technology, Colin Rosario, the WOW! factor of MLXchange 3.0 is the capability of using a team environment scenario to allow agents to meet their clients' needs when the agent is on vacation. Specifically, version 3.0 will allow you to assign a team-mate to gain access to your MLXchange account. The team members would have to be authorized subscribers, but you can make the assignment yourself with 3.0, without even having to call MFRMLS.

Searching for 55+ Communities

Friday 02 February 2007

Why MFRMLS does not allow our members to list properties as 55+

Many subscribers have asked for the ability to search for 55+ communities, but MFRMLS cannot allow it, due to the fact that age-restricted communities are an exception to the prohibition of discrimination in the Florida Fair Housing Act, and because there is no complete and accurately verified list of 55+ communities. Allowing 55+ would produce too many potential liability issues.


Although MLXchange does not have a search field for 55+, there is a way to make existing tools work for you.

  • Go to the Florida Commission on Human Relations website.
  • Follow the link for 55+ housing. You will find their published list of registered 55+ communities by county. Remember that this list is incomplete and unverified. Not all 55+ communities have added themselves to the list, and no one at the Florida Commission on Human Relations has checked the veracity of the 55+ claim for the communities listed.
  • Copy the community names and paste them into the "Subdivision/Community Name" search field in MLXchange. Remember to put commas between each name.
  • Save this search to a client - perhaps creating a fake client named "55+ communities" - and you'll be able to call on it whenever a retiree tasks you to find an adult community.

Check Your Account Balance Online

Friday 02 February 2007

Avoid Service Suspensions

We encourage subscribers to visit our online payment center, www.mfrmls.com, to check their account at least twice a month to ensure they don't have an outstanding balance.

Failure to pay your fees on time could result in a suspension of service for you and your office.

Beginning in February 2007, collection of the fees and fines will be diligently enforced. Any subscriber who is 30 days past due on their account will have their MLS service suspended until paid in full. Note: it will take 1 to 2 business days to restore service. If an account is 90 days past due, the entire office will experience a service suspension.