What rock have you been hiding under Toronto?

##Subject## MLS

##Feedback##

DAVID: RE YOUR WEBSITE AND MLS ACCESS. I'M NOT SURE WHAT ROCK YOU'VE BEEN LIVING UNDER BUT MLS ACCESS TO ALL LISTINGS INCLUDING DETAILED INFO ON PROPERTIES THROUGHOUT CANADA HAS BEEN AVAILABLE TO THE PUBIC FOR SOME TIME NOW.

So... The end is nigh. The flood gates of Internet information are open and there will be no need for anyone. You can be your own plumber, your own dentist, your own seamstress, your own tailor. There are books and sites for everything.

Knowledge is a dangerous curse. Just because we know "IT" we assume that everyone else does also. Hence the phrase common sense.

But searching any address today, on the internet will deliver the previous photo stream of pictures that reference this property. You know, the pictures they took with the garbage cans out front, Ted will deliver the local scenes, and Google earth will provide the 3D perspective and additional pictures. You will also find every private for sale vendor that ever "tried" to sell the house, prior to selecting a Realtor and their pictures online. FSBO sites exchange photo's and listing to cross populate their sites and embellish their success. MLS.ca serves the membership and provides an advertising feature / service to its (Realtor) members.

When you are listing a property, I am requested to collect photo ID, as you are making a financial transaction and in compliance with FINTRAC and PIPEDA we collect and record these details. Given that the average property is $350 to $400 thousand, that seems prudent.

Now, you are at work, you have a chance to surf for a few minutes you are looking at neighbourhoods, schools, amenities, the community itself, sports associations for the kids, neighbourhood watch information for crime stats and safety. The internet will provide all these details for you in a Google search. All of it. The results most times will be; the most recent, sometimes the oldest, occasionally a blatant lie or advertorial or just general propoganda that someone has posted.

The MLS system is much the same way. For the most part listings are accurate but sometime deals that have fallen through, or sold conditionally stay for years, cluttering the information stream with what is vital and timely information. You as the Seller, (Vendor) of the home have the choice of complete control to decide about internet denial, no posting online at all, the restriction of your address or a complete and full posting.

What do I have? I have the Key. I have the experience translator module that you lack. I have looked at these houses while they were for sale and when they sold. I have the sold information and the days on market that reflect those values. You and I, together will examine what has recently sold (IE the last 90 days not in the last 4 years) so that you have the comfort to go forward with confidence that you are making a sound financial decision. Your bank will verify your conclusions in their appraisal; Your Lawyer will check and enforce the details of your real estate contract. You home inspector will help you understand future maintenance issues and concerns. We are all here to answer your questions.

When you call a plumber, you hired a tradesman who has the tools and experience to solve your situation. By making observations about your circumstance and predicament, [he] can recommend an instant and painless solution. You always have the option of Buying a Book online, installing a How to Program and Trying yourself, Buying the correct tools and knowing how to use them. My tool box is available to you at anytime. I have a financial services background and 22 years or residential resale experience.

Many real estate agents in Toronto are running mashup's of the MLS.ca site integrated with Google Mapping. Great application, But, they are permitted only to advertise those brokers that permit or share data, display those listings that are released to MLS.ca and those may be sold or sold conditionally. It you want a true Market Tracker, You need to sign up here. On a daily basis I see claims about the newest best, most recent, instant riches programs. You too? I am confidant as the internet grows there will be a continuing and dramatic increase in the number of interpreters and translators needed for real estate information in Toronto.

What rock have I been hiding under? Sorry, I was reading pages on the internet. I will be here when you want sold data or factual explanations of a real estate transaction in the GTA Toronto.

What are your thoughts?