What do you think of when you hear the term ‘MLS’? The software vendors? The providers? The database itself? What about MLS executives? We tend to use the label as a catchall for all of those things, which can get problematic.
Shelley Specchio has a handle on all aspects of the MLS system. In 1994, Shelley began her professional career publishing a home magazine for the Reno/Sparks Association of REALTORS. The association expanded in 2003 to become the Northern Nevada Regional MLS, and Shelley served as their VP of Sales and Marketing until 2008 when she transitioned to the role of CEO. Last February she became the CEO of the MIBOR REALTOR Association in Indianapolis, a unique organization that marries the MLS, the association, and a nonprofit arm to impact the community at large. Shelley is involved with NAR on the national level, serving on the MLS Executive Advisory Board.
Today Shelley addresses the role of an MLS executive, discussing her own career path and the pros and cons of the position. She shares her take on the fear of disruption in the marketplace, the Upstream initiative, and MLS consolidation. Shelley explains what drew her to the CEO position at MIBOR, describing how the association, MLS, and foundation work in tandem to impact the community. Listen in for insight around using ‘MLS’ as a catchall term and MIBOR’s adoption of the acronym BLC.
What’s Discussed:
Shelley’s career path in real estate
The role of an MLS executive
The fear of disruption in the marketplace
Shifting from fear to strategic action
Shelley’s take on the Upstream initiative
-No one solution for pain points
-MLS needs to facilitate choice
Other graduates of the ‘Merri Jo School of MLS Execs’
Why MLS execs often relocate as they advance
The extensive travel required of MLS execs
The shrinking number of MLSs from 900 to 672
What drew Shelley to MIBOR
-Economic development piece
-Opportunity to move community forward
MIBOR’s unique structure as an association and MLS
The challenges of having a new boss every year
How MLS execs build relationships with the board
The confusion around ‘MLS’ as a catchall term
Why MIBOR uses the term Broker Listing Cooperative
Shelley’s insight on future consolidation
-Less important to merge if data flowing
-Tech like MLS Grid could facilitate
Resources:
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