Where Real Estate Gets Its Dirt

WTFMLS

UnknownJust when you thought South Florida MLS politics couldn’t get more crazier. The brain trust of these associations decided to dissolve RMLS, FL.

Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches
Jupiter-Tequesta-Hobe Sound Association of Realtors, Inc.
Realtors Association of St. Lucie, Inc.

REALLY? Dissolving RMLS was in the best interest of your members? Can anyone name any part of the country where this has been done successfully? I spoke to several agents at the recent Xplode conference in Boca Raton, and to say they are not happy is a massive understatement.

And don’t get me started about the hell Wes Wiggins must have been through. Do me a favor, next time you see Wes, pat him on the back and buy him a drink. He needs it. By all accounts he’s handled a tough situation with nothing but class.

But hey, this is Vendor Alley, we can’t help ourselves but offer some advice. We see a huge problem in the industry- what do you call this new entity created and now controlled by this trial blazing triumvirate of associations?

The MLS formerly known as RMLS, FL?
REALTORS of Palm Beaches, Jupiter-Tequesta-Hobe and St. Lucie MLS? RPBJTHSLMLS has a nice ring to it eh?

No, actually the name was uttered by one of the agents I was talking to in Boca Raton today.

“WTFMLS”

What The Fuck MLS?

Perfect.

  1. Rosemary Scardina

    They will never truly understand what they had until they’ve lost it….isn’t that what people say. Well all I can say is not only will they discover the mysteries that are MLS. But I have to ask a rhetorical question; how are they going to give all those subscribers what they want. NOT to mention loosing one of the BEST MLS Executives in the business. Wes, first drinks on me.

  2. I agree with Rosemary, especially the piece about Wes. Does anyone in those Associations really think they will be able to replace the knowledge, industry relationships and integrity of Wes? Get in line Rosemary, first drinks are on this guy!

  3. I truly don’t know what to say. I didn’t think I could be surprised by anything out of that area, but I stand corrected.

    Wes, you’re an asset to the industry. I know you’re going to come out for the better.

    I am truly sorry for the members. The advocate they had in a regional organization is something this industry needs more of, not less. Bill, erosion is right.

  4. It would make a great business school case study. The dissolution of the corporation by its shareholders for the greater good of their mutual customers could and would be argued both ways. Time will tell if the local REALTOR(r) is better served in this manner.

    The RMLS team always treated my company and me very well both professionally and personally. It has been very difficult to watch their fine team of folks pared down and ultimately dismantled.

  5. Not knowing the intricacies of the issues, politics, and members needs in that area, I won’t comment on the wisdom of the decision. But what I do know is that Wes is a class act, knowledgeable and professional – he’ll be just fine and some other lucky MLS will scoop him right up. Best wishes Wes. I’m sure we’ll see you around the MLS campfire.

  6. I’m not in the MLS space per se – I usually just skulk about this site, entertained by the politics and hubbub of the MLS world.

    But today I’m officially stepping in to participate:

    The (currently, at least) anonymous agent who came up with that acronym is absolutely brilliant. It’s so fantastically hilarious that I decided to registered the domain rather than risk it going into the wrong hands.

    http://www.wtfmls.com

    If someone wants to do something inspired with it let me know – I’m happy to transfer it over. In the meantime I’ll just put something simple up on the home page… maybe an homage to the anonymous agent!

    (Thanks to Bill Rovillo for posting this link to Facebook and spreading the word about it.)

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