I believe I’ve posted this before but I can’t find it, but I thought it was worth saying it again.

If you are looking to get your story posted on Vendor Alley here are some tips.

1. Is it a scoop? If I’m the first to know about the news, then I’m more likely to post it.
2. You do something really stupid.
3. I usually start posting between 6AM to 9AM PT. Timely emails make my job easier.
4. I prefer to have a link to the story, not a PDF or Word doc. Uploading content to the blog is time-consuming. Having a link makes my job easier, and the likelihood of your story being posted much better. And it’s better if that link goes to your website, not a newswire service. You want people to go to your website and browse around, right?
5. If you haven’t already guessed from tips 2 and 3, I’m lazy. Including any artwork, logos, photo, or link to video along with your news will also increase your chances of getting you posted.
6. Please provide me with any context or other flavor you want to add to the news.

A few other things.

1. I’m not a journalist.
2. I will typically add my own commentary to your news. You may like or dislike this commentary.
3. If you have ideas for stories or a podcast theme/guest, send them to me.
4. If you want to be on my podcast, let me know.

CRS Data Attracts Seven New Customers in Three Months

“Over the past three months, CRS Data partnered with seven new customers to service its MLS Tax Suite, including: Triangle MLS, Inc.; Greater Alabama MLS; Valley MLS; Northern Great Lakes REALTORS® MLS LLC; Texarkana Board of REALTORS®; Iowa City Area Association of REALTORS® and Iowa Great Lakes Board of REALTORS®.

“Our industry has quickly transitioned to a more virtual environment, one in which rich property tax data and mapping tools are vital to service clients successfully,” said Matt Casey, CEO of CRS Data. “We have stepped up as a team to ensure that our MLS Tax Suite and our help desk services are flawless and readily available to agents who are helping clients shop and sell homes more virtually than ever before.”

Congrats. Lots of competition in this space for sure.

From Inman News: NAR board approves policy giving brokers back their MLS data

The policy, first proposed by the Council of MLSs (CMLS), gives MLS participants (defined as brokerage principals) the right to receive a data feed of their own listing information without restrictions on what they can do with that data. The mandatory policy applies to Realtor-affiliated MLSs nationwide. The vast majority of the 565 MLSs in the U.S. are owned and operated by Realtor associations.

“Most MLSs already allow brokers to access their own MLS content. The new national policy will close a loophole for MLSs that haven’t had a protocol in place for providing that data to their participants, and will unlock efficiencies for brokers, ensuring they don’t have to manually enter the data multiple times into their various systems and reports,” NAR said in an announcement.

Nice win for CMLS and brokers. I’m sure this will be discussed at CMLS virtual “Brings It To The Table” event this Thursday (5/21) starting at 9:00AM PT. I’ll be participating on a panel discussing the future of MLS/Real Estate data.

If you haven’t already registered you can find out more information below:

Click this link to register=> CMLS Brings It To The Table