calREDD Update

Dear C.A.R. Member:

As you may know, calREDD^TM announced late yesterday that the Fresno Association of REALTORS® is putting its participation in the statewide Multiple Listing Service (MLS) on hold for now. Discussions with Fresno are ongoing, and our mutual goal is that disruptions to our members’ businesses are minimized. I wanted to take this opportunity to share some additional information and bring you up to date as we move forward.

calREDD^TM launched Aug. 17 in Fresno, Madera, and Merced. As with most conversions of this scale, it was a bumpy launch. It created additional challenges for members who had to simultaneously learn the new system while running their day-to-day businesses. Constructive member feedback was critical during this process, and helped guide our efforts to quickly iron out issues as they occurred. We were hearing more and more from members how they valued the enhancements and features of the calREDD^TM software. We also heard from members who were less than satisfied. We responded in all instances as quickly as possible. By yesterday — more than two weeks into the launch — most of the significant issues were resolved and calls to the calREDD^TM customer support center were on the wane.

So it was disappointing to learn yesterday afternoon of the decision of the board of directors and leadership of the Fresno association, and of their desire to immediately terminate members’ access to calREDD^TM. We respect the decision of the Fresno leadership and its board of directors. As CALMLS chairman, REALTOR® Mike Silvas said, “We are, at heart, a member-driven organization. This has informed and guided our efforts since day one.” I couldn’t have said it better myself. The genesis of the statewide MLS was to provide you, our members, with a state-of-the-art MLS.

That commitment to you still stands. I’m convinced that participation in calREDD^TM is in the best interests of the Fresno association, its members, and their clients, and we will work with the Fresno association to that end should they so desire.

Moving forward, calREDD^TM‘s integration with the Madera Association of REALTORS® and the Merced County Association of REALTORS® is proceeding on schedule as planned. Leadership of both associations have expressed their ongoing support and are pleased with what we’ve accomplished during the last two weeks. On Sept. 28, calREDD^TM will launch at the Lake County Association of REALTORS®. We have every reasonable expectation that we are on course for smoother sailing from here on out.

Thank you for your time and attention as we continue our journey. No one said creating a statewide MLS would be easy.

Sincerely,
James Liptak
2009 President
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®