Clients access MLS through iPhone app

KEY WEST, Fla. – Feb. 10, 2010 – Realtor.com offers an iPhone app that allows mobile users to access home listings nearby, thanks, in part, to the iPhone’s built-in GPS. One Florida broker, however, says that he has taken the iPhone application (app) a step further by allowing users to tap into the local MLS.

The National Association of Realtors spent a number of years developing its Virtual Office Website (VOW) (http://www.realtor.org/law_and_policy/doj/nar_doj) policy, based in part on a lawsuit filed against it by the U.S. Department of Justice. The issue raised a number of legal questions as existing MLS rules clashed with emerging technology. Now that websites are engrained in the fabric of daily business, the introduction of an MLS iPhone app represents newer technology, and a new way to access MLS listings.

The Florida broker’s iPhone app is free to download. Once loaded into an iPhone, the broker claims users can review his featured listings and access his website in addition to searching the entire MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Searches can be personalized based on price range, area, number of bedrooms and other criteria, including foreclosures and short sales. Users can save listings and review them later on their personal computer.

The app includes information about local architecture, tourism, travel and relocation. Users can contact the broker directly about all listings by using the app.

© 2010 Florida Realtors®