by Kent Redding | Jul 15, 2024 | Austin Board of REALTORS
Are you ready for the changes coming to our MLS and marketplace on August 13? Things are moving quickly as we prepare for the NAR-required MLS rules and broker business practice changes. Unlock MLS is consistently releasing new information and resources to ensure you are ready when the changes roll out. Here is a summary of the new resources available right now.
Your Questions Answered
To ensure everyone moves into this transition with confidence, Unlock MLS recently released a list of FAQs related to the upcoming changes, which will be updated as new information arises. Download the FAQs via the Right Here, Right Now resource hub at ABoR.com/RightNow.
We’ve Got You Covered: Seven Additional Forms Released
As your president, I, along with the board, am diligently listening to your feedback. Based on your input, we’ve updated the four original forms from our May Right Here, Right Now campaign and added seven more, bringing your transaction resources to 11 optional and proprietary forms to aid in this transition.
Here is a list of all 11 forms with brief descriptions. Access them at ABoR.com/RightNow:
1. NEW (Lease Transaction) Addendum Confirming Broker Compensation – This addendum confirms who will pay each portion of the compensation to be paid to the brokers in the transaction associated with the contract to which it is attached.
2. NEW Amendment to Buyer-Tenant Representation Agreement – An evergreen amendment to be used with Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement(s).
3. NEW Amendment to Real Estate Listing Agreement (Unlock MLS) – An evergreen amendment to be used with Exclusive Right to Sell Agreement(s).
4. NEW Amendment To Residential Real Estate Listing Agreement (NAR Settlement Compliance) – An amendment intended to be used in conjunction with active listing agreements executed prior to August 13 that includes the required disclosures under the new Unlock MLS rules taking effect August 13. Use of this amendment will bring current agreements into compliance with the new Unlock MLS rules and the requirements of the NAR settlement.
5. NEW Residential Listing Agreement Exclusive Right to Lease – This agreement is a contract between a landlord and a real estate broker, granting the broker the exclusive right to lease the landlord’s property.
6. NEW Residential Listing Agreement Exclusive Right to Sell – The Exclusive Right to Sell Agreement is a binding contract between a property seller and a real estate broker. It grants the broker the exclusive right to market and sell the property. Let’s dive into the key sections and important legal points under Texas real estate law.
7. NEW Unrepresented Buyer Tenant Acknowledgment – An acknowledgment and disclosure form that confirms an unrepresented buyer has been advised of the role and duties of the Listing Broker or Broker Associate in conjunction with a property the buyer is seeking to tour.
8. Addendum Confirming Broker Compensation (Sale Transaction) – This addendum to sales contracts confirms who will pay each portion of the compensation to be paid to the brokers in the transaction associated with the contract to which it is attached.
9. Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement (Limited Services) – This form has a single-day term and allows agents to list multiple property addresses to be shown as well as list the provision of services in addition to showing the property(ies).
10. Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement (Short Form) – A one-page buyer/tenant representation form. *Note: Intermediary section has been omitted. As a result, there is currently no authorization in the short form for the Buyer’s Broker to act as an intermediary (and show the broker’s own listings).
11. Residential Buyer Tenant Representation Agreement (Long Form) – This form includes the necessary protections and transparency offered by a traditional buyer’s rep agreement and clearly discloses how much a buyer/renter will pay their agent for their services.
Dive deeper into these new forms by tuning into our MLS Quick Tip video playlist where you’ll find a breakdown of each form. Access the YouTube playlist at ABoR.com/NewForms.
Alongside these FAQs and new forms, you can download additional resources at ABoR.com/RightNow, including the new Buyer’s Agent Portfolio featuring research on demographic trends in Austin, a Buy vs. Rent Addendum, mid-year review, and a leasing report.
Take Advantage of Upcoming Education & Events Surrounding MLS Rules Changes
• July 23 – Broker & Sales Manager Forum: Navigate upcoming MLS rules and business practice changes for your brokerage with confidence. Join other brokers to maximize this moment ahead of anyone else. Register at ABoR.com/Events.
• August 1 – MLS Power Hour: This summer’s MLS rules and business practice changes are a once-in-a-generation opportunity for agents to own their value and gain a competitive edge in the market. Deep dive into the new MLS rules and compliance changes. Register at ABoR.com/Events.
• Buyer’s Agent Education Track: Check out our ongoing buyer’s education at ABoR.com/course-type/buyers-agent-track.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: If you’re a broker, it’s crucial to update your business practices and train your agents before the August 13 deadline. Agents, sales managers and team leads, ensure you are in lockstep with your broker to comply with these new practices. We’ll continue to navigate this together, and the ABoR team and I are here to support you.
by Kent Redding | May 14, 2024 | Austin Board of REALTORS
The next few months are a critical period for your business and our marketplace. NAR has set a deadline of August 17, 2024, for the settlement-required MLS rules and broker business practice changes to take effect locally.
My brokerage is preparing by updating our business practices and forms to align with the required changes and building in time to train our agents. By the time you read this, Unlock MLS will have released a wave of events, resources, and education tracks to help everyone navigate this transition. It’s both encouraging and empowering to know that my association and MLS are providing the support I need to confidently and smoothly navigate this important transition.
It’s also reassuring to know that I have what I need to keep my business running strong during this period. Your ABoR and Unlock MLS Boards of Directors have been hard at work this year to roll out many FREE benefits and discounts to enhance your business, save time, and ultimately sell more homes in 2024.
ABoR & Unlock MLS Benefits Released Since January
You can learn more about all these benefits, including how to sign up, from the ABoR.com homepage.
January: Key Reciprocity
Your MLS provides automatic access to Supra lockboxes in the San Antonio and Houston MLS areas. You can access and show properties from Uvalde to Galveston, covering nearly 70 percent of the Texas housing market. That’s an expansion of almost 50,000 active properties. Wow!
February: Forewarn
I love this app! Forewarn allows users to access vital insights on prospective clients in seconds using either a phone number or name. You can verify details such as identity, phone numbers, address history, financial indicators, property records, and nationwide criminal history.
March: Matrix 11.2.3 & New Search
The recent update to Matrix 11.2.3 brought a much cleaner design and a greatly improved search module. I will admit, it took me a minute (yes, your president!) to get used to these changes, and I was tempted to stay in “classic mode.” But it’s important to lean into change to keep your competitive edge sharp. I encourage you to block some time this month to get to know the new search—perhaps by signing up for a free MLS training on ABoR.com/Take-A-Class.
April: CubiCasa CubiCasa CubiCasa!
Unlock MLS subscribers have FREE access to CubiCasa to create accurate 2D and 3D listing floorplans in minutes, straight from their phones! Leverage the Cubicasa app to create more powerful listings, impress your clients, and sell homes faster. Add Those to the Amazing Benefits We Already Offer!
Economic Data & Research Reports
Our most recent report, “The Impact of Minimum Lot Size on Housing,” examines the impact of minimum lot size on Austin’s housing supply and affordability and focuses on the potential effects that reducing Austin’s minimum lot size can have on housing affordability.
You can expect more research releases throughout the year from ABoR and Unlock MLS Housing Economist Dr. Clare Knapp, including weekly episodes of the Driving It Home podcast! View research reports at ABoR.com/Research and tune into the podcast weekly at ABoR.com/DrivingItHome.
Free Inman Select and Austin Business Journal Access
As you know, the industry is experiencing some changes. Thankfully, we’ve got ways to stay connected with the latest developments in our marketplace and our industry. ABoR members have free access to both Inman Select and the Austin Business Journal! Don’t miss out on the next breaking news in the industry by activating your free accounts at ABoR.com/Benefits.
Apply for the 2025 Board of Directors
One of the most overlooked, yet most powerful, ABoR benefits is the career-building leadership opportunities that being a member of our community provides. Are you ready to go big? Applications to serve on the 2025 ABoR & Unlock MLS Boards of Directors are open until Friday, May 31.
I cannot speak highly enough about the positive experiences, growth opportunities, and connections I’ve made throughout my time on the Board. It’s single-handedly the best way to stay connected in our industry. Join me in serving and step into leadership with YOUR Association and MLS by applying at ABoR.com/Leadership.
by Kent Redding | Mar 15, 2024 | Austin Board of REALTORS
Spring Clean Your
Business with ABoR
Spring Clean Your
Business with ABoR
Spring Clean Your
Business with ABoR
Happy spring, Central Texas REALTORS®! Just as the selling season is heating up, so are the ways to plug in and boost your business with ABoR and Unlock MLS. I am excited to announce we’re launching a new member benefit or upgrade almost every month this year (sometimes twice in one month!) and are offering ways for you to share your voice, showcase your expertise, and celebrate your wins! Here’s what you need to know for the upcoming month.
What’s New
March 19 | Matrix Upgrade
Matrix is getting a modern new look that’s truly mobile-friendly, plus a simplified new search module that will streamline your processes. I have demo’d it in advance of the launch, and you are going to love it! Go to www.ABoR.com/Matrix to get specific details, watch video tutorials, and sign up for free Unlock MLS training on how to maximize these upgrades in your day-to-day processes.
April 23 | Cubicasa
If you’ve used Cubicasa before, you know that it’s a very convenient app for producing 2D and 3D floorplans in a flash. Starting April 23, all Unlock MLS subscribers will gain access to Cubicasa as part of their subscription! We’ll begin sharing details on our Cubicasa launch starting in early April, so stay tuned!
Now Available! Free Forewarn Benefit
Oh, and ICYMI, ABoR launched another free member benefit, Forewarn, in early March. This is one of the best prospect screening and background check solutions on the market for REALTORS®, and it’s super easy to download and learn how to use. Visit www.ABoR.com/Forewarn to claim your account and run your first report in minutes!
Ways to Engage
April 1–5 | ABoR Bylaws Vote
The Board of Directors has proposed four changes to our ABoR Bylaws related to the makeup and qualifications of Board Members in addition to the corporate structure of ABoR. These changes expand leadership opportunities for new leaders, ensure continuity of board leadership when/if the market changes, and ensure the highest ethical standards for our association.
The upcoming vote, which will take place April 1–5, is an important opportunity for you to shape the governance of your association. Your voice and your vote matter.
Learn more about the board-recommend changes, how they would impact our association, and how to vote at www.ABoR.com/Bylaws. Your voice and your vote matter! If you have any questions or concerns whatsoever, please contact me at president@abor.com.
April 16 | Market Shift Conversations Powered by ABoR Advocacy
Our Market Shift Conversations event is a collaboration with ABoR Advocacy and our in-house economic research arm. If you’re looking for fresh ways to demonstrate your expertise to clients or help them navigate housing affordability and accessibility challenges (which is, ahem, everyone), you’ll want to make time for this event!
Dr. Clare Losey, our housing economist, will present new research on the impact of lot size on the total cost of homeownership in Central Texas. Then, you’ll put that data into action with a Policy Teams-driven panel on proposed changes to the City of Austin’s Land Development Code, including 3-units by right and reducing the residential minimum lot size. Register to attend in person or virtually at www.ABoR.com/Events.
May 10 | ABoR Industry Awards Fire & Ice Gala at Kalahari Resort
Tickets are on sale now! Are you ready for the hottest night in real estate? If you’ve ever attended our annual Industry Awards Gala, you know you’re in for an unforgettable evening! The fun begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour featuring drinks, light bites, and entertainment that will really burn down the house. Dinner, along with the unveiling of the 2023 Industry Awards winners, will follow at 7 p.m. This is my favorite event of the year, and I personally cannot wait!
Plus, stick around after the award ceremony to hear the iconic Matchmaker Band play as we break the ice and dance the night away! Get your tickets before they’re gone at www.ABoR.com/Celebrate.
Friends, this is only a snapshot of some of the events, classes, and offerings happening in the next 30 days. There’s so much more that I don’t have room to share here. Visit www.ABoR.com to get the full scoop and ensure you’re subscribed to ABoR and Unlock MLS communications in the Member Portal so that you never miss an update!
by Kent Redding | Feb 16, 2024 | Austin Board of REALTORS
If you were not able to attend our 2024 ABoR & Unlock MLS Annual Meeting last month, we missed YOU! Let’s catch you up. This year, we’re going to continue bringing you the right tools, at the right time and doubling down on the education, resources, data, and research that can help you land that next sale with ABoR and Unlock MLS.
Here’s a recap of the new benefits, programs, and leadership opportunities you NEED to know about.
Key Reciprocity with HAR & SABOR
As an Unlock MLS subscriber, you’re now able to access and show an additional 50,000 properties from Uvalde to Galveston, thanks to a new key reciprocity agreement with the Houston Association of REALTORS® and the San Antonio Board of REALTORS®. That’s nearly 70 percent of the Texas housing market! Learn more at ABoR.com/Reciprocity.
Unlock MLS Central Texas Market Reports & Market Labs
Earlier this month, we relaunched our monthly Central Texas Housing as an Unlock MLS research product that reports from MLS-only data. This change allows us to release monthly numbers much sooner and to begin to expand the geographies and market activity we report on each month. Stay tuned for more exciting updates here!
Coming March 5: Forewarn
ABoR is expanding our roster of FREE member benefits with Forewarn! Launching Tuesday, March 5, this industry-leading agent safety app for prospect screenings and background checks is a must-have for your business. And now, it’s completely covered by your ABoR membership!
Coming this Year: MAJOR MLS Upgrades
Over the next six months, Unlock MLS will be rolling out several exciting new upgrades and features within Matrix. From improved search, to AI-powered add/edit capabilities, to better integration with the Unlock MLS app, I promise you that you’re going to LOVE the impact that these FREE tools will bring to your business.
Save the Date: ABoR Industry Awards Gala
On May 10 at Kalahari Resort, ABoR will honor the best of the best in the real estate industry at the hottest gala of the year. Awards applications are open through Friday, March 8 at ABoR.com/Awards.
You should also save the date for our ABoR Diversity Summit on August 15, as well as our 2024 Central Texas Housing Summit and North American Global Congress happening on October 2-3.
Finally, ABoR Global’s 2024 CIPS Institute kicks off on March 7, with weekly courses running through April 18. Don’t miss your chance to become a global real estate expert through an award-winning global program. Sign up now at ABoR.com/CIPS.
Now more than ever, ABoR and Unlock MLS have your back. And don’t hesitate to send us your ideas, questions and feedback anytime to board@abor.com. We love to hear from our members!
by Kent Redding | Jan 20, 2024 | Austin Board of REALTORS
At the Austin Board of REALTORS®, we aim to foster a community of belonging among the most engaged and professional REALTORS® in the nation. Being a part of this esteemed Association means being part of something larger than oneself. As real estate agents, we deeply understand this. The heart of our work is putting ourselves in another’s shoes and helping them find “home”. And the impact of that work literally shapes the Central Texas communities we serve.
That’s why I’m naming 2024 as our “Year of Empathy.” Empathy is the bedrock of agent professionalism, fostering trust and rapport not only with your clients but also with fellow real estate professionals. As our marketplace continues to evolve, and ABoR continues to advocate for housing affordability and accessibility, empathy should define who REALTORS® are and guide our interactions.
Empathy is also an essential component to fostering a community of belonging. Our collective strength lies in valuing every voice and every individual, and this commitment to inclusion is what defines the Austin Board of REALTORS® and Unlock MLS.
As a Board, we welcome your feedback, input, ideas, and suggestions. I pledge, alongside my fellow Board members, to listen, learn, and engage honestly and respectfully. We want you to remain engaged members, whether that’s attending one of our signature events such as the Central Texas Housing Summit, listening to the Driving It podcast each week, or just taking advantage of one of the many ABoR benefits available to you, such as a free subscription to Austin Business Journal or Inman Select.
As your 2024 President, I’m committed to leading with empathy and fostering opportunities for you to collaborate and connect. That begins with our Annual Meeting on January 31, for which virtual tickets are still available at www.ABoR.com/Events. We’ll be providing an important legal update and unveiling several new ABoR and Unlock MLS benefits that are coming to you this year. In addition, Dr. Clare Losey, our in-house housing economist, will share a 2024 forecast for the Central Texas Housing Market.
There’s a lot going on in our industry right now, and I understand that this can feel unnerving. While change can feel uncertain, it also presents us with new opportunities.
If you seek a supportive community where your voice is heard and understood, ABoR will continue to be here for you.
by Ashley Jackson | Dec 16, 2023 | Austin Board of REALTORS
As my tenure as President of the Austin Board of REALTORS® draws to a close, I am honored to share reflections on a year marked by remarkable achievements and profound growth. When beginning my presidency, I envisioned 2023 as a pivotal ‘Year of Connection.’ I wanted to foster an environment where ABoR and Unlock MLS served as vital connectors, empowering our members with the right tools at the right time to elevate their businesses continuously.
Helping our members access and build on these connections has become a core part of who I am as a leader. I’m ecstatic to say that this year has seen some incredible new connections forged, including:
• Unlock MLS Brand Launch: A momentous occasion, we introduced the long-awaited Unlock MLS brand, featuring a cutting-edge mobile app and an impactful consumer awareness campaign.
• Strategic Addition: Dr. Clare Losey, ABoR’s inaugural housing economist, joined us. This addition catalyzed the launch of a new market research arm and the Driving It Home podcast, enriching our members with invaluable insights every week.
• Advocacy Triumphs: We celebrated several major wins in advocacy, striving to make housing in Austin more accessible and affordable for all.
• Global Expansion: ABoR Global achieved significant milestones by representing Austin in international real estate forums in Calgary, Canada, and Paris, France. Our crowning achievement was securing the Global Association of the Year award at the recent NAR ceremony.
In the face of industry uncertainties, I believe that every challenge harbors opportunities and success is attainable in any market landscape. My years of volunteering with ABoR have taught me that we excel in finding opportunities within disruptions, guiding our members toward success on their own terms. This is what sets ABoR apart as one of the most innovative REALTOR® associations in the country.
As I step aside, I encourage each of you to persist in learning, stay engaged, and perpetuate the tradition of forging meaningful connections within ABoR. Together, we are poised for an exciting and prosperous future, and I anticipate the continued success of our incredible organization.
