Through our annual Strategic Planning process, RASM leadership has planned many innovative programming changes in 2020. With a laser focus on remaining relevant to the wants and needs of our 7,000+ REALTOR® Members, RASM’s 2020 plan will feature some bold new initiatives to better serve our members, including changes to our professional development programs, political advocacy, networking events, and the development of a video production studio.

But to change for the future we must let go of inefficiencies of the past. Our REALTOR® members are no longer benefiting from the MLS Express program and therefore it is time for our Association to discontinue it.

Why is MLS Express being discontinued?

This was not an easy decision. The purpose of our annual strategic planning process is to set overall goals for the association and to develop a plan to achieve them. The strategic planning process was a multi-step process that included surveying our members as well as conducting focus groups.

As you know, REALTOR® interest and attendance in MLS Express has been declining for some time.

MLS Express is a program for REALTORS® to hold broker open houses and for other REALTORS® to preview the properties on a tour. REALTORS® have been reporting that properties on MLS Express tours are receiving little to no REALTOR® traffic to preview their listings.

As time has moved on and enhancements in technology and MLS tools available to REALTORS® have improved, agents have adopted other methods to view properties available on the market.  REALTORS® and consumers can now view numerous photos per listing and virtual tours of listings, minimizing the need for REALTORS® to preview homes during broker open houses.

Therefore, MLS Express is no longer accomplishing its primary purpose. RASM must change with the times and replace what has become an ineffective program with ones that are effective.

So, what’s in store for 2020?

Discontinuing MLS Express will free up Association resources to be devoted to the development and implementation of new programs that REALTOR® members need and want.

  • To start, RASM is currently putting time and resources into an organized Business Partner Directory, so REALTORS® can easily find products and services they need.
  • In 2020, all RASM professional designation programs will be offered to members at the royalty fee only. So, classes like GRI, ABR, CIPS, etc. will be deeply discounted.
  • We will also be investing in the development of a video production studio for use by the Association, REALTORS®, and Business Partner members.
  • The Annual Meeting will be coupled with a major multi-track educational event and trade show at the Bradenton Convention Center, creating a new opportunity for REALTORS® and Business Partners.

When is the official end date for MLS Express?

The last MLS Express meeting will be held on December 19 at RASM South (Zones 3 & 4).

And of course, we can’t end the year without thanking the countless volunteers and leaders who devoted so much time and energy into coordinating and presenting MLS Express over the years.