Dear Participant:

If you have not already heard about it, this memo will inform you that WPMLS has been very seriously considering whether to contract for a showing appointment system for the benefit of all firms and agents in the membership.  In brief, a showing system provides a single phone number for agents to call when making appointments. An in-person calling center or electronic service staffed by the vendor makes the match with the desired properties, using property availability information that has been reported to WPMLS by participating firms.  Such systems are in wide use across the country and are regarded as providing much speedier and cost effective showing communications.

In response to requests by Participants, WPMLS has spent more than a year studying the idea of a showing service and researching the major vendors.  With the help of a consultant we have narrowed them down to two firms, one of which, Centralized Showing Services (CSS), will be providing demonstrations at the end of this month. These demonstrations will also include a presentation by WPMLS representatives as to how we are likely to fund the project if it moves ahead. Because everyone benefits from a showing system when calling for appointments with firms whose listings are in the service, WPMLS is considering that part of the cost should be shared by all Participants and part just by those who have submitted their listings. This is certainly a reason for everyone to be knowledgeable about the project. Further, you will be polled at some point in order to advise the Board of Directors when it comes time to make a decision.

The schedule of demonstrations is:
Tuesday, March 31, 9:30-11:00 a.m., Crowne Plaza Hotel, White Plains
Tuesday, March 31, 1:30-3:00 p.m., Crowne Plaza Hotel, White Plains
Wednesday, April 1, 9:30-11:00 a.m., Crowne Plaza Hotel, White Plains
Wednesday, April 1, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m., Holiday Inn, Mount Kisco

Space is limited; please limit attendance to yourself or a designated representative.  You will need to reserve in advance at https://ims.wcbr.net, or click the “ims” icon on www.wpmls.net.   If you would like to do your own additional research on what showing systems are all about, we recommend www.showings.com; this is the CSS site. See particularly the “Overview” and “Member Benefits” pages.  -Or-  www.eshowings.com; Click on “Demo” or go to “Learn” at the bottom of the home page.

We hope you will attend because this is an important decision for your MLS and we want your voice to be heard.