MATRIX Conversion Alert – MLS data fields being removed

• Staff
• October 18, 2013
• Industry News, News
• denver idx, MATRIX RETS, mls-news
• 0 Comments

[blocktext align=”right”]This page will be updated regularly with the latest news, advice and action plans regarding the MATRIX conversion[/blocktext]

Latest Update: 4.50pm Tuesday Oct 22. See New Report section at bottom of post

Denver Metrolist is switching to Matrix – the new MLS system – and that means all MBB systems and property data is changing later this week, which is the deadline set by Metrolist.

We have completed the task of preparing to move to Matrix and this includes automatically changing most of the data and searches that will affect you and your clients.

However, there are several data changes that you will need to accommodate yourself.

The impact for most of you will be minimal as these fields are not extensively used.
However, take time to review this document and the implications for your website and search alerts!

Scroll down to read the details.

1. Data Field Removal

The following MLS fields will no longer be available:

• MLS Area Codes (e.g. JFW, DNE, SSE etc.)
• Pierson Map References (e.g. Page + Ref.)
• City Grid system (e.g. 5000 N and 3000 W)
• Description Fields: Arena, Auction, Carriage House, Garage Dr , Intercom, Mstr Bathroom, Mother Apt, RV Parking, Park Ad, Sauna, Newer Paint, Newer Carpet

IMPLICATION: If any removed data fields continue to be used on search alerts, widget filters (for display widgets), custom search forms or custom search links, then the result will not be restricted by that criteria, which means that the number of matching properties will be significantly higher.

SUGGESTED REMEDY: Most of the fields being removed are area definitions. Alternative criteria include: City, Zip, County and map polygon shape, which will probably help you to get the most accurate replacement.

1.a) Saved Searches / Alerts

Any search alerts setup for your leads that use the removed data fields will no longer display the correct results.

ACTION PLAN

WHEN TO DO THIS: Immediately. Must be completed before 10pm MST Oct 23.

ACTION PLAN: Start to review and update any SAVED SEARCHES using these fields immediately. Do not wait.

ASSISTANCE: A new LAC report that lists all affected alerts for your leads, with a link to the alert settings will be provided on Monday 21. This will make it easier for you to identify problematic alerts in your account and correct them.

IMPACT AFTER DEADLINE: We will TURN OFF any alerts that still use removed data fields and send you a list of these alerts so you can correct them.
Turning off alerts will ensure your leads don’t receive inaccurate and large numbers of properties in alerts.

1.b) Filters, Custom Search Forms and Custom Search Links

If you use any removed data fields on filters used with display widgets, custom search forms or custom search links, then these will no longer show accurate results.

ACTION PLAN

WHEN TO DO THIS: Immediately. Must be completed before 10pm MST Oct 23.

ACTION PLAN: Review and update any Custom Search forms and Filters on Widgets or Custom Search Links on your website using these “area” search fields.

ASSISTANCE: In November, we will make a special report available that will record each time a removed data field is used, and this will show the URL source of that query allowing you to locate the source and make changes.

IMPACT AFTER DEADLINE: Removed data fields will be ignored in any query, which generally means that many more properties may be shown than expected.

2. Data Fields Changing

The following MLS fields are changing and we have implemented a “translation” method to accommodate this change until the end of the year.

• The “Property Descriptions” fields are changing.
• Residential and Condo Properties will now be stored under Residential.

IMPLICATION: You should not be concerned in the short term about these changes as the MBB system will automatically translate from the old to new data. We will automatically change all Saved Searches for you.

You will need to take action before the end of the year to make updates as follows, and we will be sending out reminders.

2.a) Filters, Custom Search Forms and Custom Search Links

After JAN 1 2014, if you use any removed data fields on filters used with display widgets, custom search forms or custom search links, then these will no longer show accurate results.

ACTION PLAN

WHEN TO DO THIS: Not critical, but changes must be made before December 31 2013.

ACTION PLAN: We will translate all search requests using these fields to the new MATRIX data fields.

By the end of the year you will need to make the following changes:

Review and update any Custom Search forms and Filters on Widgets or Custom Search Links on your website using these retired search fields, and make changes according to the Field Migration Reference document we are providing.

ASSISTANCE: We will provide a Field Migration Reference document in the next few weeks to help you identify changes.

In November, we will make a special report available that will record anytime an old value is used and this will show the URL source of that query, allowing you to locate the source on your website and make changes.

New Report function – Update Oct 22 at 4.50pm

We have updated the Invalid Search Criteria report in the LAC to now show extra fields

NOTE: If you are in a TEAM, then you must login AS each user to see this report for that Users’s leads.

• The report now shows Leads that are “Active” or “Archived”
• Sort order is by the most recently active leads at the top
• A new column lists the invalid criteria so you can quickly fix the issues