A Chicago MLS will be the first to roll out a home search experience free of ads powered by the Homesnap App through a real estate industry collaboration known as Broker Public Portal (BPP) in the USA.
With its participation in the BPP initiative, Midwest Real Estate Data multiple listing service (MRED), which represents over 40,000 real estate professionals in the Chicago area will receive access to the mobile real estate app Homesnap Pro among other benefits.
The BPP initiative is a collaboration between real estate brokerages, real estate franchisors and Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) across the United States.
It aims to to create a national home search experience for consumers which is straightforward and clear than those offered by advertising-
In May, the BPP partnered with real estate app creator Homesnap to launch BPP under the Homesnap brand.
This allows the BPP to go to market with iPhone and Android apps as well as mobile and desktop websites free of ads and paid agent placements.
Instead, consumers can easily collaborate with their own agent, or connect instantly to the listing agent, ensuring information and answers from a pro who truly knows the home, neighborhood and local market conditions.
“We commend MRED’s early participation in and bold support of BPP,” enthuses Homesnap co-founder and CEO Guy Wolcott.
“This initiative is designed to help MRED create nationwide listing exposure and lead generation for its members without having to pay to advertise listings online.
“MRED customers will enjoy many direct benefits, including access to Homesnap Pro and a robust platform to collaborate with their clients and each other.
“We are thrilled to be working with MRED and expect they will set the precedent for other MLSs to follow suit.”
This is the first time brokers in Chicago have supported an MLS-sponsored consumer home search experience in their market.
MRED Chief Executive Officer and President Rebecca Jensen says it was critically important for her organisation’s leadership to make ‘Fair Display Guidelines’ the aim light of the project.
“We are proud to support a grassroots effort that has backing from all corners of the real estate industry,” Jensen says.
“Homesnap has a great track record in other markets and we are very excited to bring it to the Midwest as part of the suite of services we provide to our real estate professionals.”