Conversation with MLS technicial support

Brian Case has been working with the Tucson Association of Realtor's Multiple Listing Service for over ten years.  He is the Senior Technical Support Representative there.  He and I have know each other for the last four of those.  I have deep respect for the quality of work he does.

Brian, how did you start working for the Tucson Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Servcice? 

I started through a temp service back in 1998. I had recently come back from Milwaukee where I had hoped to finish my engineering degree but the abusive Wisconsin cold took its toll on me, I caught pneumonia and my car suffered in disrepair. My life started sounding like a country song so I limped back to Tucson a year to the day that I left.

LOL  I think you should start writing country & Western!

I worked many short term jobs through the temp service but I finally submitted my resume noting my computer experience and they had me interview for the MLS job. The rest is history.

It’s part of a great history for us, you are a great asset to our association.  So you’ve stayed here ever since, you must really like it here.

Well, not only do I get to work with computers and technology, which I love, but I have a certain amount of freedom to try out different technologies internally.

Pretty cool.  What tips would you give realtors, buyers and sellers from your perspective?

Learn to use tools that you have available to you. Many REALTORS® are still gun-shy with technology and only use a fraction of the functions in the MLS system and free tools on the Internet. Most will cite time constraints, but they will actually save time in the long run. The Tucson MLS provides free classes on the MLS System, Zip Form and other technology related classes like Microsoft Word and Excel.  Also, learn to use Facebook, MySpace and Twitter to market yourself and your clients listings.

What is it you actually do from day to day?

I am responsible for all the Information Technology duties. I maintain our internal computers, network, and intranet. I help with support questions concerning the Rapattoni MLS system and am the point contact for questions concerning IDX (Internet Download Exchange), solutions for members looking to gain access to Tucson MLS data for their personal or company websites. I am also staff liaison to the MLS Technology Committee.

What is the most challenging thing you do for the MLS and what is the easiest?

I would say keeping up with technology and the security concerns that need to be addressed by the new technologies. This business moves fast. Ten years ago we still had some people accessing MLS through a DOS terminal program and 56K modems. Now you have web based applications that can be accessed by anyone who has an internet connection. The easiest thing I do is verify IDX agreements as it’s just a matter of checking if a member is active and who their web address is registered to through a “who is” lookup.

Who else does it take to keep an MLS up and running?

Well, first the Vice President of the MLS. This position is the public face for the MLS. The Vice President MLS negotiates contracts with vendors, plans budgets, and defines a plan on how to execute the year’s strategic goals as defined by the MLS Board. Then there is the Technical Support Representative. This position helps with maintenance of computers, runs the monthly statistics, and is point contact for violations. He is also is staff liaison for the MLS Standards Committee. Last is the Computer Training Specialist. This position is responsible for training membership and internal staff by instructing classes, creating manuals, and creating helpful videos.

Thanks so much Brian, this has been very informative.