In an industry inundated with numbers—from sales, mortgage histories and comps to demographics and property analyses—it’s easy to see how critically important big data is to real estate. With so much at stake for every transaction, it’s vital for brokers, board members and REALTORS® to be able to quickly organize and analyze information.
Since 1989, CRS Data has remained a trusted data provider, working to seamlessly streamline the reporting process for industry professionals in need. With their new MLS Tax Suite product, brokers and associations can integrate the most up-to-date tax data, maps and comps right into an already-existing MLS system.
“I don’t think there’s a day that goes by that I don’t use CRS Data. It is such an integral part of my business at this point,” says Joey Tucker, associate broker with Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty in Athens, Ga.
As former president of the Athens Area Association of REALTORS® and former regional director for the Georgia Association of REALTORS®, Tucker is no stranger to the dire need for accurate data. He uses CRS Data’s MLS Tax Suite for a wide range of needs that includes pulling reliable property reports and creating targeted prospecting lists. The Suite also includes enhanced mapping capabilities, an expanded and comprehensive multi-county search tool, added home improvement values and mobile optimization.
“The Refined Values tool is incredibly helpful for my clients and so easy to use. I can enter in the type of remodel or renovation and the amount spent, and the system will provide a value based on comparable renovation data in the area,” says Tucker.
And the bonus: “It’s intuitive and easy to use. The layout is clear, simple and logical to navigate,” he says.
In order to create such a dynamic product, CRS Data went right to those it intended to serve.
“We went straight to our customers, conducting surveys and interviews to initially begin the process of creating the MLS Tax Suite,” says Matt Casey, CRS Data president and CEO. The company knew that its new public records product needed to incorporate all the tools and functionality their customers have always wanted and desperately needed. Thanks to the invaluable feedback they garnered, the company was able to outline this truly innovative product, incorporating the help of every one of its departments.
“From our data and tech team to customer service and product development, every aspect of our company was involved in creating a refined and streamlined experience within the MLS Tax Suite,” says Casey.
For Jessica Hickok, association executive for the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS® and the Southwest Missouri Board of REALTORS®, CRS Data’s new Suite was exactly what she needed. After examining all aspects of the available systems for compatibility on mobile devices, ease of use, and the reliability of data and mapping compatibility, CRS Data’s MLS Tax Suite ended up piquing her interest and serving her organizations’ purposes.
“Our board wanted to make sure that our members had access to the best public records data available because they use this member benefit daily,” she says. “We turned back to CRS Data’s MLS Tax Suite time and time again because of its broad range of features and tools.”
Particularly impressive to Hickok was the range of map views and perspective capabilities available on the MLS Tax Suite. “In addition to the ability to enlarge the map view within a property report, we also like that our members can explore past sales, listings, flood zones and more, all on one map within the Layers tool.”
“The Layers tool is perfect for exploring recent sales and can be completely controlled to look at sales in the last three months, six months and up to 24 months,” adds Tucker. “Labels, listings, foreclosures and FEMA flood zones can all be ‘turned on’ to view on one common map. It makes reviewing potential properties and evaluating them reliably so simple,” he says.
Tucker also speaks volumes of the ability to brand his property reports. Headshots, contact information and even a few words about the property can all be easily added to reports. Options are available within the profile and settings section to custom-tailor each report, including the ability to rearrange the order in which information appears.
Thanks to its simplicity in design and function, customer response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We continue to hear customers say how much faster it is to create the reports they need within the new MLS Tax Suite. The simplified search allows users to start with as little as a last name or street number, and the results are much more comprehensive,” says Casey.
Hickok hears a similar echoing of positivity.
“We hear constantly that the prospecting section is fantastic and simplified. Once a prospect list is created, our members can start printing on any label of a used label sheet. That’s just one example of something simple that makes their lives easier,” she says.
On long days spent out on the road, access via mobile device has never been more important than it is today. Mobile compatibility is yet another aspect of the service that Hickok raves about.
“It’s been vitally important for our members to be able to access their property data on any mobile device. Real estate agents just don’t have the time anymore to constantly go back into an office,” she says.
“Access to so much data is empowering. No matter where our customers are, they have access to reliable information,” says Casey.
While having an extremely practical product and source of reliable data is more than half the battle when choosing to start a partnership with a vendor, being able to conduct business with a company whose service backs it up is really the icing on the cake.
“As a broker using the Suite regularly, the customer service I’ve received has been impeccable,” says Tucker. “I always know when I call or email the HelpDesk, I’m going to talk with an actual person who works for the company. As a board member, I have peace of mind knowing that our members are going to get the help they need.”
Tucker appreciates the company’s promptness in action and ability to explain solutions quickly, but the rarity he’s come to value and trust is their human element.
“We always know that CRS Data has our best interests at heart.”
For more information, visit www.crsdata.com.