Changes to Flexmls Listing Syndication Options Coming This Week

Attention, brokers in markets that use Flexmls: your listing syndication options are about to change. FBS, the creators of Flexmls, are rolling out an update to the program's syndication options on Jan. 31.

But don't worry—the update only changes language, not functionality. Starting Wednesday, references to syndication as "listing export" will be relabeled as "listing distribution."

So where exactly will these new changes appear in the Flexmls system? Here are three major places within Flexmls that will be impacted by the update.

1. Add Listing Screen

On the screen for adding (or changing) a listing, the final tab, formerly labeled Export, will now be named Distribution. If your MLS allows additional distribution options, they'll now be listed under Listing Distribution Options.

2. Listing Dropdown Menu

When viewing your own listings, you can click the inverted triangle to reveal a dropdown menu. Here, View Listing Exports has been renamed to View Listing Distribution. Selecting this option will take you to the Distribution tab on the Add/Change screen (see #1 above).

3. Office Distribution Preferences

For brokerages whose MLS lets them set default opt-in options at the office level, the screen where this is managed has been renamed the Distribution Preferences page (it was previously called Syndication Preferences).

Why the Change?

So why is FBS making these minor tweaks to Flexmls? The company says the language change "will make the intent of listing distribution options more obvious to end user." Indeed, the old "Export" label was more likely to conjure thoughts of unwieldy .CSV files rather than marketing listings. The update should make the functionality of what distribution actually is more clear.

So what's the takeaway here for brokers? Well, make sure your agents and administrators are aware of the changes. You can simply share this article to accomplish this (tip: you can share and re-use any articles on RE Technology). This may also be a great opportunity to open up a conversation about what listing distribution best practices and what options are available.