The evolution of Upstream continues and the progress is exciting. Here are the most common questions we receive. If you have a question not answered here, send us a note via the Contact page and someone will get back to you amazingly fast!
What are the benefits of Upstream to brokerages of all sizes?
Efficiency and distribution management are two key benefits of Upstream and benefit brokerages of all sizes. Every broker has data to manage across multiple platforms and spends people resources plus capital resources on this task. Reducing the points of entry and increasing the control of data distribution benefits small, medium and large brokerages.
Efficiency
- Single Entry Point: Listing information is entered not only in an MLS but portions of that listing are re-entered in numerous systems such as marketing vendor systems, internal accounting systems, intranets, etc. Our research has found examples where portions of a listing are re-entered over a dozen times! Additionally, 10% of all offices (not brokerages) list in more than one MLS concurrently. But it doesn’t stop there. How many sites are agent profiles entered? Imagine only having to update your profile in one place.
- Standards: Most of the MLS systems are complying with the RESO mandate. Vendors and internal systems, however, don’t have the same compliance requirements. Upstream exploits RESO Data Dictionary naming standards and even offers a “flat” RETS delivery format to ensure rapid adoption and integration.
- Beyond Parcel Data: Upstream is not a simple listing database. Our goal is to help brokers manage all of their data including contact/prospect data, transaction, etc. It houses parcel, roster and vendor information. Roster and vendor information isn’t typically managed by traditional systems and Upstream stores data from a parcel perspective. A “listing” is simply an event in time. We store all historical values of the attributes (i.e.; all price changes, etc.,) and non-listing information such as assessor data, owner information, etc. for use by the entitled vendor systems.
- Who, What, Where: We’ve made it easy for broker’s to maintain control of their data. They determine which vendors get access. They determine which records and which fields are provided. Finally, they determine how frequently the entitled recipient gets access. They determine this by the recipient (Imprev vs. Zillow vs. MLS vs. Franchisor). Brokers can choose to restrict syndication by their MLS to licensed practitioners (VOW/IDX) moving the exchange of value back in the broker’s hands.
- Agreements with Brokerages: Access to a broker’s data is an agreement between the brokerage and the recipient. Upstream is not a third party nor does it participate in data access or use agreements. Agreements already in place are maintained (broker to MLS timing requirements, etc.). Upstream is simply a better way to share the data.
- Immediate Entitlement: When a broker “turns on” a vendor, access is immediate without additional agreements with the MLS, etc. This is hugely beneficial for brokers who operate in multiple MLS’s within the same state or even across state lines. Let’s say a brokerage belongs to 9 MLS’s across two states, they use a marketing vendor company-wide for Just Listed postcards. The minute they entitle the vendor, they have access to all listings across all MLS’s and markets the brokerage operates in. No other agreements are needed, and work can begin immediately.
- High Fidelity: The traditional syndication paradigm pushed data from the broker, through an MLS and then to a vendor. Often, that process requires data assets to be “downsampled.” Many MLS vendors have limitations on the number of photos and even the resolution quality. Upstream has none of those restrictions allowing marketing vendors access to the highest quality photos, videos, and tours.
What is the benefit of Upstream to an Agent?
The biggest benefit for an individual agent would be in marketing and profile management. Upstream ensures that the data and photos shared for marketing are of the highest quality without restrictions. Now your postcards, newsletters, single property websites, etc. can leverage unlimited, high-resolution photos and videos without you having to re-upload. As roster and profile features become available, you must only maintain updates in a single place.
Is Upstream trying to replace the MLS?
Upstream partners with and will NEVER replace an MLS.
- Upstream is a technology platform for real estate data. It doesn’t have features or a business model that supports all the functions of an MLS. Upstream is much closer to what Google Drive is for your files.
- Upstream’s Operating Agreement and NDAs with each MLS explicitly state it will never compete with an MLS.
- When possible, Upstream integrates directly into an MLS ecosystem. Users never need to leave their MLS in this scenario.
- The architecture limits a brokerage’s access and management to only their data. Even to replicate something as simple as IDX, every broker would have to be on the system and each broker must individually entitle every other brokerage.
Is there a setup fee or ongoing expense for an MLS or VENDOR?
There is no setup fee. An MLS, however, handles their cost to integrate Upstream into their environment. Upstream provides a rich API interface allowing much deeper access to historical attributes such as price changes, etc. If an MLS leverages this data, their development effort may grow proportionately to its use. Alternatively, Upstream offers a “flat,” RETS-like format leveraging the RESO Data Dictionary standard names. Integrating this format would be similar to well-known data sharing implementations. Of course, there’s no need to budget for additional storage.
What is the ongoing cost for an MLS or vendor after setup?
Upstream does not charge ongoing fees to our partners.
What is Upstream’s business model?
Upstream costs a flat monthly fee based on the size of your brokerage. You pay nothing until you are "live," and only pay for the number of users on the system.
Are banks or lenders involved and will they have access to the data?
No. Only the broker can entitle access to their data. System users must be brokerages (and their representatives). There is a scenario where lenders are entitled vendors no different than a marketing company, but they will only have access to the data each broker entitles them.
Are there plans for derivative works and will you be selling them in and out of the industry?
No. Upstream accesses no broker data.
Will the agent be able to select where to share their listings, e.g. Realtor.com, BPP, or Zillow?
Once a listing is “under contract,” the brokerage is responsible and acts as a fiduciary. The brokerage determines the “Who, What, When” scenarios by vendor. They can allow their representatives to change entitlement but it remains at the broker’s discretion.
How will Upstream address intellectual property issues?
Upstream does not address IP issues. Access and data use agreements are between the brokerage and the entitled party. Upstream simply provides the platform for managed distribution. Again, it’s similar to Google Drive for your documents. You can share files and folders, and as the owner, you can revoke access. Google Drive doesn’t “police” the use nor access your documents. It simply provides the ecosystem for sharing.
Does Upstream require and enforce “fair display” rules?
Upstream does not enforce rules between the brokerage and the entitled vendor. Access and data use agreements are between the brokerage and the entitled party. Upstream simply provides the platform for managed distribution. Again, it’s similar to Google Drive for your documents. You can share files and folders, and as the owner, you can revoke access. Google Drive doesn’t “police” the use nor access your documents. It simply provides the ecosystem for sharing.
Can brokers use Upstream if an MLS doesn’t participate?
Yes. Upstream is working hard to build partnerships with every MLS. There may be times that an MLS can’t schedule the integration work in time to meet broker demand. Sometimes, an MLS may decide to wait to participate. In either case, brokerages can still use Upstream especially regarding the “distribution” benefit outlined in the first question in this FAQ. The dependency between Upstream and any MLS lies in fully optimizing the efficiency benefits (single entry). Some efficiencies will be gained especially for larger brokerages rekeying data in many systems, but they would still need to input listings in both Upstream and their MLS.
WHY DID UPSTREAM END IT'S RELATIONSHIP WITH RPR?
RPR was a good partner and there for the birth of Upstream. As Upstream evolved and the vision came to life it became apparent that a different technology vendor would be beneficial in meeting the promise Upstream has made to brokers. That promise drives out every action and it is to provide brokers with better tools to exercise their fiduciary duty to protect and control their firm and client’s data.
WHY DID UPSTREAM PARTNER WITH CORELOGIC?
CoreLogic has outstanding experience, relationships, and coverage across the MLS community. They are the perfect choice if you want to align better with any MLS. Upstream has always looked to partner with the MLS community, but we are better with CoreLogic by our side. Their platform already covers over 60% of the US, and they adroitly understand regional nuances and issues MLS CEOs face. With the Trestle platform, we can create a custom product for brokers that leverage their enterprise infrastructure and integration architecture. Over 300 vendors are already integrated and receive data today!
Additionally, CoreLogic embraces our desire to align, adopt, and promote the RESO standard. Few vendors have the resources and broad coverage we can leverage to help push national adoption.
So, what’s next?
The teams have been working together on an aggressive, multi-phased roll-out. Brokers will receive deployments in 2019, that will give them syndication control and administrative accounts. Shortly after, users can “enhance” listings with high-res photos, documents, etc. And they’ll receive vendor management and distribution reporting. We will follow with role-based accounts, roster management (agent, staff, team, and office) and team features.
Additionally, CoreLogic embraces our desire to align, adopt, and promote the RESO standard. Few vendors have the resources and broad coverage we can leverage to help push national adoption.
So, what’s next?
The teams have been working together on an aggressive, multi-phased roll-out. Brokers will receive deployments in 2019, that will give them syndication control and administrative accounts. Shortly after, users can “enhance” listings with high-res photos, documents, etc. And they’ll receive vendor management and distribution reporting. We will follow with role-based accounts, roster management (agent, staff, team, and office) and team features.
As a vendor, how does my company work with Upstream?
If you’d like information about working with Upstream, just go here and sign-up!
How do I become a member of the Board of Managers?
Each of the current 19 board members is part of the founding team. Board members are never compensated and have term limits. Board member terms end in a staggered manner. Our operating agreement requires representation by all sizes of brokerages, so they are voted in by their peers. Peers are Upstream user/members that have purchased a “unit” and given voting rights. Each brokerage is only allowed one unit ($100) so not to create any barriers to entry, and so no member gains an advantage.
As elections are held, Upstream members will be notified with a call for candidates.
As elections are held, Upstream members will be notified with a call for candidates.
When will it be available in [enter your city here]?
The Upstream team is evaluating optimal deployment options. We will favor locations where both the brokers and their MLS is engaged. Brokers have great influence on our deployment so contact your local MLS and inquire when they will be ready to partner with Upstream.
Will Upstream expand into Canada?
Upstream's ambitions are currently limited to the United States.
What is on the 2019 roadmap?
The Upstream and Corelogic teams have been working together on an aggressive, multi-phased roll-out in 2019.
- P0: Brokers will receive deployments that give them syndication control and administrative accounts.
- P1: Shortly after, users can “enhance” listings with high-res photos, documents, etc. And they’ll receive vendor management and distribution reporting.
- P2: We will follow with role-based accounts, roster management (agent, staff, team, and office) and team features.
- P3: We’ll end the year building Add/Edit functionality looking to deploy in the first half of 2020.
- Innovation won’t end there as we plan to add client record management, transaction fields, and even add customizable broker fields to their managed data in subsequent phases.
