Upstream Project Update - July 2016

TESTING: The pilot testing continues with MLS Listings, RMLS Portland, West Penn MLS, North Texas Real Estate Information Service (NTREIS) and NorthstarMLS.   Broker site visits continue and providing general education about Upstream, UI demos, customizing training needs, identifying broker business rules and qualifying vendors.  As a reminder here is the final list of pilot brokers:

• MLSListings Inc.
  • Pacific Union International, Inc.
  • Keller Williams Los Gatos Estates
  • RE/MAX Gold
• NorthstarMLS
  • Edina Realty, Inc
  • RE/MAX Results
  • Keller Williams Classic Realty Northwest
• NTREIS
  • RE/MAX DFW Associates
  • Keller Williams Arlington
• RMLS
  • Coldwell Banker Bain/Seal
  • RE/MAX Equity Group
  • Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Properties
  • Keller Williams Realty of Eugene and Springfield
• West Penn MLS Inc.
  • RE/MAX Select
  • Northwood Realty Services
  • Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty
  • Howard Hanna

 
We are working closely with our pilot brokers and have identified 19 vendors to begin testing.  A few notables include DotLoop, LoneWolf, BackAgent, Blueroof360, Showingtime, and Obeo.   
 
DEVELOPMENT:  The vendor has completed Sprint 7 and is well under way with Sprint 8.  This Sprint focus is to support and extend the pilot market integrations through further development of the API by adding new listing features.  Additionally, new functionality of rules engine framework, property search, and treatment of photo uploads will be addressed. Concurrently, the RPR Business Analyst team will focus its efforts on analyzing the rules framework.  The Upstream Technology Work Group recently reviewed the proposed UI and workflow and is actively influencing the design with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.
 
STAFFING: A Project Coordinator has been hired to assist the CEO in managing work groups, develop both MLS and Broker Advisory groups, marketing and communications.
 
AGREEMENTS: The Agreements Work Group continues to refine participation agreement templates between Brokers and 3rd Party Vendors, Upstream and MLSs, and Upstream and Participants to help define usage rights and protect the confidentiality of proprietary information Upstream maintains in its system. 
 
GOVERNANCE: One new governance items has been addressed.   One of our board members has changed companies allowing the brokerage holding the seat to select a new representative or relinquish their board seat. If they decide to relinquish their seat, the board will need to vote on a replacement.  Stay tuned for the decision.
 
NOTE FROM THE CEO: My excitement continues to grow as I've "hit the road" speaking across the country.   Although communicating facts about Upstream and it's benefits to stakeholders has just begun, and there are many questions across the industry, support is very strong and growing.  The most recent independent survey conducted by Imprev showed the vast majority of real estate leaders – 84% – say they are supportive of Upstream.   Look for updates on UpstreamRE.com regarding the survey, questions I've encountered during my travels and more.