*This only applies to Flexmls Pro used on Android Devices*

We have had many reports recently of Android users having issues with Flexmls Pro. These issues have been reported to FBS and it is not just in our market the issue appears. If you are seeing an issue, please continue to some steps for a resolve. When FBS provides a fix, it will likely come as an update to the app you’ll simply download via your Play Store updates.

The Issue

If you are a user of FBS’s app, Flexmls Pro and are seeing white or blank screens when attempting to log into your app to view the MLS, here are some instructions that can help. Please note, with Android based devices, these instructions may not *exactly” match your particular device. Please use these instructions below as a basic guild line.

1. First, you’ll want to reboot the phone. This way, you’re running a clean startup environment. For most phones, you can simply hold in the power button and you’ll be given a prompt with options. Select “reboot” or “restart”
2. After the restart and the phone is back to your main screen, wwipe down from the top of your phone to bring up the notification section. You’ll likely see an option labeled “Settings”. This may also appear as a gear shaped icon. If you do not see it from the notifications bar, open up your list of all applications and look for an option called SETTINGS. Click this.
3. Once in settings, find APPS (or it may be labeled “Apps & Notifications”. Click this
4. It may list your apps or you may have to click “See XX apps” where XX is the count of apps on your device. Click See XX Apps if needed, and then find Flexmls Pro. Click on this
5. On the screen, if available, click FORCE STOP. You may be prompted to hit YES. Hit Yes.
6. Look for an option labeled “storage”, “data” or “storage & cache”. Click on this
7. Click “Clear Storage” or “Clear Data”. You may be prompted to hit YES. Hit YES to continue. You should then see the option you clicked grey out. < this is the most important step.
8. Close out of settings and try to open Flexmls Pro. You will be prompted to provide your login details again. This is EXPECTED as the app will be running fresh.
9. Once your provide your details, it should log in.

Here’s an example from a real device: The below is based off a Google Pixel 3A XL. Please note, your device may be similar but not exactly the same:

1. Open Settings
2. Click Apps & notifications
3. Click “See all XXX apps..”
4. Find and Click Flexmls Pro
5. Click Force Stop
6. Click Storage & Cache
7. Click Clear Storage < – this is important
8. Back out of all menus and try app again

This link will take you to a generic page that goes over the generic steps for the process above. This link is NOT about Flexmls Pro specifically, but the general steps you can use on Android. This link provided for visuals. Link is also listed below:

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04/16/2020

Register now for New Realist Training webinar to be held live this coming Monday.

Date: Monday, April 13, 2020
Time: 10:30am-11:30am ET
Website: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5650225734506593291

Learn about the new features, new interface, and updates that are available now in Realist. Adobe Flash is no longer a required install in order to use Realist!

IMPORTANT: Please visit the link and make sure your computer is ready to view the webinar PRIOR to the start time.

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04/10/2020

Video now available: Add Virtual Open House links in MLS.

Original post:

Your Columbus REALTORS® MLS staff has been working hard to bring you innovative options to keep our central Ohio housing market strong.  We are happy to announce that our MLS vendor has responded to industry needs with a new option:  Virtual Open House links.

How is a Virtual OPEN HOUSE different than a Virtual TOUR?
Simple.  Virtual Open Houses are streaming LIVE!  They aren’t pre-recorded, stored on the internet, and viewed by anyone, anytime. “Canned” video or pictures and sound is a Virtual TOUR.  Virtual OPEN HOUSES are the live, online equivalent to an in-person open house. They are conducted to a live “audience” at a scheduled time.  Only the live, online attendees see the information at the specified time.

CAUTION: Get written permission from the seller BEFORE you start streaming!

Show that home virtually instead of in-person!
Flexmls has a brand new option for Virtual Open Houses.  The new option is in the Scheduled Marketing Activities section.

As an alternative to in-person open houses, you can now enter a link to a STREAMING, Virtual Open House using a variety of online communication services such as Facebook Live, GoToMeeting, or Microsoft Teams. Homebuyers or agents can join your Virtual Open Houses/Tour of Homes. The live attendees can view video streamed from your phone and ask questions during the “virtual walkthrough”.

There is help text right on the Add/Edit screen to remind agents that only online streaming sources can be entered in the URL address field. 

If you enter a URL that is not recognized as a live streaming/conferencing service, Flexmls will pop-up a warning.  There is a link to the list of recognized URL addresses for known web conferencing services (ie GoToMeeting, Facebook Live, etc.) right on the warning bubble.

There will certainly be a few “bumps in the road” and definitely some “growing pains”, but the new Virtual Open House is here now, and here to stay.

For additional information and the full details of this new feature in Flexmls, click here.

Full URL – https://flexmls.com/flexmls-academy/product-news/introducing-virtual-open-houses-tours-of-homes/

Original post: 20200406

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Attention Commercial & Residential REALTORS® 

If you use video, virtual tours or virtual open houses, we would like to know what software you are using and if you believe it is helping you and your clients. 

This brief survey will help us help you by finding out what is working (and what’s not working) in the virtual world. We’ll be sharing the results.

Complete the survey for a chance to win one of two $50 Amazon gift cards.

Start survey

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04/01/2020

Realist 2020 – Improvements, New Features, and HTML

Realist has released their 2020 edition of their system and it is live now here for Columbus and Central Ohio Regional MLS!

The most notable update is the removal of Adobe® Flash®.  The updated, Flash@-free Realist environment is expected to be more responsive and with a much more modern user interface.  The basic navigation and functionality are very similar to the old versions. This will help maintain a familiarity which will make it easy to learn and use the new version. Realist has added several NEW features in additional to improvements and removing the Flash® install requirement.

To Help with the transition, Realist has made available several video resources. As Realist releases additional help and resources, we will make these available on an updated version of this post. See the links below:

An Introduction To The New Realist – Great place to start giving an overview over the new system.

How To Use The Realist Search Tools

Working with Realist Search Results

Exports and Mailing Labels in Realist

Understanding The Realist Property Detail Report

Understanding The Realist Map Tools

As with anything new, there will of course be bugs. If you see something, please let us know so we can provide feedback to Realist. You can reach out to us via email at techsupport@columbusrealtors.com

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Realist 2020 – Improvements, New Features, and HTML

The Realist public records software is scheduled for a major update this year. Updates include a new user interface, improvements and new functionality.  The current estimate for release is April of 2020. 

The most notable update is the removal of Adobe® Flash®.  The updated, Flash@-free Realist environment is expected to be more responsive and with a much more modern user interface.  The basic navigation and functionality are very similar to the old versions. 

This will help maintain a familiarity which will make it easy to learn and use the new version. Realist has added several NEW features in additional to improvements and removing the Flash® install requirement.

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03/25/2020

Our MLS Software vendor, FBS, has rolled out to our market their updated user interface for the Member/Office Search. The rollout began back in February and they slowly were updating each MLS they serve.

See the link below for details direct from FBS on the new functionality of the search:

https://flexmls.com/flexmls-academy/product-news/updated-ui-for-office-member-search/

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03/23/2020

Due to the COVID-19 virus and Columbus REALTORS® staff members working from home, we are reminding our members of the best email addresses to utilize for assistance:

Columbus and Central Ohio Regional MLS

For MLS Technical Support/Questions on the Flexmls/Flexmls App or other MLS related software: Please contact techsupport@columbusrealtors.com

For MLS Listing Questions or Corrections: Please contact mlscorrections@columbusrealtors.com

For MLS Policy Related Questions/Violations: Please contact mlspolicy@columbusrealtors.com

Columbus REALTORS®

For Keybox/Supra: Please contact keybox@columbusrealtors.com

For Membership/Billing: Please contact membership@columbusrealtors.com

For Member Service Center/Store: Please contact memberservice@columbusrealtors.com

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03/18/2020

The recent developments with COVID-19 have necessitated changes to the upcoming Homesnap Training on March 16-17. The on-site classes have been cancelled. However, online webinars at the exact same times and dates will be offered in lieu of the in-person training. The same information that was to be covered in the classes will be covered in the webinars.

Sign up now for a Homesnap webinar

If you previously registered, you should have already received an email asking you to re-register for the online webinar.

Updated 20200311

Homesnap’s biggest-ever update was just released!

The newest version now includes new property heatmaps based on key factors like mortgage age, ownership time, and likelihood to list! It also includes home buyer contact information. 

Sign up now for one of four Homesnap online webinars to be held on Mar. 16 and 17 to learn how to access a wealth of off-market property information in Homesnap Pro (free courtesy of your MLS) to target your marketing efforts and build your business.

Sign up for a Homesnap webinar

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03/11/2020

SECTION 4.5 INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT: Content that is inappropriate for public display may be removed by MLS staff immediately. This includes but is not limited to depictions of death, violence, or sexual content. (Adopted Feb 2020)

Original Post 20200304

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03/04/2020