February 2008

As you know, ABoR has completed the transition of its MLS to MLXchange. We understand many of you experienced technical difficulties in that process and correcting them has been our highest priority since. You’ll be pleased to know the majority of the issues have been resolved and we are working tirelessly with our technology vendor to correct those that remain. Click here to learn more.

We understand what a critical tool the MLS is for your business and are excited you can now enjoy the benefits of MLXchange. This system is more robust, offers more functionality and is more secure. You may have noticed it runs a bit slower than the old system. That’s because you can now download more listings and produce reports you can manipulate, among other features. For instance, agents may now retrieve up to 5,000 results from a search rather than the 250 allowed in TEMPO. More photos per listing (12) are also available in the MLXchange system.

To ensure MLXchange operates at its peak performance for you, click here for tips to optimize your PC. In addition, we hope you’ll sign up for one of our training classes or request an office visit to learn all the system’s new features and put them to work for your business.

The annual ABoR Foundation scholarship program is now accepting applications. This year, the Foundation is set to award $1,000 scholarships to 10 graduating high school seniors in Central Texas. Children of ABoR members are eligible and encouraged to apply. Applicants must reside in one of the following counties: Travis, Williamson, Lee, Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Blanco or Burnet.

Click here for an application and instructions. All materials must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18.

ABoR has moved the advanced MLXchange courses to the ABoR Computer Lab, providing more opportunities for hands-on training. A lecture-based option for many of these classes will also be available. Click here to register for an upcoming advanced course. “Lab” next to the course name indicates that the training is hands-on.

As seating is limited in the Computer Lab, it is imperative that members attend the class for which they are scheduled. If you need to cancel a scheduled class, please contact the Member Services Department at 512/454-7636 or mlsclasses@abor.com. Remember: for the hands-on training, you must bring your SAFEMLS token.

Work has commenced on the second phase of the Quarry Oaks office complex. Building management has informed ABoR that some of the surface parking will be unavailable as it will be part of the construction staging area. Members are encouraged to utilize the parking garage when visiting the ABoR office in coming months. Construction is expected to be completed by October.

In mid-April, the City of Austin will begin working to extend Stonelake Blvd., connecting Braker Lane and the south-bound Mopac access road. City officials estimate it will take two months to complete the road work. During the construction, the main entrance to Quarry Oaks Atrium, where the ABoR office is located, will be closed. A detour will be marked.

As we receive updates from building management and the City of Austin, we will pass the information on to you. Watch Abor.com for details on how to access the ABoR office as the road construction date nears.

Effective January 2008, MLS subscribers and participants may now attend a Lunch and Learn session once every six months to waive eligible fines. Previously, subscribers were limited to using the Lunch and Learns to waive a fine once every 12 months. The ABoR Board of Directors approved this change in an effort to educate MLS subscribers more thoroughly on the rules governing the MLS system.

Scheduled monthly, Lunch and Learns are available to all ACTRIS subscribers at no cost and include a free lunch. For more information on which fines are eligible, contact ABoR’s data quality representatives at betterdata@abor.com. To register for a Lunch and Learn, click here.