Choosing an MLS Platform is more than just picking the technology

After a week of conversations with MLS leaders, staff, and board members at CMLS Open House, one message came through clearly: MLSs want technology that is fast, intuitive, and makes agents’ work easier.

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They want a platform that serves their members well, helps agents get more done, and is something they’re excited to use. They also know changing their MLS technology isn’t simple. The word “conversion” can feel intimidating, especially when it involves mapping data, preparing staff, training an entire membership, supporting increased support volume, and helping agents adjust to new ways of working.

Why conversions feel risky

That concern is valid. A technology change affects everyone at the MLS and it’s something members rely on every day. Many MLS teams have experienced transitions where the software was only one part of the challenge. The harder part was everything around rolling it out: communication, training, questions, pushback, and member expectation. 

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As we heard in the CMLS keynote, “The greatest danger is in standing still.” Staying on aging technology has its own costs. The real work is making the change in a way that keeps staff and members supported from start to finish.

The platform is only part of the decision

That is why choosing an MLS platform is only part of the decision. MLSs also need a partner that understands the complexity of a conversion and is willing to invest in it with them. Writing help articles and hosting a few webinars won’t get a membership through a cutover successfully. 

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A conversion requires a thoughtful change management program, implementation guidance, data discovery and mapping, role-based training, live education, on-site support and office visits, responsive customer service, and a partner who listens and acts on feedback. That support has to keep going after launch

Perchwell’s approach to conversion

At Perchwell, we start with discovery sessions to understand MLS's data, workflows, membership, staff, and unique needs. From there, we work alongside the MLS to prepare its team and members for the transition. We provide training resources, live education, in-person engagement, office visits, a conversion resource center for members, and dedicated customer success before, during, and after launch.

‍What conversion looked like at Baldwin REALTORS®

We only succeed when our customers do. When Baldwin REALTORS® moved its membership off its legacy platform this year, we trained 90% of the membership before launch and achieved a 92% CSAT score during the cutover. And Baldwin agents are already getting time back on work they do every week.

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To us, that’s what a successful conversion looks like: strong technology backed by preparation, partnership, and support.

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Choosing an MLS platform is a big decision. Choosing the partner that will stand with your staff and members throughout the change matters just as much.