REsearch 4.3 Update

The planned release of REsearch 4.3 (Database Reorg) has been postponed until April 12. We realize that many members are anxious to use the new data entry forms to provide richer data for their listings, and our team is excited to push many improvements out to users. However, with the support of our Board, we decided to push the release back for a number of reasons.

Firstly, several agents and brokers said that we are currently in the midst of a busy season in the market, and that the second quarter would be more manageable. We want to make this release and the transition as smooth as possible, and given the amount of work required by agents and brokers to update their listings in the new system, they made a strong case.

Secondly, and more significantly, we believe that our membership is not 100 percent prepared for the changes involved in REsearch 4.3. Our own statistics show that out of over 1,800 active members, only 311 have logged into our beta site. That leaves over 1,500 users who have not reviewed the changes, or may not even be aware changes are coming.

REsearch 4.3 is a critical upgrade that will require members to check and update their listings, prospects, saved searches, and saved formats. So we plan to use the month of March to more aggressively inform and train the membership so they are prepared and know what to do when we move 4.3 to live. In the mean time, we appreciate your patience and understanding in these efforts.

How can I help?

Communication is key to every release. We use our email newsletters, bulletin blog, and other venues to provide information on important changes to our system. Unfortunately, these can often be missed, filtered into “junk mail folders,” or otherwise not shared with everyone who needs to know. Therefore, we kindly urge you to talk to your peers and let them know about 4.3. For example, if your brokerage has a weekly or a monthly meeting, this is a perfect opportunity to make sure everyone knows about the upcoming changes. And as always, if you need any help with this, please contact us and we can provide you all the information we have about the changes, what is expected after the release, and what to do once it’s live.

More importantly, we also urge everyone to try the Beta site located at:

http://rebeta.hawaiiinformation.com/REsearch/HIS/

Here, you can see all the changes and really dive into the new listing input process. This site uses a test database, so you can put in as many ‘test’ listings as you want. Try putting some listings on the listing side, and then try putting some listings in on the rental side. Get a feel for the new forms, and perform searches with the ‘Type’, ‘Subtype’, and ‘Ownership’ fields. And again, if you have any questions or find any bugs please let us know.

We look forward to getting the 4.3 release out in April, and with your help, we can do so with minimal impact on your work.

Thank you!

Bob Schoenthal
Hawaii Information Service Product Manager
bob@hawaiiinformation.com
(800) 628-3121 x153
Cell: (808) 222-3757
Fax: (808) 536-6499

March Training Update

Need to brush up on REsearch? New to our service? Here is the latest schedule of training classes for March. To sign up immediately, simply click on the links below. Space is limited so please RSVP soon! If you are going to participate/watch online classes as a group, only one person needs to sign up.

Please note: Once REsearch Version 4.3 becomes live all classes will include the changes made in the release.

March 8-12

Manage Listings & Forms: Monday, March 8, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/128968730

Prospecting, Contacts & Calendar: Wednesday, March 10, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/785453362

Basics to Searching & Formats: Thursday, March 11, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/117248483

Customizing & Downloads: Friday, March 12, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/369920419

March 15-19

Orientation: Tuesday, March 16, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/532955147

Manage Listings & Forms: Wednesday, March 17, 2010, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/971696339

In-Person Classes (Oahu)

REsearch TMK: Friday, March 19, 2010, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Login to Register: http://www.hawaiiinformation.com/REsearch/IDX/mlshawaii/TrainingCalander.asp

Instructions on how to register for online classes:

• To register, please click onto the applicable link located below the class. The link will then take you to the registration site.
• Please complete all the required fields marked by a red asterisks (First Name, Last Name, Email Address, Phone, Organization AKA Office Name).
• Click “Register Now” to complete the registration process. Once registered a confirmation email will be sent to your email address to confirm your registration along with a unique web ID number and instructions on how to login to the session on that day.
• If you need login assistance, please feel free to contact our Customer/Technical Support team at (800) 628-3121, press # and then 457.

Remember, after you have participated, please make sure to fill out the survey or e-mail me your feedback so we can continue to improve upon our training efforts! Mahalo.

System Requirements

• PC-based attendees – Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista
• Macintosh®-based attendees – Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

Agent Territory Added to Roster

The Roster is a database of Hawaii Information Multiple Listing Service members, allowing you to look up HIS member office and agent information. Now, in addition to searching by office and agent names, office and agent ID numbers, board affiliations, and realtor designations, we have added a new category called Agent Territory.

Roster search results display office and/or agent records based on your selections. Additionally, office and agent names and addresses can be displayed, printed, and downloaded in a label format for mailing purposes.

How to Search the Roster

The Roster Search is located on the Search tab drop-down menu:

In the example below we have selected “Kauai” as the territory of choice from the drop down menu:

The results show the agent and office information, based on Agent Territory – Kauai:

If you want to add this new category to build your search, you will find this category under the add fields link, located at the bottom of the page:

And if you have a customized search created, you may now add agent territory or add to an existing format:

AlohaLiving Relaunch in Beta

Hawaii Information Service launched the AlohaLiving.com real estate portal over two years ago. Since then, we’ve been hard at work developing the next phase of our consumer-facing MLS destination. We’ve taken into account a great deal of feedback from both members and the public, and focused on improving performance and reliability, better presentation of listing data, and incorporating strategic partners that will both offer a greater range of information to users, and generate more independent revenue.

Beginning this week, you will be able to test drive the new AlohaLiving.com site. Simply follow the link to our beta site from the AlohaLiving.com homepage.

We hope you will be immediately struck by the cleaner interface, and the many enhancements we’ve made to the all-important property search and detail page. We’ve improved our search options with a “quick search” to offer single-form searches by island, subdivision, or ZIP code. In addition, we’ve consolidated some channels and added new data sources, including neighborhood profiles and foreclosures. Our ‘featured agent’ product is now incorporated into AlohaLiving, and we’ve also rebuilt our advertising system from the ground up to offer simpler and more effective display advertising options.

We invite you to test drive the beta site for the upcoming AlohaLiving.com relaunch, and welcome your continued feedback. Our team is continuing to work behind the scenes to make AlohaLiving.com a useful and compelling one-stop shop for real estate information. Comments are wecome at support@alohaliving.com.

State of REsearch 4.3

After months of development, testing, and feedback, we are planning to go live with REsearch 4.3 on March 1, 2010. We wanted to give you a brief update on our progress so far, and we will continues to send you additional information as the launch date quickly approaches.

As of last week, we “locked” the code, which means that we are no longer adding to the features and functionality of REsearch. From this point forward, we are focused on fixing bugs and identifying any remaining problems with the system.

We received dozens of great requests and suggestions once we began our beta testing period. And our development team thoroughly reviewed, prioritized, and worked to implement as much of them as possible. If you submitted a request that is not reflected in the REsearch 4.3 beta release, rest assured that it remains in our tracking system, and we are already beginning preliminary work on mapping out ‘Phase 2’ of this upgrade.

In the mean time, please continue to use and explore the REsearch 4.3 beta. We would obviously like to find and resolve every bug before the system goes live. Also, using the beta system will ensure you have a better understanding of the changes in REsearch 4.3, so you’ll be able to hit the ground running next month.

Release Scheduling Notice

REsearch 4.3 will go live on Monday, March 1, 2010. However, the transition will require us to put REsearch into “read-only mode” over the preceding weekend. This means that on Saturday, Feb. 27 and Sunday, Feb. 28, you will not be able to modify or enter new listings, prospects, contacts, or saved searches. You will still be able to login and view existing listings, but if you expect to add or modify listings at the end of the month, we encourage you to do so by Friday, Feb. 26. Otherwise, you can wait until REsearch 4.3 is live, and you can add or modify listings using the new data entry forms.

As always, we would like to thank you and our members and user community for your continued support and feedback as we continue to build better tools to help you grow your business.

Bob Schoenthal
Hawaii Information Service Product Manager
bob@hawaiiinformation.com
(800) 628-3121 x153
Cell: (808) 222-3757
Fax: (808) 536-6499

February Training Update

Need to brush up on REsearch? New to our service? Below is the latest schedule of training classes for the month. To sign up immediately, simply click on the links below. Space is limited so please RSVP soon! If you are going to participate/watch online classes as a group, only one person needs to sign up.

Please note: Once REsearch Version 4.3 becomes live all classes will include the changes made in the release.

February 15-19

Basics to Searching & Formats: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/402529643

Prospecting, Contacts & Calendar: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/174457482

New Member Orientation: Friday, February 19, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/456172642

Customizing & Downloads: Friday, February 19, 2010, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/459051755

In-Person Classroom Training (Oahu)

REsearch TMK: Friday, Feb. 19, 2010, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sign Up via REtools (Login Required): http://www.hawaiiinformation.com/REsearch/default.asp

Instructions on how to register for online classes:

• To register, please click onto the applicable link located below the class. The link will then take you to the registration site.
• Please complete all the required fields marked by a red asterisks (First Name, Last Name, Email Address, Phone, Organization AKA Office Name).
• Click “Register Now” to complete the registration process. Once registered a confirmation email will be sent to your email address to confirm your registration along with a unique web ID number and instructions on how to login to the session on that day.
• If you need login assistance, please feel free to contact our Customer/Technical Support team at (800) 628-3121, press # and then 457.

Remember, after you have participated, please make sure to fill out the survey or e-mail me your feedback so we can continue to improve upon our training efforts! Mahalo.

System Requirements

• PC-based attendees – Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista
• Macintosh®-based attendees – Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

Questions? Comments? Please feel free to contact us via support@hawaiiinformation.com or call (808) 599-4224, or toll free (800) 628-3121.

New REsearch Security Initiative

REsearch is a web based system that makes it possible for you to access the MLS system from any computer with Internet connectivity, so you can do business when and where it suits you best, and communicate with your clients at the touch of a button. However, with this convenience comes a big challenge – protecting our valuable MLS data from misuse and theft. Hawaii Information Services has recently taken important steps to address unauthorized account sharing and overall data security, and we’d like to share information about this initiative with you.

Beginning on February 10th, HIS will be implementing a proven security technology. This solution is offered by Clareity Security, a well-respected real estate technology company specializing in improved security posture, revenue assurance, and expense management through maximization of available resources. Clareity is the leading provider of identity and access management solutions to the real estate industry.

You will be hearing more about this initiative in the coming weeks. The look of the log in screen will remain the same, however the new security components will now require Adobe Flash. This is a very common program that is required by numerous sites, thus the majority of computers are already equipped with it. However, you may be prompted to download the latest version the first time you attempt to log in. In addition, you will no longer be able to save your log in ID or password, as this technology involves keystroke recognition and will require you to type your user ID and password with each log in.

As this security initiative moves forward, HIS will provide you with more detailed information about how it will work, and how we as MLS members can appropriately protect access to the sensitive information entrusted to us.

February 2010 Online Training Class Schedule

Start the new year off right with REsearch refresher courses.  Sign up for one of our online training classes this February and…

• Learn our trainers tricks & tips for farming
• Brush up on your basics
• Discover ways to attract new customers

Below are the online classes scheduled for the month of February.  To sign up immediately, simply click on the links below.  Space is limited so please RSVP soon!  If you are going to participate/watch as a group, only one person needs to sign up.

Please note: Once REsearch Version 4.3 becomes live all classes will include the changes made in the release.

Remember, after you have participated, please make sure to fill out the survey or e-mail me your feedback so we can continue to improve upon our training efforts!  Mahalo.

February 1 – 7

New Member Orientation: Wednesday, February, 3, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/296656691

Manage Listings & Forms: Wednesday, February, 3, 2010, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/418382378

Searching & Formats: Thursday, February 4, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/548491986

Prospecting, Contracts & Calender: Thursday, February 4, 2010, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/209160835

Customizing & Downloads: Friday, February 5, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/983321426

Update, CMA, Farming & Labels: Friday, February 5, 2010, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/648564346

February 8-14

Manage Listings & Forms: Monday, February 8, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/634311403

Searching & Formats: Monday, February 8, 2010, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/376749818

New Member Orientation: Wednesday, February 10, 2010, from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/518529962

Prospecting, Contracts & Calendar: Thursday, February 11, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/884450115

Maps: Thursday, February 11, 2010, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/540154194

Update, CMA, Farming & Labels: Friday, February 12, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/135191035

Customizing & Downloads: Friday, February, 12, 2010, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/383388491

Instructions on how to register for the above webinars:

* To register, please click onto the applicable link located below the class.  The link will then take you to the registration site.

* Please complete all the required fields marked by a red asterisks (First Name, Last Name, Email Address, Phone, Organization AKA Office Name).

* Click “Register Now” to complete the registration process.  Once registered a confirmation email will be sent to your email address to confirm your registration along with a unique web ID number and instructions on how to login to the session on that day.

* If you need login assistance, please feel free to contact our Customer/Technical Support team at (800) 628-3121, press # and then 457.

System Requirements

* PC-based attendees – Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

* Macintosh®-based attendees – Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

Questions? Comments?  I’d love to hear from you!  Please feel free to e-mail me at erin@alohaliving.com or call directly at (808) 748-8759 or toll free 1-800-628-3121 ext. 159.

Big Island Members: You’re Invited to a Special IDX Information Session with Colleen Yasuhara

As you know we have made vast changes to our IDX (Internet Data Exchange) products recently – 26 features and functions overall – and as such there is much to share about how to utilize these enhancements to help you grow your business exponentially.

To help with this Colleen Yasuhara, our sales account manager, is going to be in Hilo this Thursday, February 4th to give a special presentation on the new and enhanced IDX, talk about the different product options, as well as answer any other questions you may have about products and services through HIS.

This has proved to be a very helpful and informative class for all agents and we strongly encourage you to attend if you have time.  Come and acquaint yourself with the upgrades and changes, ask questions, and network a bit with your fellow members.  Seating is limited so please RSVP as early as possible.

When: Thursday, February 4th, 2010 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

Where: Hawaiian Island Board of Realtors, 26 Waianuenue Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii

RSVP: By Wednesday, February 3rd by responding to this e-mail or by e-mailing me at erin@alohaliving.com.

If you can’t make this one in Hilo don’t worry, we will be doing another one in Kona as well as on Kauai very soon!  In the meantime please check out our Products & Services portion of HawaiiInformation.com for more information and demos of our IDX products.

Check out the robust list of features and functions added to the IDX:

Questions?  Please do not hesitate to contact me at erin@alohaliving.com