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NY State MLS releases instant messaging app for agents

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State Listings, Inc., recently announced the unveiling of an app designed to streamline communication between agents and clients, making it the first ever platform to connect MLS members and the public directly from the MLS. The MLSChat App for iPhone and Android links on both agents’ profiles and on NY State MLS and My State MLS listings.

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Agents using the app are able to contact other agents or connect with the public to generate fresh leads. Members working within the same organization or roster can communicate one-on-one via the app, referencing specific listings with details that are compiled in one organized place. Managing brokers can also communicate with members of their teams in mass chats.

The MLSChat works via an instant messaging platform and can be placed directly on listings so potential buyers have the opportunity to contact agents personally. The platform offers immediate push notifications to keep agents notified of potential leads, broker inquiries or general messages, and automatically enters them into a nationwide referral network. The network provides access to thousands of agents referring buyers in areas outside of their designated or preferred ZIP codes.

For current NY State MLS or My State MLS members, MLSChat is free and built into their listings automatically once the app is downloaded and is available for individual or broker sites for a fee. Individual agents can sign up for $29.99 per month. Small offices with two to four agents can sign up for $50 per month, five to ten agents for $100 per month and 11 to 50 agents for $150 per month. Large offices with over 51 agents require custom price quotes.

While MLSChat likely won’t eliminate every real estate professional’s need for alternative outreach tools, the integration of a major listing service with the ability for buyers to contact agents instantaneously is exciting. New York agents with MLS memberships might be the lucky first testers, but the rest of the U.S. could be getting an MLSChat soon enough. According to the NY State MLS, the app will soon be offered to other MLSs nationwide, which will offer the service to members as a free benefit.

Agents can download the MLSChat app for both mobile and desktop devices to synchronize communication in the office and on-the-go. MLSChat is available for iOS on the App Store and Android on Google Play.

Email Jennifer Riner