We have already seen Agents in my board dropping the other MLS and just using the Jersey shore MLS system because of Data Sharing.... It is working to save agents money already!

I wonder here in Louisiana how the little fiefdoms will like losing their clout.

I would certainly like to see a state-wide system for starters.  I'm paying the double fees you mentioned so that I can do business on multiple islands in Hawaii.

Robert - That is very interesting news.  I wonder how soon it will happen and what kind of impact it will have here.  Thanks for sharing!  :)

John, we have been going through just that problem... everyone tries to protect themselves with out looking out for the ultimate client... YOU, The Agent!  We have seen some success here with data sharing, the down side is that some MLS systems will lose income, but the plus side, they will also gain by keeping an up to date and easy to use system that offers the bells and whistles of data sharing.

There are some stubborn hold outs that will ultimately end up being an Island unto themselves.

if we don't create it someelse will or at least try. I am sure that is what Zillow is trying to do.

I belong to three MLSs and it really is a pain.  Sometimes you have someone who is looking for a home in three towns that are all at the apex of three counties and it is such a pain to have to go into three different MLS and send them three separate emails with different links.  It is confusing for the customer too as each MLS has a different format and information is located in different places.  Keeping up with upgrades and changes in three systems is cumbersome.

I would like to have access to the whole state.  There are so many times that someone is just out of the area that I cover and I do not have information to help them.

Also, as an investor, I would like to have full access to the MLS in areas where I am looking.  I will do a much more thorough job for myself than anyone else will do for me when researching comps, rental history, etc.