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As CEO of one of the nation’s largest MLSs—Arizona Regional MLS—and founding member of the collaboration MLS Aligned, a six-MLS partnership, Matt Consalvo, RCE, knows a thing or two about thinking outside the box. He talks with AExperience about the role of the MLS following the practice changes—and about the power of creative thinking.
How are you articulating the value of the MLS to subscribers and consumers going forward?
The great MLSs will focus on all their layers of data that tell stories about homes and neighborhoods. They will also reinforce to subscribers how best to connect with consumers and meet their needs by giving them a clear picture of the market. That transparency and requirement for accuracy benefits consumers, meeting their needs and expectations.
Member engagement and satisfaction is always top of mind for association executives. How do you track that for your MLS, and what can AEs learn from the data?
While we track the logins and activities, more importantly, we ask. We capture engagement data via surveys, focus groups, standing task forces and committees, ad hoc events and more. We listen for the voice of the customer in all the activities we do.
We listen for the voice of the customer in all the activities we do.
-Matt Consalvo, RCE, CEO of Arizona Regional MLS, founding member of MLS Aligned
What functions of the MLS do subscribers love?
We purchased a public records data company, and the data that flows into the MLS from that company is amazing. Additionally, we placed a statistical tool into the equation, and now the layers of data come to life.
How else do you ensure your service stays “cutting edge”?
We believe strongly that outside perspectives help ARMLS frame the future. That’s why we invite industry leaders from outside Arizona to join our board of directors. Additionally, we listen a lot and ask a lot of questions— both of our users and of folks within the sphere of real estate.
Can you talk about the value of partnerships?
I absolutely believe that MLSs are stronger together. This does not have to be a single ownership model, but it does mean that MLSs need to work in partnership to benefit all the users of MLS content. This partnership is critical to the future of ARMLS in projects such as Markt, a multi-MLS service organization, or MLS Aligned, but also in respect to robust data-sharing within the state of Arizona so that all MLSs are stronger.
As an entrepreneur, you’re known for thinking outside the box. How can AEs develop an entrepreneurial mindset?
Become a lifelong learner and read current books with respect to entrepreneurship and visioning. Hire a great planning facilitator who understands how Core Standards are the foundation of the association, but also that a long-term vision sets the association’s future. You can then introduce that mindset into both your long-term planning sessions and events and your daily decision-making.