This message is for all the ARMLS subscribing ZipForm using REALTORS® out there. Did you know there is a way to have MLS data automatically pulled into your ZipForm contracts and addenda? It’s all made possible with a tool (provided by AAR at no extra charge) called MLS Connect. As you might know by now, tools that cost nothing and save REALTORS® time are alright by me.
Unfortunately I’ve heard rumors that AAR has received little feedback about this tool. My guess is that it’s because MLS Connect is confusing to initially set up. However, once you get pass the initial set up stage it’s off to the races. So this post will start from scratch, from the very beginning. If you have never used this tool, this post is for you.
Step 1 – Set RETS Password
Log into flexmls. We can ignore ZipForms for a minute. Let’s start in flexmls.
- Under the main menu option Preferences -> click My Profile
- Click the last option -> RETS Settings
- Fill in a password.
- Done in flexmls.
(While you’re in flex jot down an active MLS number we’ll use for testing.)
Step 2 – Set MLS Connect
Log into ZipForms. You can either use ZipForm Online or ZipForm Desktop, but in order for Desktop to work it needs a connection to the internet.
- Click the Forms tab (top left of the page)
- From the menu -> click Tools
- Click MLS Connect
A new window will open that asks for your MLS username, password and an MLS number. THIS IS THE MOST CONFUSING PART. It does not want your normal flexmls password, it wants the RETS password that you just set up!
Once you get your MLS username, RETS password, and test MLS number into the form, click Find. Right there before your eyes, you should see some of the listing information. If it’s the correct listing, push Import. Pushing Import adds the mapped flexmls fields into your ZipForm contracts and addenda for this transaction. Once you set your username and password the first time, MLS Connect will remember them for you.
The tool currently auto-fills the property street address, city, state, zip, county, lot number, subdivision, parcel number, mls number, list price, listing date, and the listing agents’ information. Jim Sexton is the ARMLS contact working with AAR and Ziplogix to get additional beneficial fields accurately mapped.
If you’d like to watch AAR’s video tutorial on Step 2, you can find it here.
Happy MLS Connecting!
Thank you Phil! that was really helpful
Thanks for making it simple to understand, Phil!
Low usage may be as well related to the fact that the Zipfrom documents come first before the MLS entry.
Hi Richard,
Your comment reminded me that I forgot to mention this tool most beneficial with purchase contracts and leases, not really for new listings.
Do you have any idea how many times I’ve mumbled at that “useless worthless non-functioning” interface?
Thanks for shedding light on what I was doing wrong and making it usable for me. As always, another great time-saver. (Yes I could have called somebody to ask but just never seemed to have the time………)
Thanks!!
Thanks for the direction, Phil. Got any idea why my MLS Connect button would be grayed out?
Dru!
Yes, thank you for asking. I had a conversation with another agent offline on Friday that was having the same issue.
2 things seem to grey out MLS Connect.
1. If you don’t have a form in the transaction, it’ll be greyed out. Quick fix, add a doc any doc. Then try again.
or
2. I think some agents got through the last renewal process without picking up MLS Connect. So we need add it to your account by “buying” it from ziplogix – even though it’s free.
When logged into ZipForms, in the upper right should be a link that says Shop, click it. On the next page, you’re looking for the link that says “SHOP for additional products [click here]“. It should be right above the header “My Profile”.
There will be a lot of clicking on Continue and Next as you work your way through the shopping cart to “buy” MLS Connect.
If you have any questions – let me know!