ChoiceA takes on MLS
Somewhere-near-Portland-based ChoiceA has taken on the ambitious task of creating an alternative to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), the database upon which the world of realty is founded.
We are creating an alternative to the MLS because we think there needs to be a new model, and because we thought you should be able to list for free. We don’t walk both sides of the fence. There are hybrids and discounters, but we are a fresh start. We wiped the slate clean and started a 2nd national database - only this time it’s free and intended for the by-owner community….
The existing model was a bit monopolistic for our taste.
The undertaking, while a completely mind-boggling really-really-miniscule-David-versus-gigantic-super-size-Goliath battle, is admirable.
For more on the service, I suggest reading Marshall Kirkpatrick’s Read/Write Web post, which provides an in-depth report on the ChoiceA service and the challenges it faces.
Things people have said about this post
From Jeff the Great on October 25th, 2007 at 10:04 am
I agree….much needed. However, it will never take off unless realtors put their listings on it. Otherwise, it fails. Sorry to say, but realtors as a group are too powerful (to my dismay).
From Damian Scott on October 31st, 2007 at 1:32 pm
The site is great and its good to see some innovation/competition on the FSBO side.