When Can I Have RPR?

RPR was officially launched on September 16, 2010 to REALTORS® in multiple markets across the country. The first markets to go live with the RPR database were comprised of early adopter MLSs, as well as MLSs who had participated in Beta testing of the RPR system. As of April 15 2012, RPR has executed agreements with more than 384 MLSs and CIEs, representing over 618,000 REALTORS®. RPR has identified two methods of member level delivery: The first has been activating members through MLS Market Partnerships. The second will be launch of the Member Benefit system targeted for Q4 2012.

MLS Market Partners:
Early in the process, RPR identified the necessity to create a strategy of phased geographic roll-out to NAR’s 1,000,000+ members. The reason for this phased geographic roll-out is that prior to launch, a significant process is required to incorporate MLS data into the system, and RPR spends months in partnership with the MLSs coordinating communications, training and support systems to create the highest benefit of their members. In addition to the coordination with the MLSs, RPR has contracted with a third party, U.S. based Customer Care Center to provide 365 day-24/7 phone, e-mail and live chat support for all RPR users.

To launch RPR to REALTORS® in an MLS area, the process starts with the execution of the RPR Content License Agreement (CLA), the document that authorizes RPR to incorporate localized active and off market MLS data for the authorized users of the RPR system, and defines how RPR can use the data licensed to us by the MLS. Once we have our agreement in place, we work with the MLS to get access to their data, and begin the process of “mapping” the data, which lets us put the right fields from the MLSs into the right places in RPR. We also get a download of all photos and off market data so we can begin to build our history files. Generally, this process takes approximately six weeks. Once we have completed the mapping process, we’re ready to work with the MLS and discuss possible launch dates.

RPR has structured its launch calendar in order to manage the number of new REALTORS® logins activated each week to a maximum of 50,000 new users. RPR also has the capability to launch as many as individual 15 MLSs per week, regardless of number of REALTOR® members. By controlling these numbers, we’re able to ensure that our Customer Care Center is ready for the increased call volume, and we that can provide the excellent service and support tour members deserve. We also work closely with MLS staff prior to launch in order to work through all the MLS technical options and decisions, such as:

• Single sign and deep linking options
• Data share processes
• MLS Co-branding.

MLS staff is also introduced to all of our support, training and communications materials, including emails, videos, articles, and background documents. As these robust support features are implemented, RPR is made available to the REALTOR® members of each MLS/CIE market area. While this strategy has the initial function of limiting access to RPR to only those REALTORS® who are subscriber participants in partnering MLSs, it also provides the highest value to those members. Users in launched areas not only get the benefit of the RPR support systems, but also have their local active and off-market data integrated with the RPR nationwide datasets, creating the most accurate analytics and valuations for each of property in their market.

All Member Launch
RPR’s core mission is to deliver the RPR application to all REALTORS® throughout the country in Q4 2012. The RPR application has tremendous value to NAR members, even without local market data. However, the exclusion of localized active and off-market information will result in a reduced functionality within the RPR market statistics and graph features and in its valuation and CMA tools, as no RVM will be created where MLS data is absent.  As stated above, RPR users also benefit from a local partner to assist in the delivery of pre-launch training and communication, customer support systems, and post launch training and marketing support, In markets where no local partner is contracted, RPR will support NAR members through its Call Center, offering 365 day-24/7 live call, chat and e-mail, as well as through a series of weekly training webinars, and a network of live trainers.   Marketing and support will also be available on RPR’s blog at blog.narrpr.com.

How to find out the status of your market
The MLS Partners map has been updated to provide you more information on exactly when you will have access to RPR. Those MLSs already launched appear as a red pin on the map. If you are a member of one of those MLSs and have a valid NRDS ID and MLS ID, you can log on right now. MLSs represented with yellow pins represent signed agreements that are currently in the RPR launch queue.
If you don’t see your MLS anywhere on the map, send an email to info@narrpr.com, and our Industry Relations team will get back to you with any information on the status of our discussions in that market.

(updated: April, 2012)