calREDD™, the statewide MLS, launched Aug. 17 in Fresno, Madera, and Merced. System conversions are never easy or glitch-free, and calREDD™ was no exception. The deployment in Fresno was not as smooth as we had planned, and two weeks into the launch, the Fresno Association of REALTORS® (FAR) announced it was placing its participation in calREDD™ on hold for now.

Prior to launch, the calREDD™ system was beta-tested by nearly 45 members over a period of several weeks. Beta testing is never as comprehensive as full, system-wide testing, and despite these efforts, we weren’t able to fully identify system shortcomings that would have better informed efforts to indentify and fix bugs prior to launch.

While this was a setback for us during those initial weeks, it also has been a learning opportunity. With member guidance and support, the system quickly evolved. Consequently, calREDD™ now is fully functional, and successfully working in Madera and Merced, with additional associations slated to come online in the weeks ahead. Discussions are ongoing with Fresno and we look forward to having them rejoin us.

We’ve prepared this update to address additional concerns you may have about calREDD™, and to correct any misinformation being circulated.

What was working when calREDD™ launched in Madera, Merced, and Fresno?
In the first week of the launch, there were clear deficiencies in the system. However, core search and other functionality were in place. Users made more than 23,800 listings changes, uploaded more than 5,500 pictures, ran more than 76,000 standard searches and 6,700 hotsheet searches, and sent more than 8,200 e-mails through the calREDD™ system.

Are all the reports and other functionalities up and running?
Picture Summary, Premiere Plus, CMA Stats, One Page, Stats, Appraisers Stats, BPO, BPO 1-Page, and One Page Plus agent reports were functional within two weeks of launch. For clients, Picture Summary, Premiere Plus, Mapped Listings, One Page, One Page Flyer, and One Page Plus reports were functional. Auto prospecting was not identified during beta testing as non-functional until launch, and was quickly fixed and fully functional as of Aug. 31.

Could a parallel system have been utilized in Fresno?
It was not feasible in Fresno to run parallel systems, primarily due to contractual obligations with the existing vendor, as well as technological differences between the two systems that rendered them not easily compatible. Going forward, future deployments will include a soft-launch enabling AORs to allow members full system access weeks before launch, with current data and use of all features available for testing and training purposes so that members are comfortable with the new system. During the soft launch phase, all transactions will continue to be processed with the pre-launch vendor software. Upon hard-launch, all calREDD™ data will be refreshed prior to terminating the original vendor system.

What has been the reaction of other local associations of REALTORS® participating in calREDD™?
Integration with the Madera Association of REALTORS® and the Merced County Association of REALTORS® has successfully concluded. Leadership of both associations have expressed their ongoing support and are pleased with what they have accomplished for their members. On Oct. 26, calREDD™ will launch at the Lake County Association of REALTORS®. Ten additional associations of REALTORS® have signed agreements to join calREDD™ and all have reaffirmed their support of calREDD™.

What customer support was available to members during the launch?
While we believed at launch that we were sufficiently staffed to handle incoming calls, the beta testing did not reveal many of the fixes needed before launch. As a result, our call center initially was unable to respond in a timely manner to each member calling for assistance. Our responsiveness quickly improved in the days following Aug. 17, and the customer support center in Fresno has continued to perform to our high standards.

Were vendors able to access calREDD™’s RETS feed for IDX Web sites during launch?
Most had no difficulty. A few vendors reported they initially were unable to access calREDD’s RETS feed for IDX Web sites. While this no longer is an issue, as an added precaution, calREDD™ submitted its RETS server for testing to NAR, and has received a certification of compliance.

How were members informed and trained of the calREDD™ conversion process?
More than 30 training sessions were held in the weeks preceding the Aug. 17 launch. Member Conversion Preparation materials were distributed at pre-launch training sessions, as was information on the availability of tech support. In addition, the Fresno association communicated to members about upcoming changes in their MLS access and the calREDD™ conversion through newsletters, e-mail, and their respective Web sites.

calREDD™ immediately implemented a splash page on the calREDD™ Web site during the Fresno launch to keep users informed of the latest fixes and other relevant issues. calREDD™ also developed a series of six training videos for member use, while the calREDD™ Web site (www.calredd.com) posted updates, news, and information about system status, fixes, and other relevant happenings.

In the future, calREDD™ will work even more closely with association staff to reach out and clearly communicate to the membership in advance of their launch date.

How were C.A.R. members informed about Fresno’s decision to suspend calREDD™?
C.A.R. sent several e-blasts to the entire membership, industry leaders, and directors, apprising them of Fresno’s decision. We also communicated to our membership through a variety of C.A.R. communication vehicles.

Will calREDD™ be joining CARETS?
calREDD™ is in an ongoing dialogue with CARETS, and anticipates joining so that real estate professionals in both their system and in calREDD™ can have access to more listings as soon as the schedule allows. This will continue to move us closer to one of the six principles of giving more immediate access to more listings to our members.

Is the calREDD™ system fiscally viable?
calREDD™ was granted a line of credit from C.A.R. in January 2009 for its use in partnership activities, ongoing operations, and future development. calREDD™ has sufficient funds for ongoing operations.