New Software Helps Realtors Check Compliance With Web Standards.

WASHINGTON -- A new software application developed by the National Association of Realtors(R) helps Realtors(R) check online property listings for policy compliance. The product debuted at the NAR Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo being held here through May 14.

The new software product, PolicyPage, from NAR's Center for REALTOR(R) Technology, allows Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) and Realtor(R) associations to read member Web sites for compliance with Internet display standards. Thus, instead of spending staff hours and funds to review sites manually, associations and MLSs can use PolicyPage to apply objective standards, save staff resources and eliminate the errors that could result from manual operations. PolicyPage allows associations and MLSs to save money while increasing member compliance, and brokers can be assured that all members are following the same rules.

"The quick response to an identified industry problem is a part of CRT's mission," said Mark Lesswing, NAR vice president of CRT. "Our goal is to find unique ways to apply innovative technologies to the real estate business, and then make them available in a timely manner. PolicyPage is our latest example of that commitment."

After scanning a member's Web page, PolicyPage generates a compliance report and sends an e-mail to the site operator identifying any issues. This report indicates whether the site is in compliance or what policy issues might need to be addressed. A separate report created by the software identifies where the problem occurs and which policy governs the issue.

PolicyPage grew directly out of member concerns voiced during a meeting of real estate executives held in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in February. At that meeting MLS and association executives described the difficulties they faced policing member sites for policy compliance.

PolicyPage is scheduled to be delivered soon in several stages. The initial release in May 2005 will test Web site components that are text-based such as disclosure notices, copyrights, and links to association-sponsored Web sites. Version 2.0, scheduled for release in September 2005, will additionally check listings using a Real Estate Transaction Standards (RETS) data feed from the local MLS. Version 2.5, scheduled for release at the end of 2005, will have "spidering" capabilities that give MLSs and associations a way to check for rogue or pirated uses of listings.

PolicyPage is one in a series of tools that CRT has developed to help keep real estate information secure. In the latter part of 2004, CRT released three applications: Retriever, a system for downloading MLS listings; NoScrape, for preventing listing piracy; and reCaptcha, to deflect unauthorized attacks by remote computers.

CRT is a division of NAR that provides advocacy, implementation and information on technology to the real estate industry.

More detailed information on PolicyPage is located at http://www.realtor.org/CRTWeb.nsf/page/PolicyPage?OpenDocument. Further information about CRT is available at http://www.realtor.org/CRT.

The National Association of Realtors(R), "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing more than 1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

Information about NAR is available at http://www.realtor.org. This and other news releases are posted in the Web site's "News Media" section in the NAR Media Center.

REALTOR(R) is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(R) and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.