Client Showcase  >  Northern California Real Estate eXchange

Northern California Real Estate eXchange

San Ramon, CA

Client Profile

NCREX was created to better serve the current and future needs of real estate professionals in Northern California, through the consolidation of Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) representing over 46,000 subscribers.  This effort is being undertaken under the name 'NCREX' - the Northern California Real Estate eXchange

The Challenge

Consolidate and standardize on a single set of business rules, and a common database structure, and begin the process of merging 6 different databases into a single MLS system. The regional MLS will create efficiencies for real estate brokers and agents by eliminating the need to belong to and navigate multiple MLSs and conform to multiple sets of rules and regulations. These changes will allow brokers and agents to better serve consumers.

Solution Highlights

T4Bi is actively working with NCREX to map the data from the 6 different MLS Systems into a single common data set. This involves taking the many Property Types from each MLS, merging them into the NCREX Property Types, and mapping each column from the source system to the new system. During this process, data type mismatches are found and normalized to one common data type.

As of September 2006 progress is as follows:

• The Residential Property Types have been mapped and are awaiting final approval.
• The Office and Agent data sets have been mapped and are awaiting final approval
• The Commercial Property Types have undergone initial mapping and have been sent back to NCREX for QA.

For further information on this initiative and to monitor progress, please visit the http://www.ncrex.org website.

Approach Used

T4Bi was able to connect to each of the participating MLS’ RETS servers and download a full copy of all RETS metadata. This metadata defines what data fields and Property Types are available from each MLS. Additionally, it defines what fields are available for Agent and Office data as well. This data was imported into a database and mapping performed based on our existing Real Estate utilities and knowledge. After this initial mapping, the data was further analyzed and decomposed to enable the participating MLS’ to validate field and feature group mappings. This methodology allowed us to focus on data anomalies, such as fields with conflicting data types, and leverage the NCREX team effectively.

The NCREX represents over 46,000 subscribers who will benefit from the consolidated MLS database and associated services

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