Bright MLS Numbers will Soon include a Geographic Identifier

After hearing feedback from subscribers and area associations on the benefits of having a geographic identifier within the Listing Number format, they are planning to reintroduce this in Bright. Because there are several duplicate county names in different states (for example Montgomery MD and PA, Kent, MD and DE) 2 character codes cannot be used with uniform logic. Therefore, they are planning to move forward with a 4-character code (2 state, 2 county).

For example:
• MDMC012345 – Maryland, Montgomery County
• PAMC123456 – Pennsylvania, Montgomery County

Having the state code within each Listing ID also provides an additional identifier to agents that search across state lines of the need to hold a license in order to work with buyers in that state. Based on the conversations they have had this approach provides the benefits that have been identified by subscribers.

Plans are to introduce the change in mid-October on all new listings in Bright, on a go-forward basis. This will include Bright Listing ID’s that are assigned to new listings entered through the TREND and MRIS systems, until those systems are fully retired.

The implementation of this new format includes coordination and communication with third party vendors that utilize the Listing Numbers.

They are evaluating the feasibility of reassigning Listing Numbers for existing listings. Part of this evaluation is to review the work required by third party vendors that use the Listing Numbers, and attempting to avoid unnecessary confusion and costs to brokers and agents for any change.

For more information, read the letter forwarded to Bright MLS from the area’s REALTOR associations and a memo from Tom Phillips, CEO, Bright MLS, sent to DAAR in response to this issue.