Months of preparation culminated Sept. 13 when Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) launched two redesigned websites and a refreshed brand. Teams across the company worked on the project, which was driven by our organization’s strategic plan and greatly informed by our members’ input and recommendations.
Member-owned NWMLS has grown significantly in the last several decades. Currently, the market area spans 26 counties encompassing over 80% of the state’s population. “As our organization grows, we continue to identify ways to best reach broader and more diverse audiences in order to help facilitate interactions and transactions,” noted Tom Hurdelbrink, president & CEO.
Northwest MLS, whose corporate office is in Kirkland, is one of the leading multiple listing services in the country and on the forefront of many industry innovations. The member-driven, member-focused MLS embraces technology, sets rigorous standards for accuracy, and strives every day to be a responsive, highly valued resource for its member brokers.
The exclusive, password-protected website for members was redesigned and reorganized to provide quick, one-click access to tools and information and to improve search functionality, whether from a desktop or mobile device. Other technological and design improvements were made to help member brokers enhance their businesses and the services they provide to clients.
The member site home page features instant, “at a glance” views of system statuses or issues, announcements and alerts, plus the member’s photo (or profile icon) for accessing and updating individual account information.
The landing page of the member site is also where brokers can simply click on tabs to easily access products and services, news and statistics (with 30 years of archived data!), training and education resources, rules and policies, rosters of key contacts plus an interactive map of its 20 service centers around the state. There is also a form so brokers can submit feedback and suggestions.
“Each tool has its own page and a link for information and support,” noted Tara Marino, director of communications and training. “NWMLS prioritizes technology in our service offerings and products to help members better serve their clients and simplify transactions with more streamlined communications.”
Marino also said NWMLS produced various videos, webinars, printable guides, and other training materials to help members become familiar with the enhancements and comfortable with navigating the site. Several weeks of preparation and testing preceded the launch to ensure positive and productive online experiences.
Consumers will find enhanced, user-friendly content when they visit our public-facing site that was overhauled as part of the rebranding. One of the additions is the “Find a Broker” searchable member database, using a name or location. An expanded real estate news and blog section, information about Northwest MLS, an overview of broker services and industry data can also be found on this site.
Along with more robust websites, NWMLS committed resources to refreshing its brand logo and color palette to reflect a more modern and streamlined visual. The iconic “three trees” symbol was retained in part to assure consumers that listing information meets its high standards of accuracy.
The “refresh” included the addition of the tagline, “Powering the Region’s Real Estate Industry” to reinforce its leadership position in the marketplace and the foundational purpose of providing the most current, accurate listing data.
As the leading resource for the region’s residential real estate industry, NWMLS provides valuable products and services, superior member support, and the most trusted, current listing data and industry information for real estate professionals. NWMLS is a member-owned, not-for-profit organization with more than 2,500 member offices and 32,000 real estate brokers throughout Washington state. With extensive knowledge of the region, NWMLS operates 20 service centers and serves 26 counties, providing dedicated support to its members and fostering a robust, cooperative brokerage environment.