Point of Frustration - Listing Consumer Notes

"I have tried entering the consumer notes on a listing four times and every time I get to the end of my paragraph, the system times me out."


This is a problem that we get called on a lot.  Unfortunately, in order to maintain the security and stability of the MLS Database, there is not much we can do to resolve the frustration.  However, there is a lot that you as a user can do.  First, please keep in mind that this is most obvious on the systems that you use the most, but is not necessarily exclusive to that system.  Time Outs are issues on any website, including online email programs like yahoo and aol.  Second, think about how much information you want to type.  If you only want to put in two sentences and can type 90 words per minute, then type is straight in and don't give it a second thought.  If you are typing a four paragraph essay on the features and amenities of a property, try typing the information into a local document program like Word, Notepad, Pages, or Docs.  Then log into the MLS and copy the information onto the webpage you are updating.  That way you don't have to worry about "time-outs", losing a connection, your machine going to sleep, etc.  You can type half of it, go make a sandwich, then come back and finish it. 

A Tech Support Persons worst nightmare: "I was working on the computer the other day and this warning screen popped up. I've seen it a few times, but I can't remember when I saw it or what it said."


Please remember, it's not just you.  We've all said it at least once.  (Even Tech geeks say it from time to time.) From a technical perspective, there isn't much that can be done to help this caller.  With the unlimited possibilities, it would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.  However, there is something very simple that users can do in just a few seconds that will turn this call from a unproductive complaint, to an actual resolution.  Screenshots.  It's a digital snapshot of exactly what is on the screen at that exact moment.  Think of it as a camera inside your computer.


When you see something strange like a popup or security warning, take a screenshot.  Have a folder in your documents or pictures library for screenshots.  Save them and next time you speak with your tech person, show them the images.  They can then use those images to gather the information needed to provide you with an actual solution.


Here are the how-tos:

Windows Screenshots (**use the Print Screen Button)

Mac Screenshots

Android Screenshots

IOS Screenshots

Remote Support Scams

As our world becomes more and more technically driven, those who don't understand technology become the prey of malicious and greedy entities.  It is up to each of us as individuals to decipher what is best for us, our families and our businesses.  With that, there are a few things to keep in mind when obtaining remote support.

1. Would you take candy from a stranger?  Then why would you give a stranger unlimited access to your private information? Would you give a stranger a key to your home?

2. If ANYONE is proactive in the maintenance and repair of your machine, it should be you.  Microsoft has billions of users.  They are not interested in the function of each individual one.

3. "We got a report from your machine that says it needs to be repaired". This should be a RED FLAG.  Microsoft gathers information from user systems to make repairs from a development end.  Not for the users.

4. If it sounds too good to be true, or looks to convenient, RUN! HANG UP!

There are some incredible local Tech Companies that do really great service.  Most of them even offer remote support.

Above all, be safe!

MLS Logo on Photographs

For those of you unaware, the Greater Alabama MLS recently converted to a new MLS Platform.  One of the many advantages within this new system is the ability to upload High Def images as photographs.  This was not possible with our previous MLS.  During the conversion, photos were moved from the previous database to the new database as they were.  The watermark feature that was selected to protect your work, is designed to be relative to the resolution of the photo in question.  There is not a function or method to upgrade the photos from one system to another, but if you have the originals and would like to replace the low definition photos, that will reduce the size of the watermark on your images. 

MLS emails coming from another person

We have had a few calls today of members, who were receiving copies of emails and reports that they had sent out, but were showing as from another agent. 


Resolution: Go to your smartphone.  Look up that person in your contacts.  Find the Automailer@bhammls.net email address that is assigned to them and delete it.   Within an hour, that will resolve the problem.  If not, call us at 205-397-8062.