New Years Holiday hours

We will close today, 12/31 at 3:00pm, and are closed Friday and Saturday.
We re-open on Monday  1/4/16 at 8:30am

Holiday Hours

We will be closing the office tomorrow 12/23 at 3:00pm for the holiday, and will open again at 8:30am Monday - 12/28.

CMLS Office Closing at 5pm

The CMLS office will be closing at 5pm tonight (Monday, December 21).

We will reopen tomorrow at 8:30am.

Matrix II Webinar

Click Here to join the MATRIX II Webinar, tonight, Thursday, December 17th from 6-9 PM. This session covers CMAs, Statistics, Market Reports, advanced map features, custom displays and exports, managing widgets, time saving features and more.  

All are welcome. 
ENJOY!

Sign up for a Class or Webinar

If you'd like to sign up for a webinar or a hands-on class, you can check our Class schedule here:

http://www.ct-mls.com/Classes/EdCalendar.aspx

Matrix Tip: Emailing Agent Displays

By default, when you send listings via email through Matrix, your recipient only gets Client-facing displays.  However, there may be times when you want to email an Agent display.  Matrix can do that!

After you select the listing(s) you want to send and click the Email button, the subsequent screen opens where you enter your recipient's address, and email subject, text, etc.  The fourth line down on this screen is a field that says Display- click on the Additional link on the right side.  This allows you to select one Agent-facing display to include in the email.  When the recipient opens the email, they will still have the drop down list of all of the Client displays; the Agent display that you included will appear at the bottom of the list.

Obviously, Agent displays contain broker and other sensitive information, so be careful who you are sending it to.  

MLS Orientation Webinar

Click Here to join the MLS ORIENTATION Webinar being held tonight, Wednesday, November 4th from 6-7PM.  This session covers the GFC CMLS website, contacting the staff for assistance, keys and keyboxes, Rules and Regulations/Data Verification and more!  All are welcome however if you are taking this webinar to satisfy your New Member Requirements, you must be logged in for the entire webinar.  Enjoy!

Matrix Tip- Ink Saver

Do you print a lot of listings from Matrix and subsequently find yourself using a lot of ink?  

There is a feature within Matrix called Ink Saver, which allows you to print listings without the photos and maps, thus greatly reducing the amount of ink being used.  After you have selected the listing(s) you want to print, click the Print button and then look for the checkboxes on the right side of the next screen.  Placing a check in the Ink Saver box will turn on this feature and save you some ink. 

Upcoming Classes

Spaces available for MATRIX II and PERSONALIZING webinars!!! Sign up below for one of these dynamic sessions!!!!  All are welcome!

Thursday, October 22   6-9PM        Matrix II webinar     click here

Friday, October 23   11-11:45AM    Personalizing Matrix webinar    click here

ENJOY!!!!

Matrix Tip- Printing All Search Results

When you want to print all of the results of your search, there can be a little confusion.  There is a checkbox at the top left of the Single Line Display that allows you to select all listings on just that page.  However, if you have more than one page of results, none of the listings on the other pages will print.  To print all pages of search results, click on the word All (near the top center of the display)- this will select all results on all pages.

Upcoming Classes

Need to satisfy your New Member Education Requirements?  Want to learn about Showing Time or how to do Statistics on Matrix? Register now for one of the sessions below !!!

Friday, 10/16                    11:00-11:45am             Statistics Webinar                        https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6235988318837999106

Need a Matrix I class?

If you need a Matrix I hands on class to satisfy your mandatory new member requirements OR you want to brush up on the basics, sign up to join us on Wednesday, October 7th from 9:30am - 12:30 pm at NFCAR in Bethel.  

Space is limited so call 203-840-6674 x 300 NOW to register!!!!

External Links

If you're logged in to Matrix, check out the area of the Matrix home screen called External Links.

You can get to it by clicking the Home tab of Matrix, and it is usually in the lower-right of the screen, unless it has been moved to another spot. Each of the widgets on the home screen of Matrix can be moved around wherever you'd like.

From the External Links, you can check the Broker Tour schedule, get to our main CMLS website, check our class schedule, configure Showingtime settings, and much more

.

Open House Webinar

Click Here to join the OPEN HOUSE Webinar being held on Monday, September 14th from 10 - 10:30 am.  This session includes Searching for, Adding and Editing Public Open House and Broker Tours.  

All are welcome.  Enjoy!

Upcoming Webinars

Join us for one (or more) of these informational sessions.

Click Here to join the LISTINGBOOK I webinar on Tuesday, August 25 from 6-9pm.

Click Here to join the MATRIX I webinar on Thursday, August 27 from 6-9pm.

All are welcome.  ENJOY!

GFC CMLS Classes

Check out the GFC CMLS class schedule, and register for an upcoming class or webinar

Class Schedule

Classes in Bethel

Spaces available at our Matrix 1 (9:30am-12:30pm), MLS Orientation (1-2pm) and Showing Time (2:15-3:15pm) hands on classes to be held at NFCAR in Bethel this Wednesday, August 12th.  Satisfy all of your New Member Education requirements in one day!  Sign at ct-mls.com or by calling 203-840-6674 x 300.  You must be registered to attend.  

Windows 10 Upgrade

As you may know, Microsoft has released Windows 10.  It is available as a free upgrade for any Windows 7 or 8 devices.  We have already gotten a few users who have asked us if/when they should upgrade to Windows 10.  Though it is typically not advisable to rush out and upgrade the moment a new operating system comes out, since there are likely still some kinks that need to be sorted out, if you want to go ahead and upgrade you may do so.  

One nice feature of Windows 10 is that it comes with two web browsers: Microsoft's new browser (Edge) and Internet Explorer 11.  This is important from our perspective because you will still be able to use IE 11, which has been compatible with Matrix and Listingbook for a long time now, while the programmers finalize any compatibility issues with the Edge browser.  

You may also install Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari on Windows 10 and continue to use those browsers as well.

So, the short answer is, yes, you may upgrade to Windows 10.  Just be aware that you may not be able to use the Edge browser right away with Matrix and/or Listingbook and expect complete compability.

We will notify you once the Edge browser and Matrix and Listingbook are fully compatible. 

Specifications for loading Photos

If you're having trouble loading photos, it may be the type and/or size

of the photos causing the issue. Here are the specifications for loading photos in Matrix:

Type: JPG (the most common type taken by digital cameras)

File Size: less than 5MB in size

Ideal Dimensions:1024 pixels x 768 pixels

Ideal Resolution: 96 DPI or better

Ideal Aspect Ratio: 1.33

Orientation: landscape or portrait

Quantity: up to 25

External links in Matrix

There are many helpful links on the home page of Matrix. Just look for the widget called "External Links", it is on the same screen where you'll see the Market Watch, Hotsheets, and News and Alerts widgets.

From there you're able to get access to the MLS Forms, the Class schedule, our main website (www.ct-mls.com), Matrix FAQ, Matrix Support, and much more.

Pets Field Modification

On Thursday, June 11th, the Pets field will be modified in Matrix.  Previously, you had to put a check in a box for either Yes or No.  Now, when you click on the Pets field, you will have the following options:

- Yes

- No

- Ask

A reminder about the Town list in Matrix

If the town and neighborhood lists are empty in your Matrix searches, it means that your browser is out of date.
This is only likely to happen with Internet Explorer and Safari.

Here’s what to do if it happens to you. Of course, you can contact tech support for help.

Internet Explorer:
•    If you have Windows XP, you must stop using Internet Explorer and use Chrome or Firefox instead.
•    If you have a newer version of Windows, the easiest solution would also be to stop using Internet Explorer and use Chrome or Firefox instead.
But if you want to use Internet Explorer, run windows updates. Be sure to check the optional updates for Internet Explorer 9 or higher.

Safari:
•    Run the Apple updates. Be sure you have FULLY updated your computer.
•    If that did not work, then you must stop using Safari and use Chrome or Firefox instead.

Memorial Day Holiday

The GFC CMLS office will be closing at 5PM on Friday, May 22 and reopening on Tuesday, May 26 at 8:30 am.  

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday!

Listingbook I Webinar

Click Here to join the LISTINGBOOK I Webinar on Thursday, May 14 from 6-9 PM.  This session includes setting up your account, adding buyers and sellers, overview of Business Builder Website and property promotions. 

All are welcome. ENJOY!

Email and Auto Email Webinar

CLICK HERE to join the Wednesday, May 13th MATRIX EMAIL Webinar at 9:30 am.  This session will show you how to email directly to a contact as well as setting up auto-emails. 

All are welcome. Enjoy.

If your town list is empty....

If the town and neighborhood lists are empty in your Matrix searches, it means that your browser is out of date.
This is only likely to happen with Internet Explorer and Safari.

Here’s what to do if it happens to you. Of course, you can contact tech support for help.

Internet Explorer:
•    If you have Windows XP, you must stop using Internet Explorer and use Chrome or Firefox instead.
•    If you have a newer version of Windows, the easiest solution would also be to stop using Internet Explorer and use Chrome or Firefox instead.
But if you want to use Internet Explorer, run windows updates. Be sure to check the optional updates for Internet Explorer 9 or higher.

Safari:
•    Run the Apple updates. Be sure you have FULLY updated your computer.
•    If that did not work, then you must stop using Safari and use Chrome or Firefox instead.

About Us

Greater Fairfield County CMLS provides participating brokers and agents with fast, accurate and reliable access to the information services and resources that make our property market function efficiently and effectively for the benefit of buyers and sellers. Serving more than 7,500 REALTORS® in Greater Fairfield County Connecticut, Greater Fairfield County CMLS’s mission is to develop and deliver excellence in the technologies, data resources, programs and policies that support our subscribers in the performance of professional real estate practice.

Fixing Map Location Webinar

Click Here to join the FIXING MAP LOCATION Webinar on Friday, May 8th from 11-1130 am.  This session shows you how to ensure your listing appears correctly in map searches.  All are welcome.  Enjoy!

CMLS Staff Meeting

The CMLS staff will be unavailable from 11-12 tomorrow, Thursday, April 30th, for a staff meeting.

 

You may send us an email or leave us a voice mail during that time, and we will get back to you as soon as we are out of our meeting.

 

Thank you.

How to clear your internet cache

Some users may still be getting our temporary website from when we were having server issues last week.  If so, it is because you need to clear your browser's cache.  Follow these instructions to clear your cache and force your internet browser to load the most recent version of webpages. 

How to clear your temporary internet files in Google Chrome:

When you have a Chrome window open, press the Ctrl, Shift, and Delete buttons on your keyboard all at the same time.

Hit the drop down menu at the top of the screen and select the beginning of time.

Make sure there are checks in the boxes for Cookies and other site and plug-in data and Cached images and files.

Click the Clear browsing data button at the bottom of the window.

Close all Chrome windows and then reopen Chrome.

 

How to clear your temporary internet files in Internet Explorer:

When you have an IE window open, press the Ctrl, Shift, and Delete buttons on your keyboard all at the same time.

Make sure there are checks in the boxes for Temporary Internet files and website files and Cookies and website data.

Click the Delete button at the bottom of the window.

Close all IE windows and then reopen IE.

Classes this week

April 30th - 6:00pm-9:00pm - Listingbook II - Webinar
This class covers adding appointments and showings, communicating with your clients,
creating flyers, viewing hotsheets, and using the address book.

Listingbook I Hands-On Class

Come on down to the CMLS office in Norwalk on Monday, April 13th from 9:30am-12:30 for a Listingbook I hands-on class.  We have a seat just for you!  Call 203-840-6674 x 300 to reserve yours!

Matrix 1 Webinar

Click Here  to sign in to tonight's (Tuesday, April 7th) MATRIX I Webinar from 6-9 PM.  This session covers using Matrix for searching, hotsheets, emailing and printing listings as well as a general overview of navigation and features in addition to basic listing maintenance.  

All are welcome, however if you are taking this webinar to satisfy your mandatory new member requirement, you must be logged in for the entire 3 hours.  ENJOY!

New Matrix Grids

All single line Agent displays (with the exception of Listing and Property History reports) have been converted to Grids.  The main advantage of using Grids is that they are very simple to customize with the fields and order you desire.

Rest assured- the Grids have the same fields and order that you have become accustomed to.  You can leave them alone if you want, or use them as a template to create your own custom display.

 

Please click here for more information on using the Grids.

 

As always, feel free to contact the CMLS office with any questions.

CMLS's 20th Anniversary

GFC CMLS has proudly been supporting real estate professionals in the Greater Fairfield County area for 20 years!

 

Please join us for an Open House at the CMLS office on Tuesday, March 31, from 3-7pm and help us celebrate this milestone.

 

Twenty years ago, the Realtors Multiple Listing Service, which was comprised of 13 local associations of Realtors, merged with Fairfield 1 (a broker-owned MLS), to form the Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (known today as the Greater Fairfield County CMLS, Inc.).

 

Since our inception, we have grown from 3,750 subscribers to over 7,000.  Our mission remains to develop and deliver excellence in the technologies, data resources, programs and policies that support our subscribers in their endeavors as real estate professionals.

 

Please stop by our office and join us in the festivities: come chat with GFC CMLS staff and Directors, have some refreshments and appetizers, network with your fellow Realtors, and celebrate this momentous occasion.

 

We hope to see you there!

Two Webinars

CLICK HERE to join the INTRO TO CMA Webinar being held on Wednesday, March 11th from 10-10:45 am.  This session includes Starting a CMA, two types of CMA, available pages, saving, and more.

 CLICK HERE to join the MATRIX PRINTING Webinar being held on Wednesday, March 11th from 2-2:30 pm.  This session covers various print methods, and report options.

Matrix Hidden Gems

Now that you have mastered the basics of Matrix, its time to learn all the tools and features this robust system offers. Kathy Elson from CMLS will show you all of Matrix's Hidden Gems on Monday, March 9th 9 am to 11 am, at the Continental Manor in Norwalk.

Click here to view the flyer

Contact MFCAR at 203-227-4418 to register. Must register by March 5th.

Look for an adjustment on your MLS invoice

Due to responsible fiscal planning, the GFC CMLS Board of Directors has voted that all active Subscribers (as of 2/15/15) will receive a one month waiver of MLS and key fees.  You will note the WAIVER OF APRIL 2015 MLS and Key Fees on the second quarter billing, which will be processed and sent out in just a few days.  

We are pleased to be able to provide this rebate and hope that it is a positive jump start to your Spring market.

Matrix Tip- Inaccurate Tax Data

If you notice there is any missing or inaccurate information on a tax record in Matrix, you can report the discrepancy directly to our tax vendor, The Warren Group.  Simply pull up the Full tax record, scroll to the bottom, and click the link to report Inaccurate Tax Data.  There are several categories you can choose from (Ownership information, Property Information, Transaction data, etc.).  There is also a Description field where you can explain exactly what the issue is.  Once the Warren Group gets your email, they will research it and follow up with you.

This is the fastest way to get tax record data corrected.

Listingbook II Webinar

Click Here to join tonight's (Thursday, January 29) LISTINGBOOK II Webinar from 6-9 PM. This session includes CMA, website setup and editing, communication features & address book, showings, custom flyers and hotsheets.  

All are welcome.  ENJOY!

CMLS Class Update

Due to the upcoming storm, we have made a few adjustments to our training schedule.  If the class you were interested in has been cancelled, please refer to our CLASS OFFERINGS at ct-mls.com to reschedule for a later date. Be assured, you will not be turned off for missing either of the mandatory classes below.

Wednesday, January 28  MLS ORIENTATION in Norwalk has been CANCELLED.

We apologize for any inconveneince this may cause.  

Be safe and enjoy the snow!

Martin Luther King Day

Our office will be open on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 17th from 8:30 am until 5 pm.

MLS Orientation Webinar

Click Here to join tonight's (Thursday, January 15th) MLS Orientation Webinar from 6-7PM.  This session covers the GFC CMLS website, contacting the staff for assistance, keys and keyboxes, Rules and Regs / Data Verification and more!  

All are welcome however if you are taking this webinar to satisfy your mandatory new member requirement, you must be logged in for the entire hour,  Enjoy!

Upcoming Classes and Webinars

You can check on the upcoming classes and webinars from our website here:

http://www.ct-mls.com/Classes/EdCalendar.aspx

Listingbook I Webinar

Click Here   to join this evening's Listingbook I Webinar from 6-9 PM.  This session includes setting up your account, adding buyers & sellers, overview of Business Builder Website and property promotions.  All are welcome.  Enjoy!

Welcome New Members

The Greater Fairfield County CMLS welcomes Kateri Duffey , one of our new members fromDecember .
Click here for a list of other new members from December .