Perchwell completes ‘next-gen’ conversion for Alabama MLS
The full transition of Baldwin MLS’s legacy system to the Perchwell platform marks a new milestone for the company as it looks to expand to new markets.
A real estate tech company has completed its first full conversion of an MLS legacy system in a move it hopes will serve as a blueprint for other organizations considering a platform change.
Perchwell and Baldwin MLS announced the completion of the transition to Perchwell from Paragon, which Baldwin expects to be a more efficient system for its 3,500 subscribers in Alabama. The new platform combines property search, listing management, client collaboration and market analytics into "one intuitive experience," according to a joint news release.
Baldwin called it "the most significant technology upgrade" in the MLS's history. "Completing this transition positions Baldwin Realtors members with the fastest and most accurate market statistics available," said MLS Executive Officer Wendy Alley.
An emphasis on training: Replacing an entire MLS platform is rare since subscribers have to learn a new system and user adoption can be an issue, according to Perchwell. With that in mind, the company provided extensive training for Baldwin's members as part of a phased product rollout, including on-site trainings at Baldwin Realtors and 40 brokerage offices, virtual and self-paced training programs and a subscriber help center.
Perchwell and Baldwin Realtors also co-sponsored an incentive program to get members on board with the new platform. The "Get Ready, Give Back, GO!" campaign rewarded member brokerages for their adoption rate by matching donations to the Baldwin Realtors Foundation, the association's charitable arm. The campaign raised $20,000 for the foundation.
Improving efficiency: Brendan Fairbanks, founder and CEO of Perchwell, said his company's goal was to make an MLS platform that "helps you move quickly and gets out of your way."
"Research that used to take an afternoon should take minutes, so you can focus on what matters most," Fairbanks said.
While Perchwell has previously formed partnerships with major MLSs including the California Regional MLS, the successful conversion of Baldwin MLS's system is an important milestone, Fairbanks noted.
Perchwell has been incorporating the feedback it received from Baldwin agents, and the next step for the company will be bringing the platform to new markets, something it plans to announce later this year.