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Since our inception, Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) has offered comprehensive training to our members to help them get the most out of our products and learn how to run an efficient real estate business. As NWMLS celebrates our 40th anniversary in 2024, let’s take a look back at how training has evolved over the last four decades.
When NWMLS (then called Puget Sound Multiple Listing Association, “PSMLA”) was first formed in 1984, real estate technology was primarily used by MLS staff. Member brokers would submit new listings and changes each day, and MLS staff would manually input the information into large terminals in the MLS data room. The computer database was used to produce printed listing books, and allowed brokers to perform rudimentary listing searches. The NWMLS training program focused on providing procedural information and helping brokers use the primitive listing search functionality available at that time.
1990s – Development of Technology Courses
With the advent of the internet, a variety of software programs were developed giving brokers access to search for listings online. Formal classes were developed by NWMLS to help brokers navigate the listing search functions available in NWMLS’s evolving MLS product offerings such as Latitude, SuperTrieve MLS, Surveyor, Compass, and Locator.
Personal computers were still very new, and to help brokers get up-to-speed, Internet 101, Windows 95, Windows 97, Excel, and Word courses were also offered by NWMLS. One of the huge advances that brokers were eager to learn was how to use email to send listings to clients directly from the listing search programs.
NWMLS now offered classes Kirkland, Puyallup, Silverdale, and Everett to reach members in its expanding service area.
2000s – Expansion of NWMLS and Its Real Estate School Offerings
During this decade NWMLS’s service area continued to expand, from 12 counties in 2000 to 20 counties by 2009! In-person training was offered by the NWMLS Real Estate School every day except Sundays and holidays. NWMLS maintained dedicated classrooms with PCs and high-speed internet for members to use during classes in Kirkland, Tacoma, Lynnwood, Tukwila, and Silverdale. NWMLS Training Specialists would also regularly hold classes in other areas by setting up mobile classrooms in Moses Lake, Bellingham, Mount Vernon, Olympia, Longview, and Vancouver. To ensure brokers in all areas had access to training, classes would also be held each quarter on Orcas Island and in Aberdeen, Ocean Shores, Long Beach, Shelton, Ellensburg, Port Hadlock, and other locations on demand.
Fun Fact: In addition to scheduled classes, NWMLS trainers led classes for any member firm that requested a customized training session… and we still do! Please contact us to set up a training at your firm or in one of our classrooms!
In 2003, NWMLS developed the online New Subscriber Orientation, a convenient option for new brokers to learn about NWMLS products, services, and other important industry information before working with their first clients.
2010s – Additional Clock Hour Approved Courses & Offerings
As the NWMLS service area continued to expand, additional classes were developed based on member feedback. In addition to classes about searching and inputting listings, new course offerings included Prospect Management, Comparative Market Analysis, Clerical Jumpstart, NWMLS Forms & Legal Developments, two different TransactionDesk classes, and as the real estate market started to bounce back after the Great Recession in 2008, a Foreclosure Search Workshop for brokers working with investor clients.
In 2018, the Education Portal launched allowing brokers to register for in-person classes online. Additionally, online self-paced versions of many classes were developed, giving brokers the ability to take classes anywhere, anytime.
2020s – New Webinars & Virtually-Held Clock Hour Classes
In response to COVID-19, NWMLS began offering all clock hour courses virtually via Zoom. Over 20 live webinars were also added to the line-up of existing clock hour courses, giving brokers the opportunity to keep learning from home. Virtual training was very well received and has now become a popular choice in addition to NWMLS’s continued in-person training.
In 2023, NWMLS trainers conducted a total of 662 instructor-led classes and workshops on its products, applications, and forms, with 11,337 attendees. Additionally, NWMLS provided 7 different online, self-paced courses that were completed by 9,922 members and subscribers, and in total the NWMLS Real Estate School issued 12,285 clock hour certificates!
NWMLS offers free on-site training to all of our member firms, and provides 30-minute virtual 1:1 Q&A sessions with a trainer nearly every weekday.
2024 and Beyond
Over the last four decades, NWMLS has been committed to embracing new technology that makes it easier for our members to learn the skills they need to run a successful real estate business. We are continuously reviewing educational products and tracking new technology to ensure we are providing top-notch training opportunities to our membership.