MLXchange FAQ Sessions Every Monday at 10 a.m.
Need some help with MLXchange?  Why not attend a question and answer session to quickly address your MLXchange questions.  Sessions are offered in the MAAR computer training lab every Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. No appointment necessary, but do come prepared to ask questions! This is not a formal MLXchange class. For more information, call (901) 818-2455 or e-mail TechSupport@MAAR.org .

One-on-One Help Sessions Available
Members may schedule an appointment with MAAR Tech Support staff for a brief one-to-one MLXchange or Technology related help session in the MAAR computer lab. Please call us at 901-818-2455 or email TechSupport@MAAR.org for more information or to schedule an appointment!

MLS and MAARdata Training

MLXchange Basics: This course is designed for new users and provides a 3-hour overview to the MLXchange system. New users will be instructed on the first-time set up process for the system, given an overview of the systems features and functions, and be taught how to perform basic functions such as searching, entering a listing, and uploading images. Free to Members.

MLXchange Hands-on Searching Basics: A 2-hour workshop taught in the computer lab, this class combines a lecture demonstration with hands-on practice activities. Learn about the basics tips and tricks about using the search criteria window, how to use the search map, how to customize search results, and how to map search results. Free to Members.

Prerequisite: Students should have taken MLXchange Basics and have a working knowledge of MLXchange.

CMAs in MLXchange: This class covers the two major ways to develop a comparable market analysis in MLXchange. The lecture/demonstration class covers searching for comparable properties, running a simple one-line CMA, and crafting an entire CMA presentation. This course will benefit members who are looking for a quick and easy statistics on comparable properties as well as those who like to present a more extensive, professional market analysis. Free to Members.

Prerequisite: Students should have taken MLXchange Basics and have a working knowledge of MLXchange.

MLXchange Tips and Tricks: Have you ever wondered how to save your favorite settings in MLXchange? The tips and tricks class will teach you how to customize searches, results grids, and e-mail templates so that you can have your most needed information at your fingertips. Free to Members.

Prerequisite: Students should have taken MLXchange Basics and have a working knowledge of MLXchange.

MLXchange Prospecting: This 2-hour class takes an in-depth look at the client prospecting features of MLXchange. You will learn how to add new clients to the system, import/export client information, set up automatic e-mails to clients, and create a client web page. Free to Members.

Prerequisite: Students should have taken MLXchange Basics and have a working knowledge of MLXchange.

MAARdata Lecture
A 2 hour introduction and in-depth discussion of MAARdata. MAARdata is a Web-based property records information system provided exclusively for MAAR members. The MAARdata.org Web site contains tax records of the Shelby, Fayette and Tipton County Assessors, deed recordings of those county Registers, physical descriptions from participating appraisers, and physical descriptions from MLS listings. MAARdata.org is used for searching individual property records and for acquiring comparable sales information. Various reports may be printed from this data as well as owner/tenant mailing lists.  Topics include: viewing detailed property reports, generating comparable sales analysis reports in one-line and multiple-line formats, adjusting comparable criteria to generate customized sales analysis reports. Free to Members.

Setting Up Your MLXchange Web Page
This course covers the basics of getting started with your MLXchange agent web page. Students will be instructed on choosing a background, setting up a domain name, uploading an agent image, managing web site content, and enrolling for property search features. This lecture/application course provides time for students to begin building their web sites with an instructor to assist them. Free to members.

Prerequisite: Students should have taken MLXchange Basics and have a working knowledge of MLXchange.

MLXchange Agent Web Site Prospecting
This course is designed to educate the Real Estate agent on using the private client webpage rather than static reports and email to communicate with their customers. Students will learn how to set their clients up with a private web page, about the components of the client’s private view, and how to manage the client’s view from within MLXchange. Free to Members.

Prerequisite: Students must have taken the MLXchange Basics and MLXchange Prospecting courses, and they must have set up their MLXchange Web Site prior to attending this class.

Starting Point
This class covers how to use Starting Point, MAAR's beneficial research tool helping to establish estimated home values. Starting Point is not a replacement for an appraisal; rather an enhancement to the set of tools available through the MLS and MAARdata. It compares properties based on the type of factors that an appraiser would use to determine price. Starting Point only returns results if there are good, solid, comparable properties. This is an excellent tool for determining home value using real-time, streaming data available exclusively to MAAR members. Robert Stephenson, a well-respected local appraiser teaches this course. Free to members. 2 CE hours available.

Prerequisite: Students should have taken MLXchange Basics and have a working knowledge of MLXchange AND MAARdata.

REALTOR Technology Continuing Education

Technology REALTORS® Need to Know Series (TRNK)
The Technology REALTORS® Need to Know courses cover a wide range of skills to improve computer proficiency, save time and marketing costs, and build credibility through technological prowess. Students will learn, through hands-on exercises, how to successfully incorporate technology into everyday business processes and improve productivity. TRNK courses offer Tennessee (TREC) and Mississippi (MREC) continuing education credit.

TRNK1 – Windows Basics 2.0  hrs - $20 members/$40 non-members (2 hours CE Credit) Non-members must pre pay for TRNK classes
This class is designed to help the Realtor with minimal Windows knowledge to increase their Windows and file management productivity and efficiency. Topics will include file and folder basics, finding, opening, saving and organizing files and folders, renaming and deleting files, cut, copy & paste, using hard, floppy and CD-ROM drives, Windows shortcuts and tricks for saving time.

TRNK2 – Internet & E-mail Basics 2.0 hrs - $20 members/$40 non-members (2 hours CE Credit) Non-members must pre pay for TRNK classes
This class is designed to demystify the unfamiliar tasks of using the Internet and e-mail effectively and efficiently for business purposes. Topics will include using Microsoft Internet Explorer, using hyperlinks, basic Web page components, using search engines, downloading files and programs; using e-mail - sending and receiving messages, working with file attachments, organizing and managing messages, spam and virus protection, introduction to e-mail marketing.

TRNK3 – Marketing with Microsoft Word 2hrs - $20 members/$40 non-members (2 hours CE Credit) Non-members must pre pay for TRNK classes. This class is designed to introduce the Realtor who already has a fair understanding of Windows, file management, and the basics of using the Internet and e-mail to creating creative documents for print and e-mail marketing. Microsoft Word will be used to cover topics including: setting up a document, working with tables, inserting pictures and graphics, creating a template, transferring documents to e-mail, incorporating hyperlinks, and an introduction to e-mail marketing with e-newsletters. Prerequisite: a working knowledge of Windows, e-mail and Microsoft Word.

TRNK4 - Web Marketing Essentials 3 hrs - $20 members/$40 non-members (3 hours CE Credit) Non-members must pre pay for TRNK classes This class discusses the essentials of Web marketing for REALTORS®, why it should be embraced, and how to use it to build business and offer superior customer service. The theme of this class is that the true purpose of Web marketing, including maintaining a Web site, using e-mail, and establishing strategic online partnerships is to increase competitive advantage and technology return on investment and better service consumers in the online real estate market. Topics include: starting a Web marketing campaign, how to meet the needs of the online real estate consumer, advantages of owning a domain name, choosing the right Web site provider, successful Web site content, improving search engine placement, capturing leads online, marketing listings online, offline and online promotion, effective e-mail communication and responsible e-mail marketing. This is a lecture class, no prerequisite.

General REALTOR Technology Courses

Getting To Know Your Digital Camera
This class covers the basic parts and features of a digital camera and how to take better pictures for real estate and everyday situations. Topics will include basic camera features and operations including auto focus, scene modes, using the zoom and flash, changing resolution, transferring pictures to the computer, and printing and e-mailing pictures. This is a hands-on class so students are encouraged to bring their own camera. Free to Members

Outlook Basics
A 2.5 hour workshop introducing the basic features of Microsoft Outlook 2002 and its main components: E-mail, Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, and Notes. Microsoft Outlook is a powerfully integrated personal information manager that can be used to manage all digital communications from e-mail to contacts to appointments. Topics include sending and receiving text and attachment e-mail, managing contacts, creating distributing lists and group messaging, scheduling appointments, creating e-mail signatures, and organizing tasks. Prerequisite: a basic understanding of Windows and file management is required. Free to Members

Microsoft Publisher
A 2 hour workshop covering the basics of Microsoft Publisher 2002 and how to use templates for creating sales flyers. Prerequisite: a basic understanding of Windows and file management is required. Free to Members

Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0
A 2 hour workshop introducing the basic features of Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0. Photoshop Elements 2.0 offers the perfect combination of power and simplicity for working with digital photos. From quick corrections to creative editing, you can easily achieve high-quality results. Topics include basic photo editing, photo enhancements, printing, and resizing for e-mail and Web use. Prerequisite: a basic understanding of Windows and file management is required. Free to Members

From Your Digital Camera to MLXchange
Come to this class and learn how to transfer digital photos directly from your camera to your computer quickly and easily using card readers.  You will learn how to organize and edit your photos and learn some valuable photo marketing tips. See how to load photos onto the MLS, create slideshows, copy photos onto flyers and brochures, and how to burn photo CDs. Students are encouraged to bring their own digital cameras, media cards, cables, and user manuals to class.  Prerequisite: Basic digital camera skills. Free to Members