IHS Bloomkey
IHS-Bloomkey offers MLS in a number of states. In all their coverage areas they do not seem to be the best price in town. They bundle a bunch of items that do not add much value. For example they tout podcasts. The question is, are buyers going to download a description of your home and then play it in an iPod like music or is this a worthless add on that sounds kind of cool but adds no real value to the offering? It’s also not clear whether their gold package, a $200 upgrade and their lowest package with multiple photos gets your extra photos on Realtor.com. The site is vague on that topic as of this publication but we encourage them to clarify it.
They also appear to put listings in Realtor.com in states where they do not have a license and with no collaberation from a local licensee. It remains to be seen whether this is legal but it’s certainly a good idea to research this with the local licensing commission before signing up. It’s probably a safe bet to call your state’s licensing commission and ask them if they approve of Bloomkey being located in Virginia and taking national Realtor.com listings in a state where they have no license and no local agent they collaberate with. Maybe it’s okay but maybe it’s not but you certainly would not want any surprises later or to find out your property was delisted so do your homework now.
Georgia Real Estate Broker’s License # H-52656
Maryland Real Estate Broker’s License # 521350
North Carolina Real Estate Broker’s License # C17343
South Carolina Real Estate Broker’s License # 13602
Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker’s License # RB066040
Virginia Real Estate Broker’s License #0226 007102
California Real Estate Broker’s License #01526048
July 3rd, 2006 at 9:19 am
IHS Realty is licensed in Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. IHS provides web site services to flat-fee listing brokers throughout the United States. Brokers can post their service offerings on IHS and consumers can determine exactly what services are offered in each state. Unlike the majority of so-called “national flat-fee mls” sites, all of the services offered at http://www.IHSRealty.com are the actual services and prices that the local MLS listing broker has provided. IHS does not offer listing services in areas where a broker does not already exist in our affiliate brokerage database so there is no “take the money and try to find a broker”.
July 4th, 2006 at 11:45 am
Thanks for the update and clarification. Since I see that you have updated your licenses page as well, I am adding you to the directory listings for all of those states.
September 29th, 2007 at 8:14 am
IHS Realty has been rebranded as Bloomkey. The company is now additionally licensed in California. Packages now start at $245.00. The Bloomkey.com website offers online home valuation, printable pdf flyers, searchable maps with satellite views, property tour podcasts, an “Ask the Owner” online feature, as well as a variety of free and flat fee products and services. Bloomkey also offers flat fee home buying with rebates to real estate purchasers in selected markets in California, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia.