Matrix Database Conversion - Data Done Better

Welcome to the new Matrix™ and Data Done Better!

Our Matrix conversion was completed Feb. 7, and we are excited about the benefits it will bring to our members! If you need assistance, the best way to a resolution is to contact Canopy MLS Support, support@canopyrealtors.com or 704-940-3159, Opt. 1.

IMPORTANT: The first time you log in to the Canopy MLS Dashboard after the conversion, you will need to hard refresh your browser. Here’s how:

  1. Close all browser windows.
  2. Open a browser window and browse to https://www.canopymls.com (btw this should be your only bookmark, don't bookmark the login screen).
  3. Click the MLS Login button.
  4. Enter your credentials and login.
  5. Once you are at the Canopy Dashboard, hold down your shift key and click the refresh icon in your browser.
  6. Then click the Matrix tile in the dashboard.

Auto-Email and Saved Search Advice: Most Saved Searches and Auto-Emails are working as expected; however, the criteria in some were affected. Here’s how to review the criteria, and revise it, and issues to watch for: https://support.canopymls.com/kb/article/675-auto-emails-and-saved-searches-in-our-new-matrix-system/

How Canopy MLS is Responding: Canopy MLS is posting issues reported and how they have been resolved on Matrix. We appreciate those agents who have been in direct contact with us about these issues so that they can be resolved. See the list: https://support.canopymls.com/kb/article/689-matrix-conversion-issues-reported-and-resolved/

In case you missed the Realtor® Hot Topic to help you be prepared for the Matrix™ Conversion, you can watch now!

Timeline

Feb. 1

Realtor® Hot Topic to help you be prepared for the Matrix™ Conversion. Recording is available, watch now!

Feb. 6:

"Search Only" in Matrix begins, which includes no access to Add/Edit for a 24-hour period.

Feb. 7:

GO-LIVE with Add/Edit in the updated and converted Matrix RESO DD.

Data and Resources

New Listing Input Forms

The new forms become effective Feb. 7. Canopy MLS licenses the forms to SkySlope and LoneWolf for ZipLogix, and the forms will be updated in these platforms as soon as possible. Members using other forms providers must manually add the forms to their individual or company documents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have you ever noticed that in Matrix data entered under the Equipment field and Interior Features field is displayed on third-party websites under the Appliances or Security fields? That’s because our database is from 2014 and highly customized. To interface with other systems, our data must be remapped according to the Real Estate Standards Organization Data Dictionary (RESO DD).

Canopy has a history of embracing industry initiatives to improve data standards and licensing through both RESO and MLS Grid. The best way for the MLS database to comply with the RESO Data Dictionary is to do so at its core (native) level (i.e., when the listing is entered in add/edit mode). Once the listing is entered, the data will be interpreted the same and read uniformly across platforms. This means the data you enter will be consistent whether you’re looking at Matrix, an IDX website, Realtor.com or OneHome™. Data Done Better.

Canopy MLS has been preparing for this project for a few years by only implementing new fields and enumerations that comply.

The great news is that the system, post-project, will have almost the very same user interface and minimal changes in navigation. The emphasis is on the data and details, so that the edited listing is better organized and makes more sense. Data done better.

The benefits of RESO DD compliance at the native level include:

  1. Fields and field names are logical and easily understandable.
  2. Makes it easier for brokers to operate in today’s environment of emerging technologies
  3. Enables us to effectively, efficiently, and consistently deliver a quality service to our members.

  • New Add/Edit entry screens
  • Auto geo-coding
  • A single ‘Residential Add/Edit’ that will combine Single Family and Condo/Townhouse
  • A new property type for Commercial Lease
  • New Property Data Forms
  • New search fields
  • New drop-down choices within fields
  • New reports

Yes! This is still the Matrix™ MLS system you’ll be using. The enhanced functionality is minimal and easy to learn. Changes are mostly improvements to field labels making the system more intuitive, and to better organize the data, which maximizes "searchability" within Matrix and increases your listing’s exposure online. Much of the system remains unchanged. Aside from the 24-hour suspension of add/edit, the updates are not expected to hinder the day-to-day operations of our MLS subscribers.

Feb. 6: "Search Only" in current Matrix system starts mid-day for approximately 24 hours.
Feb. 7: Live with Add/Edit in Matrix RESO DD at mid-day.
Members will not have the ability to add or edit listings for approximately 24 hours.

  • Single Family and Condo/Townhouse property categories have been combined into a single Residential property type, and Condo/Townhouse has been split into three options: Condominium, Townhouse, and Stock Cooperative (formerly Co-op).
  • The Commercial property category has been split into separate property types for Commercial Sale and Commercial Lease.
  • Reporting Rooms has been restructured with the ability to describe Room Features and Dimensions.
  • New Add/Edit entry screens with auto geo-coding!
  • Listing Images will now be saved at up to 2048 x 1536 pixels, up from 1024 x 768 pixels in the previous system.
  • Easy to read reports and displays.
  • And more! Click here for details.

No. Enhanced functionality in the new system is minimal and easy to learn. In addition, a simple cutover makes it easier to convert contacts and saved searches and sync them with multiple systems including OneHome™ and MLS-Touch®. After any conversion, it’s a good idea to check your listings, contacts, saved searches, custom reports and displays to ensure they converted as expected and report any issues to MLS Support.

Yes. Custom settings for searches and displays will remain in place on Feb. 7. Please note, however, that some fields will be moved from "Additional Fields" to the default search form.

Clean out outdated auto emails and Saved Searches. Scrubbing outdated data from the system will make the job easier of double-checking your important contacts and searches after the conversion.

If you’re having any questions, issues, or would like to provide Canopy MLS feedback on the conversion, please contact support@canopyrealtors.com with a specific description of your issue/question/feedback.

Yes. We have created this webpage with information and educational resources for Canopy MLS subscribers. To have a Canopy MLS trainer walk you through these updates, please sign up for an upcoming webinar on this page.

Like the Rosetta Stone, the RESO Data Dictionary provides the real estate industry with a common language that allows data to be easily communicated and interpreted by a wide range of systems and databases.

Vendors, including IDX website providers and software vendors that provide products for brokers, will receive communications about the change from MLS Grid, with supplemental messaging from Canopy MLS staff. Anyone using the frameable IDX search will need to update their IDX code, which will require a visit to the Matrix IDX Configuration page and follow those instructions.

  • Following the Matrix conversion and going live on Feb. 7, there will be a period of approximately three weeks when we will also be converting to a new Listing Data Checker (LDC) system.
  • During this three-week period members will have the opportunity to become accustomed to the changes to the data in Matrix when entering listings, and Canopy MLS compliance staff will be busy testing the new LDC system.
  • The new LDC system will go live on Feb. 28, and the ReportIt icon will reappear in Matrix.

While the LDC system is offline, we will accept alleged violations of the Canopy MLS Rules and Regulations submitted by email to compliance@canopyrealtors.com.
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Questions that resulted from the Feb. 1 Realtor® Hot Topic:

As a reminder, all Saved Searches, Auto-Emails, contacts, settings, etc. will transport to the updated and converted Matrix system. Condo/Townhouse Saved Searches will convert to include Condominium, Townhouse and Stock Cooperative listings, unless the Saved Search included specific criteria in the Ownership Type and LandYN fields. To prepare, clean out outdated Auto Emails and Saved Searches. This will make the job easier of double-checking your important Contacts and Saved Searches after the conversion to ensure they are working as desired.

Also, pay close attention to any Auto-Emails and Saved Searches that include the following criteria:
Waterfront, Creekfront

  • Waterfront, Creekfront, Riverfront, Beach Front, combined with Water View: After Feb. 7, searching for listings that are either Waterfront or Water View will require two separate searches.
  • Levels Above-Grade and Basement: On Feb. 7, if your client would be okay with or without a basement, then then be sure the Basement field does not have "Basement" selected.
  • Parking: On Feb. 7, review any Saved Searches that utilize the Parking Features field to ensure the new parking spaces fields meet your client’s needs.

There is no need to modify Saved Searches prior to the conversion. We recommend checking Saved Searches per the criteria outlined in the Matrix Conversion Checklist. Just to clarify, Auto-Emails will continue to be sent.

Incomplete listings that are less than six months old will transition over, and in the new system, Incomplete listings will only be stored in Matrix for a maximum of six months, after which point they will be dropped. Listings that are in Coming Soon-No Show, Active, or any other status will not be affected, and will still be kept forever.

Also, Incomplete listings will no longer be "indexed" by the Matrix search. This means they will not be available in any search "Results" lists. In the new system it will still be possible to view the "My Incomplete Listings" list, but the option to run that as a "full search" will not be available. By removing Incomplete listings from the search feature of Matrix, our system engineers have found the search system performance increased by as much as 30 to 40%!

All listings and photos in the Canopy MLS system will convert. (We have data going back to 1997!) Changes to fields and field names are logical and easily understandable. Our Was There, Now Here guide provides the field and data changes that will take place as part of the Canopy MLS transition to an MLS database that is fully compliant with the RESO Data Dictionary standard.

Listing Images will now be saved at up to 2048 x 1536 pixels, up from 1024 x 768 pixels in the previous system. These larger format images will be made available to all websites and 3rd party data recipients.

Smaller photos are still fine to upload as long as they are at least 1024 pixels wide X 768 pixels tall in size.

No, Room Dimensions are optional.

Room Dimensions in most cases will be interior.

No.

Just like every other field in the MLS, agents are responsible for the accuracy of the representations they make. Whether you measure the room width and length yourself, or hire a professional, or choose not to provide room dimensions is your decision.

The Single Family and Condo/Townhouse property categories have been combined into a single Residential property type.

The selection of "Condo/Townhouse" has now been split into three options: Condominium, Townhouse, and Stock Cooperative (formerly Co-op).

Condo/Townhouse Saved Searches will convert to include Condominium, Townhouse and Stock Cooperative listings, unless the Saved Search included specific criteria in the Ownership Type and LandYN fields.

The new "Utilities" field includes the options for Cable Available, Cable Connected, Fiber Optics, Satellite Internet Available, Wired Internet Available. This Canopy MLS Support Knowledgebase article provides additional resources for determining specific ISPs that serve a particular area: https://support.canopymls.com/kb/article/480-are-your-buyers-looking-for-properties-with-fixed-broadband-internet-service/.

Similar requests for a field to name specific internet service providers have been declined by the Canopy MLS Board of Directions. Instead, the recommendation is for listing agents to attach the Utility Providers Questionnaire available on the Canopy MLS Forms page to their listings to describe internet availability (as well as other services).

Yes! In 2022 Canopy MLS implemented a new field called "Yearly HOA Expense." Read Canopy MLS has made it easy to search for HOA Fees with "Yearly HOA Expense."

An email was sent to all Subscribers with framed active IDX pages within Matrix. If you did not receive the email, follow these instructions any time after February 07, 2023. Questions or concerns, please send an email to data@canopyrealtors.com.

Sometimes our emails get caught in spam filters. Follow these steps to ensure you will receive Canopy MLS emails.

Yes, check out MLS Touch!

Yes, we have already prepared a checklist to assist you! Matrix Conversion Checklist

In the "Levels Above-Grade" field select "1 Story" and in the BasementYN field select "Yes."

Yes, new Listing Input Forms are now available on this webpage. Canopy MLS licenses the forms to SkySlope and LoneWolf for ZipForm™, and the forms will be updated in these platforms as soon as possible. Members using other forms providers must manually add the forms to their individual or company documents.

Yes, we will have a few new parking space fields: Garage Spaces, Carport Spaces, Open Parking Spaces, Assigned Spaces, and Covered Spaces!

After Feb. 7, searching for listings that are either Waterfront or Water View will require two separate searches.

The Lake/Water Amenities field is unchanged and should see no impact from the conversion. Canopy MLS has been preparing for this project for a few years by only implementing new fields and enumerations that comply with the RESO Data Dictionary, and the Lake/Water Amenities field is a prime example.

It is only available to Canopy MLS staff and is an extra step we take to ensure that test listings are not seen by agents or the public.

Yes, Photo Captions will continue to be offered in the new system.

As with our current system, our new Matrix system has the ability to create a CMA from an existing listing, but it does not have the ability to create a listing from a CMA. This is certainly an idea we will discuss with our vendor for future inclusion in a Matrix update though!
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