What is the AREA provincial MLS® Data Co-op?

Members of the Alberta Real Estate Association have access to many tools, resources, and programs that help keep them on the cutting edge of the real estate industry. One of the most valuable tools AREA offers its REALTOR^® members is called the provincial Data Co-op which allows REALTORS^® to search all available property data across the province. Let’s think through some of the benefits of the system.

All about the data 

In Alberta, all REALTORS^® are AREA members and this service provided to them as part of their membership combines the data from all 10 real estate boards into one tool. Although the Data Co-op has been available for several years, the legacy system, which has recently been retired, is now replaced by a new modern system with a great user interface. Using the tool, a REALTOR® can search for properties province-wide and see data on historical sales, showing remarks and more for any property currently or previously listed on any local board MLS^® system in the province.

The best information, the best advice 

It has been well said that knowledge is power and in the real estate industry that certainly holds true. Perhaps a long-time client is just starting to consider a second home in Hinton or has been told their job is moving to Grande Prairie, the provincial Data Co-op would allow the REALTOR^® they are comfortable with to seek out preliminary information on those areas to help at the beginning of those decisions. If their trusted REALTOR^® is not familiar with the area they plan to purchase in, the network of almost 12,000 REALTORS^® across Alberta ensures they can help find a local REALTOR^® to help.

The value of a trusted REALTOR^® and their professional help cannot be overstated, and the newly upgraded provincial Data Co-op system just adds a powerful new tool to the toolbox. As a supplement to the vast knowledge of REALTORS^® for their local real estate markets the Data Co-op provides REALTORS^® with the information they need to help clients in areas they know and connect them with colleagues in areas they don’t know as well, making the big winner the client themselves. When life changes happen, keep calm, and call a REALTOR^®.