Edward Stachurski was recently honored by State-Wide MLS with the organization’s Distinguished Service Award. Stachurski, who has been a licensed appraiser and broker since 1975, is currently broker/owner of Century 21 Stachurski Agency. He has held various leadership positions with State-Wide MLS, including serving as president in 1983 and treasurer in 1984 and 2010.

PBN: Can you talk about State-Wide MLS, its mission and its services?

STACHURSKI: State-Wide MLS is an independently operated service, under the umbrella of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors. Its main purpose is to provide members with a means to exchange property information and assist in marketing properties to fellow Realtors and directly to the public. It is unique in that State-Wide MLS does not seek to profit from market activity but rather to provide the best resources to allow the MLS membership to be more effective and professional in their daily business.

PBN: How has your involvement with State-Wide MLS contributed to your work?

STACHURSKI: Previously, the MLS printed out weekly listing books (the size of a phone book) with one photo and basic data on properties for sale. Not surprisingly, the data was always dated since the printing and distribution process took some time. Today, we have instant online access to extensive property information which can be only minutes old. … Having an efficient source of information and marketing services allows me to do my job more effectively and elevate the professionalism of my company.

PBN: Has State-Wide MLS adjusted to help members weather the economy?

STACHURSKI: State-Wide MLS is constantly changing in order to better serve its members. Of particular note, the past couple years has been trying for all real estate businesses. During this period, the MLS has been able to increase the market exposure of its listings using tools such as internet data exchanges and search engine distributions without increasing the cost to members. Other services, such as property tours and mobile-phone access to listings, have been added using group negotiated discounting to keep costs as low as possible. Just recently, online bidding auctions have been introduced and again, at a substantial discount. •