we have a system called MAPASS. I hate it. When there is an agent that I know and I usually can make the showing thru them and adjust times as need be it is really easy. Bu if I need to go through the showing request company back and forth it is a pain in the a$$.

Boston proper doesnt use supra lockboxes, but the suburbs do. So when we want to show out there and call MAPASS to make the appointment, or online, and get an email and recorded message back that it is a supra lockbox or can you do a different time...it turns into too many phone calls back and forth. It might be saving time for the listing agent, but not the buyer's agent.

I usually will call the agent directly if the MAPASS doesn't work out and tell them if they want me to show their listing then i suggest they call me or show up.

In Nashville we use CSS - Centralized Showings - and just generally speaking, it's great having a showing center to deal with instead of an agent. Agents don't always answer the phone; the showing center is staffed from 8am to 8pm every day except Sunday, when it's open 12-6. During off hours, we can schedule online. They also keep track of showings on our listings, and coordinate sending feedback directly to the sellers. Requesting feedback is also automated. CSS works something like what your MLS is trying, I think; only agents with MLS IDs can list their properties on the service, but anyone who's a licensed agent can schedule a showing. CSS will check to make sure they don't send anyone out who doesn't have a license. Once in a while someone without an MLS-key (supra) will schedule a showing, and the listing agent will have to come out and open the door, but that would have happened even without the showing center, I guess.  

Rob,

In our MLS we have a system that is called showing time.  Some agents use it and some do not, you have the option.  The good part is that you leave a record for the listing agent and also you get the instructions without having to wait for the listing agent to call you back. Like I said before it is optional to use it or not.

Our MLS has a system but very few agents/brokers utilize it.  We tried scheduling appointment through it with some of the agents who use it but they didn't check their emails in a timely enough manner to secure the appointments so we ended up calling the office anyway.

I am constantly amazed at the number of agents who rarely check their emails or respond to voicemail messages.  And what amazes me even more is that they are able to continue to secure new clients... go figure?!

Our Association looked at several options within the last 3 months and just last month our MLS Committee voted to not add this feature to our association.  In our area many companies hire people to set up the showings for them so to add this did not seem logical for some when they already had it.  Or in some parts we have agents that only show property if they can be present and use no lock box.  However after reviewing several versions I really liked the e-showing version.

Here in Charleston we added centralized showing within the last year. It is much eaiser to make one phone call and schedule everything, than call five or more agencies.