What are RETS Workgroups?
Workgroups are RETS. Workgroups are the bodies which create, manage, promote and drive RETS. Moving RETS forward is wholly dependent on the functionality of Workgroups. According to the RESO Governance document, “The technical standards development and supporting work of RESO will be conducted through one or more Workgroups established by the Board of Directors. Workgroups shall develop the technical standards and conduct the transactions to support the business processes for which they are responsible.” For detailed information about RETS Workgroups please read section 2.7 of the RESO Governance document.
The RETS Working Group (or RETS Community, RETS Group)The RESO Board has formed two main committees, Standards and Business, which organize the workgroups. The Standards Workgroups are responsible for developing the specification while the Business Workgroups are for institutionalizing RETS through best practices and defining RETS to the broader industry involved with the real estate transaction. There are many Workgroups which make up the broader Standards and Business sides of RETS. Participants may join multiple Workgroups and may cross the Standards and Business line.
Workgroup Activities and Responsibilities
Each Workgroup will establish periodic conference calls. Calls will occur with appropriate frequency; weekly, bimonthly or monthly, depending on the requirements of the Workgroup. Once established, conference call information will be posted to the appropriate Workgroup page on RETS.org.
Meeting minutes, goals and objectives will be posted on the Workgroup page of RETS.org
The RETS Forums will be used for making Workgroup announcements
The Workgroup Chairperson will act as manager of a Workgroup. A Chairperson will delegate tasks to Workgroup Participants. The Chairperson will facilitate the communication of goals, objectives and work product from the Workgroup to the RETS Working Group.
Meetings
Each trimester meeting includes a Workgroup update given to the general community. Updates include a description of any progress made since the previous trimester meeting as well as upcoming Goals. Trimester meetings are also the time Workgroups get together and make big advances in their area.
If a Workgroup concludes additional in-person meetings are required, the Chairperson will work with NAR and the RESO Board of Directors in scheduling meetings. Announcements will be posted on Workgroup pages, forums and any other appropriate location
Meeting attendance is required to vote both on workgroup issues and also on issues presented at the trimester meetings. Trimester face-to-face meetings also provide an opportunity to move forward in a way calls and emails do not.
No previous experience with RETS is required to join a Workgroup. Working knowledge of the Real Estate industry is enough. RETS Workgroup participation is an excellent way to drive the standard in the direction you and your organization feel will benefit you the most. Workgroups allow your voice to be heard. If you would like to become involved but are not technical or feel you don’t have enough background, consider joining one of the Business Workgroups. This is an excellent way to get your feet wet and get a feeling for RETS. You don’t have to be employed by a large organization to participate; smaller companies have the same level of contribution as big ones.
Some Workgroups may require only a few hours a month from Participants, while others could be upwards of five hours per week. While the RETS Community can only advance by harnessing volunteer time, potential Participants should be aware of anticipated commitments. If you are not able to make ongoing commitments but would like to offer occasional input, please contact the Workgroup Chair. Every bit of input is helpful and appreciated. If you have specific questions or would like more information, feel free to email any of the RESO Board of Directors or the Chairperson listed for a Workgroup in which you are interested.
To participate in a RETS Workgroup visit theWorkgroup Sign Up page
RETS is the technology driving real estate, become the voice behind the technology.