Clarus MarketMetrics® FAQs

Home

Clarus Investor®

Clarus DataMine®

Frequently Asked Questions

If I am a member of two different associations that provide me with access to Clarus MarketMetrics® as a member benefit can I use the same username and password for both accounts?

If I subscribe to the monthly or annual subscription plans for Clarus MarketMetrics® and I am a member of two different MLSs can I use the same username and password for both MLSs?

Can an Association make this a member benefit for all MLS members or are we limited to only Association members?

How do I cancel my account?

Can I get a refund?

Is Clarus MarketMetrics® compatible for the Mac?

Is Clarus MarketMetrics® compatible with Internet Explorer 8.0?

What is C.A.R.’s role in the data management?

How does Terradatum protect MLS/Association Data?

Will each member have a unique log-in separate from any log-in for the Association website and MLS?

What is my MLS ID?

What if I get a message that my MLS ID is not valid?

Can I access data from another MLS?

Do I need to fill in all search criteria to generate my reports?

What does # Records indicate?

What is the difference between a 1YR and 2YR time period?

How is city data aggregated?

How is Days on Market calculated?

What is the purpose of the Security Question/Answer?

What if I forget my username and/or password?

If I have a Broker Metrics® account, can I use the same MLS ID for Clarus MarketMetrics®?

Can I save a specific search to be emailed at a later date rather than saving just a pdf file?

How can I utilize Clarus MarketMetrics® as a marketing tool?

Current Subscriber Questions…

Where can I see a demonstration?

Where can I get more information?

What is Clarus MarketMetrics®?
Clarus MarketMetrics® gives you up-to-date information on local real estate market trends and conditions. Current and historical data already in your local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is used to produce detailed, highly visual and easy-to-interpret reports that help you gain the competitive advantage in any market.

This powerful web based tool processes MLS data daily and provides information on homes that have sold, homes currently for sale, homes under contract but not yet closed (pending sales), and homes that didn't sell (cancelled or expired listings). This useful sales information will help you convert prospects into clients! Clarus MarketMetrics® consists of two valuable tools: Market Dynamics and Pricing Analysis.
Back to Top

What are the benefits of using Clarus MarketMetrics®?

Increases the REALTOR®’s market expertise and enhances professionalism.
Manage seller expectations by explaining market dynamics in simple graphs.
Work with buyers to show them affordability in specific neighborhoods.
Produce graphs that are easy to download, print and email.
Present and establish a market-appropriate listing price and helps create a shared understanding of market trends and dynamics with their client.

Back to Top

What types of reports are generated from Market Dynamics?
8 Reports analyze price and sales trends:

Median Sold Price by Month
The Number of Sold Properties by Month
The Number of For Sale Properties by Month
The Number of Under Contract Properties by Month
The Number of New Properties Listed by Month
Supply & Demand by Month
The Average Days on Market by Month
Months Supply of Inventory

Back to Top

Median Sold Price by Month
This chart shows the "middle" price point of a group of properties that have successfully Sold (i.e., closed escrow) each month, i.e. half sold for more and half sold for less than the median price. Tracking the movement of median prices over time provides a good visual indicator of the direction market forces are moving prices.

The trend line is a series of measurements over time (e.g. months). A trend line can be a very helpful tool for indicating the overall direction during the time period involved. An upward sloping trend line indicates an increase the Median Sold Price; a downward sloping trend line indicates a decrease in the Median Sold Price; a flat trend line indicates there is very little change in the Median Sold Price.
The percentage columns in the grid below the chart compare the beginning month of the report time period to the ending month. The arrow points up () if the change value is positive (shown in green text) and down () if the change value is negative (shown in red text). A double-ended horizontal shape () displays if there is no percentage change.
Back to Top

The Average Days on Market by Month
This chart shows the number of days (on average) that properties were on the market before their owners accepted an initial offer. This metric is used by Real Estate Professionals to monitor the speed and decisiveness of the market. In markets where this metric is below THIRTY (30) days, the market is considered to be "Fast". Slow markets can be identified by NINTY (90) days and longer measures.

Note: This metric only measures the days that it takes for a reasonably priced property exposed to the real estate market to draw an offer and will have no bearing on the amount of time that a property that is priced above or below the market will typically wait to attract a reasonable offer.
Back to Top

Supply & Demand by Month
This chart reflects the nature of supply and demand for the criteria chosen. It provides valuable insight into current market conditions because imbalances in supply and demand will have a significant impact on pricing. When Supply is greater than Demand, prices are often pushed downward. When Demand approaches Supply, prices are maintained or can be moved higher.
Trends in Supply and Demand can help Real Estate Professionals to forecast future changes to prices. For example, a rising supply coupled with falling demand leads to an over supplied market that usually generates downward pressure on prices. In real estate this is called a "Buyer's Market" and the trend lines will tend to diverge. A Falling supply, coupled with high demand, tends to move prices upward. This is called a "Seller's Market" and the trend lines will be seen converging. The hallmark of a balanced market is when supply & demand are in a state of equilibrium. Under these conditions the trend lines will be running in parallel.
Back to Top

Estimated Price Range
This view reflects the number of properties currently For Sale that will be the prime competitors for the subject property. Notice that the Target Price Range you selected is identified with a yellow background. There are (3) pieces of key information contained within this "scatter chart". The red square symbols represent properties For Sale at their various price points within the target price range. A "solid" red symbol indicates that one or more price reductions have occurred; an "open" red symbol indicates that the property is at its original list price. The vertical height of the symbols corresponds to the time they have been on the market (DOM), i.e. the higher the symbol the longer the DOM. Notice how properties for sale have a tendency to stack-up vertically at various symmetrical price points.

How to use this chart? Compare the characteristics of the properties represented by the symbols on this chart with the 'subject property' to find a pricing position that will be advantageous for your client. For example, pricing a property just BELOW a group of similar properties might help bring attention to your property which otherwise would be just one of a crowd.
Back to Top

What types of reports are generated from the Pricing Analysis tool?
Choose this tool when you want data driven pricing information to support your current market knowledge. Using a simple 3-step process you can visually define the appropriate price range for your client's property and help them understand market conditions within that range.

Pick a target price range
Visualize where the "target" price range "fits" into the market as a whole
Visually compare the sold, active, and under contract properties within that range from a price-point; DOM; and price reduction perspective
4 Reports help you visualize where the "target" price range "fits" into the market as a whole:
Price Distribution - Last 12 Months
Estimated Price Range - For Sale Properties
Estimated Price Range - Sold Properties
Estimated Price Range - Under Contract Properties

Back to Top

When would I use the Market Dynamics tool?
Use this tool when you want to better understand existing market conditions and trends. You can look at how important market measuring sticks have changed over time for any criteria you choose.
Back to Top

Who can subscribe to Clarus MarketMetrics®?
Any active member of a participating Multiple Listing Service may subscribe to the program.
Back to Top

How do I know if Clarus MarketMetrics® is offered in my area?
Clarus MarketMetrics® is currently available in many areas nationwide. For a complete list of participating Multiple Listing Services visit http://www.clarusresource.com/mlslist.html.

A participating MLS is an MLS with an agreement with Terradatum, whereby the MLS provides the data to Terradatum and Terradatum is bound by the MLS rules for use of such data. Only members of participating MLS’ have access to property information within a participating MLS.

If your local Association or Multiple Listing Service is not on our list, please let us know by sending an email to clarus@car.org.
Back to Top

Subscription Plans:

You may choose from two different options. The monthly or annual subscription payment plans. Whichever plan you choose will provide unlimited access 24/7 to Clarus ® MarketMetrics. Included with your subscription is our customer support team and access to the training webinars.

Monthly Payment Plan: Our monthly payment plan is $29.99 per month and gives you the opportunity to try Clarus MarketMetrics® without making a 12 month commitment. This option is also convenient for those who want to spread the subscription cost over twelve months. Your monthly subscription plan will be renewed automatically each month unless notified by the subscriber to cancel. Your monthly subscription plan may be cancelled or changed to an annual membership at any time.

Annual Payment Plan: Our annual subscription plan provides the best possible value at $239.88/year. This plan gives you unlimited access 24/7. The annual payment plan option gives you more than a 30% discount compared to the monthly subscription payment plan! This plan requires a twelve month commitment and full payment is due at time of purchase.
Back to Top

How do I sign up for Clarus MarketMetrics®?

1. Visit www.clarusresource.com/mm to create your account.
2. Select “Register for an Account”.
3. Click the “Register” button.
4. Create an account by providing your user and MLS information.
5. Enter your search criteria to generate your customized Market Dynamics reports!

Back to Top

Does Clarus MarketMetrics® offer trial subscriptions?
Yes. We offer a Free 30 day trial for Clarus ® MarketMetrics. To take advantage of this free trail offer visit www.ClarusREsource.com/mm and click on “Sign on for a Free Trial”. You will be redirected to a registration page. Click the “Register” button and enter promo code Clarus re49 when prompted. You will then be asked to create your user account by entering your name, username (we suggest using your email), company name and email address. You will also be asked to create a password and identify the MLS that you are a current member of. Once you select the MLS from the list, you will need to enter your MLS id.
Back to Top

Can I subscribe to Clarus MarketMetrics® for free?
If you are a member of a local Association or Multiple Listing Service that currently offers Clarus MarketMetrics® as a member benefit you may subscribe for free. For a complete list of participating Associations and Multiple Listing Services offering Clarus MarketMetrics® as a member benefit, visit http://www.clarusresource.com/memberbenefits.html.
Back to Top

Can I customize the office name on the reports if I have access to Clarus MarketMetrics® as a member benefit?
If you are receiving Clarus MarketMetrics® as a member benefit from your local Association, the association name will appear in the upper right corner of the reports. Since your Association is providing this product as a member benefit, the user you cannot change the Office Name on the reports. We are working on a way to do this but at this point that feature is not available.
Back to Top

If I am a member of two different associations that provide me with access to Clarus MarketMetrics® as a member benefit can I use the same username and password for both accounts?
No, each free account requires its own user name and password.
Back to Top

If I subscribe to the monthly or annual subscription plans for Clarus MarketMetrics® and I am a member of two different MLSs can I use the same username and password for both MLSs?
Yes, paid accounts can have multiple MLSs on one account. You do not have to create two separate accounts.
Back to Top

Can an Association make this a member benefit for all MLS members or are we limited to only Association members?
Your Association gets to define the universe of people who are benefiting by sending us a file with their MLS ID’s. We perform two checks each time a participant attempts to either Register or Log-in. The first check is against the membership file that we get from the MLS which indicates that the individual is a member in good standing. The second check is against the file that you would upload to our FTP site – and update at your pleasure. This list presumably would include all of your MLS members. Each registrant/user will have to pass both checks in order to register and log-in.
Back to Top

How do I cancel my account?
If you’ve subscribed to either the monthly or annual subscription plans of Clarus MarketMetrics® you can cancel your subscription by logging into your account select “My Account”, select “Subscription Plan” and then click on the link to cancel. See below for a visual image. Remember that the annual subscription plan requires a twelve month commitment and therefore you may cancel only at the end of your twelve months.

How to Cancel My Account

If you have difficulty with the cancellation process you may contact our customer service by email at Clarus @car.org. Please include your full name and the reason why you are cancelling. You’ll be notified by email when the cancellation is processed. Once you've cancelled you won't be charged again, but you are responsible for all previously incurred charges.
Back to Top

Can I get a refund?
We apologize but charges are non-refundable. Once you cancel your monthly subscription you will never be charged again. Just pay as you go and cancel when you're done.

Your annual subscription may be cancelled at the end of your twelve month commitment. We can not refund any charges that have already been made for but once you cancel all future charges will be stopped immediately.
Back to Top

Is Clarus MarketMetrics® compatible for the Mac?
Clarus MarketMetrics® is compatible for the Mac if you are using the most current version of Firefox as your web browser. Clarus MarketMetrics® does not support the web browser Safari. If you are experiencing difficulties, below are some links that may help:
Go to http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/internet_utilities/mozillafirefox.html to get the latest version for Mac.

Also check out http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/personal.html, select “Add-ons”, and click on “Plugins”. You may need to download the Adobe Reader in order to print PDF.
Back to Top

Is Clarus MarketMetrics® compatible with Internet Explorer 8.0?
Microsoft released Internet Explorer version 8.0 March 19th, and we are still in the compliance testing phase for Clarus MarketMetrics ® within the new browser environment. Until the site is thoroughly tested and certified in version 8.0, you will need to switch to the Compatibility View to version 7.0 (see instructions below). This option is invoked on a per-site basis and all other sites you visit will continue to display and retain the functional capabilities offered in Internet Explorer 8.0.

Here’s how to maintain Clarus MarketMetrics ® performance in Version 7.0:

Click on the compatibility button (resembles a broken page) located to the right of the website address field. This button fixes any coding or compatibility issues with any websites.

If you can't see this button then follow these steps: Step 1 - From the Command Bar, select Tools, and then select Compatibility View Setting to add your Clarus MarketMetrics® site to the list.

Type in the site url in “Address of website to add to Compatibility View” and click “Add” button.
Step 3 – Select “Close” to exit and then close the browser window.
Step 4 – Open a new browser window and go to the site url and log into the application in the usual manner.

If you continue to experience difficulties please contact us at 213-739-8278.
Back to Top

What is C.A.R.’s role in the data management?
Clarus MarketMetrics® is powered by Terradatum and C.A.R. does not download nor maintain a repository of any of the MLS listing or account information.
Back to Top

How does Terradatum protect MLS/Association Data?
Terradatum’s technical architecture was designed to protect MLS/Association data. The applications use a three-tier architecture: client GUI, middle-tier business logic and Linux/Oracle database tier, where all MLS and real estate data are aggregated. This architecture protects data by keeping users of the system from interacting directly with the database. The user/application only communicates with Middle-Tier Services and transfers are of binary, compressed data, they are not plain-text.

In addition, Clarus MarketMetrics® requires user name and password authentication. Each session has a unique token associated with it, and that finger-print is verified by the Middle-Tier Services for every request issued by the application.

Terradatum’s systems are located in a secure data center in Santa Rosa, California which provide physical site security, uninterruptible power supply backup and generator standby power. All data and hardware is protected by Firewalls (hardware and software). All public access is limited to http requests over Port 80.
Back to Top

Will each member have a unique log-in separate from any log-in for the Association website and MLS?
Each member will register for the service and choose a user name/password that can be different from that which they use to access the MLS.
Back to Top

What is my MLS ID?
The Multiple Listing System (MLS) is the combined listings of all Realtors primarily listed for sale within the boundary service areas of that system. As a member of an MLS, you are issued a user login ID that may referred to as an MLS ID, Agent ID, or Listing ID. Any questions regarding your user login ID should be directed to your MLS.
Back to Top

What if I get a message that my MLS ID is not valid?
The system verifies that the user name you enter matches with the MLS and MLS Id entered. If you receive an error message you should verify that the number you entered is correct. If it is and you continue to receive an error message please contact Clarus Customer Support by email at Clarus .car.org.
Back to Top

Can I access data from another MLS?
You can only access data for a participating MLS/Association, which you are a member of in good standing.

You have access to as many participating MLS’s to which you are a member. Upon registering for a user account, you will be able to indicate to which MLS you belong and will have access to all the information in those MLS’s.
Back to Top

Do I need to fill in all search criteria to generate my reports?
You only need to complete the Required Search Filters to generate the reports.
The OPTIONAL SEARCH FILTERS are not necessary to generate reports but can used to narrow your search criteria for customized reports. i.e. You can search for 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
Back to Top

What does # Records indicate?
The # Records reflects the total number of sold listings for ALL PROPERTY TYPES in the area for the last 12 months

Number of Records
Back to Top

What is the difference between a 1YR and 2YR time period?
The 1YR time period compares the last complete month with its counterpart from the previous year (e.g. Aug 08 vs Aug 07). Because it is the exact same month, seasonality is usually not a factor in any changes that have occurred; they are primarily due to the consumer’s response to changing market conditions.

The 2YR time period has the same monthly type comparison but now between this year and two years ago (e.g. Aug 08 vs Aug 06). This view provides the added benefit that a year-over-year comparison of seasonal activity (spring-summer-winter-fall) can be viewed.
Back to Top

How is city data aggregated?
Records are aggregated based on the ‘City’ designated in the listing records. For example, a large number of listing records may be designated with ‘Riverside (city)’ and another group may have just ‘Riverside’. MLS designations are not edited or changed.
Back to Top

How is Days on Market calculated?
For all properties that go into escrow in a given month, we calculate the average number of days that between their list date and the day that they accept an offer.
Back to Top

What is the purpose of the Security Question/Answer?
The security challenge question is not used in addressing forgotten user name/password (so case sensitivity is not an issue). We will be deleting that aspect of registration in our next release since it is no longer used.
Back to Top

What if I forget my username and/or password?
If you forget your user name and/or password you may click on the ‘Forget Password’ link which will automatically send you an email with your username/password to the email account that is on file. You do not have to input your security challenge question.
Back to Top

If I have a Broker Metrics® account, can I use the same MLS ID for Clarus MarketMetrics®?
As of now, if a subscriber already has a BrokerMetrics® account they will not be able to use that same MLS ID for Clarus MarketMetrics®. If you currently have a BrokerMetrics® account, please email clarus@car.org for assistance in creating a separate account for Clarus MarketMetrics®
Back to Top

Can I save a specific search to be emailed at a later date rather than saving just a pdf file?
This feature may be added in the future but at this point you must save your search either as a pdf or jpeg file.
Back to Top

How can I utilize Clarus MarketMetrics® as a marketing tool?
Clarus MarketMetrics® can help you convert prospects into clients! Share this valuable information with your clients using one or all of the following methods:

Engage web visitors by uploading these charts to your website and asking them to contact you for a customized report. If you write a few sentences explaining what the report says, your web site is more likely to be picked up by various internet search engines. (i.e. Santa Barbara real estate market trends)
Add highly visual charts to a PowerPoint presentation as part of you listing meeting
Incorporate live market data and stats into your blog to generate leads
Use the Clarus MarketMetrics® reports as a prospecting tool! Email a complete and customized analysis of a specific city or area in minutes and with very little effort to your clients. Insert your prospect list into the BCC field. This will prevent the recipients from seeing the other email addresses.
Add real time local market statistics and charts to your newsletters or flyers for farming or prospecting.

Back to Top

Current Subscriber Questions…
If an active listing is withdrawn from the active listing category and then “cloned” back into the active listing category as a “new” listing in the same month, will this listing count twice on your report titled “The Number of For Sale Properties by Month”?

No, the property will not be double counted.

If an active listing is withdrawn from the active listing category and then “cloned” back into the active listing category as a “new” listing in the same month, will this listing count on your report titled “The Number Of New Properties Listed by Month”?

Yes, it will be counted in this report as long as this property is added as an active listing within the month.
Back to Top

Where can I see a demonstration?
Live webinars are offered weekly to provide an overview of Clarus MarketMetrics®. You may register by visiting http://www.clarusresource.com/Webinars/index.html.

Webinar doesn’t fit into your schedule? Watch a recorded webinar 24/7 by visiting http://videos.car.org/webinar/Clarus_MarketMetricsWebinar.wmv.
Back to Top

Where can I get more information?
For additional information contact our customer service department at 213-739-8278 or email Clarus@car.org, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. PST
Back to Top

	Register for an Account
	Login
	FAQs
	System Requirements
	Video Testimonial
	View Demo
	Watch a Recorded Webinar
	Webinar Schedule
	Search for a Buzz Club Expert in your area