Clean Up Import Data

This is an unsupported feature that was released before we introduced QuickSource — a powerful, new tool that improved this process. The MLS Text File Importer is only available to customers who were actively using it before QuickSource was released. Click here to learn how QuickSource significantly reduces the amount of time and hassle involved with importing MLS data.

In many cases, data exported from your MLS contains a lot of shorthand or abbreviations for property information that isn't appropriate for your appraisal report, or doesn't conform to UAD standards.  The MLS Import Wizard allows you to "clean up" this data during the import process by replacing it with something else, or appending to it.  For example, if the MLS data uses "SF" for square footage, you can tell the importer to always replace that value with "Sq. Ft."  Follow the instructions below to create rules and clean up the data in your MLS text file during the import process — before it's added to your report:

  1. While mapping fields in Step 2 of the MLS Text File Importer, click Clean Up.
  2. Select how you want to clean up data by choosing one of two methods:
    Replace text during import
    Choose this option to have the importer look for certain text or information and replace it with data you specify.  Enter the information you want the importer to look for in the When you see this text field, enter the data to replace it with in the Replace it with this text field, and click Add to create the rule.  You can add multiple rules to account for any number of variables that you encounter when importing data from a text file.

    Replace Text

    Append text to a field during import
    Choose this option to have the importer append custom text to a field you specify, and choose whether it is added before or after the text being imported.

    Enter the text you want the importer to add in the Append this text field and select the field you would like it appended to using the To the field drop‑down menu.  Select whether it is appended Before or After the data being imported, and click Add to add the rule.  You can add multiple rules to account for any number of variables that you encounter when importing data from a text file.

    append text to field

  3. When you're finished, click OK to save the Clean Up rules to your field mapping template, and return to the field mapping screen in Step 2 of the MLS Text File Importer.