As the real estate industry evolves, so does the structure and accessibility of Multiple Listing Services (MLSs). Traditionally, most MLSs were owned and operated by local Realtor associations—meaning that agents had to be members of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) to access them. However, recent trends show a significant shift toward broker-owned and independently operated MLSs, sales to private investors, and a growing openness to non-REALTOR® access. In this article, we explore these developments and what they could mean for agents, brokers, and consumers across the country.
Broker-Owned and Privately Held MLSs