In-depth coverage of the MLS industry: lawsuits, policy, data and the fight over listings.
MLS tech vendors, RESO standards, data licensing, AI and listing security. New to the issue? Start with our explainer: What is an MLS?.
RSS for this sectionThe idea of a shared platform where brokers enter listing data once and keep control over how it is used has been floated for years. This analysis asks whether the industry is finally ready to act on it now that brokerages are launching their own listing infrastructure.
RealScout will integrate eXp Realty's pre-market coming-soon listings into its agent-client platform later this year, extending exposure for listings before they hit the open market.
Highlights from RESO's Oct. 19–21 conference in Colorado Springs: hundreds of MLSs still lag on current data standards and certification, and speakers urged the industry to spell out coming-soon listing rules — display, syndication, showings, days on market — in explicit data fields rather than relying on inconsistent status names.
NTREIS, the MLS serving more than 53,000 professionals in Texas and Louisiana, will implement reData Export. The platform is meant to give the MLS a controlled access point for distributing its data.
Orion Real Estate Data Exchange, formed by MetroList, Northern Nevada Regional MLS and Oregon Data Share, is partnering with insurance broker HUB International. The deal makes dedicated insurance products available to MLS organizations beyond Orion's California, Nevada and Oregon footprint.
A WAV Group commentary piece argues that AI is the biggest challenge yet to the MLS's role in protecting broker listing data, and proposes steps MLSs can take to control how that data is accessed and used.
A column by Craig Rowe looks at how agents are using AI tools to automate their MLS work. The columnist argues some of these uses can conflict with MLS bylaws and data-access rules and discusses what that means for MLS security.
Gitcha is pitching a buyer listing service that sits alongside the MLS. Founder Dan Cooper said five MLSs have signed on since early 2026, with more partnerships expected once contract reviews are complete.
Connecticut's SmartMLS is adding listing-fraud detection and removal tools from Property Shield for its more than 20,000 users. The service was slated to launch in mid-October.
Hive MLS will roll out Gitcha's buyer listing tool starting in December, letting nearly 20,000 brokers and appraisers across six Southeastern states see buyer demand before a home is listed.
Speakers at CMLS said listing data will be monetized one way or another, so the real issue is governance and protecting brokers' rights to their data, especially as AI companies seek access.