MLS picks a new name to reflect ‘the future of real estate’ 

Editor's note: From regional and statewide players to locals focused on a single market, multiple listings services and Realtor associations are the backbone of residential real estate. Here we highlight some of the latest news about the organizations that are shaping the future of the industry.

SABOR MLS rebrands, chooses HAR.com 

The San Antonio Board of Realtors multiple listing service now has a new name: LERA MLS. 

LERA stands for "Local Expertise. Regional Access," the association wrote in a LinkedIn post announcing the rebranding.

"This change is more than a name — it's a tribute to the professionalism, insight and impact our Realtors and subscribers bring to the real estate industry every day," the post said, noting that the new name was "the result of thoughtful research, collaborative feedback and a shared vision for the future of real estate."

The move is part of a broader industry trend toward rebranding MLSs to shift their identity from directly reflecting the association that owns them or a particular geographic marketplace.

On the MLS's new website, SABOR notes that LERA MLS is "an independent brand designed to serve a broader region" and that SABOR "remains a proud shareholder of LERA MLS." SABOR counts more than 13,000 agents as members.

SABOR also announced that LERA MLS's preferred consumer-facing listing portal will be Homes & Rentals (HAR.com). Operated by the Houston Association of Realtors, the website covers the Texas market and sends buyer inquiries directly to listing agents.

Bright debuts new data share

The nation's largest multiple listing service has flipped the switch on a new data share with nearby Williamsburg MLS, enabling subscribers of both to search current and historical listings in their respective markets. Subscribers only need to enter a listing in their primary MLS for it to appear in both.

The data share fits in with a trend that many MLSs have embraced as an alternative to consolidation.

"This data share, along with the one we launched in May with CVR MLS in Richmond, is a part of Bright's commitment to helping our subscribers grow their business, expand their network, and maximize exposure for their listings," Bright said while announcing the rollout.

North Dakota association strengthens NorthstarMLS partnership

NorthstarMLS, which has more than 22,000 subscribers already, is growing as it adds the Fargo‑Moorhead Area Association of Realtors as a customer association. The two entities first partnered in March 2024 when FM Realtors joined NorthstarMLS's Common Data Platform (CDP), a shared database and listing input system that allows MLSs that join to keep their own identity, rules and administration.

The move gives FM Realtors' nearly 1,000 members access to all of NorthstarMLS's tools and services. They will also be able to access the listings contributed by NorthstarMLS's 11 other customer and shareholder associations.

"As a CDP member, FM Realtors expanded real estate listing accessibility within Western Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota and laid the groundwork for greater cooperation," NorthstarMLS CEO Tim Dain said in a press release. "Now they will strengthen the regional real estate ecosystem by adding professional tools and data to further enhance the real estate experience for area consumers."

Those tools include top MLS listing search interfaces, virtual tours, video, photos, floor plans and "robust mobile, marketing and social media capabilities," the MLS said.

NAR rival begins hiring

The American Real Estate Association, which has historically relied on volunteers, will soon begin hiring staff. The trade group will start by searching for someone to fill a new executive director role.

"We've got a lot going on this fall — it's a very exciting time for the association," co-founder Jason Haber said while announcing the job on X.

In the year since the association launched its paid membership program, thousands of agents from all 50 states have joined, Haber said. Now, the association is looking to add an employee who "will be so important in helping us shape the future of the trade group."

"If you — or you know someone else — that's looking for this role, that has experience with trade groups and with real estate brokerage, please contact us," Haber said, adding that the association will begin circulating a job description online soon.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly mentioned NorthwestMLS in place of NorthstarMLS.