Bright, Zillow ink tech partnerships to streamline MLS tasks 

Editor's note: Technology is a driving force in real estate. From startups to established players, tech companies are constantly innovating, growing and forging partnerships. Here we highlight some of the latest news about the companies that help power the industry. 

Bright tech partnership simplifies multi-MLS listing entry

The nation's largest multiple listing service has formed a joint venture with listing software company Ocusell to co-develop and license tools for brokers, agents and MLSs nationwide, the companies announced Sept. 17.

The partnership between Bright MLS and the relatively young proptech aims to address a key pain point for real estate professionals who serve different markets by creating a "one-stop-shop for solutions that simplify listing entry across multiple MLSs," according to a press release.

Core to that goal is the incorporation of Ocusell's List+ and data integration tech into Bright's Listing Manager, a direct-entry tool introduced as part of its new suite of tech offerings. Once the enhanced product is available later this year, brokers and MLSs will be able to manage and publish listings to multiple MLSs from a single interface, the announcement said.

The venture will help "reduce redundant technologies and make it easier for MLS subscribers to work across platforms," Brian Donnellan, CEO of Bright MLS, said in a statement. "We're offering other MLSs the opportunity to join us in challenging the status quo," he added.

It's also about "eliminating friction points and empowering brokerages with a single, intelligent process," said Hayden Rieveschl, CEO and founder of Ocusell.

"This is the future of the industry, and it's happening now."

Zillow-Flexmls integration streamlines media imports

Proptech company FBS has announced a new partnership with Zillow that will make it easier for agents to add listing media to the MLS. 

The integration will use Zillow's media link feature to transfer files directly into Flexmls, FBS's flagship product, allowing agents to import photos and other media into the MLS platform with a single click. 

Agents can then review and confirm their selections through a new Auto Assistant tool before publishing listings. The new functionality, which launches this fall, comes at no additional cost to agents or MLSs, FBS noted in a news release.

The collaboration "represents a shared vision between FBS and Zillow: to improve the agent experience and showcase the value of the MLS," the proptech said.

"Media is essential to rich listing content, containing layers of data in addition to its consumer-critical visuals of a property," Tracey Kantrud, senior product manager at FBS, said in the announcement. "This integration with Zillow helps agents save time, enriches the MLS data set, and benefits consumers: a win for everyone."

Michael Lane, Zillow's VP of industry operations and MLS engagement, added that the effort is part of a long-term strategy: "Together with FBS, we're improving the listing workflow, making it both faster and more reliable."

Leading PNW brokerage adopts 'world's best AI search'

John L. Scott, one of the largest brokerage companies in the Pacific Northwest, is partnering with ListAssist to integrate the AI-powered search platform into its website. The move is designed to make the homebuying process more intuitive, the firm said in a news release. 

Dubbed JLS AI Home Search, the tech analyzes property details and photos to match lifestyle and aesthetic preferences, allowing buyers to search for their ideal home using plain language, such as "a modern home with a view of the mountains" or "a bright, open kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a big backyard."

"As we approach our 100th year in business, John L. Scott has thrived by embracing change while staying true to our core values," Chairman and CEO J. Lennox Scott said in the announcement. "Our partnership with ListAssist changes everything. Clients can now search naturally, making the experience feel intuitive and efficient."

ListAssist Founder Chris McGoldrick described the tool as "the world's best AI search experience." McGoldrick has inked deals with other major real estate players such as Howard Hanna, RE/MAX and several MLSs. 

The latest version of the technology was rolled out in August as part of Inside Real Estate's BoldTrail platform following IRE's acquisition of ListAssist earlier this year. 

Rechat introduces new tool for connecting agents

Rechat, the proptech firm offering a self-described "super app" for brokerages and agents, has introduced Agent Network, an AI-powered tool designed to help real estate professionals connect with the right agents in their markets.

The tool, which is now available for iOS and Android, uses listing data, location filters and automation to match agents with top-performing peers who have closed deals nearby. The platform enables users to promote listings, share buyer needs and generate leads through targeted outreach.

"Agent Network puts unparalleled AI targeting at your fingertips, giving you the tools to target, filter and connect with the right brokers and agents in seconds," Shayan Hamidi, CEO of Rechat, said in the announcement.

Several brokerages have reported that the platform is already yielding results, Rechat said. Raymond Dillulio of the Eklund Gomes Team at Douglas Elliman said the tool helped secure a $10 million deal, while Michael Saunders & Company reported a $2 million offer from a single campaign.

The app also includes a library of customizable email templates for common listing scenarios, with built-in tracking for opens, clicks and replies. Rechat executives called the launch a practical step in applying AI to everyday real estate workflows.