4 Arizona MLSs to share data; NorthStarMLS overhauls board 

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.

Data share to benefit 11K+ MLS subscribers

Four MLSs in Arizona have agreed to share data in a new partnership that the organizations said will provide real-time listings information to their combined 11,700 subscribers.

The participating MLSs are: Northern Arizona Association of Realtors, Prescott Area Association of Realtors, White Mountain Association of Realtors and the Multiple Listing Service of Southern Arizona (MLSSAZ).

Flexmls, which supports all four MLSs, will automatically activate the data share on Nov. 10, according to a news release. The platform will feature a new section on its Quick Search screen, through which subscribers will be able to access listings data outside their own MLS but within the areas covered by the new partnership.

The data share "is a step in the direction of future collaboration that will enhance data access to each MLS Subscriber," said Romeo Arrieta, CEO of MLSSAZ and of the Tucson Association of Realtors. "This opportunity provides additional value and choices to agents and their clients buying and selling homes in Arizona."

'Proactive' governance changes at NorthstarMLS

NorthstarMLS is adopting a new governance model in accordance with recommendations from its shareholder associations, according to a memo sent to members on Oct. 29.

Representatives from Minneapolis Area Realtors, Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors and Southeast Minnesota Realtors advised on the "business-forward" changes, which the memo said are "explicitly designed to improve decision making through enhanced expertise."

Moving forward, the MLS's board of directors will drop in size from 20 to 11. While five of the 11 will actively work in the NorthstarMLS area, the other six will be recruited for their expertise in law, tech and marketing, and will not necessarily have a real estate background. A small executive committee will also be created so that the organization can "respond quickly to new opportunities."

As part of this overhaul, NorthstarMLS's outside legal counsel must attend all meetings held by the board and executive committee "to address legal concerns rapidly and consistently," the memo added.

The goal of these and other changes is "to ensure NorthstarMLS moves ahead as a vital asset for the licensed real estate professionals who rely on MLS services," said NorthstarMLS CEO Tim Dain, who acknowledged that the industry as a whole is "undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by shifts in broker perspective, a changing business environment, and rapid advancements in technology."

"This new governance structure is a proactive, forward-thinking move that will strengthen the organization," Dain said.

LIBOR deal provides members with new marketing suite

The Long Island Board of Realtors (LIBOR) has announced a new partnership with Keeping Current Matters (KCM), a move that will make a host of marketing tools accessible to the association's 27,000+ members.

KCM's suite of marketing tools includes infographics, social media graphics, automated content publishing, training and more. Use of these tools can help members create consistency for their online presence — and those who want access to tools beyond what's available through the free access provided by LIBOR can upgrade at a discount, according to a news release.

"Equipping Realtors with resources that give them a competitive edge is central to our mission," LIBOR CEO Doreen Spagnuolo said. Through this partnership, "we're empowering Realtors to provide consumers with credible market insights while strengthening their business and client relationships," Spagnuolo added.