Texas MLSs weigh consolidation; ABoR adds healthcare options 

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.

2 Texas MLSs consider uniting

LERA MLS (formerly known as the San Antonio Board of Realtors MLS) is in talks with the Coastal Bend Association of Realtors and South Texas MLS about the possibility of creating a unified organization that would serve subscribers in South and Central Texas.

The MLSs said they are evaluating whether a broader regional alignment could deliver long-term value — including expanded market access, greater listing exposure and more consistent MLS rules and data standards — for brokers and agents. They are also examining whether a regional approach could support increased investment in technology and subscriber services while reducing long-term costs.

While the potential alignment is under review in the coming months, there will be no changes to MLS access, systems, fees or support for subscribers.

If an agreement is reached, the 1,900-member Coastal Bend Association of Realtors would join LERA MLS, expanding LERA's regional footprint and connecting the Coastal Bend market to a unified MLS serving South and Central Texas.

As discussions continue, LERA MLS said it will remain "focused on transparency, due diligence, and ensuring that any potential path forward is guided by the long-term needs of brokers and agents."

LIBOR expands fair housing campaign

Long Island Board of Realtors (LIBOR) has launched the next phase of Home for All of Us, a fair housing campaign it started in 2022 to address housing discrimination. This new phase focuses on ensuring that LGBTQ+ consumers are able to choose where to live.

The initiative adds new education and outreach resources for LIBOR's roughly 26,000 members, including summaries of state and local fair housing protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and a guidance tip sheet for working with LGBTQ+ clients.

The campaign also introduces the first video in a planned series featuring LGBTQ+ individuals sharing their housing experiences and the roles that LIBOR members have played in their communities.

LIBOR and its members "are committed to ensuring fair housing for all people," LIBOR CEO Doreen Spagnuolo said in a news release, adding that LGBTQ+ individuals "have an outsized economic impact on Long Island."

LIBOR's members "must be agents of positive change in the housing market," Spagnuolo said, "and that is why we are adding to the resources we provide to help them deliver on the fair housing promise."

ABoR offers members new healthcare options

The Austin Board of Realtors (ABoR) has partnered with the financial and health platform Upfront in a move aimed at providing its 18,000 members with new healthcare options.

ABoR, the first Realtor association to partner with Upfront, opened access to the platform in late 2025 ahead of the annual open enrollment period. Since many ABoR members are independent contractors, the platform offers many a path to affording health insurance.

Members can explore their health insurance options directly through Unlock MLS, ABoR's MLS, according to a news release.

"Providing a unified, national healthcare platform directly within the ABoR ecosystem removes the primary barrier to entry for many agents and allows them to focus on scaling their business with a secure foundation," said Pierre Calzadilla, co-founder and COO of Upfront.

"We recognize that the biggest threat to a 1099 agent's business isn't just market dynamics — it's the stress of unpredictable healthcare costs," added Emily Girard, CEO of ABoR and Unlock MLS. "By integrating Upfront's national healthcare platform, ABoR is making a tangible investment in our members' financial and personal well-being."   

ABoR's announcement follows a similar move by the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, which announced a partnership with PeopleOne Health last month.

MetroList introduces marketing app in Canva

MetroList, which serves Norther has launched a new Canva app designed to help subscribers create marketing materials using MLS data. The app, called MLS Pipeline, allows agents to import listing details, photos and agent information directly from the MLS and automatically populate Canva templates — either ready-made or those they've built themselves — within a few clicks, according to a news release.

The app was designed to help subscribers turn MLS data into finished marketing materials more efficiently by working directly within Canva's design environment — all while reducing manual data entry and potential errors, according to Marcus Brown, the app's creator.

Agents "must produce high-quality marketing quickly, across multiple channels," MetroList President and CEO Dave Howe said. "MLS Pipeline brings MLS data into Canva in a simple workflow that helps our subscribers create on-brand marketing materials without the usual friction of manually re-entering listing and agent information."

The app works with both free and paid Canva accounts.

NWMLS welcomes 2026 board members

Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) has announced its 2026 board of directors.

Jill Himlie, broker/owner of Windermere Real Estate/Himlie in Shelton, Washington, will serve as board chair after filling the vice chair role in 2025. JoAnna Harrison will succeed Himlie as vice chair.

Joining Himlie and Harrison are three other elected officers:

• Treasurer Rachelle Willhite of Best Choice Realty

• Secretary Jon Hunter of John L. Scott, Inc.

• Immediate Past Chairperson David Maider of Windermere Real Estate M2 LLC

Also serving on the 2026 board of directors: Cory Brewer of Lori Gill & Associates; Patrick Chinn of Windermere Real Estate Midtown; Martha Hunt of Century 21 Lund, Realtors; Anne Jones of Windermere Abode; Frank Leach of REMAX Platinum Services; Lena Maul of Windermere RE North, Inc.; Chad Paulsen of NextHome 365 Realty; Jeff Pust of Van Dorm Realty, Inc.; Shelly Schmitz of Keller Williams/Premier Partners; Todd Shively of Ensemble; and Jason Wall of Lake & Company.

NWMLS announced its new board a couple of weeks after longtime COO Monica Beck stepped down. Beck, who was with NWMLS and its predecessor for 45 years, was succeeded by fellow industry veteran Chelsea Goyer.

Editor's note: AI was used in the initial drafting of this content, which was then thoroughly reviewed, fact-checked and revised by a Real Estate News editor.