Arizona-based MLS rebrands; MARIS touts ‘incredible’ demand
WARDEX’s new name, Momentum MLS, is “a promise,” Board President Kim Huft said. Plus, active inventory climbs at MARIS as the multi-state MLS pushes for growth.
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.
Western Arizona MLS marks 20th anniversary with rebrand
WARDEX, an Arizona-based MLS serving about 1,100 subscribers, has rebranded as Momentum MLS as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
The new name reflects a broader focus on helping agents and brokers grow their businesses through technology, data and training resources, according to a news release, and aligns with the MLS's emphasis on "steady progress, dependable support, and practical tools" for real estate professionals navigating changing market conditions.
"Momentum MLS is more than a new name. It is a promise," said Kim Huft, board president. "It reflects our commitment to helping agents and brokers build traction, keep business moving, and stay ahead in a market that demands energy, innovation, and consistency."
The organization also recognized the challenges smaller MLSs like it face in scaling up, noting that it has put careful thought into its "agile approach" to supporting subscribers.
"Our team wakes up every day focused on one goal: helping our customers build more successful real estate businesses," Momentum MLS CEO Kim Everett said. The MLS "is about more than access to listing data," Everett added. "It is about giving our customers the tools, insights, and confidence they need to keep moving forward."
MARIS reports 'incredible' demand as inventory grows
MARIS (Mid-America Regional Information Systems) has reported that active inventory across all property types has grown to more than 71,000 listings in 2026 as both listing activity and the organization's geographic footprint expand across Missouri and Illinois. The St. Louis-based organization now serves more than 130 counties spanning roughly 118,000 square miles, according to a news release.
MARIS President and CEO Cameron Paine said the growth reflects demand from brokers and agents seeking broader listing exposure and more comprehensive property data across suburban, rural, rental and investment markets. "The demand has been incredible," Paine said. "And they all seem to be motivated by the same thing — to give their client's listing the best exposure possible on a transparent and complete MLS marketplace."
What the growth shows "is that transparency and exposure still matter," MARIS Chairman Dennis Norman added. "Sellers benefit when their property is in front of the entire market, not segmented into private channels. As inventory grows and markets shift, having a centralized, accurate, and widely accessible data source isn't just helpful, it's essential."
MARIS, which also has coverage in parts of Arkansas, said it plans continued investments in technology, training and member services as it expands its multi-state footprint.
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.