Largest local Realtor association gets even bigger 

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.

Following historic merger, Florida association grows again

Miami Realtors + RWorld has merged with Martin County Realtors of the Treasure Coast (MCRTC), expanding the association and its multiple listing service to encompass five more southeast Florida counties.

The announcement follows the spring merger that created Miami Realtors + RWorld, a move that made the combined organization the largest local Realtor association in the U.S. This newest expansion brings its membership total to approximately 94,000 real estate professionals.

The merger creates a single association and MLS covering all of southeast Florida, completing what the organization described as a unified Treasure Coast marketplace. Members will gain expanded education programs, additional data-sharing partnerships, access to the Flexmls and Matrix platforms, and free IDX feeds from Miami MLS and BeachesMLS, according to a news release.

The earlier merger was "about building the strongest possible organization for our future," Miami Realtors + RWorld Co-CEO Dionna Hall said, and the addition of MCRTC "reinforces that vision."

"As we look to the future, we will continue bringing together outstanding Realtor organizations that share our commitment to member success, ensuring our professionals remain at the forefront of a rapidly evolving real estate industry," Hall said.

Following these recent mergers, the organization said it is seeking NAR approval to change its name to Miami and South Florida Realtors.

Tennessee association adds data management platform

East Tennessee Realtors has partnered with SourceRE to modernize how the association manages, distributes and protects its listing data. Under the agreement, the association will join the SourceRE Data Marketplace and implement the company's Data Dye forensic tracking technology.

The SourceRE platform will allow the organization to centralize vendor licensing, billing and data distribution, replacing multiple distribution agreements with a single system, the association said. Technology vendors will receive RESO-certified API access through the marketplace, while East Tennessee Realtors will retain control over how its data is licensed and shared.

The Data Dye technology, which launched earlier this year, embeds invisible identifiers into listing data to help detect and document unauthorized use. The tech will strengthen the association's oversight of its data while streamlining access for approved technology partners, according to a news release.

"Our data is one of our association's most valuable assets," East Tennessee Realtors CEO Lyle Irish said. "This partnership gives us greater control, stronger security, and the flexibility to deliver trusted data to our members and technology partners on our terms."

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.