CMLS debuts new member tier to bolster broker-MLS relations
HomeServices and eXp Realty are founding members. Plus, NAR introduces a fraud prevention resource and introduces a new class of 20 prospective future leaders.
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.
CMLS introduces new 'Brokerage Membership' category
The Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS) is launching a new membership category with the aim of bolstering relationships between brokers and MLSs in a structured way.
The new Brokerage Membership category, which has early support from HomeServices of America and eXp Realty, is rolling out with a Brokerage Task Force — a founding group of brokers intended to provide a forum for "candid discussion" and allow leaders to help develop the new membership category, according to a news release. Brokerage members will gain access to CMLS research, educational resources, industry materials and new ways to participate in CMLS initiatives like Champions of MLS.
"MLSs and brokerages are both essential to a transparent, efficient and competitive real estate marketplace, but too often we are having conversations in separate rooms. This new membership creates a place to have those conversations together," CMLS CEO Jessica Edgerton said.
"If we want to build the MLS of the future," Edgerton added, "we need to better understand one another, challenge assumptions and identify where we can create more value together."
The Brokerage Membership category will be in a "listening and design phase" for the rest of 2026 before adding more programming and participation options in 2027, CMLS said.
CMLS currently has 83 business partner members, some of whom are brokers. Real Estate News has asked how the new category is distinct from that category and will update this story when a response is received.
NAR launches fraud prevention online resource
The National Association of Realtors has debuted a new online resource, Protecting Your Clients and Your Business From Fraud, to help members fight real estate-related fraud.
Citing FBI data, NAR noted in a news release that real estate fraud cost consumers over $275 million in 2025, an amount that may grow as artificial intelligence makes it easier for bad actors to clone voices and impersonate trusted parties in a transaction. The new resource, which NAR plans to keep updated, focuses on preventing, detecting and reporting fraud, including by explaining the red flags to look out for, verification procedures and various cyber-hygiene practices.
"Real estate transactions are attractive targets for fraud because they involve large sums of money, tight deadlines, multiple parties, and extensive electronic communications," said Austin Perez, NAR's senior policy representative.
"Most consumers only buy or sell a home a few times in their lives, while real estate professionals navigate transactions every day. That experience puts real estate professionals in a unique position to help clients recognize red flags, slow down, verify information, and avoid common fraud schemes," Perez added.
NAR picks 20 Realtors for leadership training ground
The same NAR program that produced former President Kevin Sears and President-Elect Christine Hansen has chosen 20 up-and-coming Realtors for its 2027 class.
Established in 2008, NAR's Leadership Academy is a 10-month program designed to prepare those who have held volunteer leadership positions at the local and state association levels for future leadership positions at NAR.
Of the program's more than 300 graduates, over 160 have chaired an NAR committee or volunteer group, 98 have been state association presidents and 39 have been NAR regional vice presidents, the association noted.
NAR said its Leadership Academy's 2027 class includes 20 Realtors from 16 states with an average of more than 13 years of experience in the industry. Those individuals are: Melissa Atchley, Michelle Braat, Robert Carney, Keianna Carty, Annie Caruso, Joel Cooke, Jade Crow, Tiffany Harris, Katey McGrath, Theresa Miller, LaurieAnne Minoff, Tamar Myers-Moffatt, Lisa Nguyen, Kyla Niewinski, Aline Pitney, Brian Sharp, Christopher Tanner, Wendy Uzelac, Carrie Vos and Robin Wallace.