MLS data, broker incentives and the durability of the cooperative
The value of listing data lies in its comprehensiveness. MLSs should consider what brokers and agents are contributing — and what they should receive in return.
September 29, 2026
Sam DeBord is CEO of the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) and the author of Working with Real Estate Data, organized real estate's premier technology course for onboarding and professional development. He has served as President's Liaison for MLS and Data Management with NAR, and has also worked as a management consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers, managing broker for Coldwell Banker Danforth, a mentor for NAR REACH, and a board director for association, MLS and venture fund organizations.