MLS, local association counts drop as consolidation accelerates
The number of MLSs operating in the U.S. fell below 500 in 2025 — a 43% drop from a decade earlier, according to T3 Sixty’s 2026 Organized Real Estate Indices.
March 4, 2026
MLS/Association News
The organizations, policies and decisions that guide residential real estate.
- OneKey chooses BPP for home search; HAR partnership expands reachBroker Public Portal will power the New York-based MLS’s consumer site, with listings also appearing on Cribio.com. Plus, HAR and BBOR partner in SE Texas.February 18, 2026
- Most MLS, association execs back NAR’s strategy — with caveatsA recent survey of more than 1,200 organized real estate leaders found that many are aligned with NAR, but they expect membership models to change.February 17, 2026
- The modern real estate marketplace: A victim of its own success?The plumbing may need some upgrades, but overall, the MLS system flows smoothly. Ironically, the efficiency we take for granted could now be putting it at risk.February 16, 2026
More in MLS/Assn
- Texas MLSs weigh consolidation; ABoR adds healthcare optionsLERA, South Texas MLS in talks. Plus, LIBOR’s fair housing campaign grows; NorCal’s largest MLS launches Canva marketing app; NWMLS announces 2026 board.February 2, 2026
- NAR report touts transparency, but a key omission remainsThe trade group’s first public annual report emphasizes reform and accountability but omits membership figures, a basic measure of organizational health.January 23, 2026
- NAR bets big on ‘stronger’ broker relationshipsThe trade association’s first-ever annual report elevates brokers, emphasizes transaction-focused value and reframes MLS policy with an eye toward legal risk.January 20, 2026
- IRES MLS appoints new COO; Illinois Realtors invests in advocacyIRES VP Julie Dahl moves up to the C-suite. Plus, longtime NWMLS COO to step down; Illinois Realtors hires 3 government affairs pros; MetroList adds partner.January 14, 2026
- Metro MLS appoints CEO; REIN announces 2026 boardChris Lambrou’s role at Metro is now official. Plus, REIN introduces new board members; Southwest MLS adds fraud protections; ORRA expands healthcare options.Updated January 6, 2026
- The Ten: Nykia Wright’s determination to remake NARThe association’s CEO, an industry outsider, was hired to reshape the beleaguered organization — the “hardest thing” she’s ever done. Is she succeeding?January 2, 2026
- MARIS launches rev-share program; NAHREP announces acquisitionThe program is the first of its kind, according to the St. Louis-based MLS. Plus, NAHREP acquires The Alumni Society; GWFAR installs 2026 board president.December 22, 2025
- The Ten: With resistance growing, NAR focuses on value, trustPushback against the association came from all sides in 2025 as members asserted their independence. In response, NAR sought feedback and promised reforms.December 17, 2025
- ‘Playmakers’: ROI of NAR membership is ‘astronomical,’ CEO saysWatch the conversation as NAR CEO Nykia Wright outlines the top benefits of being a Realtor and explains the difficulty of enforcing “professionalism.”December 15, 2025
- CMLS, RESO unveil board members for 2026Plus, Stellar MLS becomes a principal member of FIABCI Worldwide in 2026 as its global advisory arm expands its footprint.December 12, 2025
- How NAR spent its money in 2024The organization brought in $360 million in revenue, primarily from member dues, and spent more than $76 million on compensation. Another big expense? Lobbying.December 3, 2025
- MetroList expands its reach; LIBOR rolls out affiliate programCalaveras County Realtors partners with Northern California’s largest MLS; LIBOR launches Bridge2Business; Colorado’s IRES joins the MLS Grid network.December 3, 2025
- NAR turnaround is the ‘hardest thing’ CEO has ever doneOn a recent podcast, Nykia Wright shares the feedback she’s heard from frustrated members — and explains how NAR’s new plan aims to address their concerns.November 29, 2025
- California association embraces referral-fee transparencyCAR will update a standard disclosure form next month, signaling state and MLS momentum on a policy recently rejected by NAR’s Delegate Body.November 24, 2025
- The MLS opportunity: Open access, raise the bar"Codes of Cooperation" established by local MLSs — rather than national, top-down rule-making — can strengthen professional standards and modernize practices.November 19, 2025
- Risk mitigation, local control drive MLS Handbook revisionsNAR’s manual for MLSs received a thorough scrubbing, with several policies repealed to reduce liability and “promote the MLS’s independent decision-making.”November 17, 2025
- NAR CEO on the ‘very heavy lift’ of leading through a turnaroundNykia Wright said authenticity, as well as the support of the Leadership Team and staff, have the National Association of Realtors on a new trajectory.November 17, 2025
- NAR in 2026: A new plan, new leaders, fewer membersOn his last day as NAR president, Kevin Sears was lauded for “doing the things no one else would have wanted to do” and readying the association for the future.Updated November 24, 2025
- NAR adopts strategic plan with sharp budgeting, compliance focusThe 3-year initiative is built on a 1.2 million member baseline and 75 projects including stepped-up work on antitrust issues in race “to prove our worth.”November 16, 2025
- MLS leader offers forceful defense of private listingsWith Zillow enforcement of listing rules on hold in the Chicago area, MRED’s CEO makes her case for their PLN as a way to offer “compassion and options.”November 15, 2025
