MLS/Association News

A Wall Street Journal story portrays the National Association of Realtors as inflexible in the face of legal challenges to the industry’s commission structure.

Commissions lawsuits could accelerate consolidation and evolution — and save agents money, according to a new report on MLSs and Realtor associations.

This marks the third straight month with a drop, but the association’s chief economist said membership is “holding on much better than market dynamics suggest.”

Stellar MLS CEO Merri Jo Cowen reflects on 40 years in the industry, what consumers don’t know about MLSs, and the need for a thoughtful approach to AI.

“We’re trying to be an example of what an association can do,” says René Galvan, who will take over for Bob Hale as CEO in 2026.

Nykia Wright defended the real estate profession and NAR, saying the association does not set commissions and “never has,” though that phrase was later cut.

AREA, an initiative spearheaded by Mauricio Umansky and Jason Haber, aims to create “something totally new” for agents and others dissatisfied with NAR.

The latest filing focuses on the Northeastern part of California and takes aim at MetroList MLS as well as multiple associations and brokerages.

The case originally targeted only NAR and state associations; a week and half later, 15 real estate brokerages were added to the list of defendants.

As organized real estate grapples with game-changing court cases and turmoil at the top, MLS execs are movin’ on up in the 2024 Swanepoel Power 200.

The industry is at a crossroads as lawsuits threaten long-standing policies. For multiple listing services, separating from associations may be the answer.

Kevin Sears stepped into the leadership role earlier this week, and in his first public message, shared his priorities for the association.

REcolorado has signed agreements with regional MLSs in Georgia, Florida, California and Kansas, increasing listings access for agents.

Kasper had been in the role for just over four months following the resignation of former president Kenny Parcell. Kevin Sears is taking over as president.

Membership fell by more than 17,000 in December, and the association posted its first annual decline in more than a decade.

Attorneys for NAR have requested a stay in the Gibson case with a filing that seems to signal a shift in strategy.

The New York Times — which has put an uncomfortable spotlight on NAR this year — suggests that member dissatisfaction could give rise to other options.

The massive trade organization showed cracks in the foundation as it confronted harassment allegations from the inside and legal threats from the outside.

Following a review, Top Agent Network's lawsuit challenging NAR's Clear Cooperation Policy — which had been dismissed in 2021 — will be able to proceed.

On stages large and small, NAR President Tracy Kasper is making a compelling push to retake the Realtor narrative and highlight efforts to expand homeownership.