MLS/Association News

The themes of diversity, equity and inclusion were present throughout last week’s NAR NXT conference.

Conference sessions provided moments of laughter as well as insights into the future of the association — and the country — in challenging times.

During her NAR NXT keynote, Tracy Kasper tackled the big issues facing the association, including the Sitzer/Burnett verdict and sexual harassment accusations.

Bright MLS CEO Brian Donnellan said the verdict could be a blow to fair housing, which “should be concerning to all of us.”

Tracy Kasper addressed Realtors in a video post, offering specific advice for working with buyers and sellers, and a look ahead to other legal actions.

Nykia Wright, previously CEO of the Chicago Sun-Times, will be interim CEO. Goldberg had previously announced plans to depart in 2024.

The board wrote that this change, which takes effect in January, “represents the future of how residential real estate is transacted.”

Two cases that attracted national attention move toward a quiet conclusion, with a judge ruling that floor plans aren’t the same as building designs.

An attorney for the organization said a loss would be “bad news for consumers” and force the industry “back into the 19th century.”

As for-sale listings have declined, more MLSs are integrating rental tools that can help members sustain their business in a slower market.

The Southeast MLS Alliance and Coast 2 Coast MLS Data Share in Florida represent the latest initiatives to expand data sharing among MLSs.

In the wake of a cyberattack that knocked the Ohio MLS offline in August, the organization rushed to roll out a new system, but bugs frustrated agents.

Stop Hate In Real Estate, a collaboration between the LGBTQ+ Alliance, AREAA, NAHREP and WomanUp!, aims to fight discrimination.

NorthstarMLS CEO Tim Dain offers his tech-forward view of the future, which includes transparency, consolidation and richer listings content.

An email sent by CEO Bob Goldberg to staff on Thursday promises an independent assessment of company policies and practices.

The NAR Accountability Project and its allies laid out their four-point plan during an event outside the organization’s Chicago headquarters on Monday.

FMLS President and CEO Jeremy Crawford believes cooperation and consolidation are key to a healthy and efficient MLS network: “We are all better together.”

Nestfully, a consumer home search site launched earlier this year by the country's two largest MLSs, expands coverage with new listings.

The $3 million settlement in the buyer-broker commissions lawsuit will now move forward following updates to the terms of the agreement.

After a major real estate company reached a settlement in the Moehrl and Sitzer/Burnett cases, NAR said its commitment to defend itself remains unchanged.