Brokerages and tech firms aren’t waiting around. Across the country, they’re quietly building MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers – creating AI-ready pipelines that pull MLS data, public records, and scraped content into new workflows. These systems don’t have MLS permission. And once they’re live, it will be difficult for MLSs to manage for compliance and access.

That’s the existential threat hiding in plain sight. If you’re an MLS and you’re not exploring MCP infrastructure, you may soon lose your grip on how your data is accessed, used, and monetized.

WAV Group just released a new white paper that explains the urgency – and the opportunity – for MLSs to take the lead. [Fora limited time use code: MCP]

Download it here!

The shift from IDX to MCP isn’t a maybe – it’s already happening

The old IDX model was built for static websites and display rules. But AI doesn’t operate on web pages. It needs structured, governed data access that supports complex queries and real-time context.

MCP servers do exactly that. They offer brokers and their technology partners a secure, standardized interface for AI tools – eliminating the need to replicate MLS data for every product in the tech stack.

Instead of becoming irrelevant, the MLS can become the intelligent gateway that powers AI needs for brokers and agents to do things like  CMA creation, marketing automation, Market Reports valuation models, client insights, and more.

Why this matters now

If MLSs don’t provide MCP access, someone else will. And they already are.

That’s not speculation – it’s happening. Brokerages and their technology vendors are spinning up their own data warehouses. Tech companies are building MCP servers that are not under the control or governance of the MLS. .

Our whitepaper outlines a clear path forward. It includes:

  • The risks of non-MLS MCP implementations
  • The value of MLS-controlled access and compliance
  • A roadmap to implementation through pilot programs
  • How MCP servers support both traditional governance and modern innovation

Download the full paper “Why MLSs Need MCP Servers: Maintaining Control in the AI Era“.

Want the big picture on AI strategy? Start with the three tiers

MCP is a Tier 3 AI solution – the most advanced form of AI implementation in real estate. If your MLS is still talking about AI like it’s a chatbot for your help desk, it’s time to catch up.

We also recommend downloading our foundational white paper, “The Three Tiers of AI That Every Broker Should Know.” It breaks down the difference between professional use, RAG-enhanced tools, and enterprise-grade implementations that rely on systems like MCP.

Also, in case you missed it, watch our latest webinar that shows how a top-performing brokerage is already using AI to reduce operational drag, enhance decision-making, and drive profit growth.

Join our upcoming webinar: Why MLSs Need MCP Servers: Maintaining Control in the AI Era  

Tuesday, July 29th @ 11am PT / 2pm ET

To help MLS executives, board members, and tech leads understand what MCP adoption really looks like, we’re hosting a live webinar.

We’ll cover:

  • The technical framework behind MCP
  • Examples of MCP in production today
  • How to launch your first pilot
  • The compliance and monetization opportunities for MLSs

Register here!