The Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) has once again demonstrated that MLSs can deliver meaningful value across the entire spectrum of real estate. By bringing CommGate listings onto HAR.com, HAR is proving that MLSs don’t need to limit themselves to residential transactions. They can and should support every professional and every sector of real estate.
Breaking out of the residential pigeonhole
For decades, MLSs were narrowly defined by one element of real estate: the offer of compensation in residential brokerage. That focus left many organizations hesitant to venture into rentals, new home sales, or commercial property. The result was a fragmented environment where vital segments of the industry were underserved.
HAR has broken that mold. HAR.com now supports residential listings, rental properties, new home sales, and, with the CommGate integration, commercial properties. Few MLSs nationwide have extended their reach in such a comprehensive way. This positions HAR not just as an MLS, but as a full-service platform for all real estate professionals.
CommGate expands visibility through HAR.com
CommGate, powered by Moody’s, has long been a trusted hub for commercial brokers across Texas. With Market Core for listing management, Market Pro for analytics, and Marketplace for commercial property search, it offered a complete commercial solution. The addition of CommGate listings to HAR.com’s 8 million monthly visitors amplifies that success, creating unmatched visibility for Houston’s commercial community.
HAR executives Taqi Rizvi, who leads the HAR.com Technology team, and Sam Scott, who leads the CommGate team collaborated to bring the two systems together. Their partnership now gives consumers and agents a single, trusted destination for every type of property search.
Supporting professionals means supporting everyone
“Adding commercial listings to HAR.com brings even more value to consumers and agents,” said HAR.com Chairman of the Board Mario Arriaga. “Whether you’re looking for a home, an office or an investment property, HAR.com is now the source to explore all real estate options.”
HAR’s strategy is clear: if the mission of the MLS and association is to support real estate professionals, that mission should encompass all professionals, not just residential brokers. In doing so, HAR has extended its value proposition to cover shelter for every person and every business. That’s a big target—and Houston has hit it.
A model of centers of excellence
Houston has created centers of excellence in each sector it serves, and it has done so without wavering. Residential, rental, new home, and commercial professionals are all represented and supported with world-class tools, exposure, and consumer reach.
Most MLSs have yet to achieve this breadth. HAR’s success shows that when MLSs commit to every corner of the real estate marketplace, they deliver lasting value to their members and the public. This is a playbook worth replicating.
