I love seeing two of my favorite MLSs find new ways to work together across state lines! Les Sulgrove, who leads NoCoast MLS in Iowa, is one of the most passionate and committed MLS leaders in our industry. He is always looking for ways to deliver more value to the brokers and agents he serves. Now, he has found a way to bring his market more technology, stronger customer support, expanded training, and forward-thinking leadership while preserving the NoCoast MLS brand and identity by partnering with MRED, based in Illinois.
Here’s what makes this partnership especially interesting: NoCoast is not merging with MRED or becoming an MRED shareholder. Instead, NoCoast is outsourcing its entire MLS operation to MRED, which will serve as its technology, training, support, and operational services provider. NoCoast will retain its own brand and identity while benefiting from the resources and scale of one of the country’s most respected MLS organizations.
As we discussed at the recent CMLS conference, there is no single formula for MLS collaboration. Partnerships, shared services, technology alliances, and full-service outsourcing can all help MLSs better serve their customers. As long as the approach serves the unique needs of your market it is worth considering. This partnership is a terrific example of how MLSs can expand capabilities and strengthen service without pursuing a traditional merger.
Congratulations to Les Sulgrove, Rebecca Jensen, and the teams at NoCoast MLS and MRED. Way to go!
Read the full release below:
MRED Continues Expansion Through NoCoast MLS Partnership
Iowa’s NoCoast MLS to obtain full MLS services from MRED, expanding technology, product, and data access for Iowa real estate professionals
LISLE, Ill., October 7, 2026 — NoCoast MLS and MRED today announced a new partnership that will further connect real estate professionals throughout the Midwest.
Created by Iowa REALTORS®, NoCoast MLS serves approximately 1,300 real estate professionals through five participating REALTOR® associations: The Central Iowa Board of REALTORS®, North Central Iowa Regional Board of REALTORS®, Southeast Iowa Regional Board of REALTORS®, West Central Iowa Regional Board of REALTORS® and the REALTORS® Land Institute of Iowa.
Under the agreement, NoCoast MLS will obtain its entire MLS operation as “Powered By MRED” while retaining the NoCoast MLS brand and preserving its complete historical listing data.
Sixteen REALTOR® associations and their members are currently powered by MRED and use a comprehensive suite of MLS technology, data, and customer support services, along with the MLS infrastructure that supports more than $43 billion in residential and commercial real estate transactions annually.
“Our partnership with MRED will allow us to continually enhance the quality of MLS services we deliver to our customers,” said Les Sulgrove, NoCoast MLS Director. “Our customers will benefit from MRED’s scale, advanced technology, exceptional support, expanded listing exposure, and lead generation opportunities, deep industry expertise, and strategic leadership as one of the most customer-centric MLS organizations in the country.”
For NoCoast MLS subscribers, the transition is designed to minimize disruption. Customers will have the option to choose between several core MLS systems and maintain access to their historical listing data, while gaining access to MRED’s broader technology platform, award-winning customer service, data quality programs, and extensive in-person and online training resources.
The partnership will also expand the scope of market information available to NoCoast MLS customers. In addition to their existing Iowa data, customers will gain access to more agents and listings through MRED’s marketplace to enable referral opportunities.
“NoCoast MLS has made a significant investment in strengthening the experience it delivers to its customers, and we are proud to help them take that work even further,” said MRED President and CEO Rebecca Jensen. “This partnership allows us to bring the strength of MRED’s technology, data, training, and customer service infrastructure to NoCoast and ensure its members experience continuity, greater resources, and broader market access.”
MRED and NoCoast MLS teams are already working together on technical implementation to ensure a smooth migration, maintain data continuity, minimize disruption, and provide customers with support every step of the way.
