For years, some have argued that allowing a private status within an MLS creates an environment where listing agents can hold properties close and capture both sides of the transaction. If that were happening systematically in MRED’s marketplace, we would expect to see higher double-ending rates in PLN Status.
MRED just prevailed in its legal battle with Zillow. In a preliminary hearing, MRED prevailed on its right to enforce its own data licensing agreement with Zillow
The new settlement between Northwest MLS and Compass is important for a very practical reason. NWMLS’s new First Look status gives agents and sellers more flexibility to begin building interest in a home while it is still being prepared for sale.Homes are not always either “ready” or “not ready.” Sometimes a property is almost ready, but a few important details still need to come together.
Congrats to DC Association of REALTORS for hiring Leslie Frazier as their new CEO. Leslie is a bright light in our industry bringing strategic thinking and drive for innovation with a respectful and thoughtful approach - exactly the kind of leader to ensure Associations become even more relevant and appreciated.
As MLS policy evolves faster, MLSs, brokerages, agents, and technology vendors are all facing new operational challenges. WAV Group examines how earlier collaboration, realistic implementation timelines, education, and phased enforcement can help turn major policy changes into successful market-wide adoption.
Real estate associations need to start thinking of themselves first and foremost as trade organizations. Our job is not simply to keep members busy, fill a calendar, preserve every committee that has ever existed, or continue programs because a small group of loyal participants enjoys them. Our job is to help real estate professionals create business opportunities, raise their level of professionalism and stay prepared to serve the ever-changing needs of real estate consumers. That requires a very different way of thinking about strategy.
Merging two or more local REALTOR(R) associations, or two MLSs, or both, is never easy. It takes courage, vision, trust, legal diligence, and a willingness to set aside long-standing habits in favor of a stronger future. But the harder work often begins after the documents are signed. WAV Group's new report, Merger Approved. Now Comes the Hard Part: Making It Work., makes the case that the vote is not the victory. The highly respected new organization is the victory, and that only comes from deliberate work in the months that follow.
Nearly 6 in 10 of brokers said embracing AI is extremely or very important to the continued success of their brokerage, while another 29% said it is somewhat important. Only 7% said AI is not important. Brokers clearly understand the stakes. They do not need to be convinced that AI is going to affect their business. They are already trying to figure out how to use it well enough, safely enough, and strategically enough to create a real advantage.
I believe REALTOR® associations have a terrific opportunity with the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. While inventory shortages are a continuing problem in many markets, few Associations, believe they can have a meaningful impact on housing shortages.
Many believe brokers are frustrated with the MLS, providing anecdotal evidence that the cooperative marketplace is starting to break down. The results of the Semi-Annual WAV Group 2026 Broker Sentiment Survey tells a different story. Brokers are not looking to tear down the MLS. They like it. They want it to work better, cover more territory, operate more consistently, and stay focused on the work brokers need it to do most.
The WAV Group 2026 Broker Sentiment Survey set out to take the pulse of broker-owners, broker-managers, and principal brokers on the issues shaping their businesses today, from MLS satisfaction and AI adoption to brokerage consolidation and the long-term direction of the industry. The brokers who responded skew toward independent and experienced.
Just over two months after completing the historic merger that created the world’s largest local REALTOR® association, MIAMI REALTORS® + RWorld has reached another major milestone. Martin County REALTORS® of the Treasure Coast has officially joined MIAMI REALTORS® + RWorld, expanding the unified association to approximately 94,000 members across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. The latest merger creates one powerful organization serving the entire Southeast Florida marketplace and further strengthens one of the nation’s most influential real estate networks. But the real story is not simply that the association has become larger. It is that MIAMI REALTORS® + RWorld has developed a disciplined, member-focused roadmap for bringing organizations together quickly, successfully, and with a clear commitment to creating greater value.
