Most MLSs and Associations have small staffs and lean operations. They do a lot with very little. With small teams, tight budgets, and a focus on member service, it’s easy to feel pressure to assign someone internal to “handle HR.” But here's the reality: Most real estate organizations do not need a dedicated internal HR staff member until they hit at least 50 employees.
There’s a growing movement across the country - REALTOR® Associations and MLSs are pursuing formal valuations of their organizations.
The Open MLS movement isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating. As of this month, MLSs representing over 941,000 REALTORS® now offer Open MLS subscriptions, up from 888,000 just last month. This rapid growth signals a powerful shift in the real estate landscape and possibly a wake-up call top MLSs still operating under restrictive access policies.
You can’t run a forward-thinking organization if you cannot attract the right people with vision, passion, and a selfless commitment to leadership. linked According to the 2025 WAV Group Association Governance Effectiveness Study, more than one third of Associations say it’s very or extremely difficult to recruit qualified leaders to serve on the Board of Directors. And if you dig into the reasons why, it’s easy to see this isn’t a pipeline problem – it’s a governance design problem.
For decades, REALTORS® have relied on traditional 9-to-5 office support from their associations. But the modern real estate professional no longer works on a banker’s schedule. They need answers fast, whenever and wherever their business takes them. That’s why the Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS® (GRAR) turned to artificial intelligence.
Nearly 40% of associations require a second board approval for expenses that have already been approved in the budget. In small and mid-sized organizations, this extra layer of scrutiny can stall initiatives for weeks or even months. In one case, a copier contract cost the association 8% more because it took four months to get final approval. That’s not sound oversight – that’s expensive inefficiency.
A decline in Association membership is one of the main fears about opening up MLSs to licensees that are not members of the National Association of REALTORS®. There are MLSs representing hundreds of thousands of agents that have been offering Open MLS subscriptions since the 90’s.
While understanding your organization's value is essential, making a well thought out decision to sell is far more complex. The smartest MLS leaders are preparing now—before an unsolicited offer lands on their desk.
The real estate industry is in a state of constant evolution. Policies shift, technology advances, and consumer expectations continue to rise. For local MLSs and real estate associations, staying informed on these national and global changes isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for survival and success.
Valuations aren’t just for businesses preparing to sell. They’re a strategic tool to help MLSs make informed decisions, plan ahead, and uncover areas where they can grow stronger. Whether you’re considering a change or just trying to run smarter, knowing your value is essential.
The conversation around an Open MLS model is gaining traction, particularly among real estate professionals who hold active licenses but are not members of local, state, or national REALTOR® associations. These licensee-only practitioners represent a largely untapped market for MLS growth. By quantifying this opportunity, MLSs can make informed business decisions about adopting an Open MLS strategy.
One of the best places to learn from fellow educators and education consultants is to attend The Bringing Educators & Associations Together for Success (BEATS) Conference. The BESTS conference is the premier event of the year for Real Estate Education Directors, Event Planners, and Speakers. Designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and professional growth,
