5 Ways to Leverage your MLS Asset
There’s a growing movement across the country - REALTOR® Associations and MLSs are pursuing formal valuations of their organizations.
Open MLS Subscriptions Surge to 941,000 REALTORS® this month—Is Your MLS Ready for What’s Coming?
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.
Path to Creating an Effective, Engaged and Forward-thinking Association Board of Directors
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.
How ARDI Is Enabling 24/7 Member Support for Greater Rochester Association of REALTORS
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.
Why are CEOs still asking permission to buy toilet paper?
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.
Does an Open MLS Really Lead to Association Membership Loss?
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.
How would you decide to sell your MLS?
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.
Big Industry Changes Are Always Coming. Is Your Organization Staying Informed and Motivated?
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.
Why every MLS should know what it’s worth
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.
How Much Revenue Can Your MLS Derive from an Open MLS?
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.
Marilyn Wilson to Speak at The BEATS Conference: Elevating Real Estate Education Through Collaboration
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,
Is NAR Membership Declining Because of Open MLS?
NAR membership trends have historically followed the economy and the strength of the overall real estate market. As shown in the attached chart, NAR experienced significant membership growth following the market crash of 2008 to 2010 and continued on that growth trajectory until recently when the real estate market slowed significantly because of high interest rates and more limited buyer demand. While there have been minor decreases in membership since 2023, we hypothesize that these declines are more likely due to limited market opportunities and retirements rather than the rise of Open MLS subscription offerings.