The Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS), an organization that coordinates the activities of regional listing services across the United States, announced a new membership tier aimed at strengthening ties between brokers and listing services. Early backing for the initiative comes from two prominent industry participants, HomeServices of America and eXp Realty, both of which have publicly expressed support for the concept.
New tier aims to unite brokers and MLSs
The tier introduces a Brokerage Task Force, a founding group of brokers that will hold candid discussions and shape the offering. The task force is intended to serve as a forum where participants can exchange ideas openly and influence the design of the program according to a news release issued by the council.
Leaders within the task force will help design the program, providing input that reflects the day-to-day realities faced by agents on the ground. Their involvement is meant to ensure that the final structure aligns with practical needs while also supporting the broader goals outlined in the announcement.
According to CMLS chief executive officer Jessica Edgerton, MLSs and brokerages are both essential to a transparent, efficient and competitive real estate marketplace. She noted that too often conversations happen in separate rooms, creating gaps that hinder collaboration. Edgerton explained that the new tier creates a place for those conversations together, allowing both sides to meet on common ground and work toward shared objectives.
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In her remarks, Jessica Edgerton emphasized that the council’s aim is to support an environment where information flows freely between listing services and the brokers who rely on that data. She added that a more integrated dialogue can help reduce misunderstandings and promote smoother transactions for consumers.
Both firms have indicated that they view the tier as a step toward greater alignment with MLS operations.
Industry observers have pointed out that the creation of a dedicated task force represents a concrete mechanism for gathering feedback. By assembling a founding group of brokers, the council hopes to capture a range of perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked in traditional decision-making processes.
