Open Real Estate said Monday, November 2, that it has received 826 letters of support from brokerage leaders for its proposed shared infrastructure for property listing data, including 493 letters from independent brokerages. The announcement measures backing for an initiative under development, not signed customers or the launch of a national multiple listing service.
Independent brokerages accounted for 59% of the letters, the group said in its announcement. It named Atlanta Communities, Iron Valley Real Estate, LoKation Real Estate and Realty of America among the independent firms supporting the effort.
The proposed infrastructure is intended to connect brokerages, agents, multiple listing services and real estate portals, with the aim of making listing information easier to distribute and access. Open Real Estate describes the project as complementary to existing MLS organizations, rather than a replacement for them.
Leaders of Bright MLS, California Regional MLS, North Texas Real Estate Information Systems and NorthstarMLS welcomed collaboration or further dialogue in statements included in the release. Their comments indicate an interest in working with the initiative; the announcement did not establish that the four MLSs had deployed the proposed platform.
Bright MLS President and CEO Brian Donnellan said the organization looked forward to participating and partnering with industry leaders. CRMLS CEO Art Carter said the concept aligned with its long-running effort to let brokers bring listing data from outside its input platform, while NTREIS CEO Chris Carrillo welcomed constructive dialogue.
“Broker-led innovation shouldn’t be viewed as a threat to the MLS. It’s an opportunity to strengthen the cooperation that has served our industry for decades,” NorthstarMLS President and CEO Tim Dain said in the release. He said he hoped more brokers and MLSs would join the conversation.
The founding organizations are AGNT Inc., whose brands include eXp Realty and NextHome; HomeServices of America; Keller Williams Realty; and Real REMAX Group, according to the announcement. The founders said they were continuing discussions with brokerages, MLS organizations and technology providers as they develop the platform.
Today’s letter count adds a measure of industry interest to the earlier Open Real Estate story. It does not by itself show completed technical integration, customer contracts, participating listing inventory or a live nationwide service. The proposed data-sharing system remains distinct from the support being expressed for it.
JBizNews Desk | New York
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