MLSs must adapt to ‘structural shift’ in listing strategies
While some leaders see the pre-marketing movement as a threat, others believe the MLS will continue to thrive — as long as it’s “adding value to the ecosystem.”
May 20, 2026
Real Estate News: The latest news for agents and other pros.
- NYC indie heads to the Hamptons; ONE Sotheby’s acquires NJ firmDecode Hamptons launches ahead of the summer season. Plus, ONE Sotheby’s enters New Jersey; The Agency adds third Nevada office; CIRE lands in Los Cabos; more.May 20, 2026
- MRED cuts off listing feeds to ZillowThe Chicago-area MLS suspended data feeds to the home search giant, claiming that the portal violated its licensing agreement by banning a handful of listings.May 20, 2026
- Housing market still out of alignment despite affordability gainsA new Listing-Income Alignment Score finds “a shortage of options” for buyers looking to purchase a home they can afford, according to NAR and Realtor.com.May 20, 2026
- Revive elevates AI platform; Rayse inks deal with Momentum MLSRevive’s upgrades aim to surface a home’s value potential. Plus, Samuel Bjelac to lead Point’s third-party origination channel; Follow Up Boss hits a milestone.May 20, 2026
- Pending sales inch up, but real growth unlikely until late 2026The housing market may be stabilizing, but many economic factors are still in flux — and could tip home sales in a less rosy direction over the summer.May 19, 2026
- 24 more brokerages join Zillow Preview as public pre-market listings grow
- ‘Playmakers’: Opendoor ‘crushing it’ on key metrics, CEO saysWatch the conversation as Kaz Nejatian flags the two biggest mistakes the iBuyer was making and explains why AI is essential to its next chapter.May 19, 2026
- Sponsored ContentREMAX: The latest news and information from REMAXWhat's happening at REMAX
- Smart tips to boost event engagement — with a little help from AIToday’s event marketers face many challenges when it comes to audience engagement — but there are strategies that can help.
The latest on listings
NAR has made its ruling on Clear Cooperation, but the battle over how for-sale homes are marketed and when they appear on the MLS isn't over yet.
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- Opendoor makes new push for agents with RealScout integrationThe companies say listing agents will control the process, with guardrails that protect commissions “on every path,” according to RealScout’s CEO.May 19, 2026
- Down payments drop to 4-year low of $23KStill, most renters lack the funds for a down payment, and more buyers are turning to government-backed loans, suggesting that affordability remains a problem.May 19, 2026
- Google home listings are back in 8 major marketsThe pilot program keeps agents “at the center of the transaction” and gives consumers a “simpler” experience, said HouseCanary, which powers the listings.May 18, 2026
- MLS CEOs warn of fragmentation, ‘shadow’ market, erosion of trustAmid a flood of brokerage pre-marketing partnerships with MLSs and portals, some leaders fear the industry is abandoning the ideals of cooperation and fairness.May 18, 2026
- Zillow asks court to preempt MRED listing feed terminationIn a May 18 motion, the portal says the MLS — in coordination with Compass — has threatened to cut Zillow’s feed and “kneecap” its ability to compete.Updated May 19, 2026
- Redfin debuts ‘Early Access,’ giving homesellers ‘more control’“Early Access” gives homeowners who “want to sell, but are not ready to commit to full exposure” more options, Chief of Real Estate Services Jason Aleem said.May 18, 2026
- Former Zillow execs talk startups, AI and a ‘discouraging’ trendBuyers are still struggling with the housing affordability crisis — which the debate over private listings ignores, according to one former Zillow leader.May 16, 2026
- Corcoran expands abroad; Hanna program rewards luxury agentsA new Spain affiliate adds to Corcoran’s global presence. Plus, Elliman Capital launches in a third state; Howard Hanna unveils exclusive program; more.May 16, 2026
- Controversial housing bill provision dropped; HUD defends cutsLegislators nixed part of the ROAD to Housing Act targeting certain large investor purchases. Plus, SEC pitches rule change; Powell’s term as Fed chair ends.May 15, 2026
- The MLS dilemma: Resist — or join — the pre-marketing movementWhile the Council of Multiple Listing Services has decried private listings, some MLSs have adopted policies that look a lot like Compass’ 3-phased approach.May 15, 2026
- B&W appoints a new Baird to the board, promotes presidentChicago’s largest indie brokerage continues its family-led tradition as Lucy Baird joins the C-suite and board, while Laura Ellis takes on a new role.May 15, 2026
- Mortgage rates jump as inflation reality sets inWith no end in sight for the war in Iran, investors are growing increasingly nervous about how sky-high energy prices are impacting the U.S. economy.May 15, 2026
- Rocket sues UWM for putting a ‘bounty’ on Mr. Cooper loansThe mortgage giant claims that UWM tried to win back thousands of loans purchased in 2024 by Mr. Cooper, costing the company millions.May 14, 2026
- Sellers lose over $2K on typical dual agency transaction: StudyA new Zillow analysis found that homesellers collectively lost nearly $1.5B on dual agency transactions in three years — and over $1.3B on off-MLS listings.May 14, 2026
- Are homebuyers ready to look past current market conditions?Rising pending sales and loan activity suggests some buyers have “shrugged off the current economic and mortgage rate uncertainties and returned to the market.”May 14, 2026
- Zillow looks to bypass MRED with direct feedIn the wake of alleged threats by the Chicago-area MLS to cut off listing feed access, Zillow sued MRED and is now pitching a listing alternative to brokers.May 14, 2026
- Homie takes ‘conspiracy’ argument to appeals courtIn making its case against NAR, Anywhere, REMAX and HSoA, the flat-fee brokerage claimed Realtors conspired to boycott the firm due to its low commission rates.May 14, 2026
- Lone Wolf shakes up leadership team; United names regional VPThe software company has appointed a new CTO, chief innovation officer and chief customer officer, while David Bohm joins United’s operations in Philadelphia.May 14, 2026
- Compass amplifies reach in deal with nation’s largest MLSThe brokerage has significantly increased its listings exposure in recent weeks through MLS collaborations, with Bright its biggest partner to date.May 13, 2026
