Milestones: A partnership in Georgia, a new leader in S. Florida
Georgia MLS partners with 12 local organizations to share listings; Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors welcomes Jonathan Lickstein.
Editor's note: From regional and statewide players to locals focused on a single market, multiple listings services and Realtor associations are the backbone of residential real estate. Here we highlight some of the latest news about the organizations that are shaping the future of the industry.
More data sharing in Georgia
Georgia MLS, a multiple listing service with more than 50,000 subscribers, has reached a deal with 12 local MLSs in the state to share listing data.
It's the second major MLS data-share agreement to come out of Georgia this month. On Jan. 14, Atlanta-based FMLS announced a partnership with three MLSs in neighboring Alabama, providing shared listing access to around 67,000 subscribers.
The latest agreement between Georgia MLS and its 12 partners effectively connects more than 55,000 agents to the largest inventory of properties in the state under one shared system, according to a press release.
"This collaboration will benefit thousands of agents across Georgia ultimately allowing them to provide greater levels of service to the clients they serve," said Richard Boone, CEO of Georgia MLS.
The newly formed network includes Georgia MLS and these partner organizations:
West Metro Board of Realtors
Dublin Board of Realtors
Albany Board of Realtors
Tift Area Board of Realtors
Crisp Area Board of Realtors
Carpet Capital Association of Realtors
Thomasville Area Board of Realtors
Moultrie Board of Realtors
Altamaha Basin Board of Realtors
Southwest Georgia Board of Realtors
Douglas-Coffee County Board of Realtors
Golden Isles Association of Realtors
Florida association announces 2025 president
Jonathan Lickstein has taken his post as the 2025 president of South Florida's Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors, the third-largest local Realtor association in the nation with more than 42,000 members.
An industry veteran and active association member, Lickstein has also served on boards at Florida Realtors and NAR, in addition to maintaining his role as COO at LoKation Real Estate.
In the coming year, Lickstein and the association plan to embark on several strategic initiatives focused on member education, technology and client relationships, according to a news release. That includes expanding its "Only a Realtor" campaign, which highlights the role a Realtor plays in navigating complex transactions.
"I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable growth and evolution of the real estate profession over the past 20 years," said Lickstein. "I look forward to working alongside our members to reinforce the essential role of Realtors as trusted advisors. Together, we will protect and empower consumers through the complexities of the home buying and selling journey."