Tech Bytes: Lofty launches AI 'copilot'; Unlock MLS upgrades platform 

Editor's note: Technology is a driving force in real estate. From startups to established players, tech companies are constantly innovating, growing and forging partnerships. Here we highlight some of the latest news about the companies that help power the industry. 

Lofty launches AI-powered agent assistant

Proptech company Lofty has announced its new AI Copilot assistant, a tool designed to help agents manage and convert leads more efficiently, the company says.

Lofty's AI Copilot performs functions that help agents automate daily business operations — such as identifying top opportunities, prioritizing essential tasks and streamlining workflows — which gives real estate professionals time to focus on high-value tasks that drive appointments and transactions, according to a news release. 

"Lofty AI Copilot reads my emails, schedules tasks and appointments, and sends follow-up communications. I'm excited to see what else this powerful tool can do," Tameka Ross of Liv Real Estate said in the announcement.

The AI Copilot consists of three specialized AI assistants: Navigator, which optimizes user interactions and task management; Copywriter, which generates high-quality marketing content; and TechXpert, which provides technical support and account management.

"With the industry's most comprehensive suite of AI capabilities, Lofty empowers real estate professionals to integrate AI where they see the most benefit," said Henry Li, chief technology officer at Lofty.

Unlock MLS introduces new Matrix tech suite to members

Unlock MLS, which supports 18,000 real estate professionals across Central Texas, announced that it is the first multiple listing service in the U.S. to offer the newest version of CoreLogic's Matrix platform. Matrix 12.5 is the next generation of the popular dashboard, described as a "cutting-edge system designed to enhance efficiency and streamline real estate workflows."

The upgraded system introduces three key features, Unlock MLS said — Listing Manager with AI, Matrix CMA Manager and OneHome — each aimed at improving agent productivity and client collaboration. 

Listing Manager enables AI-assisted listing creation, including automated descriptions, photo tagging and home feature population, all accessible within the Unlock MLS app, while Matrix CMA Manager enhances market analysis with sortable views, auto-suggested properties and a visual pricing tool. OneHome, a redesigned consumer portal, now offers AI photo search, a Planner feature and integrated in-app communication.

"At Unlock MLS, our priority is providing professional agents with the most advanced tools to stay ahead in an evolving market," said Emily Chenevert, CEO of Unlock MLS and the Austin Board of Realtors. "With this launch, we're delivering the most innovative version of Matrix nationwide — enhancing efficiency, streamlining workflows, and strengthening client collaboration."

Hive MLS announces investment stake in SourceRE

Hive MLS (formerly North Carolina Regional MLS) has announced a strategic investment and long-term partnership with SourceRE, an MLS data infrastructure provider. The collaboration will enable seamless integration between Hive MLS's existing and future front-end vendor systems, enhancing data accuracy and operational efficiency for brokers and agents, the organization said.

The initiative marks a shift toward greater data independence for MLSs, allowing them to reduce reliance on third-party vendors and maintain control over their data ecosystems. The new MLS Data Exchange will improve listing visibility, streamline broker operations across multiple markets and enhance sales performance, according to a news release.

"This collaboration sets a new benchmark for what MLS organizations can achieve with a data exchange," said Bill Fowler, president of SourceRE. "With Hive MLS's forward-thinking leadership and SourceRE's advanced technology, we are creating a future where MLSs manage their own data stewardship and innovation."

By investing in SourceRE, Hive MLS said it will accelerate its technological advancements while reducing traditional development costs, positioning itself as a leader in MLS data innovation.

"Hive's investment reaps greater returns when SourceRE grows, and SourceRE benefits from our data as Hive expands," said Daniel Jones, CEO of Hive MLS. "Together, we are enabling seamless data interchange between all our MLS partners."

Hive serves more than 19,000 subscribers across the Carolinas and Georgia.

More tech news

Wyoming Realtors has named Form Simplicity its exclusive transaction management system, providing all of its 2,482 members with full access to the Ultimate Edition at no additional cost, the organization said. The platform is designed to enhance efficiency and security with unlimited digital signatures, document storage, compliance tools and real-time collaboration. The association said the multi-year deal reinforces its commitment to equipping members with top digital solutions.

CubiCasa announced this week that it has reached 100 MLS partners in its mission to bring floor plans to every U.S. listing. Launched less than two years ago, the program now serves over 900,000 Realtors. CubiCasa President Jeff Allen said the milestone "shows that the industry is moving toward a new standard" where floorplans and "high-quality real estate content" are table stakes for both consumers and agents. 

Calque has announced three new partnerships in the past two weeks: EDGE Home Finance, Capital New York Home Advantage and X5 Home Loans are the latest lenders to offer Calque's buy-before-you-sell products designed to address the challenges faced by sellers who also need to buy. "Our mission at Calque is to remove the barriers that make home buying stressful," CEO Michael Bremer said in a news release.