Two Chicago-area multiple listing services announced the creation of a “mirrored database” that allows each MLS to display a combined inventory of property information from both MLSs to their members.

The Realtor association-owned MLS of Northern Illinois and the smaller broker-owned MAP-MLS, which are participating in the data-sharing agreement, have also been pursuing a merger.

Though a group of dissenting MLSNI shareholders has filed a lawsuit to block the merger, that litigation is ongoing. MLSNI has about 50,000 members, while MAP-MLS has fewer than 15,000 members.

“Despite the ongoing legal battle … over the proposed consolidation between MAP-MLS and MLSNI, cooperation is the order of the day,” said Brad Tertell, vice president and general manager of MLSNI, and Bud Fogel, CEO for MAP-MLS, in a statement.

“By instituting the mirrored database the agents can use their system of choice and know that all inventory from both organizations is being searched. Both leaders also feel this initiative is a precursor to what will need to be accomplished once the two organizations come together,” according to the announcement.

The two MLSs also announced that they have worked with their technology vendors to create a “single point of entry” mechanism so that members of both MLSs can add and edit MLS information in their system of choice while also preserving the ability to use either system. The combined data is updated every 15 minutes, according to the announcement, “so once a listing is entered into or edited … it shows up on the other almost immediately,” eliminating the need to enter the information twice.

Tertell said Friday that the mirrored database and single point of entry technologies have been up and running for a few months.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×