It was a big year for MLSs — pocket listings, bombshell lawsuits and the relentless march of technology all dominated MLS news. Here are the most noteworthy trends
The discount franchisor has consistently opposed pocket listing bans, and said in a new letter Tuesday that it was shocked by NAR's response to its complaints
Agents who violated the MLS's new pocket listing ban had been set to face $5,000 fines beginning next week
In a new letter, the discounter argues that new off-market listing bans from Bright MLS and the National Association of Realtors will negatively impact its ability to do business
Comments on the proposal have been split, with some suggesting the overwhelming majority vote may not represent the industry at large
The Council of Multiple Listing Services, which represents more than 200 local MLSs, argues in favor of a policy floated last month by the National Association of Realtors
In a new blog post, Glenn Kelman argues that exclusive listings lead to discrimination and urged real estate professionals to take a stand by supporting a proposed ban
Bright MLS is facing resistance to a new policy that bans pocket listings, but it said Tuesday that the rule will still allow discount brokerages to customize commission offers
The discount brokerage argued in a letter that Bright MLS's new policy banning pocket listings will 'act as a restraint of trade'
The Mid-Atlantic multiple listing service invited Compass to come discuss a policy that bans off-market listings but said it is not afraid of a lawsuit and won't back down
One CEO said NAR's policy 'levels the playing field,' but others expressed skepticism at a one-size-fits-all solution
Compass says in the letter that Bright MLS's new ban on pocket and off-market listings is anti-competitive and may lead to legal action
Opinion
The MLS functions because of bilateral cooperation and compensation. You have to 'pay to play,' and you pay with providing your listings
The central Texas organization suggested that the current version of NAR's proposal isn't pro-consumer and violates ethics standards
Midwest Real Estate Data implemented its own pocket listing rule years ago and now supports a similar policy that would put the kibosh on off-market listings everywhere