Consolidation of multiple listing services should happen “through acquisition,” with larger MLSs taking over smaller ones that aren’t able to adapt, Alex Perriello told attendees at the National Association of Realtors’ 2014 Leadership Summit.
Perriello, president and CEO of Realogy Franchise Group, said such a move could be an “exit strategy” for some small MLSs.
“People won’t voluntarily say, ‘Well I think we’ll just close up shop,’ ” he said.
Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America Inc., also expressed support for MLS consolidation. But rather than acquisitions, he suggested smaller MLSs from the same region could partner to create “a consumer site that does not pick winners and losers,” referring potential clients back to the listing broker’s site, NAR’s Realtor Mag said.