Unlock MLS makes a truly innovative first step towards a central problem in the MLS today.
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I was either on an airplane or speaking at the Columbus REALTORS event when the news broke about the first true innovation I have seen from a major MLS in years. Unlock MLS, the MLS for the Austin metro area, has made real changes that matter in an attempt to deal with the current strife and divisions in the industry.
You see, Unlock MLS tackled the meaning of “Participant” head on. This has been a foundational source of problems for years, but really coming to a head in the recent kerfuffles. I have written and spoken about it for a while, and it truly is encouraging to see Unlock make a move.
This is the first step of real innovation on this critical issue. Is the step perfect? No. Am I going to nitpick? Yes. Could I perhaps suggest some refinements that might be more… how should I put this… simple and elegant? Possibly. Perhaps Unlock MLS would consider those suggestions, but more importantly, I am hopeful that other MLSs will follow the lead of Unlock MLS and tackle one of the most important issues in the industry today.
First, let’s look at what Unlock did by looking at their policy and rules document. Unlock reached out to me directly and provided the documentation. Second, I will do a bit of analysis on these new rules. Third, I’ll offer some constructive criticism not just for Unlock but for others considering the same.
Let’s get into it.