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The Austin Board of Realtors’ Unlock MLS is planning to make its multiple listing service available to real estate professionals who do not have membership in a realtor association.

“We’re all about providing you with maximum flexibility to run your business your way,” said Unlock MLS on its website. “We believe that you deserve the freedom to adapt your business model as the needs of your clients, marketplace, and industry evolve. To that end, Unlock MLS will no longer require realtors membership to access Unlock MLS services beginning June 1, 2025.”

Unlock MLS added that the “new flexibility empowers brokers and agents to shape their business as they see fit. Whether you choose to stay connected to a professional trade organization like a realtor association is now entirely up to you.”

On April 1, Unlock MLS will publish information for brokers who want to set up an MLS office and how agents will be able to update their subscription status to this multiple listing service. Unlock MLS took aim at the National Association of Realtors (NAR) for operating an inflexible framework for real estate professionals.

“We believe agents and their brokers need choices regarding realtor membership in today’s fast-changing real estate landscape,” the organization stated. “We intend to provide you with maximum flexibility and let brokers of record make individual business decisions. When there is increased choice, the result is a more dynamic, competitive, and healthy marketplace for everyone.”

NAR reacted negatively late last year when Phoenix Realtors introduced its MLS Choice, which was promoted as being “the first time brokers will be able to offer their agents the opportunity to access both the MLS and legal forms, along with several existing benefits, outside of the traditional three-tier membership system with local, state and national associations.” NAR began the process of revoking the charter for Phoenix Realtors after the Arizona group refused to withdraw MLS Choice.

NAR did not immediately comment on Unlock MLS’ announcement.