Open Real Estate, a broker-led initiative to build shared infrastructure for residential listing data, announced 826 letters of support from real estate brokerage leaders one week after its launch. Independent firms provided 493 letters, or 59%, of the backing. Supporters include single-office independents and major independent firms such as Atlanta Communities, Iron Valley Real Estate, LoKation Real Estate and Realty of America. Founding organizations include AGNT Inc. (parent to eXp Realty and NextHome), HomeServices of America, Keller Williams Realty and Real REMAX Group.
The initiative is designed as a national, shared data layer that connects brokerages, agents, multiple listing services and real estate portals. Open Real Estate's backers say the project complements, rather than replaces, existing MLS organizations by expanding access to listing information.
Several MLS executives publicly backed collaboration. Brian Donnellan, president and CEO of Bright MLS, said the MLS welcomes the initiative and looks forward to partnering to build on existing capabilities. Art Carter, CEO of California Regional MLS, stated that the effort aligns with CRMLS's work to give brokers flexibility in how they input and manage listing data. Chris Carrillo, CEO of North Texas Real Estate Information Systems, welcomed constructive dialogue. Tim Dain, president and CEO of NorthstarMLS, said broker-led innovation should not be viewed as a threat to MLSs.
The initiative emerges as brokerages seek more direct control over how their listing data flows to MLSs, portals, internal systems and third-party tools. The push comes amid antitrust scrutiny and shifting brokerage business models.