The latest Association addition to North Carolina Regional MLS moves the organization beyond the walls of their state and opens them up as one of the MLSs gaining traction in the formation of Southeast MLS collaborations. They are arguable one of, if not the fastest growing MLS in the country when measured by the addition of new Associations and moving beyond contiguous markets.
When examining their meteoric expansion, I observed a few lessons that can be leveraged by other markets to deliver brokers the broader data access they are demanding. In my opinion there are five key reasons NCRMLS is successfully expanding to support its brokers and the agents and clients they serve:
- Collaborative, Compassionate, Patient Leader
NCRMLS’ leadership hired a CEO a few years ago for his ability to collaborate and passionate support broker and Association success, while also delivering deep technical expertise, out of the box strategic thinking and great management skills. Daniel Jones fits the bill and is leading the charge collaborating and humbly. He is also patient, allowing markets that are interested in talking come forth instead of reaching out.
- Egalitarian Governance and Humility
A lack of egalitarian representation is one of the main reasons why data shares and MLS mergers fail today. North Carolina Regional MLS treats every one of their shareholders the same with equal representation, equal voice and most importantly, equal respect. The MLS drives technology, training and support and leads the industry on RESO compliance and other innovator indicators, but they do it lock step with their associations. They enable the Associations to do what they do well, and the MLS focuses on satisfying the needs of its subscribers. They deliver their services humbly, exceeding industry norms on training and business generation and winning 2 Best MLS Awards as part of the 2024 WAV Group Customer Experience Index program.
- Providing Predictable Revenue Potential
With a “wholesale-retail” model, every one of the participating Associations can sell NCRMLS services directly maintaining a relationship and delivering an important and value service to their members and still guarantee revenues to the Association. In a wholesale-retail model, the MLS sells its services in bulk to the Associations and then they mark it up and sell it directly. Much like the way a grocery store works, the MLS sells the service to the Association for $1 per subscriber per month (not a real number) and then the Association sells it for $2 per subscriber per month (example only) and nets $1 per member per month to fund Association operations, education, events, advocacy etc. In some wholesale-retail models, Associations also offer MLS Only subscriptions allowing them to sell MLS services to customers beyond their Association members. This approach provides a predictable income level, eliminating the largest reason why many Associations resist merging their MLS.
- Easing the MLS Operations Burden
When an Association joins NCRMLS, they get the best of both worlds. They can realize subscription revenues, while being relieved of the burden of running a day-to-day MLS operation. North Carolina Regional MLS handles support, education/training, compliance and communications of the key benefits and value of the NCRMLS product suite.
- MLS System of Choice
It is nearly impossible to merge MLSs if it requires an MLS system shift. Agents are struggling with enough industry changes right now. Making them learn a new MLS system is usually enough to stop a potential merger dead in its tracks. North Carolina Regional MLS now offers two MLS systems to provide choice to its subscribers and to allow users to stay with the system they are most comfortable with. As they expand further, I’m guessing they may continue to add MLS system options.
Attached is a copy of the full press release about their latest expansion into Georgia.
North Carolina Regional MLS Expands into Georgia
NCRMLS continues to grow, adding three new organizations.
Castle Hayne, NC – July 17, 2024 – North Carolina Regional MLS (NCRMLS), one of the nation’s fastest growing Multiple Listing Services, today announced its expansion into Georgia with the strategic additions of Savannah MLS, Athens Area Association of REALTORS® & CLASSIC MLS, and the REALTORS® of Greater Augusta.
This strategic move marks a significant milestone for the real estate industry in the Southeast, solidifying NCRMLS’s position as one of the region’s most recognized and modern Multiple Listing Services (MLS).
The expansion into Georgia marks a new era of collaboration and growth for real estate professionals in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The Georgia Regional section of NCRMLS will play a crucial role in connecting real estate brokers across Georgia and South Carolina, facilitating seamless collaboration, and enhancing the overall real estate landscape in the region.
A joint statement provided by the three organizations said, “Georgia’s partnership with NCRMLS marks a significant advancement for real estate professionals in our region. This collaboration will establish a more comprehensive and interconnected MLS, providing access to a broader array of resources, information, connections, and opportunities. Ultimately, this development will empower our members to better serve their clients and grow their businesses.”
“With Georgia’s partnership, NCRMLS is preparing to undergo a transformative moment, unveiling a new name and rebranding that reflects the unity and direction of our evolving organization,” said Daniel Jones, NCRMLS CEO. “This integration promises a seamless transition and enhanced technology, ensuring our members can continue working efficiently and effectively without disrupting their local MLS system. We are excited to embark on this journey of progress and innovation together, shaping the future of the MLS.”
NCRMLS operates a unique cooperative wholesale model that has been the preferred choice for many leading North Carolina Associations and MLSs. This model provides Associations and MLSs with greater purchasing power for tools and services, while still allowing them to maintain control. It fosters a sense of partnership and collaboration among members, giving everyone an equal voice at the MLS board table. This unique and member-centric approach ensures that all members have a personal stake in the success and direction of the MLS, enhancing the capabilities and efficiencies of brokers and appraisers.
“NCRMLS’s expansion into Georgia demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to modernize real estate by embracing innovation and collaboration to empower professionals in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia to serve consumers better,” Jones added.
About NCRMLS
NCRMLS is a Wholesale Cooperative MLS serving over 19,000 Brokers and Appraisers in the Southeast region, spanning from North Carolina to Georgia. It aims to empower Realtor Associations and MLSs of all sizes by providing reliable and accurate data through a best-in-class toolset that includes innovative training. NCRMLS connects Realtors and appraisers with the resources they need to succeed in the real estate industry. For more information, visit ncrmls.com. ncrmls.com.
