Disrupting the MLS

In Denver, we’ve had something rare – a centralized MLS where everyone can see every listing on market in one place. It’s efficient, transparent, and, in my opinion, something we’ve taken for granted. Many other cities do not have a centralized system.

Recent rule changes around clear cooperation were meant to keep things fair by requiring listings to hit the MLS. In reality, they’ve created friction. Sellers don’t always want to go public right away, and in some cases, off-market exposure can actually result in a better outcome. You can even be fined for just talking about an upcoming listing now.

At the same time, the big players – Zillow, Compass, Redfin, Realtor.com, etc – are pushing their own systems. The pitch is giving more control of information to the agents. The reality looks more like a race to become the next dominant MLS. Information is a valuable commodity.

The result is a more fragmented, confusing market. Listings are spread across platforms, agents have to check multiple sources constantly, and buyers risk missing opportunities. It starts to look a lot more like commercial real estate – less efficient, less transparent.

We had a good system. It wasn’t perfect, and it needed some changes. However, what we are devolving into now feels less like improvement and more like fragmentation that could eventually lead to a new consolidated monopoly when one company ends up on top. And if that monopoly ends up sitting with a single for profit company, it’s hard to see how that benefits anyone other than shareholders.

Also, since so many of you liked the inclusion of a photo last week, here’s a sneak peak of a home I have coming to market next week. (Don’t worry, I’m not disclosing the address so I won’t be fined.)