“Accessible. Efficient. Transparent. That is the market the MLS makes possible,” Mabery said. “At eXp, we want as many people as possible to see our listings. More eyes. More buyers. Better results for sellers. The MLS is at the center of that. When the MLS is strong, consumers win. That is why eXp Realty is joining CMLS as a broker member and as a Founding Broker Champion of MLS.”
Identifying Needs, Opportunities, and Friction Points
The heavy lifting of this initiative will be handled by the founding Brokerage Task Force. This group will focus on a three-pronged mission: identifying the current needs and opportunities within the MLS-broker relationship, pinpointing specific friction points that hinder efficiency, and refining the benefits of the membership to ensure it remains valuable for brokerage leaders.
The task force is also responsible for defining the structure and priorities of the future Broker Advisory Committee. This committee is envisioned as a permanent, strategic sounding board that will provide CMLS with a repeatable and structured channel for brokerage engagement in governance and strategic planning.
This approach reflects a long-term commitment to change rather than a temporary fix. Jessica Edgerton reiterated that the goal is not to create another administrative burden for brokers, but to ensure they have a seat at the table where the most important decisions are made.
“This is not about asking brokers to simply join another association,” Edgerton said. “We want them at the table. We want to hear what is working, what is not and where MLSs and brokerages can work differently together. The value of this initiative will come from the conversations it makes possible.”
A Multi-Year Roadmap for Integration
CMLS has outlined a clear timeline for the rollout and expansion of the Brokerage Membership category. The remainder of 2026 will serve as a dedicated "listening and design phase," during which the task force will gather feedback and build the framework for the program. This phase is critical for ensuring that the membership addresses the actual pain points felt by brokerages rather than perceived ones.
In 2027, CMLS plans to expand the programming and open up participation to a broader range of brokerage members. The ultimate objective is the establishment of the standing Broker Advisory Committee, which will integrate brokerage perspectives into the very fabric of CMLS governance.
While the new category introduces a significant new stakeholder group into the CMLS ecosystem, the organization emphasized that its primary focus remains on its MLS members. The Brokerage Membership is intended to complement existing efforts, not replace them. By creating a stronger pathway for brokerage input, CMLS believes it can better advocate for the entire MLS ecosystem, ensuring that the rules and value propositions of the marketplace remain relevant and robust in the face of ongoing change.
As the real estate industry continues to transform, the success of this initiative may well depend on the willingness of both MLS and brokerage leaders to set aside historical grievances and focus on the shared goal of a more transparent and efficient market. With the support of major industry players and a structured plan for engagement, CMLS is positioning itself as the primary venue for that transformation to take place.
