MRED Blog

Reaching Higher. Protecting What Matters.

Broker cooperation has always been the foundation of the MLS. But cooperation only works when everyone plays by the same rules.

When a powerful company challenges the rules of the cooperative marketplace, MRED does not simply make a deal or look the other way. It stands its ground. In May, MRED suspended Zillow’s access to IDX and VOW data feeds after Zillow violated Objective Criteria rules by banning listings from their site until the seller fired the listing brokerage and agent. This was after months of communications with Zillow, telling them why banning listings in this way violates our rules. Rules that have been in place for decades, as a part of the 2008 DOJ settlement.

That courage matters. Large companies can use their size and influence to make others reluctant to challenge them. MRED believes its responsibility as the referee of the marketplace is bigger than any individual company.  This protection ensures all your members can fully leverage the incredible collection of properties to generate business opportunities.

One of MRED’s core values is Data Caretaking, and we take our responsibility seriously to guard MLS data use and distribution. MRED’s principle is simple: work fairly with your fellow brokers, honor the agreements you sign, and MRED will do everything possible to help you succeed. Break those agreements, and MRED will act to protect the best interests of all Participants.

By defending consistent enforcement, MRED is protecting something much larger than a contract: the cooperative online marketing ecosystem that gives brokerages of every size the opportunity to compete, support consumers, and reach higher.