Real Estate Heavyweights Talk Future of MLS: ‘The MLS Is One of the Greatest Things We've Ever Built’

May 18, 2026 - 21:08

James Dwiggins, Bess Freedman, Leo Pareja, and Nykia Wright recently shared strong opinions on the future of multiple listing services, pushing back against calls to weaken or fragment the system. Speaking at a major industry event, the executives argued that the MLS remains a cornerstone of fair and efficient real estate markets.

Dwiggins, the CEO of a prominent real estate technology firm, called the MLS "one of the greatest things we've ever built." He stressed that the system's strength lies in its completeness and transparency. When listings are hidden from lenders, agents, or consumers, the consequences ripple through the entire transaction chain. Buyers miss out on available homes, appraisers lack accurate data, and lenders cannot properly assess risk.

Freedman, the CEO of a national brokerage, warned that any move to obscure listing data would create unintended chaos. She pointed out that a fragmented market would hurt both agents and the public, making it harder to determine true market value. Pareja, a top executive from another major brokerage, agreed, noting that the MLS provides a level playing field. Without it, larger firms could hoard inventory, leaving smaller players and consumers at a disadvantage.

Wright, a market leader from a large real estate franchise, emphasized that transparency builds trust. She argued that the MLS is not just a tool for agents but a public good that ensures accurate information flows freely. The panel concluded that while technology evolves, the core mission of the MLS must remain intact: to serve as a single, reliable source of listing data for everyone involved in a transaction.