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Finding Homes Pro can understand a user’s intended question regardless of how it is worded April 12, 2024, 12:23 pm By Sarah Marx Stellar MLS , the third-largest MLS in the country, has expanded its partnership with artificial intelligence company Lundy Inc. , Stellar announced on Thursday. Powered by Amazon’s Alexa products, Lundy offers a voice-activated property search engine, allowing real estate professionals and homebuyers to navigate home listings using their voice. Lundy’s “Finding Homes” feature will be accessible to all Stellar MLS customers, including those in Florida and Puerto Rico, where Stellar serves as the largest MLS. “We are delighted to once again collaborate with the Lundy team to provide easier access to our comprehensive listing data for all users,” Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS, said in a statement. “We are constantly looking for new products and services to help our brokers and agents better serve their customers and prospects. We are proud to play a part in expanding access to all customers, which aligns with Stellar MLS’s philosophy of inclusivity.” Stellar MLS’s first partnership with Lundy dates back to 2022. Stellar is now integrating the upgraded version of the AI tool, Finding Homes Pro, which is capable of understanding a user’s intended question regardless of how it is worded.

Merri Jo Cowen joins exclusive group of industry leaders who have made newsworthy contributions to the real estate industry. Stellar MLS is pleased to announce that Stellar MLS CEO, Merri Jo Cowen has been selected as a RISMedia 2024 Real Estate Newsmaker—a dynamic group of key influencers making headlines as a result of their newsworthy contributions to the real estate industry and their efforts to positively affect the consumers and communities they serve. RISMedia , the leader in U.S. real estate news and information services, announced its 2024 Real Estate Newsmakers on Feb. 1, in both an online directory on RISMedia.com and in the February issue of its flagship publication, Real Estate magazine. RISMedia’s 2024 Real Estate Newsmakers were selected in 2023 by its executive and editorial teams and are showcased in the following categories: Influencers, Trailblazers, Futurists, Achievers, Crusaders, Luminaries and the annual Hall of Fame inductees. John Featherston, Founder, CEO and Publisher of RISMedia said, "We are so proud every year to recognize the hard work, dedication and determination of these finest industry professionals—the 2024 Real Estate Newsmakers—who went above and beyond in 2023 amid the challenges and opportunities of this evolving market. Help us in celebrating their hard-earned recognition," Featherston added. RISMedia will honor this year's Real Estate Newsmakers, including the 2024 Hall of Fame, at RISMedia's Newsmakers Reception & Dinner, being held Sept. 5 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C., in conjunction with our 2024 CEO & Leadership Exchange . Stellar MLS CEO, Merri Jo Cowen shared, “I am deeply honored to be recognized as a 2024 RISMedia Newsmaker. This award is a testament to the dedication and innovation of the entire Stellar MLS team, as we work to make a meaningful impact in the continuously evolving real estate landscape. Looking to the future, we are filled with excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead for growth and transformation.” About Stellar MLS: Headquartered in Altamonte Springs, FL, Stellar MLS (Stellar) is Florida's largest Multiple Listing Service (MLS), with over 85,000 customers in Florida and Puerto Rico. Stellar MLS is committed to helping brokers and agents thrive in tomorrow's competitive real estate market by offering a comprehensive suite of the industry's best products and world-class customer service. Learn more at https://www.stellarmls.com/. About RISMedia For more than 40 years, RISMedia has provided the residential real estate industry with news, trends and business development strategies through its flagship publication, Real Estate magazine; its leading website, RISMedia.com; its premium content channel, Premier; its award-winning Housecall blog; and its iconic networking and educational events, including RISMedia’s virtual Real Estate’s Rocking in the New Year; RISMedia's CEO Exchange; RISMedia's Power Broker Forum, Reception & Dinner; and RISMedia’s Newsmakers Reception & Dinner. Through RISMedia's content programs—including ACE, a turn-key social media content system—real estate professionals share thousands of articles, infographics and videos each day created by RISMedia editors and contributors, helping them influence hundreds of thousands of consumers as they consider buying and/or selling a home. Visit RISMedia.com , RISMedia’s Premier, and ACESocial for more information. About RISMedia's Real Estate Newsmakers RISMedia's Real Estate Newsmakers is designed to recognize those individuals making headlines as a result of their newsworthy contributions to the residential real estate industry, and their efforts to positively affect real estate professionals and the consumers and communities they serve. RISMedia’s Real Estate Newsmakers were chosen based on nominations received through an online nomination process on RISMedia.com, and by nominations from RISMedia’s in-house editorial team and other industry sources. Nominations for RISMedia’s Real Estate Newsmakers are collected on an ongoing basis throughout the course of the year. There is no fee to nominate a Newsmaker or be recognized/featured as a Newsmaker. Due to deadline and production criteria, RISMedia’s 2024 Real Estate Newsmakers Online Directory may not currently be in its final format. Please check back for ongoing updates.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2023 / Key members of the executive team of Stellar MLS, the largest multiple listing service in Florida and Puerto Rico, and the third-largest in the U.S., joined colleagues from around the globe at a forum in Paris, France to share best practices for driving innovation and efficiency in the real estate industry. Stellar MLS CEO Merri Jo Cowen, COO Shayne Fairley and Vice President of Technology & Innovation Mathew Kallumadil took part in the International MLS Forum: Global Real Estate Standards, Dec. 1-2, 2023 at the Pullman Montparnasse hotel in Paris, France. The event drew industry leaders from five continents and more than 35 countries and featured panels exploring the 100-year legacy of MLSs in the U.S. and the potential for international real estate markets; benefits of standardized data; innovation and tech trends empowering brokers and agents; and investment opportunities in emerging MLS markets. Cowen moderated a discussion on the "Benefits of Standardized Data Sets to Public and Private Institutions" and noted that "while there are many differences in real estate markets from country to country, there are many commonalities we can bring together to help create an ecosystem that works in each unique environment and bring the value of the MLS to them." The forum was an opportunity for real estate professionals from across the globe to hear best practices from successful U.S.-based MLSs. "In Europe, the difference in transacting real estate is startling - from the lack of consolidated and accurate databases to the way brokers conduct business," Cowen said, and pointed to how CEPI, the European Association of Real Estate Professions, is working to elevate industry professionalism and knowledge among its member countries. "Getting to know European leaders and learn about their individual countries was invaluable," Cowen added. "The network created by attending was invaluable, and the opportunities to help the global market move toward organized real estate and data standards are exciting." Fairley, who participated in a panel titled "Investment Opportunities in Emerging MLS Markets," said the forum provided a unique opportunity to showcase the value of the MLS and the importance of accurate data to empower real estate professionals. "The conference was timely in that the desire to make a change in the European market was evident and Stellar MLS was able to demonstrate our willingness to collaborate to assist these new markets," Fairley said. "Stellar MLS is in a unique position to elevate real estate beyond the bounds of North America, with a long legacy of operating a successful MLS, with far-reaching partnerships and data shares, and with our track record of customer service excellence. We will be ready when Europe is." Kallumadil, who presented in two technology-focused discussions, said the conference highlighted that the biggest challenge for some European markets is not technology or data, but the mindset of real estate professionals about changing their current operating methods. "It is critical to educate real estate professionals on the benefits of collaboration and data standards and opening up the doors to the largest asset class for innovation," Kallumadil said. "There is a general global desire to adopt a real estate infrastructure comparable to organized real estate in North America, and this forum gave us the opportunity to discuss details with key stakeholders in the European market about their unique challenges." Other speakers included: Joe Schneider, government affairs director, North Bay Association of REALTORS®; Ali Attar, CEO and co-founder of Realtyna, a software solutions provider for the real estate industry; Brad Inman, founder, Inman Group; Jan Borůvka, president, CEPI, the European Association of Real Estate Professions; Sam DeBord, CEO, Real Estate Standards Organization; and Patrick Pichette, vice president, Canadian Real Estate Association and director, RESO. For information, visit https://mlsforum.org/ . About Stellar MLS Stellar MLS is a technology-backed real estate service company that provides customers access to trusted, standardized data. Stellar MLS is the largest multiple listing service in the state of Florida and in Puerto Rico, and the third-largest in the U.S. With more than 84,000 customers and a dynamic vision, Stellar MLS is poised to help brokers and their agents thrive in tomorrow's competitive real estate market with a comprehensive suite of the industry's best products and world-class customer service. Stellar MLS makes the market work for real estate agents and brokers in 20 REALTOR® associations throughout Central and Southwest Florida and in Puerto Rico.

An Interview With Jason Hartman 

About Stellar MLS Stellar MLS is a technology backed Real Estate service company. We invest in people and technology to give our customers the access they deserve to trusted, standardized data. With over 84,000 customers and a dynamic vision, Stellar MLS is poised to help brokers and their agents thrive in tomorrow’s competitive real estate market with a comprehensive suite of the industry’s best products and world-class customer service. Today, Stellar MLS makes the market work for real estate agents and brokers in 20 REALTOR® Associations throughout Central and Southwest Florida and in Puerto Rico. About Enerage Making the world a better place to work together.™ Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 17 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.

The partnership aims to broaden the market by combining resources and expertise, resulting in a more robust and diverse property listing network.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FLA. (PRWEB) SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 Stellar MLS, Florida's largest and the nation's third-largest multiple listing service (MLS), is the first MLS in the country to partner with the Appraisal Institute, the nation's largest professional association of real estate appraisers, on their Practical Applications of Real Estate Appraisal program (AI PAREA). This groundbreaking collaboration will provide significant benefits to both real estate professionals and consumers, as the two organizations work together to enhance the appraisal process and promote a higher standard of service across the industry. AI PAREA, an online program, is an alternative pathway for aspiring appraisers to gain the required experience hours to become a licensed or certified appraiser, using a standardized approach. Historically, the only option for an appraiser to complete their experience hours was through a supervisor and trainee model, requiring the trainee to find their own supervisor. With the AI PAREA program, participants can appraise properties virtually with an Appraisal Institute Designated Member to mentor them through the path to credentialing. Each mentor will answer questions, offer constructive feedback, and help participants to develop the problem-solving skills necessary throughout an appraiser's career. The partnership will focus on integrating a renowned Appraisal Institute program into the Stellar MLS platform, thereby providing real estate professionals with direct access to some of the most comprehensive and advanced appraisal resources available. Stellar MLS CEO, Merri Jo Cowen said, "Stellar MLS is proud to be the first MLS to answer the Appraisal Institute's call for collaboration in building this innovative program. This partnership and the development of AI PAREA signifies a shared dedication to fostering a culture of excellence and success." Shayne Fairley, Stellar MLS COO, expressed similar sentiments, stating "We know that when appraisers are set up for success, we all succeed. We are confident that this collaboration will greatly benefit the broader real estate community." Appraisal Institute President Craig Steinley, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, AI-RRS, also shared, "The AI PAREA program will create tremendous opportunities for aspiring appraisers to meet the experience requirements and open a pathway to entering this respected and rewarding profession." Together, Stellar MLS and the Appraisal Institute, through their AI PAREA program, will cultivate a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, promotes the sharing of best practices, and ultimately elevates the level of knowledge and professionalism within the real estate and appraisal sectors. About Stellar MLS: Headquartered in Altamonte Springs, FL, Stellar MLS (Stellar) is Florida's largest Multiple Listing Service (MLS), with over 85,000 customers in Florida and Puerto Rico. Stellar MLS is committed to helping brokers and agents thrive in tomorrow's competitive real estate market by offering a comprehensive suite of the industry's best products and world-class customer service. Learn more at https://www.stellarmls.com/. About Appraisal Institute: The Appraisal Institute is a global professional association of real estate appraisers, with over 16,000 professionals in almost 50 countries throughout the world. Its mission is to advance professionalism and ethics, global standards, methodologies, and practices through the professional development of property economics worldwide. Organized in 1932, the Appraisal Institute advocates equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in the appraisal profession and conducts its activities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Individuals of the Appraisal Institute benefit from an array of professional education and advocacy programs and may hold the prestigious MAI, SRPA, SRA, AI-GRS, and AI-RRS designations. Learn more at www.appraisalinstitute.org.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FLA. (PRWEB) JULY 19, 2023 In a move that represents their first venture into international data access, Stellar MLS, the largest multiple listing service in Florida and Puerto Rico and the third largest in the US, announced today its new data integration partnership with Omni MLS, the largest multiple listing service in Central and South America. Offering access to a wider network of property listings and market insights, this reciprocal access partnership allows for expanded data access and new international referral opportunities for brokers and agents on both sides. "We are thrilled to partner with Omni MLS to offer our customers expanded referral opportunities in an international market," said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS. "This integration represents another milestone in our commitment to creating a future of new opportunities for our customers and our mission to provide impeccable data that is easily accessible. By combining our strengths, we offer our agents and brokers value-added resources to succeed in today's competitive market." Omni MLS CEO, Ross Edward Buck, also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "By uniting the boundless potential of Stellar MLS in Florida and Puerto Rico with the expansive reach of the Omni MLS in Latin America, we unlock a new era of limitless opportunities. This powerful connection creates a gateway that transcends borders, opening up both markets like never before. Together, we forge a path where real estate professionals can navigate vast possibilities, fostering collaboration, diversity, and growth. In this unified ecosystem, dreams are realized, investments flourish, and cultures converge. The fusion of Stellar MLS and Omni MLS illuminates the path to a brighter future, where the power of connection unlocks unparalleled value for all involved." Stellar MLS and Omni MLS's alliance indicates a new era of collaboration and innovation in the real estate industry. By crossing borders and facilitating seamless connectivity, the partnership is poised to advance the global real estate market, creating new prospects for its customers. About Stellar MLS: Headquartered in Altamonte Springs, FL, Stellar MLS (Stellar) is Florida's largest Multiple Listing Service (MLS), with over 85,000 customers in Florida and Puerto Rico. Stellar MLS is committed to helping brokers and agents thrive in tomorrow's competitive real estate market by offering a comprehensive suite of the industry's best products and world-class customer service. Learn more at https://www.stellarmls.com/ About Omni MLS: Omni Multiple Listing Service (Omni MLS) is the largest and most recognized subscriber-based multiple listing service in Latin America, serving more than 100,000 real estate professionals. Visit http://www.omnimls.com to learn more.

Bureaucracy — and ANTS — create bottlenecks MLSs can get bogged down by industry politics and bureaucracy at the local level. One way to cut through some of that red tape is to eliminate the "committee junkies" that Jeremy Crawford of FMLS in Georgia refers to as "ANTS" — Agents Not Transacting Sales. "Committee junkies end up going through the ranks, so the next thing you know, an agent who's not successful in real estate is on your board. And they know nothing about running an MLS," Crawford said. "MLS is not a trade organization. We're a product, data and technology company. We need to talk about customer satisfaction." Slow and steady progress Matthew Consalvo's organization, Arizona-based ARMLS, has been working on two initiatives to improve efficiency for its members, but he said the process has been harder than expected. "But with good efforts and good intentions, you'll make it. And when you make it, you create things you never dreamed were possible, especially from an efficiency standpoint," Consalvo said. On a national level, change is happening, but it's still too slow for Brian Donnellan of Bright MLS, which serves several Northeastern states. Bright helped spearhead REdistribute — a data- and revenue-sharing initiative — and Nestfully, a consumer search portal that allows agents to add listings and receive leads for free. Even with the successful launch of the two initiatives, Donnellan said the process has been slow, with too many cooks in the kitchen. But he says that's somewhat inevitable for organizations that aren't used to big changes. "It still feels a bit like herding cats in order to get to a good place… but that's just part of the early stage of transformation," he said. Innovation is coming Despite the challenges, Merri Jo Cowen of Stellar MLS in Central Florida believes transformation lies ahead. "Start planning and start thinking ahead. The technology itself is escalating, and other changes are coming," Cowen said, referring to the commissions lawsuits making their way through the courts. Shelley Specchio of Indiana-based MIBOR agreed that MLSs are starting to focus more on innovation, noting that some of the current outside-the-box thinking — and the products it has led to — is in response to what is happening to the industry as a whole. In recent years, Specchio said she's seen "a new way of competitors coming together to collaborate and cooperate on a whole other level that we haven't seen before," adding, "there seems to be no limit."