FLORIDA, U.S. (Oct. 2, 2025) – Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, one of the largest and most influential MLSs in the U.S., took the stage as Title Partner for the third annual International MLS Forum. Hosted by the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) and the European Association of Real Estate Professions (CEPI) , the two-day forum (Sept. 25–26) in Toronto gathered industry experts worldwide to explore MLS culture, global business models, emerging technologies, government regulation, and broker-driven innovation. A highlight of the event was UCO’s signing of a landmark agreement with Advanced Real Estate Services (United Arab Emirates), Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (Canada), Syndicat National Des Professionels Immobiliers (France), and San Diego MLS (U.S.). The five-way collaboration launched as Global Data Exchange (GDX), will enable secure cross-border data sharing through UCO’s parent company, Stellar MLS, and set a precedent for global marketplace connectivity. The first of its kind , GDX demonstrates how MLS standards can transcend borders, giving real estate professionals access to richer, more reliable listing data and helping consumers benefit from greater transparency and efficiency with international transactions. “GDX reflects how far we’ve come—turning vision into reality and paving the way for professionals to securely access global listing data with confidence and integrity,” said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of UCO and Stellar MLS. “By leveraging RESO standards, we set the stage for a truly connected global marketplace.” As was the case in previous years, UCO leadership played a central role throughout the forum, moderating multiple panels, shaping critical conversations and sharing key learnings. From innovation and emerging market opportunities to lessons from years of building and scaling MLS solutions, UCO’s proven expertise positioned its leaders at the forefront of the conversations shaping tomorrow’s real estate marketplace. COO Shayne Fairley emphasized the importance of UCO’s active presence: “Being at the center of these conversations is crucial—not only for UCO, but for the industry as a whole. At the International MLS Forum, collaboration becomes action. It’s where the right people and the right ideas converge to shape tomorrow’s real estate marketplace.” Looking ahead, the forum confirmed its future direction with Martin Mucha, CEO of Igluu, named Host Partner for the 2027 event in Prague following the 2026 forum in Abu Dhabi. The announcement underscores the forum’s growing role as the premier stage for advancing MLS collaboration worldwide. Beyond the event, UCO continues to expand its support and impact by advising organizations across Europe, South Asia, and Latin America on implementing MLS solutions tailored to local markets—driving transparency, professionalism, and sustainable growth across global real estate.

Stellar MLS continues its momentum with a historic Q3.

Celebrate the induction of Merri Jo Cowen, Stellar MLS CEO, into the CMLS Hall of Fame, honoring 40 years of leadership and innovation in the MLS industry.

FLORIDA, U.S. (Sept. 24, 2025) – Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, one of the largest and most influential MLSs in the U.S., and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) India have announced an agreement to bring a modern MLS to India. This collaboration is a defining step for India, one of the world’s largest and fastest‐growing real estate markets, offering greater professionalism, strengthened data integrity, and enhanced transparency for all stakeholders. UCO and NAR India are launching India’s first MLS pilot in Mumbai, marking the start of a nationwide transformation in a region comparable to the New York City metropolitan area. With a population of 1.46 billion, a $1 trillion real estate market expected by 2030, near-universal internet access, and the world’s most advanced digital payments and identity ecosystem, India is uniquely positioned to leapfrog into a modern, transparent, and technology-driven real estate future. This pilot is the first step toward building the most ambitious MLS infrastructure in the world. NAR India, the premier national association for real estate professionals, unites over 40 member associations and more than 50,000 practitioners nationwide. As the collective voice of India’s real estate community, NAR India has been instrumental in shaping policy, advancing education, and driving advocacy for professional excellence. Its leadership ensures that the adoption of an MLS is rooted in the realities of the Indian market, amplifying the benefits for its members and millions of consumers nationwide. By joining forces, UCO and NAR India will combine strengths—NAR India’s market leadership and influence with UCO’s decades of MLS expertise—to co-create a modern, scalable MLS in India. “We are honored and proud to support NAR India in developing a connected and transparent real estate ecosystem in India – a critical market that aligns with our vision of empowering organizations as we expand our reach across diverse geographies,” said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of UCO and Stellar MLS. “This collaboration will streamline transactions and open new avenues of growth for agents, brokers, developers, and consumers while laying the foundation for a sustainable marketplace that shapes the future of real estate in India.” “Partnering exclusively with UCO marks a transformative milestone for NAR India and our members,” said Tarun Bhatia, Vice Chairman and Chair Global, NAR India. “For NAR India, this collaboration goes beyond data access and member growth—it represents an opportunity to adapt global best practices, strengthen professional trust, and empower our members to compete and thrive in a truly interconnected marketplace.” This partnership creates a true two-way bridge. Indians are the fourth-largest group of foreign buyers in U.S. real estate, making up 6 percent of international transactions with an average purchase price of $346,400, right in line with the U.S. median. At the same time, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are fueling strong demand for real estate in India. By aligning global standards and building cross-border trust, UCO and NAR India are opening doors for Indians buying in North America and NRIs investing back home in India. Together, NAR India’s national leadership and UCO’s global expertise ensure that this landmark initiative is not only a technological leap but also a collective effort to shape a transparent, trusted, and competitive real estate marketplace that reflects India’s strengths on the world stage.

As real estate business models continue to evolve, building your business by providing more robust customer value takes a collaborative and forward-thinking approach. As real estate professionals work to meet the needs of buyers and sellers embarking on the most important transaction of their life, Stellar MLS is doubling down in its commitment to arm its customers with an array of tools and insights. Leading the way in market innovation Consistently innovating to provide products that revolutionize real estate, Stellar MLS does not simply deliver information; it drills down to deliver insights, offering the most effective tools to help customers save time and increase efficiency. Products like TransactionDesk simplify day-to-day routines, reducing stress and freeing up valuable time for agents and brokers to focus on their customers and clients. Tools such as this are deeply embedded in our ecosystem to give brokers and agents a streamlined, secure and compliant way to manage every stage of every transaction. Helping brokers guide agents to success One of Stellar MLS’ Always Principles is that we succeed when brokers do. Rayse—one of our newest products—helps brokers empower their agents with features like Buyer Presentation, turning initial consultations into structured, high-impact experiences while outlining the agent’s role and value at each stage. At the same time, Client Portal tools provide comparisons and tour feedback, helping buyers stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. Agents can also leverage Realist—a public records database that provides property and ownership data, market information, street and aerial maps, and market trends. This layered, behind-the-scenes data allows agents to give their customers a full picture, whether they’re evaluating a listing price or researching market opportunities. Providing trend analysis and local insights The Stellar Market Meter, our quarterly statistics report, provides an in-depth analysis of critical trends and developments in our coverage area and beyond—and an invaluable aid to busy agents. Economist Dr. Elliot Eisenberg provides expert commentary and data-driven insights designed to assist in making informed decisions, anticipating future trends and understanding the market’s evolving landscape. Further, Stellar’s Matrix tool lets agents and brokers filter listings by specific criteria such as subdivisions, green fields and water views. This enhanced search experience empowers real estate professionals to build deeper connections with consumers, because it’s not just about finding a property, it’s about helping people discover the place they truly belong. A pathway to prosperity Stellar MLS is dedicated to being the Multiple Listing Service for real estate professionals who value clarity, stability and support. Our mantra, “We’re for You,” is at the core of our brand promise and our mission—the same promise of better, more local and more valuable insights that top agents deliver daily to their clients. That’s why we continue to invest in the resources that fuel your business by transforming complex market data into clear, usable insights. Join us in the mission to focus on what’s next and take your business to the next level by maximizing your value to your customers. Read more by Shayne at https://www.rismedia.com/bylines/shayne-fairley/ .