This past weekend, Stellar MLS proudly joined forces with Ashlee’s Toy Closet to support young victims of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in Florida. As part of our ongoing commitment to the community, Stellar MLS staff volunteered alongside Ashlee’s team to distribute new toys to children who have lost so much. Events took place on Friday, November 8th, in Sarasota, and Sunday, November 10th, in Clearwater and Anna Maria Island, bringing smiles and moments of joy to families in need. Our team of volunteers—six Stellar MLS staff members on Friday and five on Sunday—showed up eager to contribute to this meaningful cause. Seeing the smiles on children’s faces as they picked out new toys was truly heartwarming. In a time when so much had been taken from them, these small moments of happiness reminded us of all the importance of community support. Reflecting on the event, Abigail Libuano, Business Development Coordinator at Stellar MLS, shared, “The event was incredibly fulfilling, and it was truly rewarding to witness the excitement of the kids and hear the gratitude from the parents. Ashlee and her team do such an amazing thing for the community.” Her words capture the spirit of the weekend and the impact that a simple gesture can have on families facing hardship. Ashlee’s Toy Closet shared a similar sentiment saying, “Our truck is empty, our hearts are full—it’s time to head home!” Sunday marked another long yet rewarding day, with two separate toy giveaways in Clearwater and Anna Maria Island. At the first event in Clearwater, Stellar MLS joined Ashlee’s Toy Closet and the Pinellas Realtor Organization to welcome families, listen to their stories, and hand out countless smiles along with toys. Later, the team traveled to Anna Maria Island, where they encountered more families impacted by the hurricanes and stocked both the local daycare center and Anna Maria Elementary School with leftover toys. Any remaining items were then donated to the Bradenton Dream Center, ensuring that every toy found a home with a child in need. A huge thank you to OneRelo Worldwide and their team, who packed and shipped all the toys, making these cross-county toy giveaways possible. As Ashlee noted, “The smiles we delivered & hearts we touched this weekend are something we will never forget!” A Weekend of Community and Caring For Stellar MLS, this weekend wasn’t just about giving toys; it was about providing comfort and support to children and families rebuilding their lives. The smiles we saw and the stories we heard reminded us that even a small act of kindness can have a big impact. About Ashlee’s Toy Closet: A Legacy of Giving Ashlee’s Toy Closet was founded by Ashlee Smith, who experienced firsthand the devastating effects of fire when her family lost their home. Inspired by her own experience, Ashlee began collecting toys for other children facing similar hardships. Today, Ashlee’s Toy Closet has grown into a national nonprofit, delivering hope and comfort to children affected by natural disasters across the country. Stellar MLS: Always for Our Community At Stellar MLS, we’re committed to serving more than just the real estate industry—we’re here for the communities we live and work in. Through partnerships like this one with Ashlee’s Toy Closet, we’re able to extend our support beyond the business realm, helping to build resilience and joy in our neighborhoods. We’re for you—whether you’re a real estate professional, a family looking for a home, or a child in need of a little comfort. Thank you to everyone who made this weekend’s events possible, and to those who continue to support Ashlee’s Toy Closet. Together, we can create brighter futures for the children and families in our communities. Join Us in Supporting Ashlee’s Toy Closet Ashlee’s Toy Closet depends on donations to continue its impactful work. We encourage you to join us in supporting this mission, helping to bring joy and comfort to children when they need it most.

FLORIDA, U.S. (Nov. 14, 2024) – UCO, a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, a leading multiple listing service (MLS) in the U.S. and the fastest-growing in the world, has entered into a landmark agreement with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) India as an advisor to successfully launch an MLS across India. This milestone signifies Stellar MLS’s commitment to enhance the real estate industry on a global scale, expanding UCO’s presence worldwide, and furthers NAR India’s journey to modernize and elevate the Indian real estate industry. Founded in 2008, NAR India is a nonprofit organization that facilitates the professional development of its members and promotes the highest standards and accreditation in the national real estate industry. It is one of only two countries to hold the NAR designation; Canada is the other. UCO will consult with NAR India’s team to guide in areas including the establishment of an MLS, technology, business strategy, organizational setup, and vendor management. “We are delighted to align with NAR India, a highly respected organization that shares our values of quality customer service, trust and data integrity to benefit the burgeoning real estate market in India,” said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of UCO and Stellar MLS. “This is a significant nationwide initiative, and we are proud to share our expertise in establishing the MLS concept across India and be a part of NAR India’s mission to utilize the power of collaboration, transparency and an efficient marketplace.” Cowen also noted the alignment’s potential benefits to Stellar MLS’s Florida customers, such as through referral opportunities: Florida is home to many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Current trends highlight the increasing influence of NRIs in shaping India’s real estate landscape, driven by both emotional connections to their homeland and the pursuit of investment opportunities. On the flipside, India is one of the largest foreign investors in Florida real estate, with $5.4 billion in investments in 2020. “The partnership between UCO and NAR India marks a pivotal moment for the Indian real estate industry,” said Amit Chopra, President, NAR India. “It brings cutting-edge MLS expertise to India, fostering transparency, trust, and professionalism in our market.” Tarun Bhatia, Vice Chairman and Chair-Global, NAR India, added: “It also creates exciting opportunities for Indian REALTORS® to showcase properties to a global audience, particularly NRIs, fostering stronger international connections.” Sumanth Reddy, Chairman, NAR India, concluded: “We are proud to embark on this journey with UCO and look forward to the transformative impact it will have on our members and the industry as a whole, opening up new avenues for growth and collaboration.” Dr. Mathew Kallumadil, UCO Vice President of Global Markets and Stellar MLS Vice President of Technology and Innovation noted the shared synergies between UCO and NAR India. “India is a complex, diverse market with different languages and cultures within the country, and UCO’s experience in accommodating regional differences and helping build scalable MLS systems will be invaluable in developing a sustainable MLS framework,” Dr. Kallumadil said. “Indian society is very highly digitized, and that is critical to a successful MLS and the ecosystem around it.” The partnership with NAR India expands UCO’s presence to South Asia, in addition to Europe and the Middle East. UCO recently entered into other strategic global consulting opportunities, including with MLS Leader (Romania) and Arab MLS (Middle East) to optimize real estate practices across their respective regions, and with Igluu, a Prague-based digital technology firm, to expand the MLS concept in Europe. Furthermore, UCO has been actively engaged in global forums to support a forward-thinking approach to transforming the industry and its presence is supported through its partnerships with CEPI, the European Association of Real Estate Professions, and FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation. For information about UCO and Stellar MLS, visit stellarmls.com/global .

In real estate, finding a home is more than checking boxes; it’s about bringing dreams to life, aligning aspirations with reality, and creating a space where memories will flourish. Stellar MLS is here to support agents and their customers, turning dreams into real-life experiences and guiding them through one of life’s most meaningful journeys. More Than Listings: Creating Pathways to Homes Many buyers find the home search process daunting. From envisioning the perfect home to navigating endless listings, it can be overwhelming. Stellar MLS, however, offers more than data; it provides the clarity and assurance that agents and their customers need to make pivotal decisions with confidence. Agents connected to Stellar MLS access the most comprehensive and trustworthy home information available, enabling them to build lasting trust with their customers—transforming the home search experience and making it feel seamless. This connection empowers agents to help buyers find homes that match their aspirations in every way. Real Agents, Real Value: Turning Dreams into Reality Stellar MLS equips agents with tools that translate wish lists into real options. With data on communities, property histories, and local market trends, agents guide their customers through each stage with insight and clarity. This approach builds strong relationships and reassures customers that their agent is fully committed to finding the perfect fit for them. For example, when working with a young couple seeking their first home, an agent can use Stellar’s extensive data to identify options that not only fit their budget but also meet their desire for a community with top-rated schools and easy access to work. With Stellar’s support, this agent can transform what could have been an overwhelming journey into an enjoyable, rewarding experience, providing reassurance at each step and helping the couple find a place they can truly call home. Supporting Agents, Fulfilling Aspirations At Stellar MLS, we understand that a home search is a significant life event. Stellar MLS customers gain access to a community dedicated to clarity, stability, and success. Through extensive product support and unmatched data quality, Stellar enables agents to help their customers move forward with complete confidence. Offering 30+ complimentary products, Stellar MLS equips agents with the tools needed to exceed expectations, from prospecting tools to post-close solutions. Stellar’s reliable data serves as a foundation, allowing agents to provide accurate, real-time insights that help their customers achieve their real estate goals with peace of mind. A Reliable Partner in Real Estate In an ever-evolving industry, Stellar MLS stands as a reliable partner, understanding the dreams and goals tied to each property. This trusted support allows agents to focus on building lasting relationships with their customers that extend well beyond the closing process. Stellar MLS brings stability, consistency, and a long-term commitment to success that resonates with agents and customers alike. With Stellar, agents know they’re backed by an organization dedicated to their success and to the happiness of the buyers they serve. It’s not just about closing a deal; it’s about helping each buyer find a place to truly call home. Stellar MLS isn’t just a platform; it’s a promise—to offer stability in times of change, to be a dependable partner, and to create a home-search experience where every customer’s vision has a path forward.  It’s your journey, it’s our mission because at Stellar MLS we're for you.

Pioneers of MLS: The Innovative Journeys of MLS Founders Dr. Mathew Kallumadil, Moderator International MLS Forum, Milan, Italy October 28, 2024 The International MLS Forum, held in the vibrant city of Milan, Italy, brought together pioneers in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) industry to discuss their innovative journeys and the future of MLS. As the moderator of this esteemed panel, I had the privilege of guiding a discussion that delved into the unique challenges and triumphs experienced by these trailblazers. Our panelists, Carlos Grass, Ahmed Elbatrawy, and Sorin Udrea, each shared their compelling stories, shedding light on the evolution of MLS in their respective regions. 

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (Oct. 22, 2024) – UCO, a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, a leading multiple listing service in the U.S. and the fastest-growing in the world, joined leaders from around the world this month in Italy for the second annual International MLS Forum. Having doubled in attendance due to a global movement toward increasing trust and transparency in real estate transactions, the event provided a unique platform for industry leaders across the globe. Organized by the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) and the European Association of Real Estate Professions (CEPI), and heavily supported by UCO as its only title partner, the forum brought together professionals, thought leaders, and innovators Oct. 7-8 at the Spazio Antologico event facility in Milan. The agenda included two full days of critically relevant content from real estate experts worldwide. The forum focused on a range of topics, from MLS culture and brokers’ views to the role of MLSs as service stores, distinctions between MLSs and portals, differentiations in business models worldwide, government regulations and licensing, and emerging technologies. The UCO team played a vital role in the event’s success and the value to attendees by participating in and moderating panels as well as hosting one of the two conference days with a full agenda of sessions fostering innovation, transparency and efficiency in the industry. Dr. Mathew Kallumadil, UCO Vice President of Global Markets and Stellar MLS Vice President of Technology and Innovation, led a panel of MLS pioneers in a discussion focusing on stakeholders and decision-makers in emerging markets, which offered insights for those at the verge of launching the MLS concept globally. “We’re excited to have stood alongside global leaders in advocating a forward-thinking approach to transforming the real estate industry,” said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO UCO and Stellar MLS. “As a title partner of this year’s International MLS Forum, it was our honor to support worldwide collaboration to explore and enhance the MLS concept, promoting trust and transparency in the process.” At the conclusion of the International MLS Forum, Stellar MLS, the parent company of UCO, was awarded the Leadership in Member Care award. According to the Forum’s Advisory Board, the award “recognizes an organization who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, particularly during challenging times. By providing live, up-to-date information and educating members, the members remain informed and resilient. With the highest satisfaction rate based on member feedback, this organization excelled in maintaining strong communication and transparency. Additionally, prompt and efficient response to members' queries showcased an unwavering commitment to supporting the community and addressing their needs swiftly and effectively.” "We are honored to have been recognized and selected for this award. Leadership guides member care at Stellar MLS, and client care at UCO is at the foundation of who we are and what we do,” said Marion Weiler, Vice President of Global Markets at UCO and Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Stellar MLS. “I’m excited to see how the discussions in Milan will take shape and how UCO can support the needs of our global community to fuel progress in markets around the world, meeting them wherever they are in their MLS journey." In addition to the International MLS Forum in Milan, Stellar MLS and UCO have actively participated in other global events and initiatives and will continue to support a forward-thinking approach to transforming the real estate industry on a global scale. UCO has recently entered into several agreements to share best practices for growing the MLS concept providing trust and transparency, including: as exclusive MLS strategic advisor to MLS Leader in the Romanian real estate market; advising Arab MLS to enhance real estate practices across the Arab region and beyond; and exploring synergies with Igluu, a Prague-based digital technology firm, to expand the MLS concept, empower real estate professionals, and enhance value for consumers in Europe and throughout the world. For information about Stellar/UCO visit stellarmls.com/global .  PHOTOS Credit: https://mlsforum.org/