June 3, 2026
Contact: Kim McMillan, VP of Marketing, 704-940-3177

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —  As real estate becomes increasingly interconnected, Canopy MLS believes the future of the MLS should be defined by the value it delivers to brokers and consumers, not by historical geographic boundaries. 

To support that vision, Canopy MLS is advancing two initiatives designed to increase flexibility and efficiency for brokers.

First, Canopy is establishing a participation model that will allow licensed real estate professionals and brokerages from across the country to join the Canopy MLS platform if they determine it provides value to their business and clients.

Second, Canopy is expanding its framework to allow brokerages to submit listings through approved third-party or proprietary systems, enabling firms to better leverage existing technology investments while maintaining standards for accuracy, compliance, and data integrity.

These initiatives are not intended to create a national MLS or favor any particular brokerage, technology provider, or business model. Rather, they reflect Canopy’s belief that brokers should have the flexibility to choose the MLS services and technology solutions that best support their clients and businesses.

Canopy remains committed to maintaining a broker-neutral marketplace that supports firms of all sizes and business models and will continue seeking input from brokers and industry stakeholders as these initiatives evolve.

Consumer Choice and Informed Decision-Making

Canopy supports meaningful seller choice and recognizes that some consumers may have valid reasons to limit the marketing of their property, including privacy, security, or unique personal circumstances.

Canopy believes brokers play a critical role in ensuring consumers understand the potential benefits and tradeoffs associated with different marketing strategies.  Sellers should understand that broad marketplace exposure typically provides the greatest opportunity to attract qualified buyers, maximize competition, and achieve the best possible outcome. Coming Soon/No-Show, limited-exposure and office-exclusive listings, are all options in Canopy MLS, and may be appropriate in certain circumstances but are generally most effective when addressing specific consumer needs.

Canopy also remains committed to buyers, who are best served when their broker has access to comprehensive, accurate, and timely property information. Transparent marketplaces create greater opportunity, foster competition, and help consumers make informed decisions throughout the homebuying process.

The Enduring Value of the MLS

The MLS remains one of the most valuable tools in real estate, providing a cooperative marketplace built on transparency, data integrity, and professional collaboration.

For sellers, broad exposure through the MLS helps ensure their property is visible to the widest possible pool of qualified buyers. For buyers, it provides access to comprehensive and timely property information. The MLS also serves as a trusted source of housing data relied upon by real estate professionals throughout the housing sector.

Most importantly, the MLS is a cooperative marketplace that helps brokers deliver better outcomes for clients by efficiently sharing listing information, expanding property exposure, connecting buyers and sellers, and promoting accurate, consistent, and professional real estate transactions.

A Vision for the Future

Canopy believes the future of real estate collaboration should be defined by flexibility, innovation, transparency, and a continued commitment to supporting brokers and the consumers they serve.

“Real estate is changing rapidly, and brokers need tools and marketplaces that evolve alongside their businesses,” said Joan B. Goode, President of Canopy MLS. “Our focus is on listening to brokers and ensuring they have the flexibility, technology, and marketplace support they need to serve consumers effectively.”

“The industry is navigating a period of significant change, creating both challenges and opportunities,” said Anne Marie DeCatsye, Esq., CEO of Canopy MLS. “We are committed to supporting innovation while preserving the transparency, cooperation, and reliable information that consumers and real estate professionals depend on.”

Canopy MLS will continue working collaboratively with participants, subscribers, and industry stakeholders as these discussions evolve, with a continued focus on supporting brokers, protecting consumer interests, and strengthening the value of the MLS.

Canopy Realtor® Association owns and operates Canopy MLS, the region’s premier source for comprehensive, accurate and timely property data. Canopy MLS delivers enhanced productivity and innovative tools that support residential real estate transactions. Through strategic partnerships, Canopy MLS continues to elevate the value it provides by advancing technology, expanding services, and delivering solutions that help subscribers succeed in an evolving real estate marketplace.