Open Real Estate promises broader listing access — and a more level playing field for brokers

For Leo Pareja, the CEO of AGNT Inc. (eXp Realty and NextHome), Open Real Estate, an initiative of which his firm is one of four founding members, is a way to preserve not only the opportunity for small independents and start up brokerages to compete, but also to preserve the American dream of homeownership. “The MLSs have created an even playing field in real estate,” Pareja told HousingWire in an exclusive interview. “You could be a three-person brokerage, a 10-person brokerage and have the ability to to compete. We want a world where consumers are getting the best possible value and brokerages are competing on that versus inventory.” Pareja’s AGNT, along with HomeServices of America, Keller Williams Realty and Real REMAX Group announced the launch of Open Real Estate on Monday, an initiative they describe as a “national residential real estate data-sharing initiative,” that is seeking to “streamline the distribution of property information, expand access to housing inventory and support a more open, competitive housing marketplace.” According to Pareja, these companies came together to ensure “that the American consumer is having the best visibility, the complete data set, so th...