Unlock MLS redefines participants, adds data licensing

As more companies look to utilize MLS data in different ways, some MLSs have decided to take a look at exactly who has access to its data and what they are doing with it. One such MLS is Austin-based Unlock MLS. On Tuesday, the MLS announced changes to how it defines what an MLS participant is. According to the firm, in the past, everyone that utilized and participated in the MLS was in the business of helping consumers transact real estate. But with the rise of lead generation platforms and artificial intelligence, Unlock MLS felt that the traditional understanding of an MLS participant did not necessarily apply any longer. Unlock MLS said its new definition of an MLS participant seeks to acknowledge the distinctions between different types of participants. The new definition outlines three different types of participants, defined based on how they use MLS data. Base Service Brokerage: This participant uses the core tools the MLS provides subscribers, but it does not receive a data feed of listings that belong to other brokerages. The MLS said that the majority of the brokerages that subscribe to Unlock MLS fall into this category. Direct Services Brokerage: This participant recei...