MLS Subscription Changes

We believe in giving brokers and agents maximum flexibility. By separating MLS access from mandatory REALTOR® association membership, we’re empowering our subscribers to choose the business tools that work best for them.

Not at all. We recognize and respect the value REALTOR® associations provide. This change is about offering choice—brokers and agents can decide for themselves if association membership aligns with their goals.

The most effective and meaningful communities are those were everyone is intentionally engaged. We want ABoR to be a community where every member joins because they recognize and want to benefit from the immense value that the Association provides, not because they’re obligated to do so.

No. Only real estate agents licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission are eligible to subscribe to Unlock MLS. While REALTOR® Association membership will no longer be a prerequisite to access Unlock MLS services, we will always require subscribers to be licensed real estate professionals.

No. The functionality to make these changes will not be active in our Subscriber Portal until 2025-Q2. We will provide further instructions to brokers once this functionality is available in our system.

It’s important that you’re aware of this upcoming change in Unlock MLS subscription options. Now is the time to consider how this increased flexibility could impact your business. We will provide more information and instructions on the new MLS subscription options on April 1.

There are three things you need to know about NAR’s policy requirements in this area:

• If the brokerage principals opt to be REALTORS®, the firm, and all affiliated licensees must pay REALTOR® dues.

• Conversely, if the principals choose not to be REALTORS®, no licensees in the firm may hold REALTOR® membership.

• If your firm chooses that its principals will not be REALTORS®, the broker of record will need to set up a new Unlock MLS registration for the firm, so that you can access Unlock MLS as a Non-Member Licensee (without a REALTOR® membership).

A non-REALTOR® office is a separate firm where the broker of record and associated agents do not hold membership in a REALTOR® association. This firm can access Unlock MLS services, but it won’t be tied to NAR’s membership rules.

Since you already paid your 2025 ABoR association fees, you would continue to benefit from the services and support ABoR provides through December 31, even if you change to a non-REALTOR® office during the year. However, you would lose access to Texas REALTORS® and NAR benefits, such as ZipForms.

All dues and subscription fees are non-refundable.

No. According to the NAR Bylaws, joining a local REALTOR® association also requires joining Texas REALTORS® and NAR.

To set up a non-REALTOR® office, brokers should:

File with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC):

• Apply for a separate brokerage license for the new firm.

• Assign a broker of record for the new firm.

Designate the office as non-REALTOR®:

• Ensure the assigned broker for the new office is not a REALTOR®.

Inform Unlock MLS:

• Full instructions on how to add a new MLS firm in our system will be shared with brokers on April 1.

CCP is a rule of Unlock MLS and a current requirement that we expect to evolve this spring. It is unrelated to REALTOR® membership. You might be thinking about how Unlock MLS currently operates under the NAR umbrella as an association-owned MLS, which requires us to adhere to their mandatory policies. That hasn't changed with this announcement. We've simply changed the requirements for subscribing to the MLS and are agnostic about that choice for brokers and agents as it relates to your MLS access.

• NAR’s rules on office structure and membership can be found in their Bylaws.

• TREC’s requirements for setting up and managing brokerage offices are detailed on their website.

If you have additional questions or concerns regarding the Unlock MLS subscription changes, our team is available to assist at support@abor.com. For questions related to licensing, please contact TREC directly at 512-936-3000 or via email here.