How it works
The agreement between the three metroplexes, which was announced in early October, will open up access between the associations' Multiple Listing Service, or the online portal where Realtors can share information about homes for sale in their markets.
As of Nov. 4, there are approximately:
- 17,970 ABoR MLS subscribers
- 14,889 SABoR MLS subscribers
- 48,000 HAR MLS subscribers
Currently, ABoR MLS subscribers have access to approximately 19,500 for sale listings, and ABoR Chief Marketing Officer Kelea Youngblood said the agreement could increase the buyer and seller pool.
"It allows for somebody who is moving in from another area of Texas to understand the differences and the nuances between the three markets," Youngblood said. "It empowers the agent to be more knowledgeable [about] somebody coming in from Houston or San Antonio and vice versa."
Something to note
SABoR and HAR entered into a data share agreement in 2023. HAR Chair Thomas Mouton said this existing agreement, along with the upcoming addition of ABoR, means "more eyes on the seller's home" since the listings will be accessible to Realtors across the Houston, Austin and San Antonio regions.
Through the agreements, Mouton also said:
- Buyers benefit from a wider range of listings, increasing their chances of finding their dream home.
- Sellers gain exposure to a larger pool of potential buyers, potentially leading to quicker sales and higher offers.
- Realtors can connect with clients across a broader geographic area, expanding their network.
"It has allowed them to do a little bit of research for clients and then send them off to a broker or agent in the other city," Gonzalez said. "It's really information that provides them a resource to connect with other agents over there and help transfer off clients that way, if you will."
For buyers and sellers, they'll be able to know that one Realtor can help them in multiple markets.
"I think it's made it easier for consumers to work with someone that they already have a relationship with, and be able to still find a property that they may be looking for in a different city," Gonzalez said.
Remember this?
A National Association of Realtors settlement implemented MLS policy changes in August that some local Realtors have said could lead to lower home prices and change the way homes are bought and sold.
While the data share agreement is separate from these policy changes, Youngblood said it is an added value to have Realtors with access to 60% of the Texas housing market as they adjust to these policy changes and a post-COVID-19 market.
"Opening up the data share and this pool of information will always help the consumer with the transparency aspect," Youngblood said. "More information is helpful on both sides of the transaction, from a buyer's perspective as well as a seller's perspective."
