More choices for agents
PAR refers to its non-Realtor option as MLS Choice. ABoR does not have a specific name for its program, but it calls the fee that licensees pay to access Unlock MLS an “MLS subscription fee.”
Licensees pay the same MLS access fee regardless of their Realtor membership status. If a licensee chooses to become a Realtor, they will pay an additional Realtor membership fee that provides them with membership to their local, state and national associations.
At both PAR and ABoR, real estate licensees who choose to participate in their respective MLSs without becoming Realtor members are not allowed to call themselves a Realtor. Non-Realtor licensees who access either MLS will also have access to local association-provided forms, as well as education and training.
Unlock MLS in Austin is providing non-Realtor MLS subscribers with lockbox access, while PAR is allowing MLS Choice agents to purchase Supra lockboxes for an additional fee.
NAR says not so fast
Despite the nearly identical offerings and their adoptions of the 1994 optional rule, NAR has begun the charter revocation process with PAR but not with ABoR.
The battle between PAR and NAR began in December when NAR sent a cease-and-desist letter to PAR, asking it to end the MLS Choice program. NAR told HousingWire this was necessary to “support and defend the Realtor trademark.” When PAR did not comply, NAR informed its leadership and members that it had made the decision to initiate the charter revocation process against PAR.
“Phoenix Realtors is violating NAR’s bylaws and Constitution by offering a non-Realtor membership option. Without action, we put the benefits NAR members rely on — such as market research, business resources, a unified advocacy platform, and a single Code of Ethics — and the organization itself at risk,” a NAR spokesperson told HousingWire at the time.
In contrast, however, when asked about ABoR’s decision to open…