REsides CEO Colette Stevenson Addresses the Clear Cooperation Policy Controversy

Colette Stevenson and the Clear Cooperation Policy Discussion

In a bold move, Colette Stevenson, the CEO of REsides, has stepped into the spotlight to address the ongoing debate surrounding the Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) following significant decisions made by major real estate players like Zillow and Redfin. These companies recently announced a ban on private listings, a shift that has sparked widespread discussion within the industry.

Stevenson believes that the core issues with the Clear Cooperation Policy were apparent from the outset and called for immediate remedies. She emphasized that the situation has been aggravated by the increasing discourse around 'coming soon' listings, which have been a topic of contention since as early as 2014. "Real estate doesn't need more regulation. It needs more innovation," she stated. This perspective encapsulates her vision for a more adaptive and forward-thinking approach to real estate.

The decision by Zillow and Redfin has set off what Stevenson describes as just the initial ripple of a much larger transformation in the industry. It raises pertinent questions regarding the classification of these platforms as brokerages and marketing entities and what legal implications might arise from these decisions. Stevenson expressed concerns that this shift could further complicate the landscape for brokers and agents.

Drawing attention to the methodology often employed when crafting policies like the CCP, Stevenson pointed out that they frequently originate in isolation without crucial input from the primary parties involved—brokers, agents, and consumers. She argued that the National Association of Realtors' (NAR) new policy merely shifts the burden onto Association MLSs without addressing the underlying problems.

Retail insights from Stevenson underscore the proactive stance of REsides. Since its inception, the company has championed a different philosophy, proving that it listens to, adapts to, and leads the industry rather than merely responding to changes. Stevenson asserts, "REsides is not just reacting to the future of real estate, we're designing for it. That's the difference between being competitive and becoming irrelevant." This forward-looking approach places REsides in a unique position within the real estate landscape, focused on equipping brokers and agents with the tools and data necessary to thrive in an evolving marketplace.

Colette Stevenson has been at the helm of REsides since 2017 after joining the company in 2014. Under her leadership, REsides has become synonymous with the 'MLS without Boundaries' movement, allowing agents and brokers more autonomy over their listing data through an innovative equity-ownership model. Her role as a CMLS Board Member in 2024 and her pioneering efforts in founding INDIE MLS further illustrate her commitment to transforming the real estate sector.

REsides, Inc., based in Hilton Head, South Carolina, operates as a privately held corporation, pushing the envelope with its groundbreaking cross-border and independent MLS model. With a tech-driven platform at its core, REsides empowers its users with trustworthy data, sophisticated tools, and a distinct equity model aimed at redefining the real estate industry standards for the better. According to their reports, REsides is responsible for over $4.5 billion in annual transactions, demonstrating their substantial impact in a highly competitive market.

For more information on REsides and to follow Colette Stevenson’s insights, visit REsides.io.