Record High Gap Between MLS Subscribers and Realtor Members Signifies Industry Shift

The Growing Divide: MLS Subscribers vs. Realtor Members

Recent findings from T3 Sixty's 2025 Organized Real Estate analysis expose a record gap between Multiple Listing Service (MLS) subscribers and Realtor members, marking a pivotal shift within the real estate sector. The study, part of the Real Estate Almanac, showcases the changing dynamics of how real estate professionals access crucial marketplaces and data.

Trends in Subscriber Membership

The current data indicates that the number of MLS subscribers has surpassed that of Realtor members by 25%, a significant increase from just 13% in 2018. This trend reflects broader changes in accessing MLS platforms, with many agents now opting for memberships across multiple MLSs to better serve their clients across various regions. Furthermore, many MLSs are now accepting licensed agents who are not part of the Realtor association, highlighting the expanding participation avenues for both brokerages and agents.

T3 Sixty forecasts that by the end of 2026, up to 66% of MLS subscribers will be affiliated with MLSs that do not require Realtor membership. This surge indicates a shift towards adaptability and flexibility within the industry, as professionals seek to navigate diverse client needs effectively.

Major Organizational Changes

Bright MLS has emerged as the largest MLS organization in the United States with an impressive count of 101,100 subscribers, marking the first shift in the leading position since T3 Sixty began tracking these statistics in 2019. This consolidation of power amongst MLS organizations signifies an ongoing trend where more resources and subscriber bases are concentrated in fewer entities.

The consolidation trend does not stop here; the number of MLS organizations has decreased by 8.8% from 2020 to 2025, now totaling 515. On the flip side, the average number of subscribers per MLS has risen by 24.5%, leading to a new average of 3,639 subscribers each. Notably, over a third (34.5%) of all MLS subscribers are now affiliated with the top ten MLSs in the nation, denoting a significant trend toward resource concentration.

In parallel, local Realtor associations experienced a 6.6% decline in numbers over six years, bringing the total down to 1,014. However, the average membership within these associations grew by 15.1%, increasing to 1,477 members per association. As a result, the largest ten local Realtor associations now account for approximately 19.1% of all U.S. membership, up from 18.5% in the previous year.

Regional Insights and Demand

While many regions across the U.S. saw declines in subscriber numbers, the South Atlantic region managed a slight 0.4% increase, maintaining its status as the only region to show growth year-over-year. Bright MLS seems to attribute its growth to sustained demographic changes, including the ongoing population increase in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern states.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the South added approximately 1.8 million residents in 2024, marking a 1.4% increase and establishing it as the fastest-growing region in the country.

Conclusion

As professionals within the real estate sector navigate these transitions, it’s clear that the MLS and Realtor associations are undergoing major structural changes. With the emerging patterns in subscriber access models and increasing flexibility in participation, the future of organized real estate developments remains both unpredictable and filled with potential for growth.

For detailed analysis and rankings, visit Real Estate Almanac.

About T3 Sixty

T3 Sixty stands out as a premier management consultancy in the residential real estate sector, focusing on brokerage, technology, and the organized real estate landscape. Through extensive research and tailored reports, they offer insights that are essential for navigating the future of the industry.

This article encapsulates key insights regarding the current status and future projections for MLS subscribers and Realtor members, thereby highlighting the changing landscape of real estate access models. With an emphasis on adaptability and strategic responses to market demands, the industry is witnessing a transformation that could redefine professional engagement in real estate.