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The fees for State-Wide MLS access are increasing on May 1, 2025. This increase is necessary to keep up with the rising costs of providing MLS Services. This will be the first time in twenty years that the fees have changed.
On the same date, State-Wide MLS will begin allowing non-REALTOR® access. This means that all licensed Brokers will be allowed to participate in the MLS, and that Brokers will not have to be REALTORS® to participate in MLS access. All Participants and Subscribers must be licensed to sell real estate. Members of the public cannot participate in the MLS.
As there are no additional expenses or costs to State-Wide MLS in providing services to non-REALTORS®, there will be no additional fee. All State-Wide MLS Participants and Subscribers will receive the same level of service for the same fee. A lot of questions have been fielded regarding this decision.
The State-Wide MLS Board of Directors considered multiple, separate options, including separate fees as well as separate levels of MLS access. Decisions to charge different fees that are not based on actual costs increase liability for anti-competitive practices. Currently, there are multiple open lawsuits nationally challenging the tying relationships between REALTOR® Association membership requirements, MLS access, and fees. Setting pricing for goods and services and subsequently charging different fees to different market segments must be based on actual costs in providing those services to justify the basis for the cost differential. The Department of Justice (DOJ) continues its investigations in this area, especially within organized real estate.
Additionally, State-Wide MLS is a cooperative, not a listing platform, and, as such, relies on trust and transparency within the marketplace. The collective customers of MLS benefit from the expanded access and increased information for its entire user base.
RI REALTORS® membership, benefits, dues, etc. are separate and completely independent of State-Wide MLS Fees. The structure begins at the Brokerage level. If the Broker — known as the Designated REALTOR® — holds REALTOR® membership, then under NAR’s bylaws, that Broker has an obligation to pay REALTOR® dues for each individual affiliated with their office. So, to remain active with the REALTOR® Association individuals must be affiliated with a brokerage that holds REALTOR® membership separate from State-Wide MLS. As such, individuals affiliated with a REALTOR® office cannot independently choose a non-REALTOR® MLS subscription.
Moving forward, please expect to continue to see a delineation between State-Wide MLS services and the programs and products offered through the Rhode Island Association of REALTORS®. Please contact me directly with any questions, comments, or concerns.
Sincerely,
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