As the real estate industry grapples with shifting consumer expectations, evolving technology, and increasing competition for listing data, REsides, Inc. is convening a panel of respected industry leaders to examine one of the most consequential questions facing the business today: Who controls the listing?

A live webinar titled, “The Listing Wars Aren’t Coming. They’re Already Here,” will take place on Aug. 11 at 1 p.m. EDT, and will be moderated by REsides CEO Colette Stevenson and include the following industry leaders as panelists:

– Holly Mabery, chief brokerage officer, eXp Realty
– Curt Beardsley, vice president of Industry Development, Zillow Group
– Greg Robertson, founder, Giant Steps Advisors

Discussion will center on exploring the growing influence of consumer-driven listings, third-party portals and the changing role of MLSs in the real estate ecosystem.

REsides notes that for decades, MLSs have served as the backbone of listing distribution, cooperation, data accuracy and market transparency. Yet a growing share of For Sale By Owner (FSBO) and other listing activity now occurs outside the MLS, often under the control of national portals and alternative platforms. Together, the panel will discuss whether the industry should continue allowing FSBO activity to exist outside traditional MLS structures or pursue new models that preserve listing quality, professional oversight, consumer confidence and local marketplace governance.

A conversation about more than listings

“As the industry evolves, we must be willing to ask difficult questions about access, transparency, and who ultimately benefits when listing data moves outside established industry channels,” said Stevenson. “This conversation isn’t about preserving the status quo. It’s about exploring how MLSs, brokers, agents and consumers can continue to benefit from an ecosystem built on trust, accuracy, and cooperation.”

Topics to be explored include:

• The growing influence of portals in listing distribution
• The role of MLSs in an increasingly fragmented marketplace
• Consumer participation and expectations around listing access
• Broker value and professional oversight in the age of AI
• The future ownership, stewardship, and governance of listing data

Why it matters

According to REsides, the discussion comes at a pivotal time for the real estate industry as technology platforms seek greater control over listing visibility and consumer engagement. Questions surrounding who can submit listings, where those listings appear and who governs the rules of distribution are becoming increasingly important to brokers, agents, MLS organizations and consumers alike.

For professionals focused on the future of brokerage services, listing ownership, market transparency and MLS innovation, REsides says this webinar promises a candid exchange of perspectives from leaders representing multiple sides of the industry.

Registration Information
The Future of Listing Control: Who Gets a Seat at the Table?
Date: August 11, 2026
Time: 1 p.m. EDT
Register Here.

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