MLS Gets Hot as Taskforce Gets New Member

NEW YORK CITY-The MLS controversy heats up again. Rumors are flying that the opposition to the Taskforce may be crumbling–Douglas Elliman is said to be jumping on the Taskforce bandwagon.

As has been reported when the story broke in late August, a rift in the residential real estate world occurred when Corcoran and Douglas Elliman announced that they were going to create New York’s MLS and everyone was welcome to join. Well, 106 firms took issue with the fact that two firms were going to create and control an industry-wide MLS so they joined to create the opposition, The Joint-Industry Taskforce.

“It has always been our intention to create one MLS and we have always been open to talking with everyone to accomplish that,” says Kent M. Swig, co-chairman of Brown, Harris, Stevens, of the Taskforce’s stance.

Now it seems like Swig and others may be getting their wish because Elliman may be coming aboard. When asked, Paul Purcell, principal of Douglas Elliman, commented that “talks are in progress to get both groups together” but would not confirm the rumblings.

For all those in the dark, the answer is yes–Douglas Elliman did announce to their brokers that they were joining the Taskforce according to Swig but nothing has been signed. So, the struggle continues.

(The author, Anthony Garritano, is the assistant editor of Real Estate New York and Real Estate New Jersey.)