Big changes are coming to Austin’s real estate market, and while they might seem far away, they could signal future shifts in St. Louis. The Austin Board of REALTORS® (ABoR), which owns and operates Unlock MLS (formerly ACTRIS), has announced that starting in June 2025, real estate agents will no longer be required to be REALTOR® members to access the MLS. This means agents in Austin can now choose whether or not to join the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) while still being able to list homes on the MLS.
Could something like this happen in St. Louis? Not without a major decision from the REALTOR® associations that own MARIS. Unlike Austin’s MLS, which is controlled by a single association that made the decision to open access, MARIS is owned by multiple REALTOR® associations, including the St. Louis REALTORS®, St. Charles REALTORS®, and several others. For MARIS to follow Austin’s lead, these associations would need to collectively decide to remove the REALTOR® membership requirement for MLS access.
For buyers and sellers, Austin’s move could lead to lower costs, more competition, and different business models as some agents may no longer pay REALTOR® dues. Some argue this will create more options for consumers, while others worry about the potential impact on professional standards. While nothing is changing here in St. Louis yet, this move signals a shift in the industry that could eventually reach our market. Buyers, sellers, and investors should pay attention—real estate is evolving fast.
Could something like this happen in St. Louis? Not without a major decision from the REALTOR® associations that own MARIS. Unlike Austin’s MLS, which is controlled by a single association that made the decision to open access, MARIS is owned by multiple REALTOR® associations, including the St. Louis REALTORS®, St. Charles REALTORS®, and several others. For MARIS to follow Austin’s lead, these associations would need to collectively decide to remove the REALTOR® membership requirement for MLS access.
For buyers and sellers, Austin’s move could lead to lower costs, more competition, and different business models as some agents may no longer pay REALTOR® dues. Some argue this will create more options for consumers, while others worry about the potential impact on professional standards. While nothing is changing here in St. Louis yet, this move signals a shift in the industry that could eventually reach our market. Buyers, sellers, and investors should pay attention—real estate is evolving fast.
At MORE, REALTORS®, we stay ahead of industry trends so our clients get the best advice in an ever-changing market. If you’re thinking about buying or selling in St. Louis, let’s talk about how to navigate today’s market with confidence.
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