**John DiMichele Discusses the Future of MLS, Data Sharing, and the Impact of Antitrust Settlement**
John DiMichele, the new leader of the Canadian Real Estate Association’s Multiple Listing Service (CMLS), shared his thoughts on the future of MLS systems, addressing key topics like the implementation of new antitrust rules, data sharing agreements, the Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP), and the potential for MLS consolidation.
### Key Insights from the Interview:
1. **MLS Value Communication**: DiMichele emphasized the importance of ensuring that stakeholders, including policymakers, understand the value of MLS and its crucial role in the real estate market.
2. **Antitrust Settlement Impact**: On the ongoing adjustments following the NAR’s antitrust settlement, DiMichele believes that the industry will eventually adapt and settle into new norms, even though challenges remain.
3. **Data Sharing Agreements**: DiMichele supports the idea of more data sharing agreements between MLSs to improve efficiency and transparency, helping both agents and consumers make better, informed decisions.
4. **Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP)**: DiMichele believes in the value of CCP, stating that it ensures transparency and completeness of data for consumers, helping agents provide a more comprehensive service.
5. **MLS Consolidation**: DiMichele acknowledged that while MLS consolidation will naturally occur, it should focus on improving efficiency and meeting consumer needs rather than simply expanding for expansion’s sake.
6. **National MLS**: DiMichele doesn’t see the need for a nationwide MLS due to real estate’s inherently local nature, stressing the importance of understanding regional market nuances.
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**Topics Covered**:
– Multiple Listing Service (MLS) Strategy
– Antitrust Settlement in Real Estate
– Data Sharing and Transparency in MLS Systems
– Clear Cooperation Policy (CCP) and Its Importance
– MLS Consolidation Trends and Challenges
– The Future of National MLS Systems