Running a home grown MLS with Annie Ives

The Listing Bits Podcast is now available on your favorite podcast player! Overview

Greg sits down with returning guest Annie Ives, CEO of CLAW/The MLS™, to discuss major industry changes following NAR policy shifts, the rise of MLS-only memberships, exclusive-listing strategies, and the rapid growth of CLAW's in-house technology products including Vesta Plus, Checkmate, Showing software, and MarketSnap. Annie also shares insights on managing a high-end market, delivering strong customer service, and the future role of MLSs in a shifting industry.

Key Takeaways

• NAR's policy changes are already increasing MLS-only membership interest, especially in California's Thompson state environment.

• Annie expects MLS-only membership to rise from ~15% to potentially 25–30% as agents look to cut costs.

• Associations may face pressure to restate their value proposition as non-dues revenue becomes increasingly important.

• CLAW is launching a new listing status: MLS Exclusive — allowing listings to remain off-market-facing while still visible to MLS members.

• MLS Exclusive listings accrue no DOM and no public price-change history while in that status.

• CLAW continues to grow its in-house technology stack, including:

  • Vesta Plus MLS platform

  • Checkmate compliance software (now used by ~200k agents)

  • Showing software

  • MarketSnap analytics

• Annie credits their success to customization, rapid iteration, and client-driven feature development.

• She predicts MLSs will increasingly become technology companies, especially as revenue from dues becomes less stable.

• Future industry direction remains uncertain, but Annie emphasizes persistence, adaptability, and building strong teams as core to longevity.

Links:

Vesta Plus – Request a demo

Sponsors

Trackxi – Real Estate's #1 Deal Tracking Software

Giant Steps Job Board – Where ORE gets hired

Production and editing services by:

Sunbound Studios