Realtors group to split with Realcomp

Move puts access to listings in question

NICK MANES

In yet another sign of uncertainty for the metro Detroit residential real estate market, two of the region's major industry groups are going through a fairly public divorce.

Citing unspeci ed but competing philosophies, the Greater Metropolitan Association of Realtors — which represents more than 11,000 Realtors around Southeast Michigan — has informed its members that it has opted to end its “shareholder status” with Realcomp, the Farmington Hillsbased company that operates one of the local multiple listing services used by real estate professionals, according to a letter GMAR sent this month and obtained by Crain’s.

e letter also says a new MLS-type product is in the works.

“GMAR has been the largest shareholder of Realcomp, and this decision was the product of a great deal of thought and e ort by GMAR and its leadership team,” reads the letter, sent by CEO Vickey Livernois. “GMAR spent months attempting to resolve various issues with Realcomp and the other Shareholders, but in the end, could not overcome di erences in philosophy, vision, and leadership structure. We are con dent this move will pave the path for an even brighter future for our entire organization.” e stated plan by the Southeld-based GMAR — one of a handful of Realtor-focused industry groups around the region — brings far more questions than answers, and the downstream impacts on the operations for Realcomp, agents and GMAR are unclear.

Real estate agents typically belong to such groups, which serve as owners of companies like Realcomp that provide listings and other relevant data that agents use in service to their clients.

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