Editing Multiple listing service (section)

==Limitations on access and other criticisms==
There are currently 529 Multiple Listing Services in the US. They are owned by associations of realtors individually, collectively, or by, in a small number of cases, brokers. They are not freely accessible to anyone and a fee must be paid to be a user. In addition, only licensed real estate agents, and brokers, and appraisers are eligible to belong to an MLS.

In response, the Federal Trade Commission investigated, found several violations of anti-trust laws, and entered into settlements with five MLSes to enable free competition for listings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2006/10/ftc-charges-real-estate-groups-anticompetitive-conduct-limiting |title=FTC Charges Real Estate Groups with Anticompetitive Conduct in Limiting Consumers' Choice in Real Estate Services |date=2006-10-06 |access-date=2017-09-27}}</ref> One MLS, Realcomp in Michigan, refused to enter a settlement/consent agreement with the FTC, asserting it had the right to hide listings of discounters because such competition is detrimental to the revenue of its members.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2006/10/ftc-charges-real-estate-groups-anticompetitive-conduct-limiting |title=FTC Charges Real Estate Groups with Anticompetitive Conduct in Limiting Consumers' Choice in Real Estate Services |date=2006-10-06 |access-date=2017-09-27}}</ref>  In 2006, the FTC filed a lawsuit against the Realcomp MLS alleging violations of federal anti-trust laws and squelching free competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/cases-proceedings/061-0088/realcomp-ii-ltd-matter |title=Realcomp II Ltd., In the Matter of |date=2010-01-10 |access-date=2017-09-27}}</ref> The lawsuit went to trial in 2007 and the FTC lost,<ref name="FTCLost2007">{{cite news
  | last = Glenn
  | first = Roberts
  | title = Judge dismisses antitrust complaint against Realcomp MLS
  | publisher = Inman News
  | date = 2007-12-13
  | url = https://www.inman.com/2007/12/13/judge-dismisses-antitrust-complaint-against-realcomp-mls/
  | access-date = 2017-09-27 }}</ref> but won the case in a 4–0 unanimous ruling on appeal in 2009.<ref name="FTCWins2009">{{cite news
  | last = James
  | first = Hagerty
  | title = FTC Backs Discount Real Estate Brokers
  | publisher = Wall Street Journal
  | date = 2009-11-03
  | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703932904574511803768650532
  | access-date = 2017-09-27 }}</ref>

In Canada, [[Canadian Real Estate Association|CREA]] has come under scrutiny and investigation by the [[Competition Bureau]] and litigation by former CREA member and real estate brokerage Realtysellers (Ontario) Ltd., for the organization's control over the Canadian MLS system.<ref name="Seek2014">{{cite news
  | last = Seek
  | first = Estate
  | title = How an epic battle began
  | publisher = [[Seek Estate]]
  | date = 2014-06-10
  | url = https://seek.estate/articles/epic-battle-began/
  | access-date = 2010-04-10 }}</ref> In 2001, Realtysellers (Ontario) Ltd., a discount real-estate firm was launched that reduced the role of agents and the commissions they collect from home buyers and sellers.  The brokerage later shut down and launched a $100 million lawsuit against CREA and TREB, alleging that they breached an earlier out-of-court settlement that the parties entered into in 2003.