Canopy Realtor Association Advances MLS Independence Amid Charlotte's Dynamic Real Estate Landscape

Anne Marie DeCatsye, CEO of the Canopy Realtor Association, is spearheading a transformative initiative to separate the association from its Multiple Listing Service (MLS), aiming to bolster organizational resilience and adaptability.

 

DeCatsye, set to retire on December 31, 2026, is committed to ensuring that the association no longer controls or financially depends on the MLS. This strategic move reflects a broader industry trend toward operational independence between Realtor associations and their MLS counterparts.

 

Increased scrutiny over membership requirements for MLS access influenced Canopy MLS's decision to welcome non-Realtor subscribers last fall. DeCatsye views this as a proactive step to mitigate potential legal risks associated with mandatory Realtor membership for MLS access.

 

She expressed concern that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) is shifting liability to local MLSs, particularly in light of ongoing commission lawsuits. However, DeCatsye considers this shift acceptable, given the legal challenges surrounding NAR's MLS policies.

 

In 2022, DeCatsye challenged her leadership team to envision potential threats that could lead to the dissolution of both the association and the MLS within five years. The consensus was that legal challenges and competition from national MLS initiatives or syndication sites posed significant risks.

 

Recognizing the need for the association to demonstrate value beyond the MLS, Canopy Realtor Association embarked on a path toward functional and financial separation from its MLS. This initiative aligns with industry recommendations advocating for distinct governance structures between associations and MLSs.

 

Upon DeCatsye's departure, each organization will appoint its own CEO, with the association retaining ownership of the MLS. DeCatsye emphasizes that while ownership remains, control and financial dependence should be eliminated to ensure both entities' sustainability.

 

She expressed astonishment at the number of associations that not only rely financially on their MLS but also equate their value solely with the MLS, underscoring the importance of independent value propositions.

 

DeCatsye's legal background informs her perspective on the risks associated with mandatory Realtor membership for MLS access. In response to potential antitrust concerns, Canopy MLS introduced an MLS-only subscription option, allowing non-Realtors to access the service.

 

Currently, Canopy Realtors boasts approximately 14,000 members, while Canopy MLS serves over 22,000 subscribers, including around 125 non-Realtor subscribers.

 

DeCatsye challenges the notion that MLSs are merely services of Realtor associations, highlighting the extensive tools, training, technology, and data integrity efforts that MLSs provide independently.

 

She also critiques NAR's approach to mitigating legal risks, suggesting that the organization is not fully transparent about the implications for local MLSs. DeCatsye believes that leaving policy implementation to local discretion increases liability for these organizations.

 

Despite this, she views the liability shift as acceptable, given that NAR-driven policies have been central to recent class-action lawsuits. DeCatsye advocates for alternative organizations to oversee MLS policy regulation, such as the Council of MLSs or state real estate commissions.

 

Reflecting on NAR's handling of commission lawsuits, DeCatsye suggests that more proactive legislative engagement could have mitigated the industry's legal challenges.

 

While acknowledging the potential for Canopy Realtors to evolve into an organization for real estate professionals beyond the Realtor designation, DeCatsye remains committed to the traditional role and ethical standards of Realtors. She notes that any such transition would be driven by external factors, for which the organization is prepared.

 

In the context of Charlotte's real estate market, recent data from Canopy MLS indicates a market in transition. In April 2025, home sales dipped 2.3% year-over-year, with 3,686 homes sold. However, sales increased by 4.2% compared to March, suggesting a gradual adjustment to higher mortgage rates and economic uncertainties.

 

Notably, the luxury segment experienced significant growth, with sales in the $700,001 and above range rising by 18% year-over-year. This trend underscores the ongoing demand for high-end properties in the Charlotte region.

 

As the market continues to evolve, Canopy Realtor Association's strategic initiatives aim to position both the association and its MLS for sustained success and relevance in a dynamic real estate landscape.