From the Desk of the CEO

Valued GLAR Members,

I want to share some very exciting news recently approved by our Board of Directors. Since 1996, Metro Search Inc. (MSI) has been a critical part of the business success of Greater Louisville Association of REALTORS® members. This for-profit entity serves us well as the largest MLS in the state, along with providing top-notch, essential technology and tools for our members. Yet as technology is rapidly evolving, we must continually evolve as well.

As we continue to explore mutually beneficial partnership opportunities that enhance services and protect long-term value for our members, we're proud to share an exciting update: Metro Search Inc. is officially rebranding as APEX MLS! We believe our new name re-energizes our ongoing commitment to deliver top-tier service, innovative tools, and peak performance — all while maintaining a strong focus on asset preservation and growth.

GLAR President, Will Fischer states: “This rebrand reflects more than a new name—it marks a bold step forward as we revisualize and expand the technology, tools, and business strategies that will carry us into the future!”

MSI President, Kristen English also shares: “This new identity is designed to bring increased value to our members and significantly boost the MLS's visibility, both within our market and beyond. We couldn't be more energized about this evolution and the powerful opportunities it unlocks for everyone we serve.”

While this rebrand marks an exciting new step ahead, let me be clear that this does not yet represent any governance structural changes. Metro Search Inc. will remain, while the public persona of APEX MLS demonstrates our focus on excellence, adaptability, and delivering smarter, more powerful technology for the benefit of all members!

Stay tuned for more to come from APEX MLS!

Several of us are just returning from D.C., to join thousands of REALTORS® across the country for our annual NAR Legislative Meetings. I am thrilled to share that our time away advocating on behalf of all REALTORS® and private property rights was productive! We enhanced our voice through direct one-on-one conversations with our representatives in Congress, and they especially heard us declare the need for more housing inventory, stable interest rates, protecting the interests of our members as self-employed professionals, and more!

We made real progress, which is always the goal. I also hope you join me in taking a moment to thank several of our leaders for taking a week out of their schedules to advocate on behalf of the interests of the industry and our 5,300+ members!

Want to get the full scoop and recap of our time in DC?! Join our “Coffee with Your GAD” virtual session on July 1st at 9:00 am. REGISTER HERE.

NAR Highlights

Regarding NAR business, several actions were made. Most notably, the 2026 budget was approved without a dues change.

Additionally, section 10.5 in the Code of Ethics was amended pertaining to hate speech, effective immediately. This language provides specificity on what constitutes posting “hate speech.”

For more details on NAR updates, CLICK HERE.

There are two MLS updates that I want to bring your attention to:

After careful consideration and member feedback, our Board of Directors decided NOT to adopt the NAR recommendation of delayed marketing status. We believe maintaining our current approach better supports transparency, market efficiency, equal access, and exposure to listing information for all participants. Essentially, there will be no changes made related to our current policy.

Secondly, I’m excited to share that our MLS team has streamlined our process for office-exclusive listings in an effort to improve efficiency and internal collaboration within brokerages. Rather than being sent to staff, office exclusive listings can now be entered directly into the MLS and flagged as an "office exclusive."This will simplify the management of these listings and allow all agents within the listing brokerage to readily access and share them through our existing MLS platform, FLEX. This update will be launched within the next two weeks! We will provide another update once officially implemented.

For all inquiries or any questions about MLS-related topics and/or these updates, contact our Chief Technology Officer, Jerry Legrand at

jerry@louisvillerealtors.com.

We’re Still Looking For Your Input in Our Member Survey

For the last two weeks, the membership survey has been open to all members. Your feedback is essential to our strategic planning process which will help guide the next three years of GLAR’s strategic direction. Ultimately, completing this survey will ensure your voice is heard in these conversations.

You will also be entered into a few raffles for completing the survey! Prizes such as gift cards and more are offered! I can’t emphasize enough the importance of your feedback via the survey. Please make sure to take a few minutes to complete by CLICKING HERE.

We’re Looking for You to Be Our Voice… Become a GLAR Ambassador!

We’ve launched a new initiative that will help your office and team members stay better connected with GLAR! The goal is simple: We want to strengthen communication by having a designated Ambassador in each office. This key contact will share timely updates, promote GLAR happenings, highlight member tools and programs, and serve as a trusted go-to for association information. Please consider joining this program for the mutual benefit of GLAR and your brokerage. Also, for those who believe they can’t allocate the time, you’d be happy to know the total amount of time expected for each Ambassador would be no more than 1-2 hours per month! CLICK HERE to learn more.

GLAR Foundation

The GLAR Foundation Board of Directors are hard at work to expand the goodwill of REALTORS® throughout our local communities, as well as financially supporting your clients through down payment assistance, grants and more!

Thanks to the support of our Boards, we were able to contribute to the REALTORS® Relief Fund to support local families due to recent weather devastation in our area. We donated $10K which will support hundreds of families as they rebuild.

There’s certainly more to come, but in the meantime, if you’d like to learn more, CLICK HERE.

Upcoming Committee Highlights

Our Committees are pushing incredible activity throughout the organization. Check out some recent highlights!

One Friday, June 20th, our DEI and Fair Housing Committee will host its annual Member Mixer, commemorating Pride Month! Last year, we had a fabulous crowd and a great time connecting with colleagues while making new connections to build your network. This event is open to ALL members and while it is complimentary, registration is required. Make sure to sign up on your member portal before June 20th!

YPN Committee –Our YPN is planning a day of service event this summer. More details are to come!

Membership Experience Committee – New Member Orientation (NMO) recently went through a much-needed revamp. We’re excited to share the first in-person orientation will take place on Thursday, July 24th. While completion of this mandatory requirement will still offer a virtual option, I strongly encourage newer members to attend in person. Additionally, NMO will be open to existing members who would like a refresher on GLAR services, benefits, technology and more! Email Membership@LouisvilleRealtors.com if you are interested in attending.

Broker Breakfast Club – Our next quarterly Broker Breakfast Club will take place on Thursday, July 10th. Based on member feedback, GLAR updates will be limited to allow Brokers to openly share and create a think tank for all in attendance. RSVP HERE.